"Come with me."
Thorton turned around calmly and led Gary through the inner passage of the Battle Factory, passing several metal corridors filled with the humming sounds of machines.
The walls on both sides were embedded with transparent glass panels, behind which countless Poké Balls were neatly arranged in rotating storage racks. Mechanical arms moved rhythmically, scanning data, adjusting positions, and performing routine maintenance.
Soon, they arrived at an open training yard behind the main building.
This place was vast and spacious, with a reinforced battlefield floor clearly designed to withstand high-intensity combat. The surrounding walls were covered with shock-absorbing alloy plates, and the ceiling could open automatically in case of Flying-type battles.
In the center of the yard, six Poké Balls were placed on a metal stand.
Thorton raised his hand and released them one by one.
Flash! Flash! Flash!
Six Pokémon appeared in sequence, each radiating a distinct aura of strength.
[LV61 Infernape / Elite]
[LV59 Magnezone / Elite]
[LV60 Ursaring / Elite]
[LV65 Bronzong / Elite]
[LV64 Tyranitar / Elite]
[LV55 Ledian / Elite]
Flames flickered atop Infernape's head as it landed lightly on the ground, eyes sharp and battle-hungry. Magnezone hovered silently in the air, electromagnetic waves faintly distorting the space around it.
Ursaring slammed its massive paws down with a heavy thud, letting out a deep growl. Bronzong floated soundlessly, ancient patterns etched across its metallic body. Tyranitar stood tall like a living fortress, its presence alone making the ground feel heavier. Ledian hovered at the front, fists clenched, eyes filled with determination.
Of the six Pokémon, four were above level 60, and their overall strength was extremely balanced. While none of them individually reached Champion level, together they formed a lineup fully capable of challenging an Elite Four member.
The most impressive thing was not just their levels—but their coordination potential.
Thorton glanced at Gary and spoke in a steady tone.
"These are my Pokémon. According to the Battle Factory rules, the challenger selects the opponent's Pokémon as rivals, and battles until one side's Pokémon are all defeated."
"If you understand, choose how many Pokémon you wish to battle with."
Gary looked at the lineup calmly, his gaze sweeping across each Pokémon.
"Then let's fight with all of them," Gary said.
"…All of them?" Thorton's expression finally changed, just slightly.
"A full six-on-six?" he asked again, confirming.
"Yes," Gary nodded without hesitation.
For a moment, Thorton was silent.
Most challengers chose three-on-three battles. Even experienced Trainers rarely dared to request a full lineup match against a Frontier Brain.
After all, a six-on-six battle tested not only raw strength, but also endurance, switching strategy, and mental resilience.
Thorton's lips curved upward faintly.
"It seems you're very confident in your strength," he said. "In that case, we'll use the main arena."
Scott's warning echoed in Thorton's mind.
When facing Gary, do not underestimate him. Use your full strength.
At the same time, Gary heard the familiar system notification.
[Ding! Battle Factory challenge initiated!]
[Victory Condition: Defeat Battle Factory Head Thorton]
[Reward Preview: Advanced Rare Candy ×6, Ability Enhancement Fossil ×1, Silver Crown ×1, Self-Selected Permanent TM ×1]
The rewards were generous—slightly better than those from the Kanto Battle Frontier.
Both Trainers stepped into the indoor battlefield.
The arena was massive, with bright lights illuminating the entire field. A robotic referee hovered to the side, its mechanical eyes glowing.
"The Battle Factory Head match between Thorton and Challenger Gary is about to begin."
"This will be a full six-on-six battle. When all Pokémon on one side lose the ability to battle, the match will end."
"Battle Factory Head Thorton, please release your first Pokémon."
Thorton raised a Poké Ball with mechanical precision.
"Ledian, you're up."
Flash!
"Le-di-an!"
Ledian appeared, hovering mid-air like an armored insect warrior, fists raised, wings buzzing softly.
Gary immediately began analyzing.
Ledian is weak offensively, but it has decent speed and special defense. Thorton is likely using it to scout.
"Arcanine," Gary said calmly. "Your turn."
He tossed a Poké Ball forward.
Flash!
[LV57 Arcanine / Champion]
"Ar-ca-niiiine!"
Arcanine landed heavily, mane blazing like fire, eyes burning with dominance.
The moment it appeared, a terrifying pressure spread across the battlefield.
"Intimidate!"
"Squeee—!"
Ledian shuddered as its Attack and Defense dropped simultaneously.
Thorton didn't hesitate.
"Ledian, Mach Punch!"
"Extreme Speed," Gary countered instantly.
Whoosh!
Arcanine vanished in a blur of motion, colliding head-on with Ledian's fist. The overwhelming force sent Ledian flying backward before its attack could even land properly.
"Flamethrower!"
Arcanine opened its mouth, flames roaring forward like a blazing torrent.
"Double Team!" Thorton ordered.
Ledian split into multiple afterimages in mid-air, surrounding Arcanine.
"It's useless," Gary said coldly.
Arcanine tilted its head slightly, nostrils flaring.
The flames curved sharply, targeting one specific Ledian.
Boom!
The fire engulfed the real body, instantly dispelling all illusions.
"…Odor Sleuth?" Thorton murmured in surprise.
"My Arcanine can track scents," Gary explained. "Double Team won't fool it."
Even so, Ledian endured the hit.
Its high special defense allowed it to cling on.
"Light Screen!" Thorton shouted.
A translucent barrier formed in front of Ledian, reducing the incoming damage.
"Extreme Speed. Finish it."
Arcanine burst forward again, smashing straight through the weakened defense.
Bang!
Ledian crashed into the ground, eyes spinning.
"Ledian has lost the ability to battle. Arcanine wins."
The first round ended decisively.
Thorton recalled Ledian, his expression serious now.
"This Arcanine… its power far exceeds its level."
He threw his second Poké Ball.
"Infernape, go!"
Flash!
[LV61 Infernape / Elite]
"In-fer-naaaape!"
Flames flared as Infernape crouched low, eyes locked onto Arcanine.
Gary recalled Arcanine immediately.
"Come back."
Seeing this, Thorton raised the device in his hand—a specialized analyzer resembling a Pokédex.
"This device can analyze an opponent Pokémon's combat strength and calculate my approximate winning rate," Thorton explained calmly.
"…Eighty percent accuracy," he added.
Gary raised an eyebrow.
"Then analyze this one."
He threw another Poké Ball.
Flash!
[LV62 Rhyperior / Champion]