Chapter 39: The Privileges of the Wealthy

"Whoa~ Are they about to have a formal battle?"

"Using the scoreboard too, it seems so."

"Wonder what their skill levels are like?"

"Wow! It's the two big shots from the ship!!"

As Dylan and Red prepared to battle, a small crowd began to gather around them, whispering amongst themselves.

"Brock, could you do me a favor?"

"Miss Ilene, please, go ahead."

Brock was initially surprised but quickly regained his composure.

Even though he knew the extraordinary relationship between Ilene and Dylan, helping a beautiful sister without hesitation was his creed!

Of course, if it was something unethical, Brock would refuse.

"Could you record this battle for me? I'm not very good with this."

Ilene handed the drone camera to Brock apologetically.

"Let me see..."

Brock squinted his eyes, took the drone and controller, fiddled with it a bit, and successfully launched it.

Brock then found the best angle and stopped the drone, nodding in satisfaction as he watched the feed.

"As expected of you, Brock." Ilene sighed in relief.

"Miss Ilene, why did you suddenly want to record this battle?" Misty asked curiously.

"Because Red is a very strong trainer. This battle will surely be exciting and memorable."

Ilene smiled in response.

Of course, she had a bit of a personal agenda. If she could upload this battle online, it would attract a lot of attention, which could also bring traffic to the Rota Gym.

Of course, Ilene would have to ask for Dylan and Red's permission after the battle.

...

On the battlefield.

"Arbok! Prepare for battle!"

Dylan threw his first Poké Ball backward.

A large, robust purple cobra landed in front of Dylan, slowly raising its upper body and flicking its tongue, glaring at Red with a cold gaze.

Dylan didn't start with his Glimmet, even though its Corrosion ability was very suitable as a lead Pokémon.

However, it would struggle against Red's Blastoise, not only being countered but also because Corrosion only activated when hit by physical attacks.

Additionally, Blastoise knew Rapid Spin, a move that could clear the field.

"It's that Arbok again."

Ash took out his Pokédex, even though he had already recorded Arbok.

'Beep~ Arbok, Poison-type, Cobra Pokémon. 

Ability: Intimidate. 

Moves: Sludge Bomb, Glare, Toxic Spikes, Venom Drench, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang, Earthquake, Gunk Shot... 

Description: The pattern on its belly looks like a terrifying face. Weak opponents will flee at the sight of this pattern.'

"Wow! So many moves, it looks super strong!"

Misty widened her eyes. This Arbok was extraordinary!

"Arbok is one of Dylan's favorite main Pokémon, so he has taught it many moves."

Ilene smiled as she explained.

"This is how the rich teach their Pokémon..." Leah marveled. While there were many ways for Pokémon to learn moves, such as self-realization, special training, or being taught by others, the simplest way was using TMs. However, TMs were not cheap due to their convenience.

For Dylan, this was not a problem. Silph Co. was a top-tier global enterprise, and his dad was the largest shareholder, earning astronomical dividends each year.

Therefore, Dylan's allowance was in the millions, and he could have as many TMs as he wanted.

Moreover, according to Itto a few days ago, Silph Co. was making the most powerful Poké Ball yet, which would be rare due to the special materials required.

Yes, Itto had ordered one for Dylan.

"Blastoise!"

Red also quickly threw his first Poké Ball.

In a flash of white light, a large, bipedal blue turtle Pokémon landed heavily in front of Red, glaring fiercely at Arbok.

It was Blastoise, the final evolution of Squirtle.

'Beep~ Blastoise, Water-type, Turtle Pokémon. 

Ability: Torrent. 

Moves: Hydro Pump, Iron Defense, Shell Smash, Aqua Tail, Rain Dance, Protect, Rapid Spin, Flash Cannon, Water Spout (Egg move)... 

Description: Its heavy body can cause opponents to faint when pinned down. It hides in its shell when in danger.'

"Awesome! As expected of Red's Blastoise!"

Seeing the imposing Blastoise, Ash was very excited. So cool!

He also had a Squirtle and believed it would evolve like this in the future!

"A pure Water-type Blastoise versus a pure Poison-type Arbok. Neither has a type advantage." Brock held his chin while adjusting the drone's camera position.

"Starting with Blastoise, huh?"

Dylan squinted slightly, his eyes flickering with thought. He was formulating a strategy.

Blastoise's Rapid Spin could clear Corrosion, so this Blastoise had to be dealt with quickly. The sooner it was defeated, the better.

However, judging by its oppressive presence, this Blastoise was undoubtedly strong.

"Arbok!"

Arbok let out a raspy hiss, releasing an invisible pressure that enveloped the area.

Blastoise's white glow faded, its Intimidate ability lowering Blastoise's physical attack by one stage.

Arbok slowly swayed its tail, its cold eyes full of anticipation.

"Arbok, use Earthquake!"

Dylan made the first move.

Arbok's strong tail swung up and then slammed down heavily on the ground.

A Ground-type Earthquake!

Rumbling sounds erupted as the battlefield shook violently, sending a tangible shockwave forward.

Under the intense tremors, Blastoise's body wobbled uncontrollably. If not for its strong base, it might have toppled.

"Blastoise, Rapid Spin." Red's voice was calm and steady.

Blastoise quickly retracted its limbs and head into its shell, spinning rapidly into the air.

Earthquake could only affect grounded opponents, and Blastoise, floating with Rapid Spin, naturally avoided the attack.

"Hydro Pump!"

Red wasn't just trying to dodge.

From the spinning shell, a powerful water jet shot out, heading straight for Arbok.

A Water-type Hydro Pump.

"Sucker Punch!"

Arbok's eyes flashed with dark energy, and its large body turned into a purple serpent shadow, darting toward Blastoise.

A Dark-type priority move, Sucker Punch! This was Arbok's Egg move.

With Sucker Punch's speed boost, Arbok dodged Hydro Pump effortlessly.

It swiftly reached beneath Blastoise, coiling its body before leaping up to strike.

"Can't dodge this."

Red instantly understood. In Sucker Punch's state, Arbok's leaping speed was too fast. Even with Rapid Spin, Blastoise couldn't outpace it.

However, Red remained calm. Blastoise's shell was extremely hard!

Arbok's Sucker Punch landed on the rapidly spinning Blastoise, its tail shrouded in dark light striking hard against Blastoise's shell.

Sucker Punch!

Thud~!

A dull thud echoed, resonating with the hardness of Blastoise's shell!

Arbok felt as if its tail had struck steel, even causing it pain.

The spinning Blastoise was knocked back and stopped, falling to the ground.

"Hydro Pump!" Red commanded instantly.

The falling Blastoise's cannons glowed with water energy.

Two massive water jets, one in front and one behind, shot toward the also descending Arbok.

"Sludge Bomb!"

Arbok opened its mouth, launching dark purple sludge bombs, a Poison-type Sludge Bomb.

Boom, boom, boom!

Sludge Bombs clashed with the Hydro Pumps, exploding loudly, but soon one Hydro Pump broke through, continuing towards Arbok.

In terms of special attacks, Arbok couldn't compete with Blastoise.

The Hydro Pump struck Arbok directly, causing it to cry out in pain and crash to the ground.

Blastoise, though also falling, suffered little damage. Its hard shell blocked the attack, taking minimal harm.

Undoubtedly, Red held the advantage in the first round.

"As expected of you, Red."

Dylan smiled, unfazed by this temporary setback. The first round was merely a probe, and it was clear that Arbok's raw power wasn't enough against Blastoise.

Beating Red in a straight battle was very tough, as his strength and Pokémon levels were high.

Yes, Dylan needed to use some other tactics.