Chapter 90: The Story of Me and the Rota Gym

Upon seeing the message from his superior, Officer Jenny, Dylan felt a bit puzzled.

But soon after...

Officer Jenny: "My subordinates received some information that you used the legendary Articuno to challenge a new trainer this afternoon... (Sweating profusely.jpg)"

Officer Jenny: "Gym Leader Dylan, I understand that as humans, we all have bad days, but as a Gym Leader, you can't take out your frustration on challengers! They're just kids! (Heartfelt advice.jpg)"

Rota Gym - Dylan: ...

Cerulean Gym - Daisy: (—)

Viridian Gym - Giovanni: "As expected of Gym Leader Dylan~ (Applause.jpg)"

Pewter Gym - Brock: "Did Dylan really catch an Articuno? Wow, that's amazing! (Impressed.jpg)"

Vermilion Gym - Lt. Surge: "Hahaha~ Dylan, you're something else! Using Articuno against a rookie, you're even harsher than I am, hahaha~ (666.jpg)"

Fuchsia Gym - Koga: "Miss Jenny, I believe Dylan must have had a reason for doing this. Dylan isn't that kind of person! And Dylan, did you really catch an Articuno? That's awesome! (Admiration.jpg)"

Saffron Gym - Sabrina: (Thinking.jpg)

Officer Jenny: "Stop egging him on! Gym Leader Dylan, I hope you won't do this again. Although the League doesn't forbid Gym Leaders from using their main team against challengers, using Articuno against a rookie... that's a bit too much."

Rota Gym - Dylan: "Miss Jenny, I think I can explain..."

Dylan felt a bit helpless. Even in his previous life, aside from his time at school, he'd never been called out by a superior.

Dylan then took the initiative to call Jenny. After explaining the new features of his gym, Jenny fell into thought.

"This feature... is actually quite good." Officer Jenny paused, her tone rather odd.

She had to admit, this idea of letting challengers spin a roulette and then face the team of the type they land on was actually pretty clever.

Not only does it test the challengers' adaptability, but it also leaves a strong impression. Even if they challenge again, they can learn new battle strategies, and it leaves a lasting memory.

It could also boost the reputation of the Kanto region, considering many trainers from other regions travel here. A gym like Rota's with such a distinctive feature is great!

"But Gym Leader Dylan, that 'easter egg' of yours... I think you should tweak it a bit. If a complete rookie happens to land on it, you can't really send Articuno to battle their Caterpie, can you?" Officer Jenny was quite exasperated.

If the rookie has a strong enough mindset, that's fine, but if they don't, they might be so crushed that they give up on becoming a trainer altogether.

"I'll keep that in mind," Dylan replied with a smile.

"Okay, then there's no problem. The Inspection Bureau will support you, Gym Leader Dylan." Officer Jenny, always efficient, naturally supported Dylan once she understood the situation.

There was no reason not to support him. He hadn't broken any gym rules or protocols, and this unique feature even made Officer Jenny a bit excited about the future development of the Rota Gym.

After ending the call with Officer Jenny, Dylan continued to think about the team's configuration for the upcoming battles.

Meanwhile, in the gym, Kiyo and his sister were eagerly reading a post on the League forum.

The post was titled "The Story of Me and the Rota Gym," and it was currently quite popular. Kiyo's sister had stumbled upon it by chance.

'I'm a trainer currently challenging gyms. My real name isn't important, but I already have six gym badges, so I guess I'm pretty decent.'

'Then, about a month ago, I happened to come across a notice board on Rota Street and learned that there was a gym here.'

'As a trainer, I couldn't pass up the chance to challenge a gym, but little did I know this would be the start of my nightmare. (Tearful.jpg)'

'The Rota Gym Leader is named Dylan. Yes, the same Dylan who was hailed as a hero in the S.S. Anne incident reported by the League. He looks bright and clean, but the Pokémon he uses are dark and evil! You all might not be able to imagine what it was like when I first faced that demon named Drapion! It was hell!'

'That battle shook my understanding of the Pokémon world. I had no idea Poison-types could be so terrifying!'

'But I pride myself on being resilient. I fell there, so I picked myself up and tried again. I challenged five times!'

'My growth was remarkable, even Dylan praised my progress. Though it's a bit embarrassing, I was really happy when Dylan praised me. (Shy.jpg)'

'However, even so, I can't accept falling at the same place five times! (ps: Actually, after the fifth battle, Dylan was willing to give me the badge, but I refused! How could I, a man of honor, accept a pity badge?)'

'And this afternoon, I went to challenge Dylan again, but I never expected Dylan to use a roulette mechanism! The team I painstakingly prepared to counter Poison-types was completely useless!'

