Once Archen had fully mastered its post-evolution strength and moves, Liu Qing packed his belongings and boarded a ship at the harbor. He headed due east of Iron Island to a seaside port town on the edge of Eterna Forest, then set out eastward from the town into the forest. After traveling for some time and crossing the forest, he finally reached Eterna City. He rested at the Pokémon Center for a day to get himself and his Pokémon into shape, then visited the Eterna Gym the following morning.
The Eterna Gym certainly lived up to its reputation as a Grass-type Gym. Lush vines covered its exterior, while the battlefield inside consisted entirely of trees and grass.
"The Gym battle between challenger Liu Qing and Gym Leader Gardenia will now begin. Each side may use four Pokémon. The match will end when all four Pokémon on either side are unable to battle. In addition, only the challenger may switch Pokémon during the match!" Once Liu Qing and Gardenia had taken their positions, the referee took his place and announced the rules, then continued, "Now, let the match begin!"
"Go, Cacnea!" Gardenia threw her first Poké Ball. It opened, and the spike-covered Cacnea appeared on the field.
"Archen, I'm counting on you!" Liu Qing threw his Poké Ball next. As it opened, Archen appeared in midair, flapping its magnificent wings and letting out a roar at Cacnea.
"You can have the first move!" Despite seeing Liu Qing send out a Flying-type Pokémon, Gardenia showed no concern. Instead, she spoke with complete confidence.
"Then I won't hold back!" Liu Qing commanded, "Archen, Aerial Ace!"
At Liu Qing's command, several white streaks of light sprang from Archen's head, and it shot toward Cacnea like lightning. Liu Qing was delighted by what he saw.