Kanto, Saffron Gym.
The overhead spotlights suddenly flickered on.
Under the beam of light, Sabrina stood with waist-length black hair, porcelain-white skin, and an icy expression.
She held a bent spoon in her hand, which emitted a faint, eerie glow as it rotated, pointing at the Poké Ball floating beside her.
Noticing Lu Ye's gaze, Sabrina explained, "This is the Spoon of Fate. It will choose which Pokémon I use in battle."
Lu Ye crossed his arms.
Sabrina might say this was about testing a Trainer's skill, but she had the unfair advantage of psychic powers.
On top of that, Sylveon was still back home running on the treadmill, and he hadn't brought Squirtle's Dive Ball either.
So his battle options were…
"Arrf? (O_o)??"
Lu Ye sighed, "Stop looking around. It's you."
Growlithe's tail wagged excitedly as it strutted onto the battlefield with its head held high.
Facing off against a powerful opponent, and being chosen first—This was absolute trust!
"Arrf woof!!" (I can't embarrass my Trainer!)
Lu Ye sighed again in his heart.
Losing to a psychic-user was understandable.
The goal now was to last as long as possible without getting completely steamrolled by Sabrina.
The referee blew the whistle.
"This will be a 2v2 Gym Challenge with a 'Four-Move Limit' rule—"
The Four-Move Limit meant that each Pokémon could only use up to four moves in the battle.
This rule was designed to enhance strategic decision-making and improve the tournament's entertainment value.
In unrestricted battles, dirty tricks were more common, but they often devolved into pure level-based steamrolling.
With the Four-Move Limit, Trainers might throw out unexpected moves that could turn the tide of battle or even completely reverse the outcome.
That said…
Lu Ye could read the opponent's moveset with his eyes closed.
The system's golden cheat was like giving an overachiever the test answers—it was just a matter of double-checking the math.
"Trainers, take your positions!"
Sabrina narrowed her eyes. The Poké Ball floating in midair opened on its own.
"Mimee!"
With a flash of white light, Mr. Mime appeared, striking a comical pose before bowing toward Lu Ye.
[Mr. Mime | Psychic + Fairy]
[Ability: Filter]
[Moves: Encore, Light Screen, Barrier, Psybeam]
Lu Ye frowned slightly as he analyzed Mr. Mime.
On the sides of the battlefield, Saffron Gym's apprentices sat upright, murmuring in shock.
"No way… This is the level of challenge meant for Gym Leader battles!"
Gyms typically adjusted their Pokémon lineup based on a Trainer's strength.
Even when facing the Karate Master next door, Sabrina had only used this same Mr. Mime and yet, she was using it now—against this young challenger?
"Could this be his last Gym battle?"
"I just checked his Trainer registration," the receptionist said gravely.
"This is his first Gym Challenge in Kanto!"
Lu Ye had some memory of this Mr. Mime.
Though it wasn't Sabrina's usual lead Pokémon,
In past Gym Challenges across Johto and Kanto, Sabrina had used this very Mr. Mime to completely wipe out Bugsy, the Bug-type Gym Leader from Azalea Town.
Even though Growlithe had honed itself in the Donghuang region, this battle would still require serious caution…
"Mimee." Lu Ye commanded.
The burly Growlithe lunged forward, fangs gleaming, but Mr. Mime effortlessly blocked with a conjured Barrier.
"Mimee~" Mr. Mime smacked its lips and shook its head.
Sabrina's eyes glowed faintly blue, yet she didn't speak—And Mr. Mime moved as if it had received silent instructions.
A transparent wall expanded in front of Mr. Mime, blocking Growlithe's attack.
Growlithe's Bite simply wasn't fast enough to break through before the next Barrier was erected.
"Flamethrower!"
BOOM!
A fiery explosion illuminated the apprentices' stunned faces.
WHOOOM!!
Despite not having evolved yet, Growlithe's flames packed this much power?!
As the heatwave surged and the smoke cleared, the apprentices were left gaping at the sight—Mr. Mime, lying on the ground, injured.
