章 48: Chapter 48: Not be Poison-type
The battle between Red and Dylan had lost all suspense. Charizard was already poisoned, and Toxapex's defenses were simply too formidable.
Even though Red's Charizard was a dual-threat (strong in both physical and special attacks), it was of little use in this situation.
For Red, the remainder of the battle was essentially a form of torture; at this point, most people would have forfeited.
There was simply no chance of victory.
However, Red's willpower was indeed resilient. Despite the dire situation, he still didn't give up, searching for any opportunity.
Yet, relentless perseverance doesn't always yield rewards.
During another bout of poisoning, Charizard was once again struck down by Toxapex's venom and didn't rise this time.
"Charizard is unable to continue. Toxapex wins."
"Since the challenger, Red, has lost all four Pokémon, the battle is won by Gym Leader Dylan."
Leah waved a small flag to announce the result.
Upon hearing this, Red's crimson eyes flickered with a hint of dimness but quickly rekindled with intensity, staring eagerly at Dylan.
"Even Red lost…?"
Ash, who was watching, looked particularly dejected. His brother, whom he always admired and looked up to, had lost, and it made him feel quite upset.
Beside Ash, Charmander was also staring blankly at the fallen Charizard, unsure of what to think.
"No trainer can guarantee a 100% win rate, Ash."
Brock patted Ash's shoulder, smiling as he comforted him. No one is truly undefeated in battle.
"Even the champion at the top of the Pokémon League doesn't win every battle. Moreover, Red is still young, and—"
Brock glanced at Red with a complicated expression. Red was indeed an incredibly formidable rookie trainer.
But…
Brock then looked at Dylan.
"Dylan is indeed very strong, and his use of Poison-type Pokémon is exceptional. It's not surprising that Red lost. However, a key trait of a trainer is whether they can learn from their defeats and become stronger."
"Ash, do you think your brother is that kind of person?"
Brock asked suddenly.
"Of course!" Ash replied without hesitation.
"Then it's just as I thought." Brock smiled.
"But…"
"There's no but. These two are both monsters; it's not surprising who wins or loses."
Misty interrupted Ash with a dismissive wave. To her, both Dylan and Red were just different kinds of monsters, so the outcome didn't seem strange at all.
"By the way, do you think Dylan will give Red the Rota Badge?"
Misty was now more interested in this question.
"Huh?" Ash looked puzzled and scratched his head.
"Isn't it that a challenger has to defeat the Gym Leader to get the badge?" Ash questioned, not understanding.
A Gym Badge was supposed to be a trophy and proof obtained by defeating the Gym Leader, right?
"Who told you that you have to defeat the Gym Leader to get a badge?" Misty retorted.
Isn't that how it works?
Ash had three question marks floating above his head.
"Ash, Gym Leaders are facilities set up by the League to train and test trainers. Fundamentally, Gym battles are a kind of assessment."
Brock explained patiently. As someone who had been a Gym Leader at the Pewter Gym, he had a lot of say in this matter.
"The decision on whether to award a badge to a challenger is ultimately up to the Gym Leader. Defeating the Gym Leader is the most straightforward method, as it indirectly proves the challenger's strength."
"But sometimes, when a Gym Leader recognizes a challenger's abilities, they may choose to give the badge even if the challenger loses."
Brock described this in detail. He had given badges to a few promising newcomers in the past.
"Red's strength is beyond question. Even if he didn't defeat Dylan, Dylan could still choose to give Red the badge, but that decision is in Dylan's hands."
Brock smiled, not doubting that Red, even with his current strength, would have a very high chance of winning the Indigo Plateau Championship.
After all, both Dylan and Red had already defeated Team Rocket Executive Archer.
But some Gym Leaders require challengers to defeat them to earn the badge, so Brock and Misty weren't sure if Dylan would give Red the badge.
"I see." Ash understood.
"However…" Ash tilted his head, wondering if Red would accept the Rota Badge if Dylan offered it.
On the field.
"That was an excellent battle, Red. You are the first true strong opponent I've defeated."
"I'm very happy with this battle."
Dylan walked up to Red, extending his hand with a smile.
Of course, he was happy. He had enjoyed the battle thoroughly.
Next to Dylan was Toxapex, still shyly following Dylan just as it did in the past.
"Thank you, I gained a lot from this."
Red shook Dylan's hand with one hand, while using the other to adjust the brim of his cap, habitually shading his eyes.
"I will challenge you again!"
Red, rarely talkative outside of battle, spoke fervently. Even with his eyes in shadow, the intensity was palpable.
Although this Gym battle didn't go well, Red wasn't particularly concerned about the defeat. It wasn't the first time he had lost to a peer.
When he first left Pallet Town, he lost to his childhood rival, Blue.
But did it matter? Not at all. Over this time traveling, Red seemed to have a sort of fate with that arrogant guy, as they coincidentally crossed paths four times.
And each time, they inevitably battled. As of now, their record was two wins and two losses.
For Red, losing wasn't frightening. Losing to others only meant one thing:
Not strong enough!
Experiences of failure were invaluable and wouldn't break him but would instead make him stronger. Until he reaches the top of Kanto and the pinnacle of the world!
"I look forward to your next challenge."
Dylan gazed into Red's eyes, which seemed deeper due to the shadow of the cap, and his smile widened slightly.
Dylan then took out a small, exquisite box from his pocket, opening it to reveal a glittering, emerald-green tree-shaped badge. The badge was small yet beautiful, with a vibrant and eye-catching green color.
This was the Rota Gym Badge, The Tree of Beginning Badge.
"Even though you didn't defeat me, Red, you deserve this Rota Badge."
Dylan took out the Rota Badge and extended it to Red.
Dylan considered himself a competent Gym Leader. Although Red lost, Dylan knew that Red deserved this badge.
"…"
Red looked at the vibrant Rota Badge in silence, not reaching out to take it.
"This is the first badge I want to give away since my 'transformation,' Red."
Dylan expressed his goodwill. He wasn't using this action to mock Red but was sincere.
And this was the first badge Dylan wanted to give away after his reincarnation!
"This badge… I can't accept it." Red shook his head firmly.
"I will come to challenge you at your Gym next time, Dylan. I will defeat you fairly and earn your badge."
Red's youthful face was serious and earnest. This was the first time he spoke so much to someone he had just met.
And similarly, apart from his childhood friend, this was the first time he had been defeated by another peer!
"Oh?" Dylan raised an eyebrow.
As expected of siblings, although he guessed that Red might not accept the 'free' badge, it turned out that Red, like Ash, had the same 'unyielding' trait.
"Since you say so, I look forward to it. But Red, defeating me to earn my badge will be very difficult."
Dylan retracted the Rota Badge, teasingly adding with a smile.
Since Red had such determination, Dylan would satisfy it.
"Perhaps you'll never get my badge."
"Next time, I won't lose!"
Red said firmly.
After all, this was his first time battling such a strong Poison-type expert, and his experience was too limited.
With this loss as a valuable experience, Red believed that with sufficient preparation and strategy adjustments, he would win next time!
It's just Poison, right?
"Such touching confidence~"
Dylan seemed to praise and sigh at the same time. After all, to truly reach the top, how could one defeat an opponent without such unwavering determination?
"I will await your visit, but Red, next time, the team I use might not be Poison-type."
Dylan spoke slowly. Although he was increasingly fond of Poison-type Pokémon, he wouldn't stick only to them.
"??"
Red's red eyes filled with question marks.
What does that mean? Aren't you specialized in Poison-types? You actually have teams of other types?
(End of Chapter)
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