Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Celadon City
"Nidorino, use Thunderbolt!"
"Charmeleon, use Flamethrower!"
Electricity and flames collided midair, intertwining and scattering sparks and currents everywhere.
Despite both being at Level 22, Nidorino's power was evidently superior to Charmeleon's.
Even though Charmeleon was using a Fire-type move aligned with its type, it was gradually being overpowered by Nidorino's Thunderbolt.
As Nidorino intensified its attack, the Flamethrower was completely suppressed, leaving Charmeleon unable to counter effectively despite its defensive stance.
After leaving Moonshade Village, several days passed before Ron finally arrived near Celadon City.
In those days, Bellossom leveled up again, reaching Level 36. Nidorino also improved, now at Level 22. If it could defeat Gary's Charmeleon, Nidorino would gain enough experience to reach Level 23.
"Charmeleon, use Dragon Rage, then follow up with Fire Punch!"
"Nidorino, Flamethrower—spread it out!"
The searing flames dispersed, forming a wall of fire that, even with its power spread thin, was enough to block the Dragon Rage attack.
Charmeleon charged through the flames despite the intense pain from the burns. Fire began to envelop its fist as it prepared Fire Punch.
"Nidorino, Glare, then Thunderbolt!"
Standing its ground, Nidorino waited for Ron's command. The moment Ron gave the signal, it launched a counterattack.
Glare lowered Charmeleon's defense and slowed its advance. Electricity surged as Thunderbolt struck, stopping Charmeleon in its tracks.
Charmeleon instinctively raised its fiery fist to shield itself, but it couldn't prevent itself from being pushed back.
"Watch out, Charmeleon! Dodge to the left!"
Following Gary's command, Charmeleon quickly moved to the left, narrowly avoiding a barrage of Poison Stings aimed at its previous position.
"Nidorino, use Confusion to assist the charge!"
Before Charmeleon could stabilize, Nidorino was already moving under Ron's direction.
"Charmeleon, use Flamethrower! Spread it out to counter their Confusion. Then get ready for Fire Punch!"
Gary, having observed Nidorino's tactics earlier, issued similar instructions to Charmeleon.
Unfortunately for Gary, unlike Ash's Pokémon, his didn't seem to have the protagonist's miraculous ability to master new techniques mid-battle.
Charmeleon's Flamethrower couldn't spread out like Nidorino's, but by sheer luck, it managed to block the Confusion attack.
"Now, Charmeleon! Fire Punch!"
As Charmeleon closed the gap with Nidorino, Gary abandoned thoughts of the earlier mistake and urged Charmeleon to strike.
As the distance closed, Ron suddenly gave another command.
"Nidorino, Glare, then Double Kick!"
"Watch out, Charmeleon! Avoid its Glare!"
Gary shouted hurriedly, aware of the risk, but it was too late. Charmeleon was already within Glare's effective range.
Its defense dropped another level, and its movements faltered.
Seizing the opportunity, Nidorino leaped forward, executing a powerful Double Kick.
With its defense reduced by two stages, Charmeleon took significantly more damage from the Double Kick.
"Nidorino, Thunderbolt!"
As Nidorino landed, Ron commanded it to attack again. Before Charmeleon could follow Gary's orders, it was struck by Thunderbolt and sent flying.
"Nidorino, press the advantage! Keep using Thunderbolt!"
Electricity crackled as Nidorino, like an overcharged battery, unleashed relentless bolts of electricity.
Charmeleon was completely overwhelmed, unable to fight back.
After defeating Charmeleon, Nidorino leveled up to 23 and learned a new move—Horn Attack.
"Well done! I hope we can battle again someday."
After a polite remark, Ron paid no further attention to Gary, who he saw as little more than a tool. He continued on his way toward Celadon City with Nidorino.
As the second-largest city in the Kanto region after Saffron City, Celadon City boasted the region's largest department store, selling items like evolution stones, TMs, and more.
For League Trainers, contribution points could be directly exchanged for items, saving the trouble of converting them into League Coins.
Celadon was also home to the Celadon Game Corner.
Although some residents felt the Game Corner's shady atmosphere tarnished the city's beauty, its presence remained unshaken.
The Game Corner was a place where some struck it rich overnight, while far more lost everything.
Even trainers often tried their luck there, hoping to win enough League Coins to exchange for rare items—perhaps even a pseudo-legendary Pokémon egg.
However, since its establishment, no one had ever successfully won a pseudo-legendary egg from the Game Corner.
If time permitted, Ron wouldn't mind visiting the Game Corner—not for prizes, but just to unwind.
Following the map's guidance, Ron's first stop was the Pokémon Center, where he planned to rest before registering for a Gym battle, then exploring the department store and Game Corner.
Ron wasn't planning to buy many items; he simply wanted to browse the department store for quality ingredients to make his journey more comfortable.
As he walked through the city, Ron kept a watchful eye. Even as he reached the Pokémon Center, nothing unexpected occurred.
He hadn't forgotten the incident back in Yoyoyo District. By now, he was certain Simon's brother knew about it. Whether he would retaliate remained unknown.
After checking into his room, Ron registered for a Gym battle.
Celadon City was just as bustling as Saffron City, attracting many trainers eager to challenge the Gym. Ron's battle was scheduled for the morning two days later.
Later, Ron wandered through the department store.
Meanwhile, at the police station, an officer reported Ron's presence to Simon's brother, Ryan.
After hearing about the incident, Ryan had been furious with his younger brother's incompetence but was determined not to let Ron's insult go unpunished.
He instructed his subordinates to report as soon as they spotted Ron.
Finally, their patience paid off.
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