Chapter 30: Pidgeot Takes the Stage, the Knuckle Badge!

Seeing the Machop enter the arena, Zhang Feng drew out a Luxury Ball for his Pidgeotto.

With a flash of red light, a sturdy Pidgeotto appeared opposite the Machop. Upon seeing that Zhang Feng had sent out a Flying-type Pokémon, Brawly couldn't help but wear an expression that said, "Just as I thought." When challenging a Fighting-type gym, it was common for trainers to favor Flying-types, and Zhang Feng was no exception.

"Pidgeotto, is it? A fine opponent. Machop, use Focus Energy!"

After a week of training in the system space, Pidgeotto had reached level 35; dealing with this Machop would be a simple matter.

"Pidgeotto, use Aerial Ace!"

Aerial Ace is a move that never misses, making it impossible to evade. Thus, just as the Machop began to channel its strength for Focus Energy, Pidgeotto descended like a streak of light, slamming into the Machop with immense force.

The power of the strike was terrifying. The Machop was sent flying out of the arena bounds, instantly knocked unconscious.

"Ding! Pidgeotto defeated Machop, gained 215 experience points. Level up! Current level: 36!"

As the system notification chimed, Pidgeotto let out a loud cry—a cheer of victory. Suddenly, the thrill of battle caused a dazzling white light to envelop Pidgeotto. The light of evolution had arrived.

Seeing Pidgeotto evolve, Zhang Feng was overjoyed. Fortunately, he had equipped Pidgeotto with a Potential Evolution Stone, which would ensure the best possible growth during the evolution. Without it, evolving a Pidgey with blue-tier potential into a Pidgeot with gold-tier potential would have been nearly impossible. With the stone, the outcome was looking very different.

Brawly, the Dewford Gym Leader, along with the referees and staff, were momentarily stunned to see the evolution mid-battle, but they quickly began to congratulate Zhang Feng. Being able to evolve during a gym match proved that Zhang Feng and his Pokémon were far from ordinary; their potential was clearly exceptional.

"It seems you are quite the strong trainer. I may have underestimated you because you're new to the circuit, but that’s alright. There is still another round!" Brawly said, recalling his Machop.

On the battlefield, Pidgeotto’s form grew rapidly. By the time it reached a height of 2.1 meters, the silver-white light faded, and in its place stood a formidable Pidgeot.

Pokémon: Pidgeot
Level: 36
Ability: Keen Eye
Type: Flying/Normal
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Unlockable
Moves: Air Cutter, Quick Attack, Steel Wing, Whirlwind, Twister, Hurricane, Brave Bird...
Affection: 240
History: Met in Petalburg Woods; now exists only to protect its trainer, having evolved into a Pidgeot for his sake.
Hobbies: Loves soaring through the sky and guarding its trainer.

Looking at the new status panel—gold potential, level 36, and the newly learned Hurricane and Brave Bird—every detail underscored the Pidgeot’s newfound power. Zhang Feng smiled at the majestic bird. "Pidgeot, congratulations on completing your final evolution."

Pidgeot flapped its wings in response. With its wings fully spread, its span reached over four meters; it was a behemoth. With such a companion, Zhang Feng could easily soar through the skies on its back.

"A Pidgeot, eh? A worthy opponent indeed. I'll leave this to you, Hariyama!" Brawly tossed a Poké Ball, and a muscular Hariyama entered the fray.

Pokémon: Hariyama
Level: 36
Ability: Thick Fat
Type: Fighting
Potential: Purple
Moves: Force Palm, Brine, Fake Out, Knock Off, Bulk Up, Belly Drum, Detect, Dynamic Punch...

If Zhang Feng were to challenge the Petalburg Gym’s Norman now, he wouldn't even need to send out Rayquaza, as his Pidgeot’s level was already comparable to Norman’s Slaking. Gym leaders adjust the strength of their Pokémon based on the challenger, and Brawly knew he couldn't send out fodder like his Machop against this Pidgeot.

"Hariyama, a fine opponent. Pidgeot, let's go! Use Quick Attack followed by Wing Attack!"

With its final evolution, Pidgeot’s base movements had become effortless. Boasting a flight speed of Mach 2, it performed a Quick Attack, moving like a flash of white light across the arena. Before Hariyama could react, Pidgeot’s Wing Attack had already struck it on the head. Feeling the pain of a super-effective Flying-type move, Hariyama collapsed to the ground.

"Hariyama, hang in there! Use Iron Head!"

"Pidgeot, if they want to trade blows, let's give it to them! Use Brave Bird!"

As both leaders commanded, the fallen Hariyama forced itself up, its head glowing with metallic luster as it charged. Pidgeot, meanwhile, was engulfed in red and blue flames, its cry echoing throughout the entire gym.

With a thunderous boom, a massive explosion separated the two. Pidgeot quickly steadied itself with its wings; despite the recoil from Brave Bird, it was little trouble for the powerful Pokémon. Hariyama, however, slumped back to the ground.

Fighting-types struggled against Flying-types, especially one as fast as Pidgeot. Hariyama’s attack power was immense, but it was useless if it couldn't land a hit.

"Finish it, Pidgeot! Use Hurricane!"

A terrifying storm instantly swept across the arena. Even the heavy Hariyama was lifted into the air by the gale. Unable to resist the raging winds, Hariyama lost consciousness as the storm finally dissipated.

"Ding! Pidgeot defeated Hariyama, gained 387 experience points. Level up! Current level: 37!"

"Hariyama is unable to battle. Pidgeot wins! Since both of Gym Leader Brawly's Pokémon have been defeated, the winner of this gym match is Zhang Feng!"

As the referee announced the result, Brawly looked at his fallen Hariyama and gave a wry smile. "Wow, you really are something else. You defeated me using only one Pokémon!"

He reached into his pocket and handed a Knuckle Badge to Zhang Feng. "This is proof of your victory at the Dewford Gym. You’re very strong. Keep up the momentum for your next gym battle!"

Zhang Feng accepted the badge with a smile. "Of course. My goal is to become the champion of the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference!"