Underground Challenge Road!

I closed the door behind me, recalling Aria and Oddy into their Poké Balls. The familiar click of the orbs in my hand brought a sense of grounding. I adjusted the belt at my waist before shifting my attention to Rotom, who was buzzing around me with its usual excitement.

"Where are we heading next?" I asked, rolling my shoulders and doing a few stretches to loosen up.

Rotom spun around me, projecting a screen with a confident flair. [Do not worry, Alex Carter! I've got everything planned out!] it said, spinning in place as the screen of the Rotom flashed a map.

I wiped off the Poké Ball that was holding the Little Dash I had been holding, careful not to smear the surface. "So? What's the next stop? This map doesn't explain anything."

Rotom's display blinked to life. [We'll start by entering Challenge Road! It'll be a great experience for Miss Aria and Mr. Oddy—and especially for a new trainer like you.]

I raised an eyebrow. "Challenge Road?" I said ignoring the comment of Rotom.

Rotom hovered a little closer, a faint buzz of excitement in its voice. [Challenge Road is in the Underground Path. It's filled with trainers eager to win prizes! The prize changes every day. Beat the most trainers, and you'll win.]

I nodded, starting to understand. "So, it's like Nugget Bridge, but underground?"

Rotom's screen flashed with a smile. It was the confirmation I needed. "Got it."

"Then after that, we're heading to the Electric-type Gym, right?" I asked, already walking toward the entrance to the Underground Path, which lay ahead.

[Yes, Alex Carter! But I have to warn you—the Electric-type Gym will be one of the toughest challenges that you will ever face. The Gym Leader is incredibly strong.]

I wondered how tough Lieutenant Surge could really be. With Diglett Cave so close, could his Pokémon really be that much of a challenge? My thoughts were interrupted as I reached the wooden door of the Underground Path.

I pushed open the creaky wooden door, and the interior of the path was a stark contrast to the path and the gate outside. It was as dark as night, with only a faint flickering light from somewhere deep underground casting long shadows on the walls.

Just as I stepped forward, a mechanical screen slid down from the wall, blinking to life with a cold, digital light that asked my Trainer ID.

"Rotom?" I asked, pausing in front of the screen.

Rotom zipped forward and entered my Trainer ID number into the screen. A moment later, it flashed to life, displaying my name—Alex Carter—along with my Pokémon: Aria,Oddy and a Egg.

The screen slid open, presenting a wristband and six Poké Balls. I grabbed the wristband and examined it before taking the pokeballs as the screen closed right after ı taked the Pokeballs leaving three slots sealed and the other three empty.

The air around me felt different—nervous, almost electric. The sounds of distant battles and roars echoed from below, heightening the tension.

"Rotom, did you leave something out while explaining all of this?" I asked, a knot of unease forming in my chest as ı cganged my gaze towards it.

Rotom floated closer, its smile flickering in the dim light. [There's one thing I didn't mention, Alex Carter, one small thing!]

I raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Rotom's voice took on a more mischievous tone. [This Challenge Road is a fair place! You can't just bring in your Level 100 Pokémon and steamroll everyone. The Champion made sure that every trainer uses random Pokémon, not their own. It's designed to give new trainers a chance.]

I processed this for a moment. Feeling adrenaline and enjoyment surf through me. This was going to be a fun challenge for someone like me. Who become the World Champion in a randomized battle format.

Rotom's voice cut through my thoughts again. [You can leave Miss Aria, Mr. Oddy, and Little Dash here until you leave the Underground. They'll be taken care of.] Rotom said as ı could not keep my smile to myself.

[So, if you're ready, good luck, Alex Carter! Remember—you only win the prize if you defeat the most trainers! I'll be waiting for you on the other side of the Underground Path.]

Rotom buzzed excitedly, but I was already too absorbed in the fun ahead of me. As I slid the Poké Balls into the now empty slots on my belt, I knew that this was the kind of test I am proffesionel for—a test of instinct and quick thinking.

