233. So Many Shinies?!!!

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When your Pokémon's type is at a disadvantage, even if you have a counter move in hand, you don't need to rush into using it. Only when a one-hit KO is certain should you strike decisively, ensuring victory!

This was taught by Senior Alexis during training.

These were his exact words.

Chris felt completely at ease using this strategy.

However, there was no need for taunting.

After all, this was the prized treasure of the Star Moon Gym that had arrived on its own.

Aggron's Special Attack wasn't high, but thanks to the boost from Rock Horn and the sheer power of Fire Blast—an attack with a base power of 110—the damage was devastating when doubled against a Grass-type opponent.

A direct Fire Blast landed, dealing full damage.

Chris initially believed Torterra's impressive Special Defense and solid HP might let it endure the hit, even if just barely. However, he hadn't expected it to survive with such difficulty.

Unfortunately, the burn effect triggered, consuming the last bit of Torterra's remaining stamina.

Torterra collapsed.

It was truly unfortunate.

Chris smirked.

"Torterra is unable to battle! Aggron wins!" the referee announced.

The spectators immediately started discussing the battle.

"The chief senior brother lost two rounds in a row…"

"Torterra had a quadruple weakness to Fire. How will he fight next?"

"Is this a Shiny Pokémon? Aggron is a Steel- and Rock-type, yet it unleashed such a powerful Fire-type attack… I really want a Shiny Pokémon too!"

"Come on, chief brother!"

While many disciples had once admired their senior brother and aspired to catch up to him, some had begun to criticize Rudy. However, a few still cheered for him.

In a four-on-six battle, losing two matches right at the start was already a major setback.

Chris observed Rudy closely. Surprisingly, he seemed unfazed by the negative remarks. Instead, his eyes burned with fighting spirit as he locked onto his opponent.

Now this was a real Trainer—someone who truly loved the battle.

That was Chris's evaluation.

Raising his hand, Rudy threw out his fourth Poké Ball.

It was his trump card—the strongest Pokémon of the Star Moon Gym.

Venusaur!

Even if Rudy didn't personally feel pressure from the losses, his Pokémon would.

As a Trainer, he wasn't simply wielding weapons—he was leading his partners into battle. He had to consider the morale of his entire team, just like a leader.

After losing two rounds in a row, he needed to turn the tide. Not just for his own confidence, but for his Pokémon's confidence as well.

Venusaur was Rudy's first Pokémon, gifted to him by Robert. It had been by his side through every challenge, enduring countless battles. Time and time again, Venusaur had carried the team through tough situations, turning the tide of battle in the most desperate moments.

This wasn't the worst situation they had ever faced.

Victory was still within reach!

"Venuuu!!!" Venusaur roared as it stepped onto the battlefield. Sensing its Trainer's determination, it was ready for a comeback.

"Venusaur, Mega Evolve!" Rudy commanded, raising his hand. A Key Stone embedded in his ring shimmered, radiating a dazzling light.

"Venu~!" Venusaur roared once more as a brilliant glow engulfed its massive body.

In the blink of an eye, the energy swelled, expanding its form. When the light shattered, Mega Venusaur stood before everyone, fully evolved and ready for battle.

With its larger body, Mega Venusaur now had even more green vines sprouting from the thick pillars on its back, vibrant red flowers blooming atop its head, and an aura that surged with newfound strength.

The disciples in the audience were stunned.

"When did the chief brother obtain a Mega Evolution stone?"

"If it's a Mega Venusaur, then the chief senior brother still has a chance to win!" Thinking back to Robert's legendary battles with his own Mega Venusaur, the disciples regained some confidence as they envisioned Rudy following in his footsteps.

Grace turned to her father. "Did you give him the Mega Evolution stone?"

Robert raised an eyebrow. "Who else?"

"I'm about to retire, and you're not interested in becoming a professional Trainer. Someone has to inherit this Mega Evolution stone."

"Besides, I still hope he'll take over the Star Moon Gym. If the Gym changes ownership, who knows if this lush, green battlefield will still be here the next time I return?"

Grace nodded silently.

Chris studied Mega Venusaur. He also possessed a Venusaurite, but unfortunately, he had only recently caught his Venusaur. Their bond wasn't strong enough to trigger Mega Evolution yet.

As Rudy's trump card, even though it was only at a quasi-Gym Leader level, its combat power would undoubtedly reach Gym Leader level after Mega Evolution.

This wasn't a matchup that Aggron could handle.

Without hesitation, before the battle even started, Chris withdrew Aggron into its Poké Ball.

He sent out Gardevoir instead.

With Mega Evolution complete, Venusaur's Ability changed to Thick Fat, reducing the effectiveness of two of its previous weaknesses.

Fire- and Ice-type moves, which once dealt double damage, would now have their power halved. What was once a clear weakness had become negligible.

Now, only two types remained effective against Mega Venusaur: Flying and Psychic.

Between Gyarados and Gardevoir, Chris chose the latter—it would make ending this match much easier.

"Gardevoir, Mega Evolve!" Chris commanded, raising his hand to reveal his Mega Ring.

"Garde~" Gardevoir spread its arms, welcoming the surge of power from its Trainer.

In an instant, dazzling light enveloped it. As the energy settled, an elegant and noble Mega Gardevoir stood before the audience, now adorned with flowing blue hair and a sleek black dress.

The entire crowd fell into stunned silence.

"Wait… is Chris's third Pokémon also a Shiny?!"

"How does he always have Shiny Pokémon?"

"And it's a Shiny Mega Gardevoir!"

The most unbearable part? He actually had a Mega Evolution stone for it too!

Shiny Mega Gardevoir…

At that moment, some disciples suddenly felt the same excitement as chasing a beloved character from an anime.

But the real tragedy?

Mega Gardevoir already had a Trainer.

For a brief moment, all the disciples watching—even the female ones—stared at Chris with jealousy, their eyes burning with resentment.

Robert studied Chris with a complicated expression.

So… this kid wasn't even using his full strength when he fought me last time?

A Shiny Mega Gardevoir—such an existence was almost unheard of.

"This kid Rudy… has lost."