Chapter 215: Succeeded, The Seventh Badge
"Pikachu, come back! You did great—take a good rest. It's time for one of your teammates to finish the job!"
Ash held up Pikachu's Poké Ball, recalling his trusted partner. Then, with confidence, he reached for another Poké Ball and threw it into the air.
"Charizard, I choose you!"
A brilliant white light burst forth, and Charizard emerged from above, spreading its massive wings before landing on the battlefield. Its amber eyes locked onto Magmar, and an expression of pure confidence crossed its face.
However, as Charizard sized up Magmar, a trace of disdain flickered in its gaze.
Magmar had initially remained calm, but the moment Charizard arrived, its posture stiffened. A powerful, oppressive aura radiated from Charizard, making Magmar feel an intense pressure—a feeling it had never experienced before!
While Pikachu had defeated Arcanine, neither Arcanine nor Magmar had felt any divine presence from the small Electric-type Pokémon. But Charizard was different.
Unlike Pikachu, Charizard had not only mastered its inheritance power, but it had also surpassed the Elite level. Since Magmar was also a Fire-type Pokémon, it could sense just how terrifying Charizard's strength really was!
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Blaine's Surprise
"An excellent Charizard… truly incredible." Blaine's sharp eyes flickered with interest as he studied Ash's Pokémon. "Is it… a different color variant?"
He had noticed the golden flames flickering on Charizard's tail and immediately assumed it was a shiny Pokémon. However, something felt off.
"Wait… the normal shiny Charizard has a black body, but this Charizard's flames are golden instead of the usual orange-red…" Blaine muttered, rubbing his chin.
More importantly, the energy radiating from Charizard wasn't just that of a typical Fire-type Pokémon. It carried an overwhelming presence—almost like the sun itself!
"Ash really isn't holding back…" Brock sighed from the sidelines.
Misty nodded, her eyes locked onto the battlefield. "Charizard is without a doubt the strongest Pokémon in Ash's team. Even Pikachu is slightly inferior to it."
Aria, a local trainer from Cinnabar Island, observed the battle closely. "That Charizard… it feels way beyond normal Elite-level Pokémon."
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The Battle Begins!
Blaine took a deep breath and raised his hand. "Alright then, Ash! Show me what makes this Charizard special!"
Ash's grin widened. "You asked for it! Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
"Eruption—!" Charizard let out a mighty roar, filled with excitement and battle spirit. In an instant, Fire-type energy surged within its body, and a golden flame erupted from its mouth!
The searing inferno roared through the air like a fire dragon, distorting the very space around it!
The sheer intensity of the flames stunned Blaine.
"What terrifying power…!" he murmured.
The battlefield was already surrounded by magma pools, meaning the temperature was naturally high. Yet Charizard's golden flames burned far hotter than anything in the environment!
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Magmar's Counterattack
Blaine narrowed his eyes and swiftly made a decision.
"Magmar, counter with Flamethrower!"
Magmar tensed up. Despite the pressure from Charizard's aura, it didn't hesitate. With a deep inhale, it summoned its own Fire-type energy, and a jet of bright orange flames surged toward Charizard's attack!
"Duckbill!" Magmar roared as its Flamethrower shot forward!
However—
The difference in power was clear.
Charizard's golden flames were not only larger and more intense, but they were also far more refined. The moment the two attacks clashed, it became painfully obvious which one was stronger.
"Boom!"
The battlefield shook as the flames collided, but within seconds, Charizard's flames overpowered Magmar's attack completely!
The golden fire devoured Magmar's Flamethrower, continuing its path uninterrupted as it barreled straight for Magmar!
Blaine's face darkened. "Magmar, dodge it!"
But it was too late.
The golden inferno slammed into Magmar, engulfing it instantly!
"Duuuuuuck—!" Magmar let out a pained cry as it staggered back, trying to withstand the flames.
The entire arena was momentarily bathed in blazing gold light, making the spectators shield their eyes from the intensity.
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Charizard's True Power
As the flames finally subsided, Magmar stood wobbling, its body covered in scorch marks. It was badly weakened!
Blaine gritted his teeth. "That was no ordinary Flamethrower… That was something else entirely."
Misty clenched her fists in excitement. "Charizard is on another level!"
Brock nodded. "The power behind that attack is insane. No wonder Blaine is getting serious now."
Even Aria, who had watched many Gym Battles, was shocked. "Charizard's flames… they feel almost legendary."
Ash smirked. "I told you, Blaine… We're not the same as before!"
Blaine chuckled despite himself. "I can see that now."
Taking a deep breath, he pointed at Magmar. "We're not done yet! Magmar, use Thunder Punch!"
Magmar's fists crackled with electricity, as it charged forward, aiming a powerful punch at Charizard!
Ash's eyes flashed. "Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's claws glowed with a blue dragonic aura, and as Magmar's Thunder Punch neared—
"Clash!"
The two moves collided, sending shockwaves rippling across the battlefield!
Both Pokémon staggered back, but only one of them remained standing.
Magmar's legs gave out, and with a final grunt, it collapsed onto the ground.
The referee raised his hand.
"Magmar is unable to battle! Charizard wins!"
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Victory & The Seventh Badge
The crowd erupted in cheers!
Ash pumped his fist in victory. "Yes! We did it, Charizard!"
"Roar!" Charizard lifted its head, releasing a powerful roar in celebration.
Blaine walked over, shaking his head with a small smile. "That was an incredible battle, Ash. I can confidently say—you've earned this."
With that, he reached into his pocket and held out a small golden badge—
"This is the Volcano Badge. Congratulations."
Ash took the badge, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Our seventh badge… We're one step closer to the Pokémon League!"
Misty, Brock, and Aria cheered.
"On to the next one!"