Chapter 191: Tamagawa Naoki

Kalia wasn't intimidated by Dark Guild members; this was Rhine City, and any trouble they caused would have severe consequences.

However, she didn't underestimate them either, remaining vigilant. The white bracelet could indeed be of great significance if it warranted such attention from the Dark Guild—better to exercise caution.

As Kalia watched the figure disappear into the shadows, unsure of their destination, she proceeded as usual to Lewis's orchard. Today, she planned to create energy cubes from the Passho Berries. Although only five berries were available, it was still worthwhile.

Seated on a chair, Kalia began mixing flavors for the energy cubes, occasionally having Charmeleon taste-test them.

"Charmeleon, try this flavor." She produced a blue energy cube and handed it to Charmeleon.

Lian shook his head; his Water Resistance had already reached its maximum, making the Passho Berry energy cubes redundant for him. Instead, he decided it would be better suited for Ninetales.

He pointed at Ninetales' Poké Ball, signaling his intention. Kalia immediately understood what Charmeleon meant, recalling that Charmeleon seemed no longer vulnerable to Water-types, rendering the consumption unnecessary.

"I wonder how you overcame this fear," Kalia murmured to herself. The innate aversion of Fire-type Pokémon to water is typically mitigated through training or by consuming berries like Passho Berries, which enhance resistance against Water-type moves.

However, Charmeleon was an exception. Initially prone to seasickness on boats, it gradually became unfazed by water. Even getting soaked didn't bother it, and it could now swim effortlessly.

Kalia then released Ninetales, offering it the freshly made energy cubes since Charmeleon had no need for them.

"Charmeleon, let's visit the grass-type gym later today," Kalia suddenly suggested.

The thought of the grass-type gym brought back fond memories for Kalia; she had spent considerable time there. After resting for several days, it felt right to pay it a visit again.

Lian nodded, indifferent to the plan. Grass-type gyms should pose little challenge anyway, as a single Flamethrower from a Fire-type Pokémon would easily dispatch their opponents.

Based on the Pokémon levels observed at the Fire-type Gym, he surmised that the grass-type gym would likely be a Silver Rank Gym, with the Gym Leader's Pokémon probably around level 40.

At his current level 32, Lian could confidently face Pokémon even twenty levels higher due to type advantage, making a ten-level gap relatively insignificant.

After finishing lunch, Kalia walked to the Grass-type Gym during the afternoon.

The gym was not far from Lewis's orchard, and she reached it after a brief stroll. As expected, it maintained its signature verdant architectural style reminiscent of her memories.

The Grass-type Gym building featured numerous vines adorned with various flowers and plants. The sweet fragrance could be detected from afar, reflecting a feminine design aesthetic.

Previously, the gym had a more simplistic appearance until Kalia became the Gym Leader and took the time to meticulously enhance its exterior. It seemed Tamagawa Naoki hadn't altered the gym's look since then.

Pushing open the doors, Kalia entered the Grass-type Gym once again. Inside, it felt somewhat quiet, as challengers only occasionally visited. Trainers who lost would typically go back for rigorous training before returning when they felt confident enough to reattempt their challenge.

Generally, Gym Leaders have relatively free schedules with ample downtime. Many Gym Leaders utilized this by taking students, conducting daily classes, filling their time, and earning some Alliance Coins along the way to purchase items for nurturing their Pokemon.

Whoosh!

The lights suddenly illuminated within the gym, highlighting the lush flora around, especially vibrant under the glow, displaying a colorful array.

The ceiling of the grass-type gym was also designed to be open-air, capable of opening and closing at any time. However, it usually remains closed except during battles for convenience.

Gym Leaders do not spend every day at their gyms but typically devote most of their time there. Currently, Tamagawa Naoki is indeed present within the gym.

Kalia slowly walked inside, and after a short distance, she lifted her head slightly, spotting the person who had previously defeated her.

Tamagawa Naoki, a top student from the Ruby Pokémon Academy, graduated directly from the mid-level class to become the Grass-type Gym Leader of the Sebas region, specializing in Grass-type Pokémon.

During their initial encounter, Tamagawa Naoki defeated Kalia using Venusaur, the starter Pokémon from the Ellie Region; Breloom; and Serperior.

His core Pokémon, Serperior, possessed the exceptionally rare hidden Ability Contrary, which allowed detrimental effects to be converted into beneficial ones instead.

Dressed casually, Tamagawa Naoki noticed Kalia's arrival with slight surprise, clearly not expecting her return so soon.

"I'm here to challenge you," Kalia stated calmly, devoid of any emotional excitement, as if addressing a trivial matter.

Tamagawa Naoki appeared genuinely surprised; although he wasn't someone who constantly stayed at the gym, neither did he have any reason to specifically keep track of Kalia's activities.

He didn't expect her return after just three months. Seeing the four badges on Kalia's shoulder, Tamagawa Naoki experienced another jolt of shock.

"Quite unexpected. It seems you've made significant progress since our last encounter. However, do you truly believe you can defeat me? Another loss could severely dent your confidence," Tamagawa Naoki remarked, seemingly offering cautionary advice.

"If I weren't confident, I wouldn't challenge you so soon," Kalia responded firmly. Today seemed like the perfect day to settle everything once and for all. Although reclaiming the Gym Leader position was no longer possible, she had no intention of pursuing it anyway. Defeating Tamagawa Naoki decisively would be satisfaction enough.

"Well then..."

Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed from outside, causing the ground beneath them to tremble violently, its vibrations unmistakable.

"What's happening?" Kalia exclaimed, startled. The shaking felt reminiscent of a Ground-type Pokémon using Earthquake, typically associated with such intense quakes.

Tamagawa Naoki immediately rushed out of the gym; as a Gym Leader, one of his duties was to maintain stability around the gym's vicinity. Upon exiting, he realized that the earthquake continued unabated and affected a vast area, not just close to the gym.

Kalia also emerged from the gym, witnessing many people in disarray, eager to investigate what had occurred. Even patrol officers on the streets hurried towards the epicenter of the quake.

Kalia prepared herself to join them, knowing well that using Earthquake moves within city limits was strictly prohibited, except inside gyms designed for battles.

However, cities have numerous tall buildings, making the use of such moves highly dangerous, potentially leading to catastrophic collapses.

The sudden earthquake was no minor event and would undoubtedly attract attention from various quarters.

"Let's pause the challenge for now. I need to go check this out," Tamagawa Naoki said. As a Gym Leader, he had several responsibilities, including responding to incidents like these.

"I'll come with you," Kalia decided, ready to follow him.

"No need, it was my doing."

At that moment, the former Dark Guild member stepped out from the shadows, his voice echoing through the air.