Pokémon: Trainer Paul

"Dewott, use Aqua Jet!"

The earlier Swords Dance had greatly boosted Dewott's attack power, switching it out not worth it at the moment.

"Cha-cha~"

Water surrounded Dewott's entire body as it soared forward with incredible speed, striking at Drifblim in the blink of an eye.

Dewott's attack was now immensely powerful. Taking the hit directly could lead to severe damage or even a complete takedown. Fantina had no intention of risking it and opted for her favorite tactic instead.

"Gracefully dodge it!"

Every movement causes subtle air currents to shift. The stronger and faster the Aqua Jet, the greater the airflow disturbance it generates.

Sensitive to even the slightest changes in air currents, Drifblim floated upward effortlessly, dodging Aqua Jet with ease.

"Sword Dance!"

Dewott, now enveloped in water, stopped mid-air and began spinning rapidly. Streams of water formed sword-like slashes, which were unleashed in rapid succession toward Drifblim.

"Minimize!"

As the sword-like water attacks approached, Drifblim shrank its body instantly, slipping through the gaps between the strikes.

However, this iteration of Sword Dance attacks was extremely precise and relentless. Despite its minimized form, Drifblim couldn't fully evade and was forced back repeatedly. Finally, after being driven out of the optimal attack range, the heavily injured Drifblim gathered its resolve and used Psychic to dispel the barrage of water blades.

"Aqua Jet!"

Dewott repeated its move, launching itself through the air with another Aqua Jet. The power enhanced by the two Swords Dances surged with terrifying force, fully channeling its strength into this one attack.

If this strike—or the following Sword Dance attacks—connected, even Drifblim wouldn't stand a chance!

"Ominous Wind, Psychic!"

Fantina responded quickly.

A violent gale erupted around Drifblim, laced with a chilling eerie energy, blowing directly toward Dewott. At the same time, a blue glow enveloped Drifblim as it unleashed a psychic wave hidden within the wind, striking at Dewott.

Boom!

The collision of forces caused an explosion in mid-air, creating a thick cloud of smoke.

If this had been Dewott's initial Aqua Jet, the attack would have been completely nullified. However, with two Sword Dances boosting its attack by four stages—doubling its power—it was a different story.

As expected, the next moment, Dewott emerged from the smoke, still hurtling toward Drifblim. This time, Drifblim didn't have enough time to dodge. It could only watch as Dewott closed in!

"Cha?!"

To Dewott's surprise, Drifblim suddenly vanished from sight. Its presence was gone from the entire gym, as if it had entered another dimension.

Phantom Force!

Realizing the move, Paul immediately issued a command.

"Sword Dance for defense!"

Before Dewott could react, Drifblim reappeared behind it. Two of its floating ribbons wrapped around Dewott's arms, restricting its movements.

Given Dewott's current strength, it could easily break free.

But…

"Strength Sap!"

Drifblim acted swiftly. As soon as its ribbons latched on, a green glow emanated from its body, unleashing a terrifying draining force.

Dewott immediately felt its strength being sapped away, accompanied by a wave of pain.

It's super effective!

Strength Sap, a Grass-type move restores HP equal to the target's attack stat while simultaneously lowering their attack power. This effect takes into account any changes to the target's attack stat.

With Dewott's attack power boosted by four stages, the amount drained was immense. Drifblim, previously severely injured, fully recovered its strength in an instant, while Dewott's attack power was reduced.

"Now, use Hypnosis!"

As soon as Strength Sap ended, Drifblim prepared to follow up with Hypnosis. The yellow patch on its face glowed ominously red, aiming to put Dewott to sleep.

However…

"Night Slash!"

Even with its attack lowered by one stage, Dewott's power was still formidable. It broke free from Drifblim's hold in an instant.

Slash!

A dark streak flashed by as Dewott's shadowy blade struck Drifblim with pinpoint accuracy. Drifblim froze mid-air, completely immobilized.

But that wasn't all!

Night Slash, a move prone to critical hits, became a guaranteed critical strike due to the earlier Focus Energy.

With a +3 attack boost type advantage doubling the damage, and critical hit damage further increased by 50%, even a fully healed Drifblim couldn't withstand the blow!

Just as everyone thought the battle was over, Drifblim's body suddenly emitted a menacing red glow. A burst of energy exploded from within it!

Aftermath!

Boom!

The explosion engulfed Dewott with the deafening sound echoing throughout the gym.

As the smoke cleared, both Pokémon lay motionless on the ground, having fainted simultaneously.

Aftermath, Drifblim's ability deals damage to the opponent upon fainting if they made physical contact.

The referee announced the result:

"Both Drifblim and Dewott are unable to battle. Since Paul still has two Pokémon remaining, the gym battle is awarded to Paul!"

"Well done, Drifblim. You've shown your true brilliance." Fantina said smiling as she recalled Drifblim into its Poké Ball. Despite the loss, she seemed pleased, having witnessed such a unique battle style.

"Not bad. But your burst speed and reaction time still needs improvement." Paul remarked habitually as he recalled Dewott.

"That was a truly powerful and elegant battle. Paul, you've earned the Relic Badge."

Smiling, Fantina handed the badge to Paul then asked curiously:

"That battle felt so intense. It seemed like you anticipated most of my strategies."

"Thank you." Paul replied politely as he accepted the badge. "I studied your battles beforehand, focusing on countering Hypnosis and Levitate. By targeting these two abilities, the odds of victory increased significantly."

"Oh, what a meticulous boy! Looks like I'll need to adjust my strategy." Fantina said, surprised.

Paul didn't respond, but his preparations had clearly been effective. After collecting his badge, he turned to leave the gym.

"Hey, Paul! Don't leave just yet—watch me battle!"

Hearing Paul was leaving, Barry, who had just stepped up to challenge the gym, couldn't help but call out.

"Hmph."

Paul smirked mockingly, hands in his pockets. "You want me to watch you lose?"

"That's not funny! Don't underestimate me—I'll win and get the badge!" Barry shouted back, clearly provoked.

"Oh? And then what?" Paul countered.

"What do you mean, 'then what'?" Barry paused, confused.

"Winning or losing—is it really that important? Gym battles are meant to test your skills and earn badges. Does winning mean you're strong?"

"Even if you qualify for the Pokémon League, does that mean you're truly strong?"

Leaving those words behind, Paul walked out of the gym, offering one final piece of advice:

"If your sights are set only on this, you'll never defeat Palmer."

Barry fell silent, reflecting on those words.

The referee's voice broke his thoughts.

"Challenger, if you're ready to proceed, the Gym Leader's Pokémon are prepared."

"Ah, yes! Of course, I'll battle!"

Reignited with determination, Barry gripped his Poké Ball tightly.

"Dad, I will defeat you one day!"

"Paul, I will definitely defeat you too!"

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