Chương 17: Chapter 17: Forfeited
Understanding the reason for Nidorina's poisoning did provide some new knowledge for Jeanette, but the battle had to continue.
But how to proceed?
With Nidorina poisoned severely, for Jeanette, the battle with Nidorina was like racing against death.
The severity of poison is no joke.
But could Nidorina defeat Glimmet in this state? Jeanette found it very difficult.
Even though the battle hadn't been long, Jeanette felt...
Are people online insane? Is this gym handing out badges like this?
The deepest impression Jeanette had of Dylan was undoubtedly his consistently gentle and courteous demeanor and his calm and collected temperament.
Such a person, no matter how you look at it, is not someone simple, and the battle was indeed like that.
Nidorina, with its four limbs moving, leaped high to use its powerful move on Glimmet again.
"Venoshock."
But Glimmet easily dodged Nidorina's attack, and a deep purple poison liquid condensed and hit Nidorina's face.
Nidorina cried out in pain, its whole body was sent flying and fell heavily to the ground.
Poison-type's Venoshock!
Nidorina, being a Poison-type, was resistant to Venoshock, but the attack's damage was doubled when hitting a poisoned target, making it still quite effective against Nidorina.
Jeanette was somewhat anxious, and at that moment, an eerie and terrifying deep purple poison light shone from Nidorina, who was still on the ground.
The disturbing poison spots spread again over Nidorina's body, causing it to curl up and cry out in pain.
The second wave of severe poison erosion!
"Nidorina..." Sweat began to bead on Jeanette's fair forehead due to her anxiety and heartache, but she felt utterly helpless at this moment.
No matter how she thought about it, this situation... was beyond her!
She was anxious, but she didn't know what to do; it was an excruciating feeling!
Dylan looked at Jeanette, whose face had turned pale, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
This is the charm of Poison-type Pokémon—seeing the opponent's bewildered and helpless reaction after being poisoned is quite interesting.
"Tsk~ Dylan is as disgusting as ever!"
"Who are you calling disgusting! The gym leader is using tactics! Hey?"
The receptionist turned around with an annoyed expression but froze when she saw who had spoken.
"What are you doing here?" The receptionist looked at the handsome hedgehog-haired boy in a black T-shirt and jeans with curiosity.
She remembered clearly that this was the same little young master, Gary, who had challenged the gym yesterday.
"This gym is a semi-public place. What's wrong with me coming to observe and learn how the gym battles are conducted?"
Gary shrugged, his casual and nonchalant demeanor still exuding a sense of arrogance.
"Hmph~"
No matter how much you learn, you definitely can't win against the gym leader, hmph~
Although she didn't have much liking for this seemingly superior young master, he was still a guest, and...
Well, the receptionist had also seen the comments on the gym's official website. Although not very likable, this young master had indeed given the gym a good review.
The receptionist pursed her lips, choosing not to engage further with Gary, and instead looked at the battle arena.
Gary didn't care, either. After his defeat yesterday, he had pondered for a while, and he was indeed very curious about this gym.
So he came to observe today, entering at the start of the battle without anyone noticing him.
"Corrosion ability..."
Gary leaned against the railing, deep in thought as he observed Glimmet. In fact, he was a very intelligent genius, especially when it came to thinking. However, he usually preferred to act superior and rarely used his brain.
"If that's the case, even Steel-type Pokémon won't work."
Steel-type Electric-type Magnemite could theoretically defeat the Glimmet, but this Glimmet with the Corrosion ability couldn't be handled that easily.
Moreover, Dylan had made it clear that all Glimmet had the Corrosion ability, indicating that even after evolution, they would still possess this trait.
What to do?
Gary was contemplating team composition. His humiliating defeat yesterday was the first time he had lost so badly. Although he understood that the strength level of that Mareanie was not higher than that of Wartortle and Cubone, he still lost without any suspense.
So Gary had decided that he, the indomitable Gary, must obtain the badge from the Rota Gym!
On the field.
"Miss Jeanette."
Jeanette, whose thoughts were in turmoil, looked at Dylan, who had spoken.
