It was already evening, with fewer people on the streets. Kalia leisurely strolled alongside her Pokemon, eventually reaching Falcon City's Pokemon Center.
Lian's battle against Treecko was scheduled for tomorrow morning, while today he would face Julian's Charmander. Although Treecko suggested they could fight tonight, Lian wouldn't agree.
By battling tomorrow morning, his combat rating would reset, allowing him to earn Combat Points; otherwise, it would be wasted.
The architectural style of each Pokemon Center was similar, and Falcon City's center stood out as a tall building with a red rooftop amidst its surroundings.
Upon entering the Pokemon Center, Kalia headed straight for the battlefield area at the back. There was still ample time before their scheduled match, giving her the opportunity to observe other trainers' battles first.
Falcon City's Pokemon Center attracted significantly stronger Trainers compared to Kana City, including several beginner-level trainers.
To qualify as a beginner trainer, one must obtain at least three Red Star badges and receive certification from the Pokemon League, signifying a departure from being a novice.
Typically, beginner trainers have earned all the Red Star gym badges, indicating considerable strength. Currently, Kalia acknowledged she wasn't yet a match for such trainers.
Falcon City's red-star Gym is often the last challenge for many new trainers before applying for their beginner trainer certification test directly at this location.
Some newly promoted beginner trainers choose to remain in Falcon City due to insufficient strength and needing further improvement.
Silver-star Gyms present a significantly higher level of difficulty compared to becoming a beginner trainer. Many individuals take considerable time after achieving beginner status before successfully challenging a silver-star Gym.
Currently, two beginner trainers were engaged in a fierce battle within the arena, drawing a lively crowd of spectators around them.
The trainers' Pokemon consisted of Sandslash and Butterfree, showcasing intense combat with a variety of moves constantly being employed. Although their command skills fell short of Kalia's, the overall strength of their Pokemon far surpassed her Charmander and Treecko.
Becoming a beginner trainer requires extensive training and experience, demonstrating their established capabilities. Watching the entire match provided valuable lessons for Kalia as well.
Lian lounged comfortably in his seat. Previously unenthusiastic about battles, he found himself gradually appreciating their excitement as he participated in more over time.
As she observed the ongoing battle from her relaxed position, Kalia mentally analyzed the potential outcome and envisioned how she would fare if participating herself.
"You arrived quite promptly." Shortly after, Julian appeared on time, approaching Kalia with a greeting.
"The match is almost over; get ready," Kalia nodded, wasting no time and instructing Julian to prepare immediately.
Considering this was just a one-on-one battle between two Pokemon, it would conclude swiftly, requiring minimal preparation.
Julian seemed eager, confidently patting his Charmander and encouraging, "Go for it, Charmander."
In response, the flame on Julian's Charmander's tail flared up, appearing more vigorous, indicating its high fighting spirit.
Lian's lips curled slightly, showing a hint of disdain. Although the intensity of a Charmander's tail flame can indicate its condition, his Charmander was far from ordinary. Without the system, he might indeed have been significantly weaker than an average Charmander, but there were no ifs here.
"Let's begin."
Once the current battle concluded, Kalia recalled her Treecko and led Lian onto the field ahead of Julian.
Julian confidently stepped onto the battlefield as well. The two Trainers positioned themselves on opposite sides, ready to commence the battle.
The surrounding trainers were drawn to this match, intrigued by the rare sight of two Charmanders facing off.
With no official referee, a 1v1 battle typically follows simple rules: victory is achieved when one Pokémon incapacitates the other.
Kalia initiated first, "Charmander, use Dragon Breath." This move was highly effective in such battles and should be employed right away. Gaining early advantage significantly increased the chances of winning.
"Your Charmander has already learned Dragon Breath?" Julian exclaimed, surprised. His own Charmander had also mastered Dragon Breath and was just a step away from evolving.
From their earlier conversation, he knew Kalia hadn't owned her Charmander for long, making his surprise even greater.
Julian promptly directed his Charmander to attack: "Charmander, use Smokescreen!"
He favored employing supportive moves before launching direct attacks. Smokescreen was particularly useful, obscuring the opponent's vision and increasing evasion chances.
In the next moment, Julian's Charmander expelled a dense black cloud, concealing its movements.