What… just happened?
Even Sabrina's Mr. Mime took damage?!
Lu Ye, however, grew even more serious.
"Move away from that spot!"
"Hmph, you caught on quick."
Sabrina smirked. "But the cage is already set."
Withstanding Flamethrower, Mr. Mime had constructed a transparent prison around Growlithe. No matter how hard it rammed the walls, there was no exit.
Inside the cage, Mr. Mime stood on an invisible staircase, grinning wickedly down at Growlithe.
"Mimee!"
A Psybeam shot forward, crashing into Growlithe and slamming it into the transparent walls, leaving scars on its fur.
The apprentices watching gasped.
"That's the Gym Leader's classic tactic!"
"Growlithe's in real trouble now!"
Inside the light-walled prison, Growlithe was fighting a desperate battle. Sabrina frowned slightly, a strange sense of unease creeping into her mind.
"Use Roar." Lu Ye's voice was firm. "The exit is directly beneath Mr. Mime."
A powerful sound wave erupted, amplified by the walls, creating an even stronger vibration.
"Mimee!" Mr. Mime's expression twisted in discomfort as it clutched its ears.
The apprentices looked on in disbelief.
"He was at a disadvantage… but he turned the Gym Leader's strategy against her?"
"How did he even figure out where the exit was?!"
Sabrina was startled.
What shocked her wasn't just that Lu Ye had found the exit to the barrier—But whether he had a follow-up strategy after getting Growlithe out.
Right now, she had two choices: Continue the attack, or reinforce the barrier's defenses.
Sabrina's black hair swayed, and the blue light in her eyes shimmered with an eerie glow.
"Mimee!" Mr. Mime fired a Psybeam straight at the exit!
But Growlithe didn't immediately run toward it. It hesitated for half a beat as if it had just received Lu Ye's command.
"Roar." Lu Ye intentionally delayed for a few seconds.
Against a psychic-powered opponent like Sabrina, the key was to disrupt her decision-making. Draining Mr. Mime's HP over time—that was Lu Ye's real goal!
For two consecutive turns, Sabrina had gained nothing. The gym apprentices watching were now staring at Lu Ye in disbelief.
Who was this guy?
Not only was he going toe-to-toe with the Gym Leader, but he was actually putting her on the back foot!
BAM!
Growlithe took another hit from Psybeam, struggling to stand as its legs trembled uncontrollably. Even as a battle-hardened Growlithe, the disadvantage was clear.
Lu Ye reached for its Poké Ball, trying to recall it, But the red beam was blocked by the transparent Light Screen.
Crap!
Lu Ye cursed under his breath. He had completely forgotten about that!
For the first time, Sabrina caught a flaw in Lu Ye's strategy. Her voice was soft but decisive.
"Psybeam."
Light gathered in Mr. Mime's hands—
But before it could fire, Growlithe suddenly opened its mouth wide.
"Roar!"
Mr. Mime flinched, its body glowing white as it was forcibly recalled into its Poké Ball.
Snap!
Sabrina caught the ball midair, her icy gaze fixed on Lu Ye. So he had kept Roar hidden specifically for a situation like this? A deep, calculated move—it was only fair to acknowledge it.
Lu Ye recalled his battered Growlithe. At the same time, both Trainers sent out their next Pokémon.
"Go, Gengar!"
On the other side, Sabrina's Poké Ball opened, revealing—The Saffron Gym's signature Pokémon, Alakazam!
Seeing Lu Ye's complex expression, Sabrina spoke up, "My father's Alakazam. Not mine."
Lu Ye let out a small breath of relief.
Sabrina's personal Alakazam was at least near Elite Four level—something Gengar definitely couldn't handle right now.
Wait a second!
A realization struck Lu Ye.
If this Alakazam was her father's…Then wasn't it the kind of ancestral Pokémon passed down by a top-tier powerhouse?!
The gym apprentices gasped upon seeing the former Gym Leader's Alakazam.
Sabrina wasn't holding back anymore!
Even without Mega Evolution, this kid had no way of winning!
