Chapter 17: The Second Badge, the Gray Badge

"Bulbasaur, use Vine Whip!"

Bulbasaur shook the dust off its body, extending two vines from its flower bud. They lashed forward, striking Geodude heavily.

Geodude winced in pain after several lashes. Seeing it was at a disadvantage, Brock hurriedly shouted, "This isn't working! Geodude, close the distance quickly! Use Rollout!"

Geodude tucked in its fists and began to spin rapidly, turning its body into a stone ball and rolling toward Bulbasaur at high speed.

*Does it want to engage in close-quarters combat to dodge Bulbasaur's Razor Leaf?*

Xia You decisively commanded, "Don't let it succeed! Use Vine Whip to entangle it!"

However, Geodude's rolling speed was simply too fast. After dodging several Vine Whips, it eventually collided with Bulbasaur.

Unfortunately, since Rollout is a Rock-type move, the collision only dealt limited damage to Bulbasaur.

As the rolling stopped, Bulbasaur seized the opportunity, using Vine Whip to lift Geodude high into the air, binding it mid-air.

"It's time to end this! Bulbasaur, use Razor Leaf!"

At such close range, the Razor Leaf hit with full force. This time, Geodude was completely incapacitated. It fell to the ground like a stone sinking into the ocean, unable to stir again.

As he recalled Geodude, Brock's expression turned solemn. He knew that in terms of both strength and typing, he was at a disadvantage.

"From that battle, it's clear you are very strategic," Brock said with a nod of praise. "But if you want the Boulder Badge, you'll have to defeat this guy first. Come forth, Onix!"

Seeing Onix enter the fray again, Xia You recalled Bulbasaur and sent out Squirtle.

"It's up to you, Squirtle."

"Squirtle! Squirtle!"

Perhaps learning from the previous lesson, as soon as the battle began, Brock shouted directly, "Onix, use Rock Tomb!"

Onix raised its torso and opened its massive maw. Instantly, countless huge boulders condensed in mid-air and fell, crashing down toward Squirtle.

"Squirtle, use Withdraw!"

Hearing Xia You's command, Squirtle hurriedly retracted its head and limbs into its shell. A second later, the boulders struck, only to be deflected by the hard shell.

"A great opportunity!" A glint flashed in Brock's eyes as he shouted, "Onix, now! Use Bind!"

While Squirtle was still tucked inside its shell, Onix closed in rapidly. Using the same move it had used against Pikachu, it wrapped its tail around Squirtle and squeezed tightly.

The pressure was so intense that a terrifying cracking sound echoed from the shell.

In the stands, Misty's heart raced, while Ash stared with wide eyes, wanting to see how Xia You would respond to the same move.

In the command area, Xia You said calmly, "Squirtle, use Rapid Spin!"

Squirtle's shell began to vibrate, the intensity increasing until it frictionally collided with Onix's body. Finally, it spun at high speed like a top, forcibly knocking Onix's body away.

Rapid Spin is a Normal-type physical move; once used, it can not only deal damage to the opponent but also allow the user to break free from bindings or Leech Seed!

Taking advantage of the stagger caused by the impact, Xia You continued, "Squirtle, use Water Gun!"

A moment of brief hesitation caused Brock to miss the optimal window to issue a command. By the time he reacted and tried to order Onix to use a move, it was too late.

Facing the thick stream of water, Onix instinctively tried to dodge, but due to its massive size, it was hit head-on.

Water is super effective against Rock and Ground!

Hearing Onix's wail, Brock ordered, "Onix, use Dig, quickly!"

On the field, unless one saw it with their own eyes, no one would believe that Onix's massive body could use the stone horn on its head to dig through the earth and skillfully tunnel underground.

Inside the quiet battlefield, Squirtle's eyes scanned the area, cautiously guarding against any movement.

Just as it turned around, the ground beneath its feet suddenly split open, and a behemoth emerged.

However, Xia You was well-prepared for this.

He knew the purpose of Dig was to hide while waiting for an opening. Seeing Onix emerge right beneath Squirtle just as he expected, he shouted loudly, "Squirtle, use Bubble!"

A large swarm of bubbles erupted from Squirtle's mouth and rapidly expanded. These bubbles not only obscured Onix's vision but also dealt continuous Water-type damage.

Xia You extended his right hand and shouted, "Now! Let's end this! Squirtle, use Water Gun!"

Squirtle looked up at the behemoth, which was over ten times its size, with no fear in its eyes. It opened its mouth, and a powerful stream of water blasted into Onix. Following a thunderous crash as the giant fell, Onix was completely defeated!

*Clap, clap, clap!*

Applause broke out. Brock recalled the unconscious Onix into its Poké Ball, walked up to Xia You, and said sincerely, "You are truly amazing. I accept this defeat wholeheartedly."

"Not at all," Xia You waved his hand modestly. "I just had the type advantage. If it were any other Pokémon, it wouldn't have been such an easy win."

In truth, Brock's strength was not particularly outstanding among many Gym Leaders.

Because his parents had left home one after another, he had been responsible for taking care of nine younger siblings before he even reached adulthood. Spending his days doing laundry and cooking meant his Pokémon were neglected in training. While he was much stronger than an average trainer, he wasn't incredibly difficult to face.

At that moment, Brock stepped aside, took a badge out of a box, and handed it to Xia You.

"This is the Boulder Badge. As a reward for your successful challenge, I give it to you now."

The Boulder Badge was shaped like a cut diamond; though deep gray, it still reflected a brilliant luster under the lights.

The second badge of the Quartz League was finally in hand!

After putting the badge into his collection box, Xia You first praised Brock's two Pokémon. He then turned to look for Misty and Ash, only to find that Ash and Pikachu had already vanished, leaving only Misty waiting there.

"Huh? Where's Ash?"

Misty shrugged helplessly. "Seeing you win so easily just now might have given him a shock. He ran off without a word or even looking back. I have no idea where he went."

Shaking his head, Xia You said, "Forget it, let's not worry about him for now. Knowing his personality, he's probably off somewhere doing some secret training. Even if we don't look for him now, he'll likely regroup and come back to challenge this Gym very soon."

(End of Chapter)