Lian could only see the dark veil, unable to track the opposing Charmander. However, he didn't halt the Dragon Breath; considering the limited size of the smoke, there was still a chance of hitting if luck prevailed.
Furthermore, Dragon Breath can disperse the Smokescreen, effectively negating its effect. If Julian's Charmander were to hit with Dragon Breath, it would be quite disadvantageous for him.
A fierce gust akin to a raging wind surged towards the cloud of smoke, instantly dispersing it and revealing the Charmander. Unfortunately, however, Lian managed to dodge the Dragon Breath.
"Great job! Now, Charmander, use Dragon Breath!" Julian's eyes lit up as he swiftly issued his command. The initial use of Smokescreen was deliberate, aiming to evade Kalia's Charmander's Dragon Breath move.
Once hidden by the Smokescreen, Kalia couldn't immediately order her Charmander to release another Dragon Breath for defense, as relying solely on other moves wouldn't suffice against Dragon Breath.
"Charmander, dodge the Dragon Breath, then continue using Dragon Breath."
Julian's strategy was commendable, even surprising Kalia. She had no choice but to have Lian avoid this Dragon Breath, unsure of the current cooldown period for his Dragon Breath ability.
Julian's Charmander opened its mouth, this time unleashing not a Smokescreen but a powerful breath. However, its intensity fell short compared to Lian's earlier Dragon Breath display.
The wind generated by Lian's Dragon Breath was intense and ferocious, making Julian's Charmander's Dragon Breath appear rather feeble.
Many Trainers noticed this disparity; Lian's Dragon Breath was swift and immensely powerful, exuding dominance and forcefulness. While Julian's Charmander also displayed strong Dragon Breath, the comparison highlighted the significant gap between them.
Julian acknowledged this difference, realizing that despite his Charmander being close to evolution, it still couldn't match Kalia's Charmander in terms of Dragon Breath potency.
Although some moves may not reveal their exact power on the surface, when comparing identical moves, disparities become evident.
Facing the incoming Dragon Breath, Lian showed no fear, merely stepping back slightly. Although his dragon energy had not fully recovered yet, it was nearly replenished.
As the Dragon Breath approached, just when everyone thought he couldn't evade, Lian opened his mouth, unleashing another fierce blast from within.
The two streams of Dragon Breath collided violently before Lian, creating an invisible shockwave that radiated outward.
Surprisingly, Lian's Dragon Breath did not dissipate upon impact; instead, it crushed the opposing breath, continuing its advance.
Unfortunately, Lian's Dragon Breath lacked power and quickly dissipated, turning into scattered energy fragments.
It became evident to all observers that Kalia's Charmander excelled in both the strength and control of its Dragon Breath technique.
Even Kalia was surprised; her initial intention was for Charmander to dodge first, never expecting it to swiftly counter with another Dragon Breath so soon.
Realizing the potential, Kalia confidently smiled and continued commanding Charmander to use Dragon Breath, occasionally employing Smokescreen to evade incoming attacks.
As Julian persisted in the battle, he increasingly noticed the disparity between their two Charmanders. His Charmander often lagged behind in executing Dragon Breath, having already been hit once. If this continued, defeat seemed inevitable.
"Charmander, keep going! Don't lose!" Julian shouted fervently. Despite being just a regular battle, he firmly believed his Charmander was exceptionally skilled and should not succumb to any other Charmander.
Sensing its owner's determination, Julian's Charmander also yearned to win, but the gap was significant. Whenever they simultaneously unleashed Dragon Breath, Lian consistently managed to release the second breath faster.
Over time, Lian had unleashed at least three more Dragon Breaths than its opponent. How could it compete? It couldn't possibly dodge every attack, while Lian effectively used Dragon Breath to block its strikes, remaining unscathed.
Under immense pressure, Julian's Charmander began sensing a burgeoning force within, as if ready to burst forth.
At the Pokemon Center's battle arena:
Lian's Dragon-type energy had fully recovered, and he was about to unleash Dragon Breath when he noticed Julian's Charmander suddenly freeze, emitting a gentle white glow from its body.
"Is it going to evolve?"
Several Trainers present had witnessed Pokemon evolution before, and Charmander's transformation clearly indicated signs of impending evolution.
