Chapter 133: Almost Complete!

The first trainer to earn the new Rota Badge has been announced, and to everyone's surprise, it's Erika, the Gym Leader of Celadon City. Many challengers found this unexpected.

There isn't much reference value here.

Although Cerulean Gym in Kanto is often considered a free win these days, Erika's Celadon Gym has maintained a good reputation.

Except for a few complaints due to her sleepiness causing her to be "unresponsive" to challengers, Erika has always displayed professional ethics and considerable strength.

It's not surprising that Erika earned the Rota Badge, but most challengers understand that trying to emulate Erika's Grass-type strategy at Rota Gym could be a disaster, especially if they face a Poison-type team.

Some even suspect that Erika's victory might be due to some leniency or a "gift" from Leader Dylan, as those who have faced both Rota and Celadon Gyms know that the two differ significantly in difficulty.

Erika, however, pays no mind to the rumors; she's in a great mood.

Yes, she has already decided—when she gets back, she will order a bracelet and use the Rota Badge as a decoration. Perfect!

After some casual chat, Erika, with an open mind, sought advice from Dylan, asking if there were any areas where she could improve.

Hearing this, the other four—Flint, Daisy, and the others—also looked curiously at Dylan.

"Actually, there isn't much wrong with Erika's performance," Dylan began after a moment of thought. "But if I had to give advice, I could offer two suggestions for her team."

Dylan noted that Erika's command skills and battle intuition were impressive.

There wasn't much Dylan could teach her in this regard since everyone has their own style. Although Erika is a talented trainer compared to most, she couldn't be compared to prodigies like Red and Blue.

"Please, Mr. Dylan, guide me," Erika said, her fair face turning serious.

She truly wanted to improve, or she wouldn't have traveled all the way to Rota Street to spar with Dylan.

As a Champion-level trainer, Dylan was naturally qualified to provide guidance.

"Erika, your main Pokémon mostly have the Chlorophyll ability, right?"

"Yes."

Erika was slightly taken aback but then nodded.

That was true. Her core team—consisting of Pokémon like Vileplume, Jumpluff, Bellossom, and Victreebel—all possessed the Chlorophyll ability.

"If that's the case, then Sunny Day is actually the most suitable weather for your team, Erika," Dylan said.

Chlorophyll only activates in Sunny Day, doubling the Pokémon's speed and significantly boosting their combat capabilities.

"But setting up Sunny Day requires the right timing, and the opponent can take advantage to power up or attack," Flint interjected. Trainers know that weather can greatly enhance certain abilities or types, but setting up weather takes time.

For instance, you set up Sunny Day, and the opponent could use the opportunity to perform Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, or even launch a fierce attack.

"But the benefits of Sunny Day to Erika's team are substantial, almost matching every key member," Flint added.

"Exactly. Most of my main Pokémon have learned Sunny Day, but…," Erika nodded. She was aware of this, but using Sunny Day in battle indeed required careful timing.

"Then why not train a Pokémon with a weather-inducing ability?" Dylan suggested with a smile.

"A weather setter?" Erika was intrigued, starting to grasp his meaning.

"Yes, a weather setter like Ninetales with the Drought ability or Torkoal," Dylan continued with a smile. "Trust me, Erika."

Her team's moves, like Solar Beam, would also benefit from Sunny Day, as it would allow the move to be used without charging.

"If you add a weather setter, your team's strength will significantly increase," Dylan explained. Pokémon with abilities like Drought could activate Sunny Day upon entering the battle, without needing to use the move itself.

"Of course, this only applies in official battles since we can't switch Pokémon during Gym matches, but Ninetales can learn Baton Pass."

"So, Erika, do you understand?" Dylan smiled, indicating that Ninetales could pass its status changes to a teammate through the Baton Pass move.

Erika felt enlightened; this was indeed a path she hadn't considered.

"But would Erika's team still be considered a Grass-type team?" Daisy asked, concerned that adding Fire-types might dilute her team's identity.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Dylan chuckled.

"Ninetales is a Fire-type, isn't it?"

Daisy was confused. Wasn't that a problem? Fire counters Grass, after all.

"You can't think of it that way. As long as the Pokémon complements the team, it doesn't change the team's overall type," Dylan replied, shaking his head.

"Think about this: When Lance became the Champion of Kanto, his lineup included Gyarados, Aerodactyl, two Dragonair, and a Dragonite. Yet, he was still known for his Dragon-type expertise."

Daisy: (.)

"And when Agatha became a member of the Elite Four, her team included Gengar, Crobat, Haunter, Arbok, and another Gengar, but she was still recognized as a Ghost-type master."

Flint: (—)

"Former Champion Steven of the Hoenn region reached the top with a team consisting of Skarmory, Lileep, Claydol, Armaldo, Aggron, and Metagross, but he was still a Steel-type expert."

"So adding a Ninetales to Erika's team shouldn't be a problem at all, right?" Dylan spread his hands as if stating the obvious.

"Actually… that does make sense," Lily hesitantly agreed. In common logic, specialization meant uniform type coverage in the team.

"Adding one Ninetales or even two weather setters like Ninetales and Torkoal still makes Erika's team Grass-centric," Dylan asserted confidently.

"If I have a team of mostly Dark-types, even if I add Articuno or Drapion, it would still be considered a Dark-type team!"

The declaration stunned everyone.

