Chapter 10: He is on the first level, while I am on the second

Pewter Gym.

On the rocky platform stood a boy with squinting eyes, dark skin, and a serious expression.

He was a man as steadfast as a rock.

The Gym Leader, Brock.

"Newbie trainer, are you here for your second challenge?"

Opening his eyes slightly, Brock asked slowly

"Each gym only allows three challenges. If you fail all three, you won't be able to challenge this gym again for a year. I suggest you go back and train some more."

After all, how much progress could one really make in a single night?

Ash’s eyes were bright, and he replied without a hint of timidity

"I’ve decided to challenge! Pikachu is a brand-new Pikachu now!"

"Pika!"

Early in the morning, he had brought Pikachu here to storm the gym.

Brock’s gaze shifted downward to Ash’s side.

Although he didn't notice anything unusual, this electric mouse did seem to have something different about it.

"Then I accept your challenge!"

I’ll take this one a bit more seriously.

"Go, Geodude!"

A Pokémon consisting of nothing but a round, rocky head appeared on the field, waving two strong rock fists on either side of its head.

"Beep. Geodude, the Rock Pokémon. Its entire body is made of rock. It belongs in the dry waste category; please sort it carefully," the Pokédex announced automatically.

Brock: "..."

I feel offended.

Having been defeated once, Ash didn't dare to be careless. Since his opponent wasn't leading with Onix like yesterday, he wouldn't lead with his trump card either.

"I choose you, Pidgeotto!"

Looking at the small brown bird, Brock’s expression remained unchanged.

Pewter City was located next to Viridian Forest, so most of the challengers he encountered used Pokémon like Pidgey, Pidgeotto, or Caterpie.

Battle start!

"Geodude, use Rock Throw!"

Several stones appeared out of thin air above its floating body. Geodude swung its arms and launched them all at once with a "whoosh."

Ash hurriedly shouted, "Pidgeotto, dodge it!"

Pidgeotto’s speed was not low. It flapped its wings and took flight, its agile body weaving through the gaps in the falling rocks with ease.

"Now’s your chance, use Quick Attack!"

"Pidge-otto!!"

With a high-pitched cry, Pidgeotto’s body was cloaked in a layer of white light. It dashed forward the moment it cleared the pile of rocks, its sharp beak aiming straight for the target.

Brock said calmly, "Use Defense Curl to block it!"

Geodude crossed its arms in front of its chest, forming a ball.

The next second, its body glowed with the signature light of increased defense, intending to take the hit head-on.

*Clang!*

Amidst the dust, after the impact, Geodude remained unmoved.

However, Pidgeotto was sent flying backward several meters, its beak even slightly crooked.

"That kind of move doesn't have much effect on my Pokémon."

Brock couldn't help but smile and ordered again

"Use Rollout!"

"Geo-dude!!"

Geodude curled its body into a ball and began to spin wildly on the ground like a rolling stone. As its speed increased, the power of the Rollout grew as well.

"Pidgeotto, use Gust to stop it!"

A storm was whipped up, but no matter how strong the whirlwind Pidgeotto created, it couldn't stop the momentum of the Rollout.

Type disadvantage was like a chasm, difficult to cross.

Facing the incoming stone chariot, Ash hurriedly shouted his ultimate move.

"Quick, dodge it!"

He didn't know what else to call out, so "quick, dodge it" was enough.

Relying on Pidgeotto’s speed, it barely managed to avoid the formidable Rollout.

"Pidge-otto..."

It was covered in sweat, though.

A novice Pokémon without long-term training clearly couldn't sustain a long battle; after a few rounds, it was already running out of steam.

"I have to find a way to interrupt its offense..."

Ash brainstormed in his head, then his eyes lit up and the corners of his mouth curled upward.

He had a plan.

"Pidgeotto, use Sand-Attack!"

This time, Ash took the initiative.

