Chapter 71: Earning the Dynamo Badge

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"Manectric!" 

Looking at his Manectric buried under the rocks, Wattson's eyes were filled with worry. Thankfully, Manectric was still in good shape and soon managed to climb out of the rubble. Wattson let out a sigh of relief when he saw that Manectric only had a few scratches but was otherwise fine.

"You still didn't account for Stealth Rock!" Wattson chuckled bitterly.

Meanwhile, Gary quickly checked the details of Manectric using his system.

Pokémon: Manectric 

Type: Electric 

Ability: Static 

Gender: Male 

Level: 35 

Rank: Quasi-Elite 

Moves: Thunder Wave, Thunder Fang, Fire Fang, Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Thunder, Wild Charge, Charge, Volt Switch, Double Team, Electro Ball...

"Since your Manectric is out, I'll go with you, Lairon!"

Gary threw a Pokéball, and Lairon appeared to face off against Manectric.

"Gary, you really are full of surprises! You've got the spark of 100,000 volts!" Wattson grinned.

Gary just smiled back but remained focused.

"Alright, let's continue the battle!" Wattson's expression turned serious again as he called the first move. "Manectric, use Flamethrower!"

Manectric opened its mouth and unleashed a torrent of flames aimed directly at Lairon. Since Lairon was part Steel-type, Gary wasn't about to let it take the hit.

"Lairon, use Stone Edge!"

Rocks materialized out of thin air and hurled themselves toward the approaching flames, breaking through the fire and leaving Lairon unharmed. The remaining stones continued their trajectory toward Manectric.

"Quick, use Quick Attack!"

Wattson shouted as Manectric, like a streak of white lightning, dodged the oncoming stones and dashed rapidly toward Lairon.

"Lairon, use Rock Tomb!"

Seeing Manectric closing in, Gary quickly issued another command. Large rocks suddenly appeared on the path, trying to trap Manectric. But Manectric was too nimble and dodged each one.

"Surround it with Rock Tomb!"

As Manectric approached, Gary changed tactics. Lairon let out a mighty roar, and multiple rock walls appeared around it, encasing Lairon and providing a solid defense.

"Jump over and use Fire Fang!"

Wattson watched as Manectric leaped toward the rock wall, preparing to bite down with flaming fangs.

"Now!"

Gary smirked—this was exactly what he had anticipated.

"Lairon, use Rock Slide!"

Just as Manectric was mid-air, rocks appeared around Lairon and slammed into Manectric, which couldn't dodge while airborne. The hit sent Manectric flying back.

"Manectric!" Wattson shouted, the smile vanishing from his face as his Pokémon was knocked out of the air.

Gary saw his chance. "Lairon, finish it with Heavy Slam!"

With Gary's command, Lairon charged at Manectric, its heavy body giving extra force to its attack. The move struck Manectric hard, knocking it back into the wall behind Wattson. Manectric tried to get up, but it collapsed and fainted.

"Manectric is unable to battle, Lairon wins! The victor of this Gym challenge is Gary!"

The referee, Walter, confirmed the knockout and announced the winner.

"Thank you for your hard work, Manectric," Wattson said as he recalled his Pokémon.

Gary did the same, returning Lairon to its Pokéball after praising it for the victory.

Wattson approached Gary with a hearty smile. "Gary, your performance was as electrifying as a Thunderbolt! Truly impressive!"

"You flatter me," Gary responded with a smile.

"This is the Dynamo Badge, proof that you've conquered the Mauville Gym. Take it!"

Wattson handed the Dynamo Badge to Gary with a grin.

"Thank you, Mr. Wattson," Gary said, accepting the badge.

"Hahaha, you earned it! You're definitely worthy of our Dynamo Badge!" Wattson laughed.

After his laughter subsided, Wattson turned to Hilda and Rosa, who had been watching from the sidelines. "So, who's up next?" he asked.

"It's my turn!" Hilda shouted excitedly.

She couldn't wait to take her place on the field and dashed over to Gary as he returned from the battle. The two exchanged a high-five for encouragement.

"Well then, let's see what you've got! Hahaha!" Wattson laughed as he pulled out three more Pokéballs, ready for the next challenge.

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After a fierce set of battles, both Hilda and Rosa defeated Wattson with relative ease and earned the Dynamo Badge as well. Despite losing three matches in a row, Wattson remained as cheerful as ever.

"Fantastic! I haven't met Trainers like you three in a long time!" Wattson exclaimed as he watched Gary, Hilda, and Rosa leave the Gym, badges in hand.

"I've got no doubt—your future achievements will blow me away! Hahaha!" he shouted after them with a hearty laugh, watching as they disappeared down the street.