Gym Apprentice

When Torchic heard Xinhai's shout, it instinctively leaped up, dodging the fatal blow while charging straight into Sandshrew, which had just used Stomping Tantrum, and knocking it flying.

After knocking Sandshrew away, Torchic was still struck by the aftershock of Stomping Tantrum. However, Torchic was standing where Sandshrew had used Stomping Tantrum—the Central Area, where the damage was lowest after the impact—so it was not injured, only a little unsteady on its feet.

Once Torchic regained its balance, Xinhai gave another order. "Torchic, finish it with Quick Attack!"

Torchic let out a breath and charged at Sandshrew again.

Taking advantage of Torchic steadying itself, Sandshrew climbed back up, panting heavily. "Kuga~"

Once Sandshrew got up, Trainer Ishii clenched both fists and shouted, "Sandshrew, curl up and use Rapid Spin!"

Sandshrew swiftly curled into a ball, its scales drawing tight as the hard plates glinted coldly beneath the sunlight.

Its body began spinning at a visibly rapid speed, like a gray top, kicking up fine gravel from the ground as it rammed toward Torchic.

Crimson flames danced in Torchic's eyes as it rushed toward Sandshrew.

Just before they collided, Xinhai shouted, "Dodge!"

Torchic suddenly twisted sideways, nimbly evading Sandshrew's attack. With a whoosh, Torchic accelerated again after dodging and dashed around behind Sandshrew.

Trainer Ishii shouted anxiously, "Turn, now!"

Sandshrew sensed the movement behind it and tried to use the ground to turn and attack, but the centrifugal force made its body difficult to control.

Torchic seized the chance and slammed into it, crashing straight into Sandshrew's back and sending it flying.

Sandshrew hit the ground hard with a pained cry. "Kuga!" It rolled several times before finally stopping.

Sandshrew lay motionless after it stopped rolling, having lost its ability to battle. Torchic stood where it was, panting. Though it was tired as well, it continued to stare determinedly at its opponent.

"Sandshrew has lost its ability to battle. Torchic wins!" the referee announced, raising the flag.

Xinhai clenched his fists excitedly and ran to the center of the arena, gathering the exhausted Torchic into his arms.

In the stands, Yingnan and Shali cheered excitedly, while the Eevee in Shali's arms happily cried, "Vee, vee!" without stopping.

Trainer Ishii silently recalled Sandshrew, gave Xinhai a long look, then turned and left the arena.

Looking at the capable Trainer Ishii, Xinhai understood that this victory was only the beginning. Stronger opponents awaited him and Torchic ahead.

He gently stroked Torchic's head and said softly, "We still need to keep working hard!"

"Chamo!"

Yingnan smiled at Xinhai as he carried Torchic down from the stage. "Not bad. You actually read your opponent's move in advance. That was a beautiful win."

Shali also leaned closer, her eyes sparkling. "Xinhai, you and Torchic worked together so well!"

"Vee, vee!!"

The Eevee in Shali's arms also cried happily, seemingly expressing its joy over Xinhai and Torchic's victory.

Xinhai smiled in response. "It was all Torchic's doing. And this opponent was strong too. If they hadn't failed to realize Torchic had Bulk Up as an Egg Move, we wouldn't have won so easily."

After saying that, Xinhai looked at Torchic in his arms. It wanted to hold its head high, but its injured abdomen prevented it from doing so. "Let's take Torchic to the treatment room first."

Yingnan nodded repeatedly. He had also noticed Torchic's condition and agreed, "Right, right. Let's get Torchic treated first!"

The treatment pod at the Pokémon Center glowed with a soft blue light. Torchic lay curled up inside, gradually recovering its strength and injuries as energy rippled around it.

"The competitors in the second round were obviously much stronger than those in the first! Though Xinhai was unlucky too—this opponent was quite capable." Yingnan spoke quietly with Xinhai nearby.

