Chapter 40: Battle Against Wattson, the Dynamo Badge!

"Monferno, use Quick Attack to dodge, then follow up with Fire Punch!"

Watching Gym Leader Wattson command his Magnemite to use Discharge, Zhang Feng reacted instantly. For a Fighting-type Pokémon, speed is a decisive advantage. As Monferno executed Quick Attack, it successfully evaded the Magnemite's assault. The next moment, a relentless Fire Punch landed squarely on the Magnemite. With the boost from the Iron Fist ability and the advantage of type effectiveness, the Magnemite was knocked out in a single strike.

"Ding! Monferno has defeated Magnemite. Gained 207 experience points. Level up! Current level: 20."

Watching his Magnemite fall so easily, Wattson was stunned for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter. "An excellent trainer, indeed! Both you and your Pokémon are quite formidable. But my next one won't be at this level!"

As he spoke, Wattson recalled the fainted Magnemite and sent out his next Pokémon—Manectric.

"Ding! Manectric's current stats are as follows:
Pokémon: Manectric
Level: 33
Ability: Lightning Rod
Type: Electric
Potential: Purple
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Fire Fang, Thunder Wave, Quick Attack, Bite, Thunder Fang, Discharge, Electro Ball..."

A level 33 Manectric was far beyond what Monferno could handle right now. As Wattson switched Pokémon, Zhang Feng also recalled Monferno.

"Well done, Monferno. This one is for you. Go, Aron!"

As the Rock/Steel-type Aron entered the fray, both it and Manectric sensed the other's formidable strength. An intense, palpable aura erupted between the two as they began their clash.

"Manectric, use Discharge!"
"Aron, use Rock Slide!"

In an instant, lightning and boulders crashed across the battlefield, slamming into each opponent simultaneously. However, Electric-type moves were less effective against the Rock-type Aron, while the Rock-type move proved super effective against the Electric-type Manectric.

"Manectric, charge in! Use Fire Fang!"
"Aron, wait for it to get close, then use Metal Claw!"

Following their trainers' commands, the battered Manectric scrambled to its feet and lunged at Aron with lightning speed. Being a canine Pokémon, its agility was impressive. As it charged, fire energy crackled around its jaws, intent on dealing a crushing blow.

Aron narrowed its eyes, tracking the incoming Manectric with unwavering focus. Just as they were about to collide, Aron let out a deafening roar. Startled by the sudden, thunderous sound, Manectric faltered, its momentum stalling—giving Aron the perfect opening.

The next moment, Aron exerted all its strength and swung its right claw. With a flash of white metallic luster, Manectric was sent flying backward by the powerful strike.

"Finish it off! Earth Power!"

With a roar from Aron, a terrifying surge of Ground-type energy began to gather. As Manectric tumbled through the air, Aron slammed its heavy body onto the battlefield, triggering a massive tremor. A fissure cracked open across the arena floor, and with a thunderous boom, the erupting Ground-type energy engulfed Manectric the moment it hit the ground.

"Manectric!"

Even Wattson couldn't help but feel concerned. Unfortunately, when the dust settled, Manectric had already lost the ability to battle.

"Manectric is unable to battle! Aron wins!"

"Ding! Aron has defeated Manectric. Gained 385 experience points. Level up! Current level: 35."

"Defeating my Manectric so easily... Zhang Feng, I recognize your skill. For this final round, I'm counting on you, Electabuzz!"

As Wattson spoke, the final Pokémon of the Mauville Gym Leader was revealed. Electabuzz, whose final evolution is Electivire, was one of Zhang Feng's personal favorites.

"Ding! Electabuzz's current stats are as follows:
Pokémon: Electabuzz
Level: 41
Ability: Static
Type: Electric
Potential: Purple
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Swift, Thunder Punch, Discharge, Thunderbolt, Charge, Low Kick..."

Clearly recognizing Zhang Feng's strength, Wattson had sent out a truly powerful opponent—an Electabuzz that had stepped into the pseudo-Elite level. However, Zhang Feng had Pokémon of that caliber as well.

"Aron, test the waters first. Use Metal Sound!"

Following Zhang Feng’s command, Aron let out a piercing screech. The sonic wave was visible to the naked eye, instantly washing over the opponent. The deafening noise forced Electabuzz to cover its ears, its expression twisting in pain as its Special Defense plummeted.

"Electabuzz, hang in there! Use Brick Break!"

A Fighting-type move against Aron would be four times as effective. If this landed, given the level difference, Aron could easily be knocked out in one hit.

"Aron, use Protect!"

At the critical moment, Zhang Feng ordered a Protect. A shimmering green barrier materialized, successfully nullifying Electabuzz's attack. Zhang Feng recalled Aron and reached for Sceptile’s Poké Ball; the outcome of the Mauville Gym battle was all but decided.

"Quick Attack and Leaf Blade!"
"Electabuzz, Thunderbolt!"

Potent electricity surged from Electabuzz, but it was no match for the lightning-fast Sceptile, which dodged the Electric-type attack with ease. In contrast, as the glowing green blades on Sceptile's arms flashed, two deep red gashes appeared on Electabuzz's body.

"Sceptile, use Solar Beam! Finish it!"