Chapter 74: Saffron Gym Battle (Part 1)

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The night passed uneventfully. 

After enjoying a delicious dinner the previous evening, Liam retired to the guest room prepared by Anderi's wife. Initially, Liam wanted to spend some time bonding with little Sabrina, but she completely ignored him, leaving Liam rather disheartened.

Early the next morning, Liam woke up and greeted Ander's wife, who was making breakfast. Then, taking his PokéBalls, he headed to a specific training ground near the Saffron Gym, as directed by Ander.

As Liam trained with his five Pokémon, Ander appeared near the arena with a soft "whoosh," looking astonished as he watched the intense training session. Clearly, Liam's powerful lineup had taken him by surprise.

After finishing the morning training session, Liam and his Pokémon enjoyed a hearty breakfast. His team, brimming with energy, was clearly eager for an intense battle.

Not keeping him waiting, Ander promptly arranged the venue. Before long, someone came to inform Liam that the battle was ready to begin.

The battle venue was an elegantly designed indoor arena, with pristine wooden floors made of expensive materials that radiated opulence at every corner.

"You're here," Ander said loudly from across the arena, his arms folded.

"Yes. Please go easy on me!" Liam replied energetically.

"Hahaha, there's no need for me to hold back. I saw your Pokémon during training this morning—they're outstanding. I doubt I can teach you much. Let's both give it our all," Ander laughed.

Liam nodded without saying more.

"Alright! First, let me explain the rules of Saffron Gym battles," Ander continued. "In battles here, the Gym Leader can only use one Pokémon, while challengers may use two and freely switch between them. The match ends when one side's Pokémon are unable to continue."

"What?! Two against one? Are you underestimating me?" Liam frowned, clearly displeased.

"Haha, it's not about underestimating anyone. Let's begin, and you'll see you're not at an advantage after all. Start!" Ander said confidently, tossing a PokéBall. 

A flash of light revealed a green-and-white humanoid Pokémon standing on the field.

"Gallade!"

"Gallade, huh!" Liam immediately recognized the Pokémon, an alternate evolution of Kirlia via a Dawn Stone. He hadn't expected Ander to use Gallade for this battle. 

Liam reconsidered his strategy, realizing that using Sneasel wouldn't be ideal, as Gallade's Fighting type would counter its Dark type.

After some thought, Liam took out a PokéBall and tossed it into the field. A flash of light revealed Garchomp, who let out a cheerful roar toward the sky.

"A Garchomp— such an unusually coloured one at that! That will be a tough opponent," Ander remarked, surprising Liam, who didn't expect Ander to recognise Garchomp. "Seeing your team this morning, I knew you were a formidable Trainer. That's why I chose my best partner for this battle. I don't plan to lose too badly."

"Heh, don't worry, Mr. Ander. I'll go easy on you," Liam teased, his tone playful.

"Good! I'm looking forward to this battle. Referee, start the match!"

"The Saffron Gym Badge Challenge begins now!" the referee declared loudly.

"Gallade, Psychic!"

"Garchomp, Sandstorm!"

Both Trainers issued their commands simultaneously. Gallade's eyes glowed as invisible psychic energy surged forward, but Garchomp roared, summoning a violent sandstorm that quickly enveloped the field. 

Hidden within the swirling sand, Gallade lost its target.

"Garchomp, close in! Use Dragon Claw!"

Within the sandstorm, Garchomp's low growl signaled its readiness. It swiftly moved toward Gallade, its claws glowing with a purple-blue dragon aura.

"Gallade, use Swords Dance to defend against the attack as soon as it gets close!" Ander commanded.

Though the sandstorm obscured visibility, Ander's sharp hearing allowed him to react quickly. Just as Garchomp lunged, Gallade suddenly spun counterclockwise. 

Its spinning motion grew faster and faster, creating a miniature vortex that dispersed the surrounding sandstorm.

Garchomp's glowing claw struck Gallade but was deflected by the spinning motion of Swords Dance. Garchomp stared at its claws in disbelief as if questioning their effectiveness.

"Now! Gallade, Close Combat!"

Gallade stopped spinning and dashed toward Garchomp, its fists glowing. A rapid series of powerful punches struck Garchomp.

"Garchomp, Protect!"

Gallade's swift assault gave Garchomp little time to evade. With a loud roar, a green protective barrier surrounded Garchomp, absorbing the incoming blows.

"Interesting—your Garchomp knows Protect? How unique. No matter! Gallade, keep up the pressure with Night Slash!" Ander ordered, clearly unfazed.

"Garchomp, Sand Tomb!" Liam countered.

With a low growl, Garchomp blocked Gallade's slash with its claws and summoned a swirling vortex of sand. Gallade quickly retreated, ending its barrage of slashes.

The swirling sandstorm trapped Gallade, leaving it with no escape route. Just as the vortex closed in on Gallade, Ander's eyes glinted with a blue light. 

A surge of psychic energy flowed from him to Gallade, reinvigorating it.

"Gallade, Psycho Cut!"

"Gallade!"