"I know a little about that competitor. I didn't notice at first, but Xinhai's opponent should be a gym apprentice from Rustboro City." Shali looked at Xinhai with a serious expression.

The two of them were puzzled by this. Xinhai asked, "How could you tell he was a gym apprentice?"

Shali smiled and looked at them. "You might not know this, but every gym has a standard uniform. I challenged a gym some time ago and saw their outfits. I didn't notice at first, but I remembered just now."

Yingnan rubbed his chin, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes. "If he's a gym apprentice, then it's no surprise. They have plenty of battle experience, and gym instructors to teach them, so it's only normal for them to be this strong. Still, he definitely won't be the only strong Trainer in this competition. The upcoming opponents will be even harder to deal with!"

Xinhai looked at Torchic in the treatment pod and agreed. "This match was manageable, but the competitors in the third round definitely won't be weak. Looks like we've got some tough battles ahead."

Yingnan and Shali both nodded solemnly at his words, agreeing with Xinhai's assessment. Quite a few weak competitors had advanced through the second round by fighting each other, but by the third round, most contestants would be above the average level of the entrants. The battles then would not be nearly as simple as they were now!

After the three chatted for a while longer, they heard the nurse say, "Hello, treatment is complete."

"Okay, thank you!"

The nurse opened the treatment pod. Xinhai picked up Torchic and rubbed its little head. "You did very well today. Keep it up tomorrow!"

Torchic cried happily, "Chamo, chamo!!"

The three returned to the competition grounds and went to watch the matches at the third arena. Xinhai looked at the large screen above the field and found that it was already the fourteenth match. The contestants were a man and a woman: Ikeda Yingjie and Aoki Yazi. Their Pokémon were Houndour and Budew, respectively.

Houndour's gaze was sharp, and it radiated an imposing Presence without even needing to grow angry. Low growls sounded from its throat from time to time. Its opponent, Budew, looked somewhat frightened, its body trembling slightly.

"Houndour, use Howl!" "Bu... Budew, use Water Sport!"

Houndour raised its head and released a resounding howl, its sound waves spreading in all directions. Budew shuddered at the intimidating cry, and its move came a beat slower, but it still managed to use Water Sport.

"Che... Chemi."

The stream Budew sprayed out splashed crookedly around itself, covering an area five meters wide.

Seeing this, Trainer Ikeda sneered and ordered, "Charge in and use Fire Fang!"

Houndour lunged at Budew like an arrow loosed from a bow, its sharp fangs glinting coldly.

Once Water Sport was finished, Trainer Aoki gave another order. "Quick, use Razor Leaf!"

Budew shook its body in fear, firing sharp leaves toward Houndour. But Houndour nimbly dodged left and right, evading most of the attacks with a few quick movements. Only several leaves grazed its fur, causing minor injuries, but they merely stirred up its ferocity even more.

Budew's Trainer flushed red with anxiety, and even her voice cracked. "Q-quick... dodge!

The next moment, Houndour reached Budew. Fire-type energy wrapped around its teeth, making it look even more terrifying. Budew was so frightened that it did not dare move, and Houndour seized the chance to bite down on its body.

Budew screamed and struggled desperately, using Stun Spore. However, because of Fire Fang, the Stun Spore failed to inflict Paralysis on Houndour.

Budew's Trainer cried out heartbrokenly, "We forfeit! Please stop attacking!"

Hearing Trainer Aoki's words, the referee immediately told Trainer Ikeda, "Please stop attacking!"

Seeing that the other side had forfeited, Trainer Ikeda directly ordered, "Stop attacking, Houndour!"

The flames in Houndour's mouth died out. It set Budew on the ground and returned to its Trainer's side.

The referee raised the red flag. "Trainer Aoki has forfeited the match. This battle goes to Trainer Ikeda and Houndour!"

With reddened eyes, Budew's Trainer recalled Budew into its Poké Ball and softly comforted it, "It's okay. You already did great." After that, she quickly left the arena to have her Pokémon treated.