Chapter 121: Invitation from Ash, Part 3

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"I'll leave the last match to you, Grovyle!"

After losing two battles in a row, Ash sent out his last Pokémon, which was the Grovyle he captured and evolved in the Hoenn region.

Pokémon: Grovyle 

Type: Grass 

Ability: Overgrow 

Gender: Male 

Level: 41 

Qualification: Champion 

Moves: Pound, Bullet Seed, Leaf Storm, Energy Ball, Leaf Blade, Double Team, Quick Attack, Leaf Blade, X-Scissor, Magical Leaf...

"Is this the Grovyle that defeated Darkrai in the original series after evolving into Sceptile? It's really impressive!"

Gary looked at Ash's Grovyle with admiration.

"Ash, this guy really deserves to be the protagonist, so lucky!"

At the same time, Gary was very envious of Ash's luck. After all, not everyone can encounter many Pokémon with such high potential.

After reviewing the data panel of Ash's Grovyle, Gary thought about it and recalled Pupitar, which had already fought a match, and then took out the next Poké Ball.

"This last victory, Lairon, you will win it!"

The Poké Ball thrown by Gary opened instantly, revealing Lairon, who was at level 42.

"Grovyle, let's go! Use Leaf Storm!"

After seeing Gary send out Lairon, Ash couldn't wait to launch an attack.

Countless green leaves suddenly appeared around Grovyle. Under Grovyle's control, these leaves turned into a green tornado and rushed towards Lairon.

"Lairon! Use Iron Defense!"

Before Grovyle's attack arrived, Lairon's body shone with a metallic luster, indicating the use of Iron Defense.

With the defense boost from Iron Defense, Grovyle's Leaf Storm only left a series of shallow white marks on Lairon's steel surface and did not break through Lairon's strong defense.

"How is it possible?"

After seeing that Lairon's defense was not broken at all, Ash widened his eyes in disbelief.

"Lairon, who used Iron Defense, has a defense that is unmatched."

Gary noticed Ash's surprised expression and a slight smile appeared on his face.

"Let's try again! Grovyle! Use Leaf Blade!"

Ash still couldn't believe that Lairon didn't break the defense, so he tried again.

Grovyle immediately let the leaves on its arm wrap around with grass energy, forming a light blade and then rushed towards Lairon—finally slashing down heavily.

"Keep using Iron Defense!"

And Lairon used Iron Defense again under Gary's command.

Lairon—who used Iron Defense twice in a row—had its defense greatly improved, so it withstood Grovyle's attack without any damage.

"How could it be?"

After two attacks failed to work, Ash felt even more incredulous.

"It's my turn next!"

Gary looked at Ash—who was still in disbelief—and seized the opportunity to give Lairon an order: "Lairon! Use Iron Head!"

After Gary's order, Lairon's metal head flashed a dazzling white light before hitting Grovyle fiercely.

Because of Lairon's excessive weight and the impact of Iron Head, the unsuspecting Grovyle was knocked away on the spot and finally landed in front of Ash.

"Grovyle! Are you okay?"

Looking at Grovyle falling in front of him, Ash asked worriedly.

However, Grovyle's will was strong enough. After struggling to get up, it continued to stare at Lairon on the opposite side—but this time Grovyle's eyes were full of determination.

"Energy Ball!"

Because Gary had hit it hard at close range before, Ash had to choose a long-range attack.

Grovyle gathered green grass energy in its mouth, forming an Energy Ball and attacking Lairon.

"Metal Claw!"

Under Gary's command, Lairon raised its forelimbs flashing with white light and directly split the incoming Energy Ball.

"What a powerful Lairon!"

Brock—who was watching the battle—looked at Lairon who was as steady as a mountain with a solemn and serious look in his eyes.

"Compared to Gary, Ash's strength is far behind."

This was a comment from the mischievous Max.

"As expected of Gary, he is really amazing!"

This was the admiration from Rosa and Hilda—Gary's friends.

"Ash! Your attack is over! It's my turn next, you have no objection right?"

After saying that, Gary's eyes fixed as he gave an order to Lairon: "Lairon! Use Stone Edge!"

As soon as Gary finished speaking, rocks appeared around Lairon. These rocks—under Lairon's control—smashed towards Grovyle.

"Quick Attack! Be careful to dodge! Grovyle!"

Faced with the overwhelming rocks, Ash could only choose to avoid the sharp edges.

So such a scene appeared on the field—a white and green lightning constantly shuttling in the rain of rocks.

This figure was none other than Ash's agile Grovyle.

"Earthquake!"

Looking at Grovyle that was gradually dodging and approaching Lairon, Gary had an idea in his mind so he gave Lairon the next order.

At this time, Lairon—who had received Gary's order—used its weight to step heavily on the ground. An Earthquake spread out from Lairon to the surroundings—including Ash's Grovyle.

The Grovyle in Quick Attack was also affected by the Earthquake. It staggered and stopped directly after receiving the Earthquake attack.

At this time, it could no longer dodge and could only watch as the rocks hit it.

After a while, Grovyle was completely buried in the rocks.

"Grovyle!"

Seeing this, Ash immediately shouted hoping to get a reply from Grovyle.

But it lasted for a long time without any response—and the result was obvious.

"Grovyle lost its ability to fight—and Lairon won!"

After Professor Oak dug up the pile of stones, he saw Grovyle whose eyes had completely turned into spirals so he announced the final result.

"So the winner of this battle is Gary!"

"Grovyle!"

After the battle, Ash had to take back his defeated Grovyle with a heavy heart.

"Ash! You should work hard!"

And Gary smiled as he took back the unharmed Lairon while saying to Ash.

"Next time! I will definitely defeat you, Gary!"

Even this failure did not dampen Ash's ambition.

"Then you should work hard!"

After that, Gary took Rosa and Hilda—who had already walked over—turned around and left Professor Birch's research institute while waving to Ash and the others as they continued their journey.