The trial involved continuously challenging seven disciples of Gym Leader Takeshi at the Fighting-type Gym. Kalia moved to the spectator area and observed the distant battlefield.
Unlike other gyms, the Fighting-type Gym had two distinct battlefields. One was maze-like, where the Gym Leader's seven disciples and their Pokemon were hidden within its corners.
To pass this stage, Trainers must navigate with their Pokemon, locate the seven disciples, and defeat them before advancing to challenge the Gym Leader on the second battlefield.
Unfamiliarity with the maze put Trainers at a disadvantage, often leading to sudden ambushes. With no opportunity for healing mid-battle, defeating all seven Pokemon consecutively proved extremely difficult.
Time passed, and one by one, Trainers fell defeated in the maze battlefield. Most suffered disappointing losses, while only a few experienced Trainers, who had attempted multiple times, barely managed to overcome the trial, earning the chance to face the Gym Leader.
Out of over ten participating Trainers, only one or two could proceed to challenge the Gym Leader, but even then, scheduling was necessary due to Takeshi's training regimen. Typically, challenges were coordinated collectively.
When the designated time arrived, the Combat Dojo closed for rest, accepting no further challenges. This routine wasn't new; Gym Leader Takeshi's dedication to martial arts training was well-known, and everyone had grown accustomed to it.
"Ah, lost again." A disheartened Trainer emerged from the labyrinthine battlefield. The narrow maze severely limited combat strategies, making it challenging for larger Pokémon to showcase their full potential.
Fighting-type Pokémon, known for their smaller size, agility, and renowned powerful attacks, thrived in such conditions. With each Trainer allowed only three Pokémon, a few surprise assaults often proved overwhelming.
"This is my third challenge already. I've been in Rockcliff City for half a year without earning the badge. At this rate, becoming a mid-level trainer might slip to next year," one Trainer lamented with a sigh.
"You're on your third? I'm at five attempts, failing every time. Why is getting a badge so difficult?" another responded, equally frustrated.
Listening to these discussions around her, Kalia reconsidered her initial plan of starting with Charizard. Its over two-meter frame would indeed be a significant disadvantage in the confined labyrinth battlefield.
The trial explicitly prohibited flying, as many Fighting-type Pokémon lack flight capabilities. Allowing flight would undermine the trial's purpose, as everyone could then simply bring Flying-type Pokémon to overcome challenges.
Moreover, even with its flying ability, it might not necessarily pass the trial. Most Fighting-type Pokémon can learn Rock-type moves like Smack Down, putting Flying-type Pokémon at a significant disadvantage.
Kalia considered using Sceptile instead. Although Sceptile's overall size had increased considerably due mainly to its enlarged tail, equipped with a Float Stone, its agility remained high and speed impressive, making it well-suited for combat in the confined maze battlefield.
Most importantly, Sceptile recently mastered the Fighting-type move Detect, which could prevent surprise attacks and enable swift evasions.
Time passed swiftly, and finally, it was Kalia's turn to enter the fray.
Upon stepping into the maze battlefield, Kalia prepared to release her Pokémon, but Charizard emerged spontaneously.
Boom.
It feels so cramped here.
Lian looked around, feeling constrained as his wings couldn't fully extend. If a Snorlax were to appear, it wouldn't be able to move at all, getting stuck instantly.
"Charizard, return please. Let's give Sceptile a chance this time," Kalia suggested, observing that Charizard nearly blocked half of the narrow pathway. In such tight quarters, maneuvering during battle would be challenging.
Lian pondered for a moment; indeed, it felt quite cramped, hindering full potential. Recalling the bond points incident from last night, he leaned forward and made a more intimate gesture towards Kalia. Although it seemed somewhat awkward, there was no harm in trying.
Perhaps within a few days, his bond points might increase. If so, by engaging in more affectionate actions with Kalia, their closeness could grow, potentially accelerating the rise in bond points.
"Charizard, what are you doing?" Kalia sensed Charizard's head gently nudging her cheek in a familiar way, which caught her off guard. Previously, Charizard had never been this intimate with her, so why the sudden change?
