Chapter:40

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Onix roared as it gathered energy. Massive rocks appeared around it, floating ominously in the air before launching toward Charmeleon.

"Charmeleon, [Aerial Ace]!"

Satoshi's calm command echoed through the battlefield.

"Roar!"

Charmeleon sprang into action, nimbly dodging one rock after another. In mere moments, it closed the gap between itself and Onix.

"What?! This Charmeleon knows [Aerial Ace]?"

Brock's expression shifted from composed to astonished.

It was already shocking enough that Satoshi, who had just started his journey, managed to reach Pewter City while training his starter Pokémon to such an impressive level.

But now, seeing Charmeleon execute [Aerial Ace], Brock was utterly taken aback.

It wasn't unheard of for Pokémon to use non-native skills or moves outside their natural growth patterns. Trainers often employed a technique known as teaching moves, which required time, effort, and a strong bond between the Pokémon and its trainer.

However, [Aerial Ace] was a Flying-type move, a category inherently different from Charmeleon's Fire-type skills. The difficulty of teaching such a skill would've been immense.

Brock recalled how long it had taken him to train his Onix to master [Rocket Headbutt], and that had been an uphill battle.

"And yet, Satoshi managed this after just starting his journey?"

For a moment, Brock felt as if he was looking at a natural-born genius.

"This must be why that person wanted me to test him like this."

Brock's thoughts raced before Satoshi's next command brought him back to reality.

"Charmeleon, [Iron Tail]!"

The command drew Brock's full attention back to the battle.

"Onix, [Gyro Ball]!"

Although Brock was momentarily distracted, his reflexes as a seasoned gym leader kicked in. He issued a counter-command instantly.

Onix began to rapidly spin, its massive body glowing faintly as it prepared to tackle Charmeleon with tremendous force.

Charmeleon, however, was already in motion. It spun gracefully, its tail shining metallically, before bringing it down in a powerful strike.

"Bang!!"

The sound of the collision echoed through the gym, resembling the clash of two steel plates. The force of the impact caused both Pokémon to be pushed back.

At first glance, the exchange seemed evenly matched, but a closer look revealed the truth. Onix had been forced to retreat several steps further than Charmeleon.

This outcome was no surprise to Satoshi. Onix's Rock typing left it vulnerable to Charmeleon's Steel-type [Iron Tail], whereas Charmeleon's Fire typing reduced the damage it took from Steel-type moves like [Gyro Ball].

Satoshi smirked. The first exchange had gone in his favor.

"Using [Aerial Ace] to close the distance, then following up with [Iron Tail]... You came prepared, didn't you?"

Brock analyzed Satoshi's tactics, his tone tinged with admiration.

"However," he added, "you've overlooked a critical flaw."

Satoshi raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for Brock to elaborate.

"As a Fire-type Pokémon, Charmeleon takes double damage from Rock and Ground-type moves. How many hits do you think it can withstand?

And with [Iron Tail] being your only effective attack against Onix, all I need to do is keep my distance."

"Onix, [Rock Throw]!"

Onix roared again, summoning numerous rocks out of thin air. Unlike before, the rocks moved faster and in greater numbers, raining down on Charmeleon like a relentless barrage.

"Tch, he's trying to maintain distance and wear Charmeleon down. A solid counter-strategy," Satoshi muttered.

He couldn't help but admire Brock's tactical acumen.

This wasn't the first time Satoshi had encountered a gym leader, but Brock's ability to quickly analyze and adapt to the situation was impressive.

"I knew this gym challenge wouldn't be easy. But this?" Satoshi sighed.

Satoshi had always intended for Frogadier to be his ace in this battle. Its Water-type moves were perfectly suited to counter Rock-types like Onix.

But he needed Charmeleon to take down at least one of Brock's Pokémon first.

However, with Onix at Level 24, the gap between it and Charmeleon (Level 26) was too narrow to rely on brute force alone.

"If this Onix's level were lower, Charmeleon could power through. But as it stands... the odds aren't in my favor."

Satoshi's mind raced.

"Charmeleon, [Dragon Rage]!"

To be continued...

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