Pidgeotto landed, turned around, and began digging frantically like a dog, kicking up a massive amount of sand and dirt that covered Geodude’s eyes.

"That move won't work on me," Brock said indifferently.

Ash, however, wore a look of triumph and continued to command

"Then try this! Pidgeotto, follow up with Gust!"

As Pidgeotto flapped its wings, the countless sand and dirt particles intertwined with the whirlwind and spiraled upward.

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!!*

In the end, it actually formed a small sandstorm, quite an intimidating sight!

Seeing this, Brock frowned.

"Interesting, but this move still won't work on me... Wait, it actually is working this time."

Sandstorm weather could increase his Geodude’s defense.

Is this human behavior confusing?

With the setup complete, Ash finally bared his sharp fangs and roared loudly

"Heh heh! This is the finish! Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack!"

"Pidge-otto!!"

Pidgeotto let out a loud cry, its body turning into a bright white light as it charged straight into the sandstorm.

The powerful force actually tore through the sand, completely exposing the blinded Geodude inside.

Obscure the vision, then attack at close range—this was Ash’s strategy!

*Clang! Clang!*

In an instant, the terrifying impact force hit Geodude squarely.

It sent the latter flying several meters back, rolling over multiple times and leaving a long trail on the ground.

Ash clenched his fists tightly, his blood boiling.

This was his true strength as a Pokémon Master!

The referee on the sidelines also hurriedly announced at the right moment

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle, Geodude wins!"

"?"

Ash, still posing, froze.

As the dust settled, he looked closely.

He saw that Geodude, which had been knocked back, was just rubbing its head in confusion, clearly having taken only minor damage from the hit.

"Pidge-otto..."

On the other side, Pidgeotto had already fainted on the ground, its beak crooked, looking miserable.

All that effort, fierce as an Incineroar.

And then the bird was gone.

"As expected of a Gym Leader, truly a great technique..."

A drop of sweat fell from Ash’s forehead. He silently recalled Pidgeotto, having gained a new level of understanding regarding the strength of a Gym Leader.

Meeting all changes with the same stance?

Good grief, he thought Brock was on the first floor while he was on the second.

He didn't expect this squinty-eyed man to actually be standing on the fifth floor!

Brock: "?"

I’ve been on the first floor the whole time...

Why does this new trainer feel like he’s not quite right in the head today?

Is he trying to scam me?

"Then it’s all up to you, Pikachu!"

"Pika!"

Pikachu stepped onto the field with a stride, clenching its small fists, electricity sparking from its cheeks.

"Another type disadvantage? Haven't you learned your lesson yet?"

Brock frowned and didn't hold back, launching another attack.

"Geodude, use Rock Throw!"

Immediately, countless stones were launched.

Ash, however, was not panicked at all and roared loudly

"Pikachu, show them our new power! Use Thunderbolt!!"

Pikachu jumped into the air, let out a low cry, and electricity instantly burst from the electric sacs on its cheeks!

"Pika, CHU!!"

Countless currents covered its body, and the blinding light illuminated the entire arena.

*Crackle!!*

When the power reached its peak, it turned into a roaring electric serpent. The seemingly menacing rocks were reduced to powder the moment they made contact.

The momentum didn't stop; the Thunderbolt continued to surge, striking Geodude’s small head.

*Boom!!*

The next moment, the terrifying impact, combined with the high-voltage shock, exploded, directly charring Geodude into charcoal.

Even the referee was startled by the blow. It took a while for him to react, and he spoke with a stutter

"U-um... Geodude is unable to battle, Pikachu wins!"

Brock: "..."

Absurd.

To be able to take electricity to a new level in just one night... is this kid cheating?

It seems I have to fight seriously this time.

Brock looked grim as he recalled Geodude. This time, he finally sent out his trump card: Onix!

"Beep. Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. It is said that for every Onix born, ten Geodude lose their lives. No other implications," the Pokédex announced automatically.

Brock: "..."