Chapter 51: A Man As Powerful As a Rock

"Hello, are you Mr. Ash?"

A staff member waited in front of the door of the battle hall. Upon seeing Ash and Misty approach, he greeted Ash clearly.

"Yes," Ash responded with a slight nod.

"Please come in. The gym leader is ready," the staff member said, swiping his card through the electronic lock beside the door.

The massive five-meter-high door swung open slowly, revealing the arena inside.

As Ash stepped in, he was struck by the vastness of the hall—it spanned at least two to three hundred square meters, featuring a formal battlefield that measured 100 meters long and 50 meters wide.

High platforms on both sides served as audience seating, and a number of spectators were already seated, eagerly awaiting the match.

Scanning the audience, Ash spotted the group of trainers that had cheered him on outside—the familiar faces of Doni and his friends.

"You are the next challenger, Ash..." A voice drew Ash's attention, and he turned to face a young man standing on the opposite side of the battlefield.

The boy had short, dry hair and a slightly darker complexion, dressed in an orange short sleeve shirt with a green vest.

His arms were muscular and well-defined, giving him a strong presence.

Ash narrowed his eyes slightly as he felt a palpable pressure emanating from this young man—it was an intensity he hadn't felt from his previous encounters with trainers.

"This must be Brock... the Gym Leader of Pewter Gym," Ash thought, recalling he was a character he had seen in the anime.

"I am!" Ash called back, gesturing for Pikachu to hop down from his shoulder. Misty instinctively took a few steps back, positioning herself behind Ash, ready to cheer him on.

"It's only been a week since you became a trainer, and already you're at the Poké Ball level. That certainly sets you apart from the crowd..." Brock observed, eyeing Ash closely.

He noted Ash's energetic demeanor and calm expression, both of which suggested he was not a typical challenger.

Yet, he also scrutinized Pikachu, recognizing its normal level of strength, which typically aligns with beginners.

Brock was puzzled as to how Ash could reach Poké Ball status with a normal-level Pokémon.

"I don't know how to hold back..." Brock said with a serious tone, snapping his fingers.

Suddenly, the walls beneath the audience seating opened up, revealing two platforms brimming with rocks that began moving to the central battlefield.

The two pieces merged to create a massive, rock-shaped battle arena.

The crowd erupted in awe. They had witnessed many gym challenges but nothing quite like this unfolding before them.

"You're worthy of me using this field against you!" Brock lowered his arms, his eyes narrowing slightly as he unleashed his full presence.

"Come on, let me see your ability!"

"Oh man, I'm so excited! I've never fought on terrain like this before, especially not in a gym battle!" Ash exclaimed, feeling a thrill rush through him.

"This is a gym challenge between challenger Ash and Gym Leader Brock. Each participant may use only two Pokémon.

The challenger may substitute Pokémon during the battle and will automatically have the first move!" the referee announced, standing at the edge of the battlefield.

"Ash, you got this! you have to win!" Misty shouted, though despite her confidence, she felt a flutter of nerves.

This was no ordinary matchup; she knew Brock would be utilizing an Bronze-level Pokémon.

"Don't worry!" Ash replied confidently, lifting his thumb in a reassuring gesture towards Misty without looking back. "I'll definitely win!"

Brock smiled, impressed by Ash's confidence. He then launched his Poké Ball into the air. As the gym leader, Brock had the privilege to send out his Pokémon first.

"Come on, Geodude!" he commanded, throwing the Poké Ball into the arena.

A brilliant light emanated from the Poké Ball as it opened, revealing Geodude—an infamous Rock and Ground type Pokémon with its bumpy cobblestone head, trapezoidal eyes, and muscular arms. 

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Geodude 

Type: Rock, Ground 

Category: Rock Pokémon 

Abilities: Rock Head (prevents recoil damage from moves with backlash) 

Strength: Bronze 

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This Geodude was one of Brock's own Pokémon, not the ones provided by the League.

Typically, gyms would receive Pokémon from the League of varying strengths, but Brock's Geodude was not only Bronze-level but one he had caught himself.

"Rock and Ground types..." Ash paused for a moment, strategizing.

Given the type disadvantage against Brock's Geodude, he knew Pikachu wouldn't be the best choice for this match.

Instead, he threw out his own Poké Ball. "Beedrill, it's your time to shine!" Ash called.

Beedrill appeared on the battlefield, ready to fight, though it had no type advantage and was, in fact, at a disadvantage against Brock's Rock-type Pokémon. 

Brock's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. "A normal-level Pokémon again? Why would a Poké Ball-level trainer send out such a Pokémon?"

"Let the battle... begin!" The referee raised both hands, indicating the start of the gym challenge.

"Beedrill, use String Shot!" Ash commanded immediately.

While he loved a strong offense, Ash recognized that due to Beedrill's learned moves and the difference in strength, he would have to adopt a different approach. 

String Shot was a perfect move to slow down Geodude, restrict its movements, and attempt to create opportunities for a strategic play. 

As Beedrill launched the sticky strands toward Geodude, the battle was set to unveil the true strength of both trainers in this intense face-off.

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Sayo nara~~