Pokemon system: strongest champion

"Mason, about Charmander?" Gary asked tentatively.

"Professor Oak, please let me use the stadium in the backyard," Mason replied firmly.

Professor Oak nodded, then turned and led Mason and the other two toward the stadium behind the lab.

Once there, Mason threw Charmander's Poké Ball. This time, Charmander didn't recklessly unleash Flamethrower as before. Instead, he stood still, eyes locked on Mason, clearly waiting for his Trainer's cue. There was a hint of approval in Charmander's gaze—a small, but significant step forward in trust.

"Mason, this Charmander is exceptionally strong. Don't take him lightly," Professor Oak warned.

"Don't worry, Professor. I won't lose," Mason said calmly, stroking the Poké Ball on his waist. "It's your turn, Beedrill."

He didn't even need to throw the Poké Ball—Beedrill emerged on its own, its intimidating Twineedle glinting dangerously as it rubbed them together with a metallic hum.

"It's Beedrill!" Ye Zi exclaimed. Beedrill was Mason's Earl Dervish Pokémon, and its strength had earned Mason's full trust over the years.

"That Beedrill is no joke. I've never seen it lose a battle," Gary added, his usual carefree expression replaced by seriousness. He knew how far Beedrill had come in three years of intense training. The strength it now possessed was extraordinary.

Rather than launching an immediate Flamethrower, Charmander smartly used Smokescreen, clouding the field. Despite his youthful appearance, Charmander demonstrated excellent battle instincts—he could sense Beedrill's power and knew better than to rush in.

"Excellent combat talent," Mason praised. He gave Beedrill a nod, signaling him to handle the battle independently. Beedrill understood and accepted the unspoken command.

With a rapid spin, Beedrill used Sword Dance, creating a gust of wind that dispersed the Smokescreen and revealed Charmander's location. Realizing he'd been exposed, Charmander panicked and unleashed Outrage, entering a frenzied state. His rampage was wild, each movement fueled by desperation to defeat Beedrill.

"Impressive potential. He's already mastered Outrage," Mason commented, watching closely. "But he's too impulsive—using that move recklessly could backfire."

Beedrill watched Charmander's Outrage with a smirk. While Outrage granted temporary strength, the lack of control turned Charmander into an easy target.

"Woo!"

Charmander roared, firing Flamethrower after Flamethrower in blind fury. Beedrill effortlessly dodged using Agility, weaving through the flames like a blur. With each missed attack, Charmander's stamina dwindled.

Then, the flame on Charmander's tail surged—it burned brighter and fiercer than before. He had triggered his Fire-type ability. Charmander's glare turned fierce, filled with resolve as if he was ready to go down fighting and take Beedrill with him.

Still, Beedrill remained motionless.

With a frustrated growl, Charmander lunged, fueled by both the Fierce Fire and Outrage states. His Flamethrower was now incredibly powerful—on par with that of an evolved Fire-type.

Beedrill darted aside just in time. Taking a direct hit would've caused serious burns, but Beedrill was determined to win flawlessly. He wanted to prove to the cocky Charmander that there was always someone stronger.

"This Charmander's talent is unreal!" Gary exclaimed. "Even a Charmeleon might not match that kind of firepower. Who would've guessed he's only half-blooded?"

"Mason and Charmander were lucky to meet each other," Ye Zi added with emotion. "If it had been me or Gary, Charmander probably would've ended up back at the Alliance's breeding farm or released into the Charizard Valley."

"It's fate," Professor Oak said with a warm smile. He was relieved. At first, he'd been concerned that Mason might reject such an unruly Pokémon, but Mason's satisfied expression said everything. Professor Oak felt lucky to have trusted his instincts.

"Let's finish this." Mason could tell Charmander was nearly spent. "Beedrill, one final move."

Charmander tried to muster more flames, but only black smoke sputtered from his mouth. In that moment of vulnerability, Beedrill zipped behind him and struck with X-Scissor, knocking Charmander out cold.

Beedrill silently returned to Mason's side. Mason rushed forward, pulling a healing spray from his backpack. He knelt beside Charmander and gently treated his injuries.

Charmander whimpered at first but quickly relaxed with a soft, contented sound, enjoying the cool relief of the spray.

Mason smiled and reached out to stroke Charmander's head.

Charmander leaned into the touch and nuzzled Mason's cheek. He had finally accepted Mason as his Trainer.

"I knew I made the right choice," Professor Oak said happily. His earlier fears were gone. He could now see that Mason and Charmander were meant for each other.

"Come back, Charmander." Mason recalled his partner into the Poké Ball. Just as he was about to leave the stadium, Gary stepped forward.

"Mason, battle me!" Gary declared, pointing at him.

"Alright!" Mason agreed without hesitation.

Mason sent out Charmander again, who instantly locked eyes with Beedrill. Mistakenly, he thought Mason was asking for a rematch.

"Whoa, hold on, little guy—your opponent is over here!" Gary laughed as he tossed his own Poké Ball.

Squirtle emerged and immediately eyed Charmander cautiously. As one of the three starter Pokémon raised by the Alliance, Squirtle was well aware of Charmander's reputation as a "bully." Still, this was his first battle under Gary, and he pushed past his fear, ready to follow his Trainer's lead.

"Ye Zi, you too. Send out Bulbasaur." Mason looked over and noticed the fighting spirit burning in Ye Zi's eyes. He decided to turn this into a one-on-two battle.

"Hey! Are you underestimating us?" Gary protested. Even Squirtle pouted, feeling slighted.

"Gary, Squirtle alone can't defeat Charmander. His strength now surpasses that of the usual starter trio." Mason squatted and placed a hand gently on Charmander's head. "You're about to see a brand new Charmander."

[Ding! Pokémon identified: Charmander. Would you like to add the Solar Power ability?]

The familiar voice of the system echoed in Mason's mind. Without hesitation, Mason accepted.

[Ability added: Solar Power!]

(Solar Power: In Sunny Day or intense sunlight, Special Attack increases by 1.5x. However, 1/8 of maximum HP is lost at the end of each turn.)

Under the astonished gazes of the others, Charmander's body began to emit a faint, ember-like glow. The flame on her tail intensified, looking almost like the Fierce Fire Ability had been triggered.

But Charmander's stamina was still high, so Fierce Fire hadn't activated. The change was due to Solar Power enhancing her inner strength.

Professor Oak narrowed his eyes, clearly noticing the difference. He looked at Mason with suspicion but ultimately said nothing. He assumed Mason had used Psychic power to enhance Charmander's abilities—something Mason was known for.

"I'm counting on you, Bulbasaur!" Ye Zi called out, throwing her Poké Ball.

With both Squirtle and Bulbasaur on the field, Charmander faced them confidently. Even though they had their Trainers backing them up, both Pokémon had once been bullied by her, and it showed in their hesitation.

Charmander glanced back at Mason, who looked at her with unwavering belief. That alone was enough to boost her spirit—no matter who stood in her way.

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