"Charmander, hold off on using Dragon Breath," Kalia instructed. Evolution is a crucial step in a Pokemon's growth, and during battles, other Trainers typically refrain from attacking to prevent any potential evolutionary failure.
Lian paused his attack, observing as Charmander prepared to evolve into Charmeleon, patiently waiting for the transformation.
In the next moment, the white light around Charmander intensified, gradually revealing a taller silhouette that took on the form of a Charmeleon.
As the white light faded away, a stunning Charmeleon appeared on the battlefield. It boasted sharper claws than its previous form, with horn-like protrusions atop its head and a blazing flame at the tip of its tail.
Notably, the eyes of the newly evolved Charmeleon radiated a fierce fighting spirit, akin to raging flames.
Compared to Charmander, Charmeleon is significantly more powerful. Its abundance of fire energy leads to a highly temperamental nature and intense enthusiasm for battling.
After evolving, Charmeleon appeared exhilarated, its newfound strength boosting its confidence and swiftly reversing its previous disadvantage.
Julian was thrilled by his Charmander's evolution into Charmeleon, sensing renewed hope for victory.
"Cha...rmeleon, use Dragon Breath!" Julian promptly commanded. Although no new potent moves were learned upon evolution, becoming a Charmeleon signifies increased move potency and overall significant enhancements.
Excitedly roaring, Charmeleon flicked its fiery tail, instantly raising the surrounding temperature. In the next moment, it opened its mouth and unleashed Dragon Breath.
Simultaneously, Lian also employed Dragon Breath, confident that even after evolving into Charmeleon, his Charmander's Dragon Breath would still be stronger.
His belief proved accurate. When both Dragon Breaths collided fiercely, creating a shockwave, Lian's Dragon Breath remained undeterred while the opponent's gradually dissipated.
"What?!" Julian couldn't believe it; even after evolving, his Charmeleon's Dragon Breath still failed to match Lians. How was this possible?
The battle outcome remained unchanged, similar to previous rounds. The only difference now was Charmeleon's increased speed, yet it still appeared quite distressed.
In the intense combat, Charmeleon expended too much stamina and grew visibly weaker. Seizing the opportunity, Lian unleashed another Dragon Breath.
It was crucial to note that throughout the battle, Lian had never been hit by Dragon Breath, remaining unscathed. Compared to Charmeleon, its condition was significantly better.
The outcome of the fight was predetermined from the start, unaffected by Charmeleon's evolution.
Despite its determination, the weakened Charmeleon lacked sufficient stamina to continue. Even the flame on its tail had diminished noticeably.
Lian's final Dragon Breath drained the last bit of Charmeleon's strength. Severely injured and unable to sustain further combat, Charmeleon collapsed, losing its ability to fight.
"How could this be?" Julian refused to accept that his Charmeleon had lost, especially after evolving, yet it still couldn't stand up to Kalia's Charmander.
With Charmeleon's defeat, the battle concluded.
Kalia felt she needed to reassess her perception of Charmander; it seemed unexpectedly stronger than what she had initially anticipated.
However, having a more powerful Charmander was beneficial for her, as every Trainer desires their Pokemon to be formidable.
Kalia approached Julian and examined Charmeleon's injuries. Although not severe, any wound causing a Pokemon to lose its fighting ability typically requires prompt treatment.
"Let's prioritize treating your Charmeleon first. It performed exceptionally well," Kalia suggested.
"I know!" Julian responded somewhat irritably, his tone heavier than usual. He couldn't comprehend why there was such a significant difference between Kalia's Charmander and his own, despite similar training efforts.
"Well then, I'll take my leave now." Kalia remained unfazed; many Trainers struggle to accept their defeats, displaying frustration or denial after being defeated by her - a common sight among Trainers.
But what could they do? The only path forward is continuous learning, growth, and challenging oneself further - that's the essence of a Trainer's journey.
***
Kalia checked the time; it was not yet eight o'clock. She felt inclined to visit the Pokemon Research Institute.
The battle today had revealed Charmander's strength exceeded her expectations. Kalia decided to assess the potential of both Charmander and Treecko.
Although it was already evening, the Pokemon Research Institute typically remained open late, as their primary focus is studying Pokemon.
Visiting at this hour might seem intrusive, but the research institute welcomes Trainers testing their Pokemon's potential. The data collected serves various research purposes.