Shortly after, Lian voluntarily returned to his Poké Ball, feeling satisfied. By showing affection towards Kalia, he hoped to enhance their bond points significantly.
Kalia found it puzzling yet comforting. Ever since evolving from Charmander, Charizard hadn't shown such closeness to her, creating a sense of distance between them.
Next, Kalia released Sceptile. Compared to Charizard's size, Sceptile's presence in the maze didn't feel cramped at all, allowing for greater agility and flexibility.
"Sceptile, let's begin." Kalia explained the trial rules and signaled Sceptile to move forward, officially starting the challenge.
Sceptile appeared quite delighted. Before its evolution, it had minimal presence due mainly to its weak strength. However, after evolving, it was no longer as feeble, and with the Float Stone enhancing its agility significantly, it felt invigorated.
Kalia followed closely behind Sceptile, entering the maze. The objective of the trial was to defeat seven Pokemon, most of which were Fighting-type.
The labyrinth battlefield was intentionally designed with identical surroundings, making it easy to get lost if not cautious.
Sceptile cautiously led the way, arms poised for combat at any moment, its Leaf Blades gleaming sharply. With keen eyes, it scanned the area vigilantly.
Suddenly, a faint sound caught Sceptile's attention, prompting an immediate reaction. Its wrists swiftly struck out, executing its signature Leaf Blade move.
Simultaneously, from a nearby junction they just passed, a Primeape with light yellow fur shrieked and charged towards Sceptile, delivering a forceful palm strike.
However, the sudden ambush had no effect on Sceptile, as it was already prepared. The Leaf Blade effortlessly countered the attack. Instead, Primeape suffered from the sharp Leaf Blade slicing its palm, causing pain and sparking fury on its face.
Primeapes are inherently prone to anger, making this encounter akin to igniting a barrel of explosives. It charged forward like a berserk mad dog.
Kalia jumped in surprise; her opponent's movements were too swift, leaving her with no time to react. Fortunately, Sceptile responded promptly.
Kalia retreated, feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of the battle. Unlike formal competitions, she barely had a chance to intervene or strategize.
Despite appearing enraged, Primeape fought with remarkable discipline, showcasing impressive combat skills. Sceptile held its own, displaying exceptional agility while effortlessly deflecting Primeape's attacks.
"This Sceptile is quite impressive," observed one of the hidden Gym Leader's disciples, emerging to watch Sceptile engage with Primeape. With keen eyes, they noted that during both offense and defense, Sceptile utilized advanced combat techniques with great proficiency.
Kalia observed quietly without speaking, focusing on Sceptile's battle. At present, it appeared that Sceptile had gained some advantage, seemingly dominating Primeape.
With its agile movements, Sceptile continuously blocked and evaded Primeape's fierce attacks while unleashing Leaf Blade strikes, causing damage to the opposing Pokemon.
"What incredible agility!" the Gym Leader's disciple exclaimed, amazed by Sceptile's impressive performance. It was surprising since Primeape had been trained in combat techniques for several years with him yet struggled against this single Sceptile.
Moreover, although Sceptile didn't use Fighting-type moves, its fighting techniques clearly showcased expertise in martial arts.
Soon, Primeape succumbed to defeat, covered in cuts from Leaf Blade strikes. The opponent recalled Primeape and approached Kalia, asking, "Your Sceptile is truly formidable. How many years of combat training has it undergone?"
Taken aback, Kalia replied, "One month."
"One month? Impossible!" The disciple shook his head, doubting how just one month could result in such victory over Primeape.
"It genuinely took only one month," Kalia affirmed seriously.
Seeing no deceit in Kalia's response, the disciple concluded that Sceptile must possess exceptional talent for combat, despite not being a Fighting-type Pokemon - a rarity indeed.
"Good luck! May you succeed in your trial." The Gym Leader's disciple stepped aside, allowing Kalia and Sceptile to proceed.
"Thank you." Kalia checked on Sceptile, relieved to find no significant injuries. With confidence, they continued forward, having made a promising start by effortlessly defeating the first Pokemon.