Chapter 60
Time has left its clear marks on her, but this has not made people look down on her. On the contrary, her gentle and pleasant temperament suggests that she must have been an outstanding beauty in her youth.
The old woman waved goodbye to the children, and finally, she turned her gaze to Qiao Ran.
"Young man, you possess a powerful fighting spirit; you probably didn't come here to learn, did you?"
The old woman still wore a faint smile on her face, and just looking at her smile felt like a spring breeze blowing through Qiao Ran's heart.
"I am indeed the challenger, my name is Qiao Ran. Um, and you are...?"
Qiao Ran unconsciously started using honorifics as well, but the other person was indeed an elderly man who seemed worthy of his respect.
"I am Ouyang Cong. Welcome to challenge the Gym, but let me rest for now."
The old woman smiled, but gently shook her head.
"Children are indeed naturally playful, and just teaching them takes up a lot of my energy. Never mind, never mind, let's not talk about it. You should also get some rest; the challenges ahead won't be easy."
Qiao Ran didn't talk to the other person for long before she left, leaning on her cane. Qiao Ran understood her reason; after all, she was an elderly person, and her physical strength was definitely not what it used to be.
But... even at this age, is it really necessary to Gym?
Watching the other person's departing figure, Qiao Ran's eyes flickered slightly. Generally speaking, those who can serve as Gym Leader are young people in their prime or youth. Sometimes there are exceptions, such as children. However, there are very few elderly people who can serve as Gym Leader at this age.
After all, this is a very demanding job. When Qiao Ran and Iron Maiden went out for a late-night snack before, Iron Maiden, who was slightly drunk, poured out her troubles to him, especially regarding personal time and finding a partner. Qiao Ran, who is usually quite casual about it, couldn't even tell that she had such worries.
"Alright, since it's break time, I'll go take a break too."
Qiao Ran patted her cheeks and followed the receptionist's instructions to the rest area.
After a period of waiting, the Gym Competition was finally officially announced to begin.
An elderly man who identified himself as Ouyang Cong, leaning on a cane, stood on either side of the Battlefield with Qiao Ran.
"You have two Badge, but both are from top-ranked Gym, so I won't send out any weak Pokémon. Also, young man, now that I'm the Gym Leader, I absolutely won't hold back."
Ouyang Cong out a Poké Ball and gently tossed it out.
"This is my first Pokémon."
In the Flash, a pink mantis-like Pokémon appeared on the Battle Court. However, Qiao Ran knew that this thing was not actually a "mantis," but an orchid Pokémon had mimicked a mantis.
--Orchid Lurantis.
"Lurantis: Grass-type Pokémon, Level 27."
"As expected, it's a pure Grass-type Gym. And its level isn't very high either... Hmm..."
Standing at the edge of the Battle Court, Qiao Ran gripped the Poké Ball tightly. Unconsciously, when he saw these Pokémon that were close to level 30, he actually felt that their levels weren't very high.
Qiao Ran even secretly wondered if he should... let Yveltal out to farm some experience first.
?
py. "Mitsuba is the sky, Miku is the earth"
Brief introduction: Mouth-chewed sake, etc.
One more cup would be perfect...
(This is a fan fiction about youth, involving titles such as Your Name, Domestic Girlfriend, The Quintessential Quintuplets, Monogatari, etc.)
113th Quarter, 110 [First Match]
With Qiao Ran's current strength, dealing with these Pokémon below level 30 is naturally no problem. Or rather, with his current combat power, he has already reached the minimum threshold to join the Pokémon League.
The average Pokémon League participant is around level 30, which is a respectable level among Gym Leader. Not everyone can train their main Pokémon to level 50 or higher like Gym Leader Long Xiangdong.
There are probably no more than 20 people nationwide who can reach this level.
Although Iron Maiden out Pokémon of level 30 or higher to deal with Qiao Ran at the Jinling Gym, it was out of anger. Her intention in sending out these Pokémon was to completely crush and Defeat Qiao Ran. However, she failed to do so in the end, and she herself did not expect that Qiao Ran would withstand her storm of attacks and achieve final victory.
Now, after the Jinling Gym, Qiao Ran is facing Pokémon in their twenties. This is not a step backward, but rather—this is actually the level that a normal challenger should be facing.
