These spaces were perfect for training due to their durability. The only drawback was that they favored straightforward attackers.
Moves like Dig or Fly couldn't really be used here due to the nature of the space. This meant evasive moves would have a hard time showing their full effects.
"We throw our Pokémon at the same time, Odin."
"Agreed."
Silas chuckled to himself. Percy knew his real name but was dedicated to never referring to him as such.
Both trainers released their Pokémon. Percy sent out the familiar Gliscor and a Swampert while Silas sent out Infernape and Flygon.
Gliscor (M) — Level 54
Ability: Poison Heal
Potential: A-
Moves: Rank A Steel Wing, Rank A Facade, Rank A Earthquake, Rank B Swords Dance, Rank B Roost, Rank B Brick Break, Rank B Fire Fang, Rank B Ice Fang, Rank B Thunder Fang, Rank B Acrobatics, Rank B X-Scissor, Rank B Iron Tail, Rank B Giga Impact, Rank B Protect, Rank B Spikes
Swampert (M) — Level 49
Ability: Damp
Potential: B
Moves: Rank A Muddy Water, Rank A Surf, Rank A Hammer Arm, Rank A Ice Punch, Rank B Mud Shot, Rank B Earthquake, Rank B Bulk Up, Rank B Rock Slide, Rank B Stealth Rock, Rank B Hydro Pump, Rank B Waterfall, Rank B Sludge Wave, Rank B Protect
Silas smirked after seeing the stats of his opponents. He had finally caught up to Percy. Their previous battle had been a crushing defeat, and he now had the chance to reclaim his pride.
"Infernape, use Brick Break. Flygon, use Dragon Dance."
"Gliscor, use Protect. Swampert, combine Surf and Muddy Water."
Gliscor blocked the Brick Break while also shielding itself from the giant wave of murky water generated by Swampert.
The height of the wave and the amount of water generated made the giant attack nearly impossible to dodge.
Without waiting for instructions, Infernape leapt backward before jumping up and using Flygon's back for a second jump, allowing him to clear the wave.
"Gliscor, intercept Infernape with Acrobatics."
The quick reaction from both trainer and Pokémon allowed the full force of Acrobatics to knock Infernape into the ground.
Flygon finished Dragon Dance and used its boosted speed to surprise Gliscor right after it used Acrobatics, striking it with Iron Tail and sending it crashing to the ground similarly to Infernape.
Swampert jumped into the air to use Ice Punch, but Flygon easily avoided the attack.
"You've gotten a lot stronger. I actually have to take you seriously."
"Oh, it's a lot worse than you think. Flygon, use Draco Meteor. Infernape, use Swords Dance."
Infernape didn't have full mastery of this move, so he could only use it while stationary. As a result, it required a distraction from a powerful move like Draco Meteor.
Flygon released an orb of thick Dragon-type energy that split into several meteors, raining down on Percy's Pokémon. Infernape safely executed Swords Dance while Swampert and Gliscor dodged the explosive attack.
"You used such a powerful move just to boost your Pokémon's attack power?"
"Yeah, I believe that's checkmate. Infernape, Mega Shift into an aura-infused Mega Kick."
The boost from Swords Dance allowed Infernape to move at blinding speed when using his Mega Shift skill. Swampert couldn't react in time and was kicked twice by Infernape. He slammed heavily into the training room wall, but the wall suffered no damage.
Swampert was instantly knocked out.
"That's an interesting technique. I think I'll take it. Gliscor, use Iron Tail like a spring."
Gliscor's tail glowed with metallic energy before he vanished and reappeared at Flygon's neck. He clamped down fiercely with Ice Fang.
"Flygon, shake him off quickly."
"Gliscor, use your Iron Tail to coil around Flygon tightly."
A fierce struggle ensued as the flying Pokémon clashed. Flygon desperately tried to get rid of Gliscor, who was biting into him with Ice Fang. The attack spread Ice-type energy throughout Flygon's body, suppressing his draconic energy.
Despite the fierce struggle, Gliscor managed to incapacitate Flygon with this method. Silas was grateful this was a friendly match. Otherwise, Flygon would almost certainly be dead from the attack.
Both trainers returned their defeated Pokémon to their balls.
"So now it's just one-on-one."
"Yeah, basically a rematch of our first meeting."
"My thoughts exactly. The only difference is that this time we are on a level playing field. I'm not some inexperienced trainer you toy with anymore. However if you believe that is still the case, then by all means underestimate me, I dare you."
"Hahaha Odin, you talk way too much. It seems I'm a shadow on your heart, I didn't realize this battle meant so much to you. Unfortunately, that makes me want to prevail over you all the more.
"Ha! Good luck with that then. Infernape, use Fire Punch."
"Gliscor, counter with Brick Break."