"Wait… does the Gym Leader actually like this guy?"
"Wouldn't be impossible. The old Gym Leader is looking for a son-in-law…"
"Shut up! Sabrina's a famous actress! She's never even had a dating rumor!"
Lu Ye ignored the chatter, his expression serious.
Gengar vs. Alakazam—whoever moved first could one-shot the other.
Turn priority was life or death and in terms of base Speed… Gengar was slightly slower.
Both Pokémon charged up their energy—one dark, one bright blue.
Alakazam moved first.
"Gengar!" Lu Ye shouted, "Imprison!"
At the last moment, Gengar tapped its forehead—Both Pokémon immediately fell under the effects of Imprison!
Alakazam's stored Psychic attack was neutralized, But in an instant, it converted the energy into a shockwave—Psyshock!
That one-second gap was all Gengar needed to dodge, As ghostly black energy gathered in its claws.
"You think my Alakazam doesn't have Shadow Ball?" Sabrina smirked coldly, "Imprisoned or not, you can't use it either."
Lu Ye didn't respond. Instead, he looked up at Gengar floating in the air.
"Shadow Claw."
That was the real move Gengar had prepared all along! Even though it was a physical move, Alakazam's pathetic base Defense of 45 made it a lethal hit!
Completely unexpected.
For the first time, a flicker of shock crossed Sabrina's ice-cold face.
In just a few turns, Lu Ye had broken multiple battle norms.
This was…A true tactical genius?!
For the first time in a long while, Sabrina smirked slightly.
Interesting!
BAM!
Alakazam was recalled—Only for Mr. Mime to be sent out again, taking the brunt of Shadow Claw!
Lu Ye frowned.
Psychics swapping Pokémon without a single command was so annoying!
The watching apprentices were already speechless at this battle. Every move felt like a lightning strike. Even as spectators, they could barely breathe from the intensity.
This… was a true Gym Leader-level battle.
No—even stronger!
The effects of Imprison faded. Gengar immediately fired off a Psychic attack, knocking Mr. Mime unconscious.
As Alakazam reappeared on the battlefield, It used Teleport to dodge the predicted Shadow Claw—Then suddenly appeared behind Gengar.
A Psyshock fired off at lightning speed!
It was over.
The crowd fell silent, closing their eyes in regret.
At that moment, Sabrina's gaze flickered.
Gengar grinned, baring its teeth in a taunting manner, as a dark shadow crept out from beneath it, linking both Pokémon together!
Lu Ye hesitated for a brief second, but his eyes remained firm.
"Destiny Bond!"
This was Gengar's final trump card under the Four-Move Limit!
BOOM!
The damage from Psyshock was reflected through the shadow, spreading to both Pokémon as a powerful shockwave erupted outward.
THUD!
Alakazam and Gengar collapsed simultaneously!
The referee waved his flag.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! Since Lu Ye still has one remaining Pokémon, the victor is—Lu Ye!"
The entire stadium fell into dead silence.
Disbelief spread across the apprentices' faces.
"He… he actually defeated Sabrina?!"
"This rookie Trainer… is he a freaking monster?"
"That… was so badass!"
Amidst the murmuring voices, Sabrina sighed and brushed back her long black hair.
Not even her psychic abilities could secure a win… As expected of Teacher Lu.
"You did more than enough."
Lu Ye looked at his battered, unmoving Gengar, offering a gentle smile.
"You wanted this victory, and I brought it back for you."
"Gengarr…"
Gengar let out a tired chuckle, raising a trembling little hand to give Lu Ye a thumbs-up.
---
Ten Minutes Later
"Gengarr? (*⊙~⊙)"
Gengar, now revitalized after chewing on a Max Revive, tilted its head at Lu Ye.
"I said one was enough! Save some for Squirtle!"
Watching Gengar devour the recovery item, Lu Ye sighed and massaged his forehead.
"Forget it… just eat. I'll buy more later."
The gym apprentices looked at Lu Ye with deep reverence.
Sabrina walked over, arms crossed. A faint scent of shampoo lingered in her long, flowing hair.
