[Pokémon]Pikachu
[Attribute]Electric
[Category]Mouse Pokémon
[Ability]Static
[Hidden Ability]Lightning Rod
[Strength]Elite Beginner Level
This was Ash's only Pokémon that had reached the Elite level. Such strength was already quite rare. At last, Pikachu had some hope of fighting against Slaking.
Without wasting any time, Ash took the initiative and launched the first attack.
"ThunderShock!"
A flash of electricity streaked across the field and struck Slaking directly.
However, Slaking didn't appear to be injured at all. Instead, it slowly walked forward with sparks crackling across its body.
Pikachu increased its power output and began using Discharge, but Slaking still seemed completely unaffected and continued charging forward.
Suddenly, Pikachu disappeared.
At that moment, Pikachu activated Agility and moved directly behind Slaking.
"Slam!"
Even though Pikachu was much smaller than Slaking, the force of the attack was enough to knock Slaking to the ground.
Slaking finally began to respond.
It let out a huge yawn and activated Yawn. Then its figure became somewhat illusory.
Immediately afterward, its movements became abnormally fast.
Grab and Punishment were activated in succession.
Pikachu was struck by the continuous attacks and crashed to the ground.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu looked weak, but it still struggled back to its feet.
It slowly crawled toward Ash and cried out twice.
Ash gently stroked Pikachu with concern.
"We won't continue this battle."
Indeed, in terms of pure strength, Pikachu could not defeat Slaking.
Whether in attributes or raw power, Pikachu held no advantage.
Unexpectedly, Pikachu suddenly stood up again.
It cried out loudly, signaling Ash not to give up.
Sam also gave an encouraging look.
"Don't give up, Ash. Fight side by side with your Pikachu."
Although Sam knew that the gap between Ash and himself within the system would only continue to widen, he still admired people like Ash—people who had dreams and were willing to work hard for them.
Confidence returned to Ash's face as he stood up once more.
Standing beside him was Pikachu.
Pikachu adjusted its posture and looked both serious and adorable.
It first used Agility, rushing behind Slaking and knocking it down with another Slam.
Then it fired an Electro Ball at Slaking.
As the Electro Ball exploded in front of Slaking, Pikachu immediately used Double Team, creating several afterimages that attacked from all directions.
However, even after enduring all of those attacks, Slaking still didn't appear to be seriously injured.
Finally, Pikachu's stamina began to run out.
Now came Pikachu's final attack.
"Thunderbolt!"
Electricity erupted from Pikachu's body and connected directly to Slaking.
The two Pokémon became linked by a brilliant stream of lightning.
The electricity crackled violently between them.
Although both Pokémon were in contact with the electrical current, Pikachu possessed the hidden ability Lightning Rod and was not affected by the electricity itself.
Slaking, however, was different.
As a Normal-type Pokémon, it inevitably suffered damage from Electric-type attacks.
Norman sighed.
"Ash, you've worked very hard. But my responsibility is to award the Balance Badge only to those who pass the test. I'm sorry."
Although Ash had fought with everything he had, his strength had not yet reached the required standard.
Norman could not simply hand over the Balance Badge.
At that moment, Slaking suddenly swung its massive arm.
Hammer Arm!
The powerful strike sent Pikachu flying through the air.
Pikachu crashed to the ground and finally lost its ability to battle.
Ash understood that his strength was still lacking.
Instead of feeling sorry for himself after the defeat, he immediately ran forward, picked up Pikachu, and carefully checked its injuries.
Sam walked over.
"It's okay, Ash."
"It's okay."
Ash shook his head.
Everyone had expected him to be depressed after losing, but instead he smiled.
"Although I lost the battle, I learned a lot. That's a gain in itself."
Norman nodded with admiration.
"That's right, Ash. Your strength will continue to grow in the future. Keep training yourself and never give up."