"Charizard, use Dragon Rush!"
"Roar!"
With an angry roar, Charizard launched its final fierce attack toward Arbok. Sensing the threat Charizard posed, Arbok flicked its tail and quickly swallowed a previously prepared berry. The next moment, it used Belch, releasing a violent shockwave that rushed toward Charizard.
As the two forces collided, the power of Dragon Rush was gradually worn down. When Belch ended, Charizard's Dragon Rush was also canceled out. Arbok struggled to keep its body straight, but it had reached its limit. Conversely, Charizard still possessed considerable fighting strength.
"Finish it, Charizard, use Fire Blast!"
Flames erupted. Seeing the large kanji of fire enveloping it, a flicker of despair crossed Arbok's eyes, but no hero stepped forward to save it.
"Boom!"
The sound of the fire explosion rang out, instantly engulfing Arbok.
Seeing the points awarded to his account, Gu Yuan knew that Arbok had lost the ability to battle.
"Well done, Charizard! Once you master your current strength, you'll be able to take that next step and reach the Ace Rank!"
Gu Yuan quickly approached Charizard, taking out a Pokéblock to replenish its stamina, while also giving it an Antidote to dispel the accumulated toxins from the battle. Charizard nodded resolutely. It had long yearned for Ace Rank strength and was eager to experience it firsthand.
Gu Yuan was no calmer than Charizard. In previous Indigo League tournaments, the Champion's strongest Pokémon was only quasi-Ace strength. If he could field an Ace Rank Pokémon this year, it was a foregone conclusion that he would win the championship, provided his mind was clear! He figured that, being this outstanding and with Agatha's help, he would soon enter the high ranks of the League.
The fantasy ended, and the flames gradually dissipated. Looking at the badly wounded Arbok, Gu Yuan still took out Medicine to treat it. He had to; Gu Yuan did not want to capture the Overlord Pokémon, or the forest could easily descend into chaos. If he were to be investigated, wouldn't it damage his Public Image?
"Alright, let's keep going."
"Ditto, the next opponents will require you to step up."
"Of course, if Charizard and the others want to bully some Intermediate Rank opponents, that's fine too."
Leaving Arbok's territory, Gu Yuan gave Ditto instructions. Charizard, on the other hand, made a bored expression and allowed Gu Yuan to recall it to its Poké Ball. Alakazam closed its eyes to indicate its attitude, and Annihilape did much the same. The only one who seemed excited was Sylveon. Not having to battle was the best news for it.
Ditto was already very familiar with Charizard and the others. Therefore, in the subsequent battles, Gu Yuan tried having Ditto transform into other Pokémon to battle. For each type, Gu Yuan required Ditto to master at least two or three Pokémon to deal with various opponents.
It is worth mentioning that under long-term training, Ditto's physical condition had become even more outstanding, allowing it to battle for at least as long as Charizard and the others. Gu Yuan was already satisfied with this, as it was Ditto's inherent drawback.
Unlike other trainers who owned a Ditto, the only moves Gu Yuan did not allow Ditto to learn were Self-Destruct and Explosion. Some trainers might see moves like Self-Destruct and Explosion as capable of changing the tide of battle if used correctly, but more often, they were viewed as a means of escape. Sacrificing a Pokémon to ensure one's own safety was a worthwhile trade for them. However, for Gu Yuan, he would rather sacrifice himself to protect his Pokémon's safety.
Faced with the unpredictable Ditto, these Intermediate Rank opponents were utterly powerless to resist. Sweeping all before him, Gu Yuan quickly arrived at the edge of the forest. After finding some suitable opponents for Charcadet and the others to battle again, Gu Yuan finally left the forest.
Gu Yuan did not ask Alakazam to help him with Teleport; he wanted to experience what it was like for other trainers. Walking on the main road, seeing the trainers coming and going, as well as the Pokémon by their side, Gu Yuan released Ditto and Sylveon. Of course, Gu Yuan hadn't forgotten Charcadet and Fuecoco.
Seeing Gu Yuan release multiple Pokémon at once, many people gave him curious looks. This was because, apart from Ditto, they didn't recognize the other Pokémon accompanying Gu Yuan. Unfortunately, after sensing Sylveon's Senior Rank strength, few people dared to approach Gu Yuan to talk.
"Hello, my name is Mitsuki."
"Excuse me, what kind of Pokémon is this?"
Finally, Mitsuki couldn't hold back and ran up to Gu Yuan. Although she was greeting Gu Yuan, her gaze was fixed on Sylveon.
"Oh, its name is Sylveon. It's one of Eevee's evolutions. It evolved due to an accident."
Considering that the Fairy type had not yet been revealed to the world, Gu Yuan naturally wouldn't extensively publicize how Sylveon evolved and simply glossed over it.
"Oh, I see. Could I pet it?"
Sylveon saw Gu Yuan turn its gaze toward it and immediately used its ribbon-like feelers to make an 'X,' thereby stating its attitude. Are you kidding me? No one gets to pet me except Gu Yuan!
"You see, it doesn't seem willing, and I can't force it."
"It's okay, it's okay, that was presumptuous of me."
Although disappointed, Mitsuki didn't press the matter. She quietly followed beside Gu Yuan, looking eagerly at Sylveon. Sylveon was not tempted by Mitsuki's cute demeanor and maintained a cool and aloof appearance.
In this manner, Mitsuki followed Gu Yuan all the way into Celadon City and to the Pokémon Center. If Gu Yuan hadn't reminded her in time, Mitsuki would have probably followed Gu Yuan into the same room. Fortunately, Gu Yuan was not a playboy; otherwise, he wouldn't even need to say his cat could do a backflip; simply showing Sylveon would be enough to conquer countless women.
After a brief rest, Gu Yuan headed straight to the Celadon Gym to sign up.
"Young Master, that person has entered Celadon City and has arrived at the Celadon Gym. Do you need us to do anything?"
"Tell him to hand over Annihilape and submit to us, or face the consequences."
"Yes!"
Kenta hung up the phone and began to anticipate what decision Gu Yuan would make. Emerging from the Celadon Gym, Gu Yuan's battle was scheduled for three days later. Just as Gu Yuan was about to check if there were any other battles he could participate in, two people blocked his path.