Chapter 35: Battle with Brock

Ace didn't speak, simply recalling Zubat.

After recalling his other three Poké Balls, Ace gripped Aerodactyl's Poké Ball and calmly stated, "More talk is useless. Let's see what you've got."

With that, Ace opened the Poké Ball, and Aerodactyl shot out, circling high above and looking down at Onix and Brock.

Brock saw Aerodactyl and smiled slightly, saying without hesitation, "Rock Throw!"

Ace remained silent. Though Aerodactyl hadn't trained for too long, it had communicated with Zubat for a considerable amount of time.

Aerodactyl had developed some understanding of how to fly, accelerate, and dodge aerial obstacles.

Facing the numerous rocks appearing in the air and rapidly falling, Aerodactyl felt a subtle sense of boredom.

That's right, boredom!

When battling wild Pokémon, everyone gave it their all; the victor lived, the defeated died.

The brutal law of the jungle was more suited to the fierce Aerodactyl. It simply didn't like this soft, restrained way of battling!

"Roar!"

A roar echoed throughout the gym. Aerodactyl flapped its wings, accelerating to maximum speed, weaving through the dense barrage of falling rocks. Although it was hit a few times during this, those were unavoidable instances where Aerodactyl chose to endure hits from smaller rocks.

When the Rock Throw ended, Ace calmly said, "Ancient Power."

Aerodactyl crossed its wings in front of its body and quickly spread them apart. An energy ring appeared behind it, releasing a powerful burst of force that rapidly struck Onix's head.

This force was immense, and the impact on Onix's head left it momentarily dizzy.

Aerodactyl, however, pressed its advantage. It flapped its wings, swooped down towards Onix, and bit fiercely into Onix's head.

"Crunch crunch..."

Stone fragments scattered as Onix let out a painful howl. In just one bite, Onix was significantly wounded.

"This Aerodactyl, its wildness is hard to tame."

Brock frowned slightly and said to Ace, "Have you been battling in the wild for years? You attack with lethal intent, unable to even hold back?"

"Isn't battle inherently brutal?"

Ace looked at Brock, still speaking calmly.

"Looks like I need to teach you a lesson."

Brock sighed helplessly. "Such a wild fighting style isn't the best. You need to teach your Pokémon how to control their strength, instead of just expending it all. I see your Aerodactyl's flying technique is quite good, so why doesn't it understand this in battle?"

As Brock spoke, Onix instantly used Harden. Its rocky body became incredibly hard. Aerodactyl's fangs gnawed at Onix's body, even sparking, but it didn't inflict much more damage.

"Controlling power is a huge lesson. How to control the strength of your power is also a way to improve a Pokémon's skill."

"For example, if your Pokémon just learned a move and uses it thoughtlessly, without considering how to exert force or control energy output, the result will be that as the move becomes more familiar, the power and energy required will increase, but the move's actual power will only be so-so."

"..."

Brock simultaneously commanded Onix to battle Ace's Aerodactyl and explained the importance of power control to Ace, occasionally giving examples to deepen Ace's understanding.

Ace listened intently, committing it all to memory.

Brock's words enlightened Ace. For example, Zubat's Leech Life and Weepinbell's Three-Powder Fusion—according to Brock, Ace and his Pokémon had only grasped the superficial aspects.

If they continued this way, their moves would certainly become more proficient, but whether their power would increase was questionable.

Moreover, using moves might consume even more stamina and energy, making it entirely counterproductive.

"Thank you for the guidance, but first, I will defeat you."

Ace waved his hand and said to Brock.

Aerodactyl understood Ace's gesture instantly.

Brock also smiled. He rather liked trainers who weren't so stubborn and had talent.

"Take Down!"

"Ancient Power!"

Onix lunged forward, fiercely charging at Aerodactyl in mid-air.

Aerodactyl, however, calmly pivoted, dodging Onix's Take Down while simultaneously unleashing an Ancient Power shockwave fiercely towards Onix's weak spot, its "seven inches."

Earlier, while listening to Brock's guidance, Ace hadn't been idle; he had been silently measuring Onix's dimensions.

Onix was, after all, a snake, and its "seven inches" was its ultimate weakness.

Ancient Power slammed powerfully into Onix's "seven inches." If this were in a game, it would likely tell Ace he hit a critical spot.

But there was no such reminder in reality. However, from Onix's instantly grimacing face after Ancient Power hit its "seven inches," Ace clearly understood that this blow had hit Onix hard.

"A ring-style battle arena effectively seals Onix's digging ability. Without being able to dodge damage by digging, it's just a bigger target for us!"

Ace declared, "Aerodactyl, again, Ancient Power!"

Aerodactyl roared, and another power surge struck towards Onix's "seven inches."

Onix, now smarter, coiled its body, covering its "seven inches." Ancient Power slammed into Onix, pushing its massive body back a considerable distance.

"Abilities enhanced..."

Brock frowned slightly at the sight.

After using Ancient Power, there was a certain probability of boosting a Pokémon's overall stats. Seeing Onix get pushed back, it was clear that Aerodactyl had luckily triggered this!

"Rock Slide!"

Facing Ace, who was now shifting his strategy to attrition, Brock sighed almost imperceptibly, knowing he was already far behind.

At the same time, Brock began to ponder: This guy is right; the arena doesn't allow Onix to dig to avoid damage.

"Do I need to renovate the gym?"

Brock thought silently, simultaneously resolving that after this battle, he would close the gym for a while, renovate it, dismantle this ring, and replace it with a rock field suitable for Rock-type Pokémon!

Ace had no idea what was going on in Brock's mind. He watched as Onix, under Aerodactyl's steady attrition, slowly began to show signs of defeat, and the corner of his mouth curled upwards.

"Plan successful, everything is going according to my rhythm!"

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