Chapter 183: Sootopolis City, the Last Badge
The next afternoon, Ryan and his companions boarded a plane to Sootopolis City. Lillie sat beside Ryan, glanced at him, and asked, "Ryan, how can you be so sure Jirachi is in Forina?"
"I'm not completely sure, but it's worth a shot. I have a feeling Jirachi hasn't awakened yet, so it's worth investigating. Besides, I'm offering a Legendary Pokémon as a reward, and I don't think anyone can refuse that," Ryan said.
"It's true that no one can refuse. As soon as this quest was released, everyone rushed to Forina. I'm sure it'll be packed, no matter how big it is. I'm more worried about you offering a Legendary Pokémon as a condition. Are you really going to give it away?" Lillie asked.
"It's the League's problem. There's a Legendary Pokémon reward for first place in this tournament. I'll just take first place," Ryan said casually.
Lillie said helplessly, "Don't be careless. The League is using Legendary Pokémon as bait. Just like you, many elite trainers will be attending this Ever Grande Conference."
Ryan nodded and said, "I understand. That's why I want to use this opportunity to help Charizard and the others quickly master their Origin Power and advance to Tier 3."
"Wait, so you're not planning on using those Legendary Pokémon in this tournament, Ryan?" Sapphire asked, turning around.
"Right. I'll still register them, but they'll be used as trump cards, so I'll try not to use them," Ryan said.
Ruby said helplessly, "Sapphire, forget it. You'll be lucky to make it to the top 32 of this year's League Tournament. Don't overthink it."
Then Sapphire twisted Ruby's ear and lifted her up. Lillie shook her head: Ruby is asking for trouble.
After a day of flying, they finally arrived in Sootopolis City. Although Ryan and his team had been there before, that was to manipulate Groudon and Kyogre's clash with the League.
For safety reasons, the League had evacuated the residents of Sootopolis City early, leaving behind only an empty shell. Now that Ryan and his group had arrived in Sootopolis City, they truly experienced the beauty of this crater lake city.
They rushed to Sootopolis Gym and met Juan, the current Sootopolis Gym Leader. Juan smiled upon seeing Ryan and his group and said, "Ah, it's you! There was quite a commotion a while ago. But as the Sootopolis Gym Leader, I'm very grateful for your control of Groudon and Kyogre, minimizing casualties throughout the Hoenn region."
Ruby scratched her head and said, "Hello, Master Juan."
It couldn't be helped. Wallace was Juan's disciple, and as Wallace's disciple, it was only natural for Ruby to call Juan "Master." Juan looked at Ruby and said, "Well, not bad. Wallace has taken in a very good disciple. I've watched every one of your Contest performances, and they're all quite remarkable. We can discuss this after the Gym Battle."
"Yes, Master Juan," Ruby replied obediently.
Ryan asked, "Gym Leader Juan, what are the rules for the gym match?"
Juan looked at Ryan and Sapphire and said, "Since there are two of you, let's make it three-on-three. First, it'll be a two-on-two doubles match until my two Pokémon are defeated, then we'll have a one-on-one match. You can swap Pokémon until all three are defeated."
Ryan nodded and said, "Okay, I'll go first then."
"Follow me," Juan said.
He then led Ryan and his group to his water battlefield. Juan stood on his platform and said, "Since it's a two-on-one battle, there's no need to switch arenas. Let's battle in the water arena."
Ryan nodded and sent out Gengar and Blissey, who hadn't appeared in a while. Juan looked at the team and smiled, "You seem quite confident. Very well then, Sealeo and Luvdisc, I'm counting on you!"
"Blissey, Toxic. Gengar, vanish," Ryan said.
Blissey waved her hands, and a large amount of venom dissolved into the pool, instantly transforming the water arena into a poisonous field. Juan's Sealeo was unaffected on the platform, but the underwater Luvdisc was instantly poisoned, and Gengar vanished into thin air.
"Starting at a disadvantage right from the start? Then, Sealeo, Luvdisc, double Blizzard!" Juan said.
Sealeo and Luvdisc simultaneously unleashed a powerful Blizzard, striking Blissey. The entire arena transformed into a field of ice. Luvdisc landed lightly on the ice, temporarily stopping the poison from further harming it.
However, they seemed to have forgotten that there was another Pokémon hiding in the shadows. Gengar suddenly appeared in front of Luvdisc and hit it with a Thunderbolt. Luvdisc had no time to react and was instantly electrocuted, fainting on the spot.
"Sealeo, Ice Ball barrage!" Juan shouted.
Sealeo instantly condensed multiple Ice Balls and hurled them at Gengar. The attack connected, blasting five Ice Balls directly into Gengar. But don't forget Blissey, the ultimate support, whose Heal Pulse kept Gengar's health stable. After the Ice Ball barrage, Gengar directly used Pain Split, crippling Sealeo. Then, two of Blissey's Seismic Tosses also hit Sealeo, instantly knocking it out.
Juan watched the two Pokémon's synergy with dismay: Gengar's evasiveness and Blissey's healing were simply impossible to overcome. He could have defeated Gengar, but Blissey's healing kept it at optimal health, making it nearly invincible. A single Pain Split could cripple Sealeo in an instant.
Ryan smiled: Blissey's healing techniques were specially trained. With enough power, Blissey could definitely teach opponents the true meaning of a health lock!
Juan retrieved the two defeated Pokémon and, looking at Ryan with some resignation, said, "Your Pokémon are quite well-trained. I'm no match for them. But we still have to finish the final match. Go, Milotic!"
"Come back, Gengar and Blissey." Ryan also retrieved his two Pokémon. "Go, Beedrill!"
Milotic and Beedrill appeared on the field. Ruby saw the shiny Beedrill and facepalmed: Ryan is showing off again.
"Beedrill, the tournament is almost here, and this is the last gym. So I'll let you fine-tune your form," Ryan said.
Beedrill nodded, the spike on its right arm pointing at the opposing Milotic.
Juan's face twitched, and he said, "Don't underestimate us, Milotic! Twister!"
Milotic swung its tail, sending a tornado hurtling towards Beedrill. But Beedrill instantly transformed into a streak of light, dodging the Twister before piercing Milotic with its twin needles. Milotic grimaced and fired a Hydro Pump at Beedrill.
Beedrill immediately flew away from Milotic, simultaneously raising its right spike, focusing sunlight and then firing a Solar Beam at Milotic. Milotic met the attack with its Hydro Pump. The two collided, erupting in a shower of water that obscured everyone's vision.
"Oh no! Milotic, protect yourself with Aqua Ring!" Juan said, sensing danger.
"Too late! Electroweb!" Ryan said.
Beedrill instantly unleashed several layers of Electroweb, entrapping Milotic. Then, its twin needles pierced Milotic, sending it flying and rendering it unable to battle.
Juan shook his head, returned Milotic, and said, "I lose."
Beedrill flew in front of Ryan. Ryan stroked its head and smiled, "Thank you for your hard work."
(End of Chapter)
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