"I approve of Gengar as a coach," she said.
Lu Ye nodded.
Whether Gengar became a coach or not didn't matter—as long as it didn't end up as a Gym Leader.
"Gengarr! (ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ"
Looking at its new boss, Gengar reached into its mysterious fourth-dimensional stomach and pulled out a large gift box, handing it to Sabrina.
Sabrina blinked and pointed at herself.
"For me?"
"Gengarr!"
Gengar let out a mischievous laugh and nodded eagerly.
[Present: Delivers a boxed "gift" attack to the opponent. The package may also restore their HP.]
Lu Ye failed to realize the grave mistake unfolding before his eyes.
After all this time together, he should've known—Gengar's luck was absolutely cursed.
BOOM!
The gift box exploded, covering both Sabrina and Gengar in soot and ashes as they stared at each other, dumbfounded.
"Gengarr…"
Gengar scratched its head awkwardly.
Oops. It had grabbed the wrong box—this was supposed to be Togepi's Present move!
Sabrina remained frozen for a moment, then, unexpectedly, she covered her mouth and started laughing.
The laughter spread, growing from a chuckle to full-blown hysterics.
"Pfft… AHAHAHAHA~!"
The gym apprentices broke into a cold sweat.
This… this can't get out.
If anyone talks, they'll die.
Click!
A camera flash lit up.
The apprentices turned, eyes wide in terror.
Lu Ye.
Did this guy… really just take a picture?!
Lu Ye held up his phone, examining the image, "Haha, look at this! Isn't it hilarious?"
Sabrina's laughter instantly vanished.
Her face went ice-cold, "You sure about that?"
Lu Ye scratched his head, "Come on, isn't Gengar looking pretty cute in this shot?"
Sabrina paused.
Next to her, Gengar was grinning, showing its soot-covered teeth. Admittedly, it did look kinda adorable.
For a brief moment, Sabrina's ears turned red, "Just… just don't post it in the group chat."
Buzz—
[Lu Ye: [Image] ]
[Lu Ye: Look at my Gengar! Isn't it adorable?]
[Sabrina: ???]
[Gold: Pfft…]
[Sabrina: I'm going to kill you. (smiley emoji)]
[Group Admin has deleted a message.]
[Yellow: What just happened?]
[Lorelei: Damn, it was too fast—I didn't even see it!]
[Gold: Don't worry, I screen-recorded it!]
Sabrina smiled coldly.
The Maglev train to Johto wasn't far… Following the internet cables back to his location… wasn't impossible either.
As she pondered this dangerous idea, she fell into deep thought.
"If There's Nothing Else, I'll Get Going?" Sensing the looming danger, Lu Ye coughed lightly.
Sabrina's tone remained indifferent, "Your badge."
She flicked her fingers—
A crisp metallic sound rang out as a badge landed in Lu Ye's hand.
"I heard you like steamrolling rookies at the League tournaments," she said, "Whether that's true or not—this is all you're getting from me."
Lu Ye instinctively looked down at the badge.
[Marsh Badge: A circular golden badge with two inner rings. A slightly rare replica. (Made of pure gold—if you ever quit being a Trainer, you can sell it for cash.)]
…Why does this description feel like it's hinting at something?!
Wait—hold on!
Lu Ye's expression changed.
Since he had officially received a badge…
Doesn't this mean—SHE TECHNICALLY HANDED IT TO ME?! SYSTEM, LET ME EXPLAIN!!
[Ding! Mission Progress Updated]
[Mission Progress: Badge Collection (1/8)]
[Mission Reward: Key Stone]
Lu Ye's entire body tensed.
If he got the Key Stone…
Wouldn't he have to grind for Mega Stones next?!
Wouldn't that push him even closer to his inevitable fate—Crippling debt in the millions?!
"You don't need to thank me," Sabrina chuckled, "There are plenty more badges in the Gym."
Lu Ye nearly choked.
Silently, he pulled out his notebook.
---
November 13th, Clear Skies.
Sabrina gave me a badge.
I'll remember this grudge.