Erika's eyes lit up, "I understand now!"

She realized she could add Ninetales to her team while still considering it Grass-centric because most of her Pokémon were still Grass-type. It didn't need to be a pure Grass team.

"Well done!" Dylan nodded approvingly.

"And what's your other suggestion, Mr. Dylan?" Erika asked eagerly. She had already decided to catch a Vulpix with Drought. Dylan had truly enlightened her!

"The second suggestion is simpler: just add some strong reinforcements," Dylan said thoughtfully.

"Do you have any recommendations?" Erika inquired. She was indeed planning to train more key members.

"There are many excellent Grass Pokémon. I noticed you're pretty good with Poison-types, so consider catching a Bulbasaur. Whether it has Overgrow or Chlorophyll, it's a good fit, and Venusaur has high potential," Dylan suggested.

Erika's eyes gleamed; she had already considered training a Venusaur.

"Other recommendations include Serperior with Contrary, Rillaboom with Grassy Surge, and Lurantis. These three are all strong, versatile Grass-types," Dylan added. "Especially Rillaboom; I don't need to explain how beneficial Grassy Terrain is for Grass-types."

"I understand!" Erika carefully memorized the Pokémon Dylan had mentioned, though she couldn't help but wonder what he meant by "serious Grass-type Pokémon." Are there serious and non-serious Pokémon? Is it because of their nature?

After chatting about recent events for a while, time flew by, and a few more challengers arrived in the afternoon.

Erika and the other four didn't leave either, as they had all closed their Gyms for the day, so they weren't in a hurry. Watching Dylan battle the challengers was quite entertaining, especially when they saw the challengers' frustrated expressions; Flint and the others couldn't help but smile.

At dusk, Dylan warmly invited Erika and the others to dinner.

"Come again next time when you have a chance," Dylan said, personally seeing them off at the entrance of Rota Gym.

"Of course, if there's a chance, I'll definitely come to visit again. Thank you for your guidance today, Mr. Dylan," Erika replied with a polite and graceful demeanor. Although she was dressed in modern attire, she still exuded an elegant and composed aura—quite a contrast to how she was in the chat group.

"Well then~ We'll definitely be back. By the way, Gym Leader Dylan, are you really not going to give me a Rota Badge?" Violet teased mischievously. "I could introduce you to my eldest sister and third sister!"

Hearing this, Daisy couldn't help but cover her face with her hand, while Lily blushed and glared at her second sister.

"Why don't you just offer yourself to Gym Leader Dylan?"

"If he's willing, of course I'd be up for it, hehe~" Violet giggled.

"Apologies, Gym Leader Dylan. My sister is acting up again. You're always welcome to visit us in Cerulean City," Daisy said with a laugh, covering Violet's mouth and speaking to Dylan apologetically.

"Don't worry about it. I'll visit when I get the chance," Dylan replied with a chuckle, glancing at Violet, who was still playfully winking at him despite her mouth being covered.

"Haha~ Pewter City is always open to you too, Gym Leader Dylan," Flint said with a hearty laugh.

"I'll be sure to visit when I can," Dylan replied with a nod, watching as the Gym Leaders departed.

After bidding his fellow Gym Leaders farewell, Dylan headed to the backyard and opened two Poké Balls.

Two beams of white light flashed, and two Pokémon appeared in front of him.

To his left was a small, floating creature with a wide, flat head, a slender body, and a light blue color. This was Dreepy, which had been sent over by Chairman Charles Goodshow!

Beep~ Dreepy, a Dragon/Ghost-type Pokémon, the Wistful Pokémon.

Ability: Clear Body

Moves: Bite, Quick Attack, Astonish, Infestation, Sucker Punch (Egg Move)

Description: Once inhabited the ancient sea, and after becoming a Ghost-type Pokémon, it now roams its former home.

Chairman Charles Goodshow sure works fast! Dylan couldn't help but be impressed; Dreepy was a pseudo-legendary Pokémon from the Galar region, and Goodshow had managed to get it for him in just one day.

The Clear Body ability was quite useful too, as it prevented the Pokémon's stats from being lowered by moves like Intimidate.

To his right stood a bipedal, silver-white Pokémon made entirely of aluminum metal, with a clear structure and a monster-like appearance. This was Duraludon! Old Itto's efficiency was impressive too; Dylan had only mentioned it yesterday, and today the rare Pokémon had already arrived.

Beep~ Duraludon, a Steel/Dragon-type Pokémon, the Alloy Pokémon.

Ability: Light Metal

Moves: Wide Guard, Metal Sound, Hone Claws, Metal Claw, Rock Smash, Mirror Coat (Egg Move)

Description: Its body is made of special lightweight metal, allowing it to move nimbly. It dislikes rain and lives in caves.

This combination of Dragon and Steel was truly magnificent! Out of the eighteen types, it's immune to Poison, resistant to ten types, and has a quadruple resistance to Grass-types, with only double weaknesses to Fighting and Ground. The type synergy is just perfect!

And if Duraludon uses the Metal Alloy item, it can evolve into Archaludon, becoming as strong as any pseudo-legendary.

Dylan felt satisfied as he looked at Dreepy and Duraludon. His Dragon-type team was nearly complete.

With four pseudo-legendary dragons and a promising young Dragon-type, he hoped challengers would enjoy facing them!

(End of the chapter)