Chapter 19: Challenging the Vermilion Gym

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Inside Sakuragi Park, Ethan and Koharu strolled leisurely side by side. The environment here was exceptionally beautiful. Functionally, it shared similarities with the forest behind Professor Oak's Laboratory, both serving as places where Trainers could keep their surplus Pokémon. With flowing water, abundant berry trees, and ample sunlight… After walking around, Ethan found that the park had a complete ecosystem, capable of being entirely self-sufficient without human interference.

As they walked, Ethan couldn't help but sigh, "With such a massive scale, Professor Sakuragi must have poured a lot of effort into this, right?"

Koharu covered her mouth and chuckled, "This park was only fully completed yesterday. My dad said that once it was finished, he absolutely had to have you, as a Trainer, be the first to come in and find any shortcomings."

Ethan shrugged, "Indeed, Professor Sakuragi, your thinking is truly rigorous."

Beside them, amidst Yamper's barks, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Eevee, and Charmander chased each other, playing happily. They seemed to really love the environment here. Only Kirlia remained steadfastly by Ethan's side.

Seeing this, Ethan chuckled and called out, "Alright, Bulbasaur, stop playing around. Remember to conserve your energy; we have serious business to attend to later."

"Serious business?" Koharu asked curiously, "What is it?"

"To challenge the Vermilion Gym, of course." Ethan suggested in a captivating tone, "What do you say, want to come with me to witness it? You know, real Pokémon battles are far more exhilarating and thrilling than what you see on TV!"

Real Pokémon battles? Koharu lowered her head, clearly tempted. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded gently.

Vermilion, the color of orange at dusk.

The Vermilion Gym was located on the west coast of Vermilion City. Its overall color scheme was yellow and white, and from the outside, it resembled a large inverted trapezoid, somewhat similar to a typical large stadium. Upon entering, there were staff members to greet them. After stating his purpose, a staff member directly led Ethan to the battle arena inside the Gym.

"Please wait a moment. Gym Leader Lt. Surge will arrive shortly."

Once the staff left, Ethan looked around. The dirt-yellow ground of the arena was bare, clearly a typical, conventional battle area. Outside the arena, on all four sides, there were dozens of rows of tiered seating, like a stadium. From his estimation, if fully occupied, it could hold at least nearly a thousand people.

As it was her first time in such a place, this formal and grand battle environment made Koharu somewhat nervous.

"Relax," Ethan patted her shoulder. "There's nothing to worry about. Just enjoy watching the battle from the side."

"Okay," Koharu whispered, adjusting her breathing. "Good luck."

Watching Koharu walk to the spectator area, Ethan turned and saw a few people emerging from the opposite passage.

Leading them was a man with spiky golden hair, a strong and robust physique, wearing a military green vest and camouflage pants. He wore sunglasses and had military dog tags around his neck. From his demeanor alone, it was clear that this was a decisive and tough man. And he was none other than the Gym Leader of the Vermilion Gym—Lt. Surge!

It was said that Lt. Surge was once an Air Force Major, who participated in many wars piloting special planes powered by Electric-type Pokémon. After retiring, he eventually became the Gym Leader of the Vermilion Gym.

However, from his reputation, Lt. Surge's battle style was very aggressive, striking with heavy force. He often severely injured the Pokémon of weaker challengers.

Standing in the command area, Lt. Surge's booming voice rang out, "Daring to come to my Vermilion Gym, it seems there's another overconfident challenger!"

Ethan was completely unfazed by his trash talk. He took a few steps forward and said, "To obtain the Orange Badge, Gym Leader Lt. Surge, I formally challenge you now."

"You want a Badge? You'll get it after you defeat me!" Lt. Surge crossed his arms, proudly stating, "Many people come to challenge me every day, but their strength is too weak. In my eyes, they're nothing but a bunch of babies who haven't even fully matured! And you, will you also be a baby?"

Listening to his slightly unusual tone, Ethan couldn't help but frown. He truly hadn't expected Lt. Surge to be such an arrogant person.

"What are the battle rules here?"

Lt. Surge took out two Poké Balls from his pocket with his fingers. "The battle rules are simple. There's no time limit. As long as you defeat these two Pokémon of mine, your challenge is successful."

Saying this, he threw one of the Poké Balls. With a flash of blue light, a Pokémon similar to Pikachu in appearance, but larger, with a longer tail and darker coloration, appeared on the field.

It's Raichu…

Pokédex: "Beep. Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. Electric-type. Pikachu's evolved form. Its electric shock can reach 100,000 volts, easily stunning opponents dozens of times larger than itself. As the amount of electricity stored in its body increases, its personality also becomes more aggressive."

"So, baby, what's your Pokémon?"

Ethan glanced behind him, then said, "Kirlia, I'm counting on you."

Kirlia nodded slightly, slowly walking toward the center of the field.

"So it's Kirlia," As a person from another region, Lt. Surge naturally recognized Kirlia. But even so, he sneered, "Those Pokémon behind you haven't fully evolved. Their strength is too weak. You truly are a baby among babies!"

"You're mistaken about that," Ethan said calmly. "In this world, there are no weak Pokémon. Only Trainers are truly weak!"

"Oh? Those words actually make me look at you differently," Lt. Surge's face hardened, and he announced loudly, "But just talking tough is useless! Raichu, let's go! Use Mega Punch!"

When Raichu launched its attack, it meant the battle had officially begun. Seeing Raichu already in motion, Ethan shouted, "Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!"

Green Magical Leaves formed around Kirlia and swiftly shot toward the charging Raichu. Lt. Surge saw this but didn't have Raichu dodge. Instead, he changed his strategy and shouted, "Raichu, use Thunder Shock!!"

Raichu's body emitted a dazzling electric glow. It collided with Magical Leaf in mid-air. With a violent explosion, Magical Leaf penetrated the electric glow and struck Raichu.

PS: Once, a player defeated the Elite Four and the Champion with six Magikarp to clear the game.

Ethan is finally challenging the Vermilion Gym, facing off against the formidable Lt. Surge and his powerful Raichu! The battle has just begun, and it seems Lt. Surge isn't holding back on his blunt remarks or aggressive tactics. Ethan, with Kirlia, is facing a tough opponent.

How will Kirlia fare against Raichu's raw power, and what strategies will Ethan employ to counter Lt. Surge's aggressive style?

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