Gliscor's pincer met Infernape's flaming fist and repelled him. Gliscor had the advantage in raw strength.
Gliscor followed up with another Brick Break, but this time it launched itself forward using Iron Tail, allowing Gliscor to connect with back-to-back Brick Break attacks.
"There's no shame in giving up. I think it's clear that I've won this."
Percy was terrifying as an opponent due to his adaptability. He saw Infernape execute an improvised move and came up with his own variation within seconds. Not only that, he and Gliscor effortlessly integrated it into their strategy.
While Silas felt Percy was impressive, he no longer felt outmatched when facing him.
"Let me show you Infernape's controlled Blaze ability."
On cue, Infernape ignited his aura, turning his flames blue and enveloping himself in blue Fire-type energy in the form of a cloak.
Then the cloak condensed further and the blue deepened.
"Infernape, use Flaming Close Combat."
Infernape appeared in the air next to Gliscor in only a moment before launching an all-out assault.
He struck out with punch after punch, alternating hitting the sides of Gliscor face then he struck with a kick to Gliscor's chin, sending him into the air.
Gliscor bursted into flames temporarily before the flame went out hit it clearly did additional damage.
After taking the Flaming Close Combat, Gliscor was dazed but not knocked out.
Infernape saw this and, without waiting for another command, used Mega Shift in midair to reposition himself before using Mega Kick to finish Gliscor off.
"Gliscor, use Sand Storm, then Sky Attack."
A terrible amount of sand and ground type energy came out of Gliscor's pincers then swirled around the flying scorpion Pokémon, blocking the Mega Kick.
At the same time, Gliscor's body glowed with bright light and the sand wrapped around him focusing at a points he dove at Infernape.
"Infernape, infuse your aura into Flare Blitz."
Infernape cloaked himself himself in deep blue flameand charged towards the descending Gliscor.
The ensuing clash shook the training room violently. The shockwave alone knocked both Silas and Percy off of their feet.
At the center of the blast, both Pokémon were still in fighting shape. It had been a tie and neither took real damage.
Gliscor and Infernape got up from the destructive attack and stared at each other with a smirk. It was obvious they now respected the other's strength.
"Let's call the match here. Any further and we might injure each other's Pokémon. I can acknowledge that we're on a similar level now."
"Agreed. We gain nothing by going any further."
Silas had no reason to disagree. Percy was right, going any further might cause unnecessary problems for them in the field.
Both Pokémon shook hands after the intense battle.
"That controlled Blaze boost is quite remarkable. Your attack power increased significantly."
"Yeah, it took some training, and it's only for a limited time, but it's one of our secret weapons."
Silas wasn't worried that Percy would spill his details to anyone but Archer so he only held back a little.
"Yeah, if you time it correctly, you could instantly kill most opponents of similar strength."
"From what I've seen, everyone had a trump card or last resort. It's rare to actually be able to end a battle in 1 blow."
Silas had to conceal certain elements of Infernape's power, so he had to bend the truth a bit. Technically, Flame Aura was truly an evolved form of Blaze. The hidden part was the level of control Infernape wielded over it.
After chatting a bit more with Percy, Silas left the training room and went to his personal suite assigned by Viper. The suite was simple but was equipped with four bedrooms and a decent-sized common area.
Jessie, James, Meowth, and Jason were all waiting for him in the common area.
"I have a mission, but you are not included. For now, please work hard to increase your strength. I will get you the proper materials for your training."
"What kinda mission?"
"A stealthy frontal assault mission. It's dangerous, but if it goes well, there will be substantial benefits for us."
"Boss, we can help! We have elite stealth skills, and our infiltration skills aren't weak either."
"Like I said, just worry about getting stronger. Until you are all comfortably near or at the peak of the pseudo-advanced tier across your entire teams, your participation will be more of a burden than an asset."
The truth hurt, but it was a necessary evil. Silas needed his subordinates to grow stronger.
They could only currently keep up because he had gifted them advanced-tier Pokémon like Swellow and Corviknight. For them to become truly formidable, their own Pokémon would need to have a similar level of power across the board. Meowth especially needed to increase his strength, as he had grown stagnant as of late.
There was a Macho Brace among the items Silas had claimed from defeated trainers, and he equipped it to Meowth. The maximum weight this one could exert on its user was a quarter ton. Silas started Meowth with 50 pounds.
Meowth on average weighed about 10 pounds, so adding 50 pounds was like multiplying his body weight by six.
"Meowth, one day you will be a secret weapon. If we can get your strength to a respectable level, you will be a high-ranking member of Team Rocket under me. Just follow my instructions and train diligently."
Meowth nodded his head quickly. He was in a daze, clearly picturing something. Undoubtedly, he was thinking about his ascension within Team Rocket.
His old goal was to replace Giovanni's Persian, but now he had a new goal of growing as strong as possible under Silas.