Serena carefully observed the unfolding scene on the battlefield.
The two competitors called out simultaneously.
"This is a good move!" Carl exclaimed excitedly.
"Darn it!" Hop frowned in frustration.
The realization hit them both—Cinderace had a special ability called "Libero," allowing it to change its type with each move it used. After using a Normal-type move, it lost its type advantage against Blaziken's Fire-type attacks.
"Double Kick!" Carl seized the opportunity and commanded immediately.
Blaziken swiftly charged at Cinderace, its legs charged with Fighting-type energy.
"No good!" Hop shouted urgently, "We use Double Kick too!"
Cinderace hastily prepared to counter, barely managing to gather Fighting energy in its legs. The two Pokémon's legs collided with a dull thud. Using the recoil, they both leapt up for another kick.
"Quick Attack!"
"Aerial Ace!"
The trainers shouted their commands almost simultaneously. Blaziken, with its flying advantage, landed first, swiftly charging towards the airborne Cinderace.
Cinderace landed quickly, accelerating with a burst of speed, overtaking Blaziken. Just as they were about to collide, Blaziken leapt over, spun around, and hit Cinderace squarely on the back.
With a mighty crash, Cinderace hit the ground hard.
"Not bad, the training has paid off," Carl nodded in satisfaction. Aerial Ace, as a Flying-type move, confuses the opponent with agile movement before delivering a hit, known for always hitting its mark. However, in battle, there are no guaranteed moves; it's all about clever use.
"Sand Tomb!" Carl commanded, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Across the field, Hop's expression shifted dramatically as he shouted, "Jump!"
Carl smirked. "Gotcha, the outcome is decided."
The ground cracked open, and Blaziken spun in the air before landing steadily. It began channeling ground energy, focusing it in its legs. Meanwhile, Cinderace struggled to its feet from the pit, panting heavily.
Hop felt a sense of relief. If Blaziken had been a bit quicker and hit Cinderace while it was in Fighting-type mode, the battle could have ended right there. The move would have dealt double damage and easily hit its mark. Fortunately, Cinderace managed to change its type with Quick Attack.
But the danger wasn't over. Carl's relentless strategy allowed no breathing room for Blaziken, a risky but often decisive tactic. Hop decided to face it head-on.
Blaziken stomped the ground, sending scorching sand raining down on Cinderace. With a serious look, Cinderace pushed off with one hand, leaping into the air.
Blaziken's attack missed, and Cinderace leapt higher, almost soaring.
Hop's lips curled into a slight smile.
Cinderace not only dodged the attack with its jump but also changed its type in the process. Now it was poised from above, ready to deliver a decisive blow.
The Flying type's advantage over Fighting types offered a sudden twist in the battle.
"The outcome isn't settled yet, and that's the allure of Pokémon battles," Hop mused.
Analyzing the situation, Hop thought, "Carl might try to stop Cinderace, but Blaziken will be momentarily stunned after using consecutive moves. The advantage is mine."
Just as Hop felt confident, he noticed Carl's relaxed expression, and his heart sank.
"Something's wrong," he thought, suddenly alert. "Why is Carl so calm?"
A memory flashed—Blaziken had used Thunder Punch in a previous match!
"Darn it!" Hop's face fell, eyes darting to the field. Blaziken was gathering power, showing no intention of stopping Cinderace.
Hop realized Carl's tactic: let Cinderace complete its jump and counter with Thunder Punch.
But it was too late—Cinderace had reached the highest point. Changing tactics now would be even riskier; they had to meet it head-on.
"Cinderace!" Hop shouted.
Almost simultaneously, Carl's command rang out: "Thunder Punch!"
Blaziken's eyes snapped open, electric energy swirling around its right fist as it shot skyward.
The audience rose to their feet in unison, holding their breath for the aerial showdown.
The two figures collided mid-air, unleashing a deafening explosion. A shockwave, accompanied by thick smoke, swept across the arena.
As the smoke cleared, the scene came into focus. Blaziken knelt on one knee, chest heaving, while Cinderace lay motionless on the ground.
"The match is over, and the winner is Gym Trainer Carl!" the referee robot announced, and the audience erupted.
"That was incredible!"
"The final move was genius!"
"Who would have thought Carl could win two in a row, even against the champion's brother."
"No wonder he's a prodigy trainer!"
In the resting area, Serena jumped up excitedly, earning a disdainful look from her fox companion.
Hop quietly recalled Cinderace, gently reassuring it, "You did well, let's head to the Pokémon Center." He turned to Carl, asking curiously, "Did you know about Cinderace's type change all along?"
Carl admitted honestly, "Yes, the Libero ability, right?"
Hop nodded with a wry smile, "I used too many different type moves, and you saw the pattern."
A Fire-type Pokémon proficient in various moves without losing power was clearly suspicious. This oversight cost him the match.
"That's true." Carl nodded in agreement.
He couldn't exactly say he had an ace up his sleeve, could he?
Hop's analysis was spot on.
"I admit, I lost fair and square," Hop said earnestly, patting his chest. "I never thought you could use my Pokémon's ability against me. I've learned a lot. After traveling and gaining strength, I'll definitely challenge you again."
"You're always welcome," Carl replied with a smile.
Compared to some trainers lacking sportsmanship, opponents like Hop were far more admirable.
Meanwhile, after some emergency care from the breeder, Ethan Cross slowly regained consciousness. Cindy quickly comforted him, "Guo, that Hop also lost to Carl."
"Really?" Ethan Cross perked up.
That arrogant guy lost too? Suddenly, his own defeat didn't seem so embarrassing.
Just as he was about to relax, he overheard Carl telling Hop, "Even though it wasn't an official gym challenge..."
"What do you mean?" Hop looked puzzled.
Carl smiled, "Your strength is commendable. I've decided to award you the Summit Gym badge!"
The words hit Ethan Cross like a hammer blow.
"Ugh!"
Ethan Cross fainted again.
The breeder sighed, turning to Richard Foss, "The situation's worsened. We need an ambulance. When's it arriving?"
"Ambulance?" Richard Foss looked bewildered, "I thought with you here, we didn't need to call one."
The crowd collectively sighed.
Ethan Cross's head lolled to the side.
"A badge for me?"
"But I lost the match..." Hop was perplexed by Carl's decision. Although the battle seemed spectacular to onlookers, he recalled how Carl controlled the pace throughout. This deep, unfathomable feeling was something he had only experienced with his brother, Leon.
Hop didn't think Carl's strength was on par with Leon's; rather, his own lack of skill made the gap feel insurmountable, like an ant unable to distinguish between a lake and an ocean.
He didn't feel worthy of the badge symbolizing victory.
"Don't overthink it," Carl noticed his hesitation and spoke calmly, "As a gym leader, awarding badges is both my duty and my right."
"If you feel you're not ready now, let it serve as motivation. Continue to strive and grow stronger on your journey."
"I'm looking forward to seeing how you evolve."
Carl gestured to the referee robot Tolom. The role of a gym trainer isn't just to filter challengers but to foster their growth.
The league's selection of gym leaders is rigorous, considering experience, expertise, and age. Gym leaders are top-tier trainers at their level.
Take Carl's grandfather, Robert, for instance. Though he's been at the elite level for years, his extensive battle experience and diverse tactics maintain a win rate over 90%.
A weak gym will quickly be overwhelmed by challenges and eventually replaced. Just like Carl's gym, appointments for challenges have already lined up into the hundreds. With a schedule of accepting only ten challenges a month, his calendar is booked for the next two years.