Just before Rotom buzzed off toward the exit, I called after it. "Wait! I don't even know the movesets or Pokémon in these balls!"

Before I could get more words out, the wristband on my arm glowed brightly, and a new screen appeared, displaying the details of the six Pokémon I'd just been handed.

I quickly scanned through the information, my heart racing. There wasn't time to worry about being stressful and only enjoy—this was not even a real trial for someone like me.

With a deep breath, I adjusted my red coat and stepped forward but the moment I took my last step, I was greeted by a Fire Blast hurtling straight toward my face. Instinctively, I raised my arms to shield myself, bracing for impact—only for the flames to disintegrate into harmless dust the second they made contact. Not even a scratch. I quickly glanced down at my wristband, noticing a glowing shield icon flashing on its surface.

Before I could process what had happened, a kinda familiar voice called out.

"Hey man, you good? Sorry, I didn't see you there!"

I turned to find the same trainer I had seen back at the Cerulean Gym, the one of the two that battled the Water Sisters along side me. Back then, he had been dressed in all white, but now, his style had shifted completely. His blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and he was clad in a black leather jacket over matching dark jeans. A silver necklace glinted under the Underground's chaotic lighting, reflecting the glow of his Rapidash's flames.

He extended a hand, shaking mine with a firm grip. "Welcome to the Underground!"

As I took in my surroundings, the sheer energy of the place overwhelmed me. A massive Blastoise blasted a Rhydon off its feet with a devastating Hydro Pump, only to be immediately struck by a Tangrowth's Power Whip. The roar of battle was constant, echoing through the cavernous space like an endless storm.

"This place is awesome!" I said, my eyes widening at the spectacle before me.

"I know, right?" he grinned. "By the way, I'm Khan."

I snapped back to reality, shaking my head clear of distraction. "O-oh yeah, I'm Alex!"

Khan studied me for a moment before rubbing his chin in thought. "Alex... Alex... Alex Carter?" His eyes lit up as he snapped his fingers while ı gave a small nod. "Man, that battle of yours with Misty was insane! It was a shame they made everyone leave in case of danger. I would've loved to see the whole thing with my own eyes!"

I chuckled, scratching the back of my head. "Yeah, it was something… But what about you? Did you manged to beat Misty?"

At that, his enthusiasm deflated just a little.

"Yeah ı did beated her today… I came straight from the gym to shake off some stress. Yesterday, I made it past the Water Sisters once again, but then I got completely wrecked." He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Some weird-looking Kadabra was just playing with Magikarp in the air putting a real show, so Misty decided to take him. That thing destroyed her. I think its trainer's name was Samuel? Simon? Something like that. Anyway, I barely managed to beat her an hour ago! But man, you should've seen that guy! He one-shot her Starmie with a tiny little weird looking Axew—ahh, what was his name?"

"Sammy," I guessed.

Khan snapped his fingers. "Yeah! Sammy! Wait… do you know him?" He looked at me, slightly dumbfounded.

I sighed, already feeling my motivation drop. "Yeah… sadly, he's my rival."

Khan exhaled, giving me a sympathetic pat on the back. "That's tough, buddy… But you know what always makes me feel better after getting beaten down?"

That pulled me from my thoughts. I adjusted my hat and looked at him. "Y-yeah? What is it?"

"A battle!" he declared, his grin widening.

Something about his energy was contagious, and I couldn't help but smirk. Without hesitation, I pulled a Pokéball from my belt and pointed it straight at him. "A battle it is, then!"

Khan took a few quick steps backward, creating an arena's worth of distance between us. I took one last glance at the moveset on my wristband before clenching my fist in determination.

"Khan! Get ready!" I shouted, launching my Pokéball into the air.

"Lets see who is better, ALEX CARTER!!" he roared back as i smiled to his energy while he throwed his own Pokéball to air making it clash with mine at full force.

"Go, Ampharos!!!"

"Go, Arcanine!!!"

We both stood firm, the excitement buzzing in the air between us, as the Pokémon materialized onto the battlefield roaring with full power.