In Falcon City, the Pokemon Research Institute stood as a square-shaped building nestled in a corner of the northern district. Even now, people continued entering and exiting the facility.
Seeing ongoing activity reassured Kalia, fearing otherwise that the institute might be closed, making her trip futile.
Lian gazed at the Pokemon Research Institute before him, also curious about his own potential. He wondered if the enhancements provided by the system could be considered part of his inherent capabilities.
Kalia pushed open the research institute's door and entered. Inside, brightly lit by fluorescent lights, was a spacious lobby with numerous staff members dressed in white lab coats.
This wasn't Kalia's first visit to a Pokemon Research Institute, although not specifically this one in Falcon City. She knew that for testing a Pokemon's potential, she needed to consult a Pokemon Professor at the institute.
Being a Pokemon Professor is considered a prestigious profession, officially recognized by the Pokemon League, offering even better benefits than those of Gym Leaders.
Many advancements within the Pokemon League, such as devices for assessing potential, Pokédexes, and various types of Poké Balls, are developed and researched by institutes across different regions.
"Hello, may I ask if the doctor is available?" Kalia politely inquired from a nearby staff member.
The staff member nodded, "Yes, the doctor is inside. May I know what brings you here?"
"I would like to test my Pokemon's potential," Kalia stated directly. While the research institute doesn't offer free potential assessments, the fee is quite reasonable and serves as one of their income sources.
"Testing potential doesn't require the doctor's presence; I can guide you through it," the staff member replied.
"Thank you very much."
Lian followed closely behind, curiously observing his surroundings. The main hall appeared spacious but contained only a few sofas. The truly important instruments and items were primarily located within the inner rooms.
Upon entering one of these inner rooms with the staff member, Lian encountered various intriguing devices. He recognized some, such as the teleportation machine, capable of transporting Pokemon from distant locations or sending them away.
The staff member led Kalia to a sophisticated metallic instrument equipped with a display screen. After performing a series of operations, they instructed, "Please recall your Pokemon into its Poké Ball and place it in the slot next to the device."
Kalia hesitated, realizing that she hadn't yet captured Charmander with a Poké Ball, making it impossible to test its potential.
Although disappointed, Kalia understood that while Charmander couldn't be assessed, Treecko could still undergo potential testing.
Kalia retrieved Treecko's Poké Ball and placed it in the designated slot, after which the staff member swiftly operated the machine.
A series of numerical values appeared on the display screen. Kalia couldn't fully comprehend them, but she surmised they represented Treecko's potential across various aspects.
The staff member studied the readings for a moment before exclaiming, "Your Treecko has exceptional speed potential, nearly reaching the highest level among its species! In other areas, it can be considered average."
Highest! Kalia was astounded. Among all Treeckos, her Treecko's speed potential was remarkably the highest, indicating that even after evolution, its speed would surpass other Treeckos significantly.
"Your Treecko's potential is truly remarkable. I've never seen a Treecko with such high speed potential; it could serve as excellent material for research," the staff member expressed enthusiastically. Obtaining such valuable research subjects was rare. By studying the differences in behavior and individual traits between this Treecko and others, insights could potentially be gained on how to enhance Treecko's speed potential further.
"Thank you," Kalia gratefully acknowledged.
"If you have free time, feel free to visit the research institute. I can conduct more detailed assessments for your Treecko, which will also benefit its development," the staff member suggested.
"Great." Kalia nodded appreciatively. The expertise and comprehensive data from the research institute would indeed aid her in training her Treecko effectively.
"What about your Charmander? Don't you want to test it?" The staff member glanced at Lian standing nearby.
"No need," Kalia shook her head. It was clear that Charmander disliked entering Poké Balls, so they had to skip the assessment. As long as she knew Charmander's potential matched or exceeded Treecko's, it sufficed.
Lian felt slightly disappointed; since he couldn't enter a Poké Ball temporarily, his potential couldn't be assessed. However, based on Treecko's results, if he were tested, his potential would undoubtedly surpass limits, reaching astonishing levels. This might attract unwanted attention from the research institute.
Such scrutiny could be dangerous. A Charmander with far superior statistics than normal would raise suspicions, and Lian certainly didn't relish being studied like a lab rat.
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