"Come to think of it, was I ahead of my time...?"
Qiao Ran scratched his head, and after thinking for a while, he finally put down the Poké Ball in his hand and took out another one.
It wasn't that he didn't want Yveltal to come out and gain some experience, but he remembered some promises he had made before. If there was an opportunity, Qiao Ran still hoped that she could have a chance to appear.
Therefore, he decided to give the first opportunity to appear to another partner.
"Come forth, Altaria!"
"Clear--"
As the Poké Ball Fling, a bird-shaped Pokémon with Golden body and cloud-like wings appeared in mid-air.
"Oh? Is it Altaria? And this color..."
The appearance of the Altaria always brings a refreshing feeling, and even the Old Lady Ouyang, leaning on his cane, had a glint in his eyes.
"The Altaria." Qiao Ran looked at the Altaria in the sky and clenched his fist.
"This should be our first Gym Battle, right...? In that case, let's just win cleanly together!"
"Clear--"
Seemingly sensing Qiao Ran's enthusiasm, Altaria also let out a clear chirp. Although she was a relatively late Pokémon to the team, her level had already reached 30. Facing the level 27 Lurantis on the other side, she was naturally confident in defeating it.
"Attribute advantage is the foundation of strategy. There's no other way; I'll have to strike first."
Old Lady Ouyang felt the vigor of youth from Qiao Ran, but she would still fulfill her responsibilities as the Gym Leader.
"Lurantis, Poison Jab!"
Lurantis's Grass-type advantage is basically negligible when facing Altaria. Altaria's Grass-type moves are resisted by four times. Helpless, Old Lady Ouyang had to settle for second best and let Lurantis use the move "Poison Jab".
"Laaaa!"
The Lurantis raised its hands, its pink, mantis-blade-like parts rising high, then covered with dark purple venom.
The Lurantis wasn't fast, but thanks to its jumping ability, it Splash high and got close to the Altaria, which was restricted to low-altitude flight due to its limited Battle Court.
"Clear!"
Altaria dared not be careless and could only try its best to dodge. It seemed that this Gym was designed from the beginning to prevent Flying type Pokémon using high-altitude flight to dodge skills, so this could be considered an invisible restriction on challengers.
"Don't be afraid, Altaria, use Fire Blast!"
Fire Blast – one of the powerful Fire-type skills. It's a skill that can increase the coverage of attacks, and it's most effective when used in this situation.
Lurantis is a very strong Pokémon. Its two sharp blades are powerful enough to cut through Rock-type. Furthermore, if it has the "Contrary" Ability, it can even ignore the side effects of Leaf Storm and moves that lower its Special Attack, thus raising its own Special Attack instead. It is a Pokémon that can play a very important role.
Unfortunately, it encountered the Altaria, its natural enemy.
Even without getting close, the Altaria can inflict a fatal blow on its opponent.
"Clear--"
Under Qiao Ran's command, the Altaria opened its beak, and a large, fiery barrage shot straight at the Lurantis. Unable to dodge in mid-air, the Lurantis took the hit directly from a Fire-type skill that was doubly effective against it.
"Laaaa!"
The Lurantis struggled to its feet, but it was clear it was at its limit. Its level was already lower than the Altaria, and Qiao Ran and the Altaria's coordination was flawless. Even if Old Lady Ouyang wanted to find a weakness, it would be difficult.
It's too late.
In the end, the result was still as expected.
"The Lurantis is unable to fight. The winner of this match is the Altaria!"
"Clear!"
Watching its opponent fall, the Altaria happily flew to Qiao Ran's side and nuzzled his cheek.
"What are you doing?" Qiao Ran smiled and rolled his eyes at her. Sometimes he really couldn't understand what she was thinking. Perhaps these actions themselves didn't have any meaning. She just suddenly thought of something and then did it.
"Truly... a formidable young man. The younger generation is truly impressive."
After the battle, Old Lady Ouyang even felt as if she had been suppressed by her opponent the whole time and couldn't breathe. Although this was related to the limited abilities of Lurantis, what she saw more was the boy's sharp mind and the Pokémon had in him.
Sometimes, they make extremely risky judgments, judgments that Pokémon and Trainer without an emotional connection would never be able to make, let alone execute immediately upon hearing them.