"To be an excellent trainer, maintaining calm during battles is the most basic requirement."
Dylan spoke gently, and it was obvious to everyone that Jeanette was very anxious.
But it was understandable since the situation was indeed too unfavorable for Jeanette.
Jeanette was stunned by these words, then realized that Dylan was giving her advice.
"...Sorry, I've embarrassed myself." Jeanette said with genuine regret.
"No need to apologize. Not everyone is born as an excellent trainer. Everyone must go through a process of growth."
"And our gym is here precisely to test challengers like you, Miss Jeanette."
Dylan shook his head.
Jeanette looked at Dylan with a somewhat dazed expression. Could such understanding really come from someone of her age?
"I can understand that Miss Jeanette is anxious about such a situation, but trainers also have an obligation to be responsible for their Pokémon. Analyzing the battle situation and making the best choices is an essential quality of a trainer."
Dylan subtly reminded Jeanette.
"I understand."
Jeanette wasn't foolish; she knew that Dylan was reminding her of something.
"Come back, Nidorina."
Jeanette withdrew Nidorina. Indeed, no matter how she thought about it, Nidorina was no longer suitable for battling Glimmet.
A reasonable Pokémon switch was necessary, but...
Jeanette looked at the floating Glimmet and was puzzled about which Pokémon to use against it.
None of the Pokémon in her possession seemed particularly suitable. In fact, she had a rather special Bellsprout, which was her secret weapon and often proved effective.
But it was useless!
Glimmet floated, and Bellsprout couldn't even get close. What Pokémon should she use? Jeanette was very conflicted.
"First-time challengers often come unprepared. If Miss Jeanette has not found a way to defeat me now, you can come back for another challenge."
Dylan, seeing the situation, naturally gave Jeanette an out.
"Don't feel bad. Gym challenges are not official tournaments, and there is always an opportunity to try again. After all, our gym is here to hone challengers like you."
Hesitant, Jeanette finally made up her mind after hearing these words.
"Yes, I am currently unable to pass your test. Gym Leader Dylan, I will forfeit this challenge."
Jeanette bowed slightly to Dylan, her first genuine gratitude and admiration for a gym leader.
"Wise choice." Dylan smiled lightly.
"Challenger Jeanette forfeits. The battle is won by Gym Leader Dylan."
The referee announced the result of the battle.
Jeanette's cheerleaders were all quite disappointed, but on the other side...
"Yay~ Gym Leader Dylan is amazing, another win!" The receptionist was very excited.
"Dylan~" Ilene was also very happy, her beautiful eyes shining with brilliance.
"Thank you very much, Gym Leader Dylan. I have learned a lot."
Jeanette wasn't particularly upset about the defeat; her emotions had stabilized and she even felt a bit sentimental.
"Don't mention it. I'm also happy that challengers can learn and gain insight during the challenge." Dylan was very modest.
Jeanette's big eyes sparkled. This gym leader is handsome, has a good temper, and is excellent in skills. How can he be so outstanding?!
"Gym Leader Dylan, actually, I'm also very interested in Poison-type Pokémon. Could you please teach me?"
Jeanette hesitated and looked at Dylan with anticipation. She wasn't speaking nonsense; she did have many Poison-type Pokémon in her team, though she never thought of using them in battle. Most of the time, she used other types of moves.
"Teaching is too much, but I do have some insights into Poison-types and can discuss them with Miss Jeanette." Dylan didn't refuse, his voice smooth and gentle, entirely unassuming of a Poison-type user.
"Thank you so much!" Jeanette said with gratitude and a polite bow.
"Emmm..."
Seeing this, Gary fell into contemplation again.
He wasn't surprised by Jeanette's defeat; after all, the Rota Gym had a Poison-type, and it wasn't easy to win against it. But the key point was that Jeanette's treatment seemed completely different from his own yesterday. Why was Dylan so friendly and supportive towards this woman?
Why so much comforting and advice? Why the difference?
Well, well!
Just because she's a challenger, does that mean I'm not? Why such different treatment?!
Gary was very displeased!
(End of Chapter)
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