73. The dump truck is spicy~

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As a freshman who managed to defeat the sophomore chief, the results of Chris and Noah's battle are still making waves.

This has become the biggest news at Dragon University recently.

For Chris, the most noticeable change is that freshmen call him "Brother Chris" anymore. Even the second-year seniors have begun addressing him as "Brother Chris."

At this point, it feels like the story of campus life has taken a dramatic turn.

With the sophomore chief dethroned, could the junior chief be next? However, Chris rarely has any encounters with the juniors, and he's not interested in provoking them.

After Amy declined the Battle Club's invitation on his behalf, there were no further developments.

Chris didn't mind and happily settled into a leisurely routine, either in his dorm room or the classroom, enjoying his newfound peace.

Returning to university, the monotony of his student days had completely vanished. As someone who had once been a part of the grueling 9 to 7 work culture, the contrast was stark.

Who wouldn't enjoy days with less "work" and more relaxation? To Chris, it felt like a vacation compared to his past life.

But, like all vacations, it passed quickly.

In the game, Chris started with Gible and has already cleared the Bicycle Road several times. The beach near Slateport City has become his favorite spot, and even the sight of Katie, the bikini-clad beachgoer, no longer holds much excitement.

"When can I wear black... cough," he muttered to himself.

His hunt for a shiny Magikarp hasn't yielded any results yet. It's not surprising, though, since shiny Pokémon are a rarity. After battling all the NPCs, Chris is content with the idea of finding one while leveling up.

Patience is key.

Gible's level had reached 34, and it evolved into Gabite at level 24.

**Gabite** (Ground/Dragon)

- **Level**: 34

- **Ability**: Rough Skin (attackers lose some stamina when making contact)

- **Individual Values**: HP (31), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (31), Special Defense (24), Speed (31)

- **Moves**: Sand Tomb, Tackle, Sand Attack, Dragon Breath, Bulldoze, Bite, Slash, Dragon Claw, Dig, Rock Smash, Quick Attack

- **Held Item**: Soft Sand

With Gabite's level high enough, and thanks to the skills Chris had learned from his seniors in real life, he felt ready to take on Mauville City's Gym Leader, Wattson.

Chris formed his team and made his way back to the Mauville Gym.

The NPC trainers had already been defeated earlier in the week, so this time it was straight to a rematch with Wattson.

The scenery shifted, and Chris now stood in Mauville Gym.

Opposite him stood the short, round old man with a gray beard—Wattson.

"Hahaha! A young man almost as handsome as me! Back for another challenge, huh?"

"Great determination, but I won't be going easy on you. Feel the power of electricity!" Wattson bellowed, laughing as he eyed Chris.

The battle was about to begin.

The referee, a robotic voice brimming with electronic tones, read out the rules of the match.

"The upcoming battle is the Mauville Gym Challenge. Trainer Chris will face Gym Leader Wattson. Both sides may use three Pokémon, and no substitutions are allowed. When one side has no remaining Pokémon, the battle ends."

"The Gym Leader will send out his Pokémon first."

Wattson's chubby hand grabbed a Poké Ball from his waist and tossed it toward the battlefield.

The ball snapped open, revealing an Electrode at level 31.

"Not only has it leveled up, but it's evolved too," Chris thought, recalling that the last time he challenged Wattson, this Electrode was still a Voltorb, and its level was only 21.

However, Chris had anticipated this improvement. That's why he had trained his Gabite to level 34, preparing for this exact moment.

With a confident flick of his wrist, Chris threw his own Poké Ball.

Gabite appeared in a flash.

"Crack!" Gabite's roar echoed through the battlefield, its intense breath filling the air, and its sharp eyes locked onto its opponent.

Gabite's motivation was clear. Chris had promised him double rations for dinner if he defeated all of Wattson's Pokémon on his own.

Gabite: *Anyone who stands in my way is messing with my dinner!*

Wattson studied the imposing dragon with interest. "Gabite? I don't recall seeing this little one last time. Let's teach him a lesson today!"

The referee robot confirmed both sides were ready and immediately announced:

"The battle begins!"

"Electrode, use **Electric Terrain**!" Wattson called out, preparing to set the stage. Even though Gabite was a Ground-type and immune to electric attacks, Wattson knew Chris's entire team wouldn't be immune, so he started by boosting the field's power.

"Gabite, **Dragon Claw**!" Chris commanded, opting for a straightforward attack.

A fierce light flashed in Gabite's eyes as it accelerated forward, kicking up dust with every step, combining the weakened effect of Bulldoze with Quick Attack. The battlefield trembled under its charge.

"Electrode, use **Screech**!" Wattson hurriedly ordered, hoping to lower Gabite's defenses.

The living Poké Ball opened its mouth, unleashing a high-pitched, twisting soundwave. But it was too late—Gabite was already closing in, a trail of dust behind it. With both of its white claws glowing dark green from the power of **Dragon Claw**, Gabite struck Electrode with a fierce slash, cutting deep and sending it flying backward.

The Electrode slammed into the gym wall with such force that it almost broke through.

"Gabite! (One down!)" Gabite growled triumphantly, turning and walking back toward Chris with a confident swagger, as if the battle had been nothing.

Electrode, now embedded in the wall, had spirals in its eyes, indicating it had lost the ability to continue.

Gabite had defeated it in one swift move.

Given Gabite's offensive power, it wasn't surprising that a lower-level Electrode had been taken down so easily. But Chris also noticed Gabite seemed especially fired up today.

"Looks like I'll have to use food as an incentive more often before battles," Chris thought, chuckling.

The referee robot quickly announced the result: "Electrode is unable to battle. Gabite wins!"

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