"Alright, this time I'll increase the difficulty. The Pokémon I'll be sending out is this one."
Old Lady Ouyang took out another Poké Ball from the side, and in the Flash, a uniquely shaped Pokémon that looked like a steel disc with spikes on its body appeared on the Battle Court.
Moreover, there are three green fruits connected to vines on its head. However, there seem to be no other organs on its solid body, only two eyes are exposed.
"Ferrothorn: Grass/ Steel-type Pokémon. Level: 31"
"A level 31 Ferrothorn... that definitely increases the difficulty."
The second battle began, and this time Qiao Ran did not hesitate. After recalling Altaria, he immediately took out his other Poké Ball —a black and green Poké Ball.
Regardless, he needed to give Yveltal experience. Although Yveltal's appearance was much more imposing than Dianxi and Suicune, and might attract the attention of some people, none of that mattered anymore.
Now that Dianxi and Suicune have reached level 35, and he possesses Nihilego and Type: Null both level 40+), Qiao Ran could potentially escape unscathed even if faced with a full-force attack from someone of Iron Maiden's caliber. Although those two level 40+ Pokémon have various issues and sometimes don't obey commands, they can still achieve good results even when left to fight on their own.
Moreover, once Yveltal's level increases rapidly, Qiao Ran will have an even stronger support. Rather than being hesitant and timid, it's better to be decisive and let Yveltal quickly accumulate experience points and grow rapidly.
Of course, you won't gain much experience from battling Wild Pokémon. To level up quickly, you have to fight these well-trained Gym Trainer, which is why Qiao Ran sent Yveltal out now.
If the first Competition gave Altaria a chance to showcase herself and build some confidence, then this match is Yveltal's debut.
"Come out Yveltal!!!"
Qiao Ran shouted loudly, summoning the majestic and imposing Black and Red giant bird. Just by flapping her wings, she seemed to be able to create Whirlwind in the Gym.
"This is..."
The Old Lady Ouyang across from her trembled slightly as she gripped her cane. In all her years, this was the first time she had ever seen such a unique Pokémon.
The color... the design...
"I caught this in the Juju Mountain yesterday. Isn't it pretty impressive?"
"This..."
Upon hearing Qiao Ran's words, Old Lady Ouyang's eyes twitched violently. Juju Mountain was known as the most blessed land, a place where all sorts of myths converged. Could it be... that this thing really came from Juju Mountain?
"The Competition is ready to begin. Both sides, please get ready!"
Seeing that both sides were ready, the Referee swallowed hard; it was the first time she had ever seen such a special Pokémon.
"Alright, we'll make the first move this time!"
Looking at the Ferrothorn opposite him, Qiao Ran pointed forward.
"Come on, Yveltal, unleash the Dark Pulse!!!"
"Eow!!!"
Upon receiving Qiao Ran's command, Yveltal emitted a sound that resembled both a bird's cry and a beast's roar. Of course, she understood Qiao Ran's true intention. Although Qiao Ran spoke of "Dark Pulse," what entered Yveltal's heart was Qiao Ran's true thought.
--Use Oblivion Wing!
This is Yveltal's true ultimate technique, his truly unique skill!
Having figured out what to do next, Yveltal spread her wings and began to flap them rapidly. Then, a strong wave of energy gathered in front of her body.
A thick, red-black beam of light suddenly Spit Up with earth-shattering force, heading straight for the Ferrothorn opposite him.
"Boom!!!"
The ground shook violently, and dust billowed up. Just looking at that beam of light evoked a sense of fear and dread.
"This...!"
As the Trainer of the Ferrothorn, the Old Lady Ouyang was completely stunned.
What... what is this????
You call this kind of thing "Dark Pulse"?????
Galar Clara. jpg
Section 114.111 [Dark Pulse]
--Oblivion Wing.
Even in the entire Pokémon World, this is a rather unique move. Although it looks like a completely black Energy Beam, it is actually a pure Flying type move.
That's right, Flying type.
Not only that, this skill can even steal the opponent's life points for its own use, absorbing 75% of the damage dealt. And after equipping a magical item called "Big Root", the absorption rate can reach an astonishing 97.5%, which is basically 100% Leech Life.