Vermilion Gym

"Okay, we have a Gym battle today, so everyone return to your Poké Balls first," Tyson said.

Hearing this, the Pokémon who had just finished eating obediently returned to their Poké Balls.

After leaving the hotel, Tyson headed straight to Vermilion Gym.

Once he arrived, a staff member escorted him to the waiting room. Tyson used the time to review strategies and information about trainers. When he grew tired of reading, he closed his eyes and began honing his psychic abilities.

Unfortunately, Tyson felt his progress was slow—his abilities were only at the intermediate level after such a long time. Despite this, he could maintain telepathy for extended periods, more than sufficient for several battles.

What Tyson didn't realize was that his progress was already remarkable. Without a mentor or external guidance, relying solely on books and limited daily practice, he had achieved what would take most psychics much longer. For Tyson, psychic abilities were only a supporting tool; telepathy alone met his needs.

If someone else had similar powers, they might dedicate all their time to mastering them—learning techniques like Teleport for rapid travel or training to physically combat powerful Pokémon.

Suddenly, Tyson opened his eyes. A staff member had entered the room.

"Hello, are you Trainer Tyson?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Great, please follow me. It's time for your Gym battle."

"Alright."

The Vermilion Gym used a standard battle arena. When Tyson arrived, the referee and Gym Leader Lt. Surge were already in position.

As the referee explained the rules, Tyson studied his opponent.

Dressed in a military uniform, with a chiseled face and muscles that were hard to ignore, Lt. Surge radiated toughness. His reputation preceded him—not only was he a formidable Gym Leader, but he was also one of the rare individuals trusted to lead Pokémon units in military operations.

"Let's do this! I expect a good fight from you," Lt. Surge said, releasing his first Pokémon.

A flash of light revealed an Electrode on the battlefield.

After analyzing its advanced level with his Pokédex, Tyson sent out his Alakazam.

"A Psychic-type, huh? This should be interesting," Lt. Surge said with a smirk.

"Alakazam, use Psychic!"

Taking advantage of his opponent's surprise, Tyson launched the first attack.

"Electrode, use Thunder!"

Lt. Surge's commands were swift, and a massive bolt of electricity surged forward, piercing through Alakazam's psychic energy.

At the last moment, Alakazam used Teleport, dodging the attack and causing Electrode to be struck by its own thunderous power.

Before Electrode could recover, Alakazam followed up with a decisive Psyshock.

"Electrode, use Charge Beam!"

Electrode retaliated, firing a beam of electricity. The attack hit Alakazam's psychic field but failed to break through completely.

"Focus and counter with Psychic!" Tyson instructed telepathically.

The enhanced psychic energy overwhelmed Electrode, defeating it. Tyson's calm demeanor and lack of verbal commands made him appear mysterious. Lt. Surge quickly realized Tyson and Alakazam were communicating telepathically.

"Not bad," Lt. Surge said. "But let's see how you handle this!"

He released his second Pokémon—a Magneton.

"Magneton, set up an Electric Terrain!"

Orange sparks erupted across the battlefield, boosting Electric-type moves and preventing any Pokémon from falling asleep.

"Alakazam, use Calm Mind!"

Tyson seized the moment to strengthen Alakazam's stats, preparing for the next round.

"Magneton, hit them with Thunderbolt!"

Electric currents surged toward Alakazam, who countered with Reflect, reducing the damage.

"Now, Shadow Ball!" Tyson commanded.

A dark orb of energy shot out from Alakazam, hitting Magneton squarely and forcing it back.

"Magneton, retaliate with Flash Cannon!"

The metallic beam clashed with Alakazam's psychic shield, creating an explosion of light. Alakazam emerged unscathed and immediately launched another Psychic attack, knocking out Magneton.

"Impressive!" Lt. Surge exclaimed.

 ---

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