Chapter 20: A Champion’s Guidance

Chapter 20: A Champion's Guidance

"Charizard, Sunny Day, then Flamethrower!" Ron commanded.

Charizard launched a ball of energy into the sky, instantly intensifying the sunlight. But before it could unleash Flamethrower, Metagross's Steel Claw struck Charizard's stomach, sending it flying backward. It was Bullet Punch—a swift and powerful move.

"Don't rely too much on weather-based abilities just to enhance attack power," Steven Stone advised calmly. "Unless you're setting up for a long-term strategy. Also, your attack execution is too slow—you need to improve on that."

"Got it. Charizard, Smokescreen, then Outrage!" Ron responded seriously.

Charizard released a thick cloud of smoke, covering Metagross. Then, dragon energy surged as Charizard rushed forward, carrying immense force to strike Metagross.

"Protect." Steven remained unfazed.

The protective barrier blocked Charizard's Outrage, interrupting the move before it could deal damage.

Then, Steven continued, "Don't always rely on high-power moves. Sometimes, weaker or more strategic attacks can be more effective. Your Charizard is well-trained in many aspects, but you need to refine its move selection. Let's end this—Psychic!"

A powerful Psychic wave lifted Charizard and slammed it into the ground, knocking it unconscious.

Ron was silent for a moment, but a spark of realization flashed in his eyes. Without hesitation, he sent out Beedrill.

"Beedrill, Agility, then Giga Impact!"

Steven nodded approvingly. "Not bad, but you underestimate champions—Protect."

The protective barrier formed instantly, completely negating Beedrill's Giga Impact.

Ron gritted his teeth. "Giga Impact again!"

"Protect, then Bullet Punch." Steven smirked. "Move selection isn't just about spamming powerful attacks. Let me tell you clearly—Metagross's Protect has a 100% success rate. You need to think before making a move."

The Protect barrier blocked another Giga Impact, and Metagross retaliated with Bullet Punch, knocking Beedrill out cold.

Steven commented, "I see you've fully invested in Beedrill's offensive abilities, but its endurance is too low. Specializing in one stat too much creates weaknesses. Think of battle strategies as a wooden barrel—its water capacity is determined by the shortest plank. Now, send out your next Pokémon."

---

A Critical Evolution

"Nidorino, it's time to evolve."

Ron took a Moon Stone from his bag and handed it to Nidorino.

A brilliant evolutionary glow engulfed Nidorino, transforming it into a powerful Nidoking.

Ron had been delaying Nidoking's evolution to let it learn Horn Drill, a one-hit KO move exclusive to Nidorino. Now that it had the move, he was ready to bring Nidoking to its full potential.

Against Steven, he couldn't hold back anymore.

"Nidoking, Earth Power!"

Nidoking stomped the ground, causing the earth to surge like waves toward Metagross.

"Magnet Rise."

Metagross lifted off the ground, rendering Earth Power completely ineffective.

Ron grimaced. "Nidoking, Flatter!"

"Bullet Punch." Steven frowned slightly. "Ron, I can see that you struggle against type disadvantages. When facing a counter, you need to think beyond brute force. Expand your move variety—otherwise, type matchups will always dictate your losses."

Nidoking collapsed from Bullet Punch.

Ron absorbed every word carefully, then sent out Gloom.

Steven shook his head, then threw two stones toward Ron.

Ron caught them—they were a Leaf Stone and a Sun Stone.

Steven smirked. "Consider it a gift."

Ron handed the Sun Stone to Gloom, tossing the Leaf Stone back to Steven. "Thanks, mentor."

The evolutionary glow appeared again, and a delicate Bellossom took the battlefield.

"Bellossom, Teeter Dance!"

Steven nodded. "Good choice of move, but don't over-prioritize inflicting status conditions—Ice Punch."

Ron grinned. "I know. Switch move—Magical Leaf!"

Metagross landed a solid Ice Punch, knocking Bellossom out instantly, but not before it managed to land a Magical Leaf, finally dealing some damage.

Steven laughed. "Not bad. You're learning quickly."

"Of course! With a mentor like you, I have to improve. Greninja, let's show him our full power—Bond Phenomenon!"

Ron and Greninja synchronized their movements. Water swirled around Greninja, forming a powerful aura. When the water dispersed, Ash-Greninja emerged.

Ron threw his hands forward.

"Water Shuriken!"

Greninja drew two massive water kunai from its back and hurled them at Metagross.

Steven's eyes lit up in excitement.

"I've never seen an evolution like this before. Very impressive. Metagross, Psychic!"

The Water Shurikens struck Metagross, but it retaliated with Psychic, attempting to immobilize Greninja.

But Greninja easily broke free.

Seeing an opening, Ron dashed forward, and Greninja mirrored his movements, landing a surprise Night Slash on Metagross.

Steven grinned. "Oh, it has a Dark-type move, I see."

"Now, Brick Break!"

"Extrasensory."

Ron and Greninja formed a hand seal together, launching Extrasensory at Metagross, while Metagross's Brick Break struck Greninja.

"Hmm… It didn't faint? Is it just that tanky, or...?" Steven speculated. "Bullet Punch!"

Ron exhaled sharply. "Water Pulse!"

Greninja's Water Pulse blasted Metagross, but Bullet Punch landed—Greninja collapsed, reverting from its Bonded Form back to normal.

Steven nodded. "A very interesting phenomenon, but it needs more refinement. I can see potential in its speed and attack power—keep training, and it'll become a true powerhouse."

Ron grinned, then sent out his final Pokémon.

"Mewtwo, let's show him your strength—Power Swap!"

Mewtwo and Metagross's defenses swapped, shocking Steven.

"Shadow Ball!"

Ron winced. "Future Sight! Also—how did you know Mewtwo was Psychic-type?"

Mewtwo launched Future Sight into the void, while Shadow Ball struck directly, barely missing a KO thanks to Metagross's defense swap.

Steven laughed. "My Metagross is also part Psychic-type. It's not hard to tell."

"Shadow Ball again!"

"Recover, then Disable!"

Mewtwo restored some HP, then Disabled Shadow Ball, forcing Metagross to change tactics.

"Too slow—finish it with Meteor Mash!"

Steven called the final attack. Metagross's Meteor Mash landed hard, knocking Mewtwo out cold.

---

A New Goal

Ron recalled Mewtwo.

Steven stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know exactly what kind of Pokémon your Mewtwo is, but I can tell—it has more potential than any Pokémon you own. If you reach my level, Mewtwo will likely surpass even my Metagross."

Steven didn't outright say it, but he had a strong suspicion—Mewtwo was likely a Legendary Pokémon.

However, he kept his thoughts to himself—it wasn't his place to interfere.

Ron nodded gratefully, bidding farewell to Steven.

Steven jumped onto Metagross's back, and within seconds, they soared into the sky, disappearing from sight.

Ron watched him leave, clenching his fists.

This battle changed everything.

It made him realize his weaknesses, but more importantly—it fueled his drive to become stronger.