'Rota Gym! You're the worst! How could you do this!!! I spent a month and a half preparing that unbeatable team, and now... (Crying.jpg)'

There was no follow-up, as the anonymous writer seemed to have reached their breaking point, likely needing a couple of hours to recover.

Emmm...

Kiyo and his sister exchanged glances, both with odd expressions. They had some recollection of this.

That afternoon, there was indeed a familiar-looking challenger with glasses, a well-mannered one, who ended up drawing the Dark-type team. He ran out of the gym with red eyes, shouting, "I'll be back!"

"Quick, check the comments," Kiyo urged his sister, who immediately scrolled down to the comment section.

'As a fellow victim of the Rota Gym, hugs~'

'Damn! Bro, you're really stubborn. I gave up after one try at that gym.'

'Dylan offered you a badge? Really? You're not exaggerating, are you?'

'Thumbs up, even though the challenge was tough, Dylan is a very responsible Gym Leader. And the most important thing is, Dylan is so handsome! (Blushing.jpg)'

'I was planning my second challenge at Rota Gym, but what's this roulette mechanism?'

'I didn't know there were so many like-minded people out there! Finally found my group! That damn gym, I will get that badge no matter what!'

The post had only been up for half an hour, but it was already receiving a lot of attention.

There were some who had actually challenged the gym, but also many curious trainers who were just spectators. The post's popularity was growing rapidly.

And the roulette mechanism at Rota Gym was starting to spread.

"I have a feeling more and more challengers are going to come," Kiyo's sister said, blinking.

That post had garnered a lot of interest, with many challengers who had already faced Rota Gym sharing their experiences and others who were curious joining in the discussion.

The popularity of the Rota Gym and its roulette mechanism was rising fast.

In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.

"Hmph hmph hmph~ Rota Street, I'm back again!"

A spiky-haired boy stopped his bicycle coolly at the Rota Street notice board and slicked back his bangs, standing proudly as he surveyed the town.

It was none other than Gary.

"This time, I'll reclaim everything I lost!"

Gary parked his bike with a determined look on his face.

Three times and no more! Yes, third time's the charm. How could it be that he, Gary Oak, grandson of Samuel Oak, had already failed twice here?

Is that reasonable? Not at all!

He had prepared an unbeatable strategy. This time, he would definitely win!

"Gary, you're so handsome~"

"Gary is the best!"

"Our determined Gary is so charming!"

Behind Gary, his cheerleading squad, who had also parked their bikes, gazed at him with adoring eyes.

"Hmph~ My dear girlfriends, let's go! Our destination is Rota Gym... wait."

Gary, proudly holding his head high, was the picture of a spirited young man. But just as he was about to lead the way, his phone rang, and all that confidence evaporated in an instant.

Motioning for his girlfriends to keep quiet, Gary answered the call.

"Hello? Blue…"

"Gary~"

The lazy voice of a young man echoed in Gary's ears, the tone slow and casual.

"How many badges do you have now?"

"Ahem, three badges."

"Hmm? What did you say?"

Blue's questioning voice was so loud that Gary immediately fell silent.

"If I remember correctly, you had three badges over a month ago, right, Gary?" Blue asked flatly. This annoying little brother of his had been slacking off ever since he started his journey.

Looks like he hasn't been scolded in too long.

"Blue, there's a reason for that..." Gary replied nervously, feeling a bit pale.

"Yeah, because I've spent the past month or so focused entirely on figuring out how to challenge the Rota Gym. I've been fully dedicated to preparing my strategies and training my Pokémon, so I really haven't had time to challenge other gyms."

"I've been challenging the Rota Gym recently, Blue. Once I get that badge, the other badges won't even matter!" Gary's voice was firm and determined.

"Oh? The Rota Gym?" Blue fell into deep thought.

"Yes, Blue. This gym is really challenging, but I already have a foolproof strategy!"

"How many times have you challenged it?"

"Twice..."

"You've challenged it twice and still haven't won? Don't go telling people you're my brother." Blue spoke disdainfully.

Gary: "…"

"Just in time. I just got the Viridian Gym badge, so I'll come over and join you. I'll get a good look at your current skills." Blue said lazily.

"Blue, I think…" Gary's face turned bitter. He really didn't want his own brother supervising his battles, especially since meeting up would inevitably lead to a scolding from his monster of a brother.

"I don't care what you think. I've already collected eight official badges. Gary~ let your brother show you how it's done, how to get a badge."

Blue grinned, revealing a defiant and sharp confident smile.

Gym badges? Heh~ aren't they just something you can get with a flick of the wrist?

(End of the chapter)