Tactics

 Callix watched in awe as the massive Gyarados effortlessly tore through the raining boulders, its head hardened by the steel-type move Iron Head, which proved to be its salvation from the otherwise devastating attack. Despite the impressive display, Callix felt only a surge of excitement, remaining undaunted by the Gyarados's power.

"Druddigon, rush in with Dragon Claw!" 

Druddigon ceased its previous assault and obeyed the command, its menacing claws gleaming with a dazzling radiance as it charged toward the towering Gyarados. While other Pokémon may have cowered in fear of such a formidable creature, Druddigon was Callix's trusted companion, having fought countless battles together to forge a reputation, whether noble or infamous.

Watching Druddigon's approach, Nanuq had no time to come up with a strategy. He could tell instantly that this battle would need a lot more than just power to win. Watching several battles on the television gave him insight into the ins and outs of battle, but being at the forefront was an anxiety-inducing feeling! 

But no matter, he'll manage. "Gyarados, keep using Iron Head, give it no room to rest!"

Nanuq urgently needed a strategic approach. Considering Iron Head's steel-type properties, it would provide Gyarados a sturdy defense with the potential to cause the opposing Pokémon to flinch. Nanuq theorized that utilizing Iron Head defensively could prove highly beneficial.

Nanuq, a member of the Dragon Clan, knew that using a defensive strategy would not lead to victory unless this was a battle of attrition. However, he did not want to win his first battle in such a boring way. In the Anguis branch, the thrill came from defeating opponents through pure strength alone. And now, in front of the village leaders, Nanuq needed to prove that he was no weakling and would only grow stronger during his exile.

Druddigon lunged forward, slashing at Gyarados's face with its sharp claws. But the serpent's scaly hide proved resilient, deflecting the attack. Despite Gyarados's massive size and weight advantage, Druddigon managed to push the serpent back after a brief but intense struggle.

The onlookers, excluding the council members, were all surprised by the display from Druddigon. Normally, Gyarados wouldn't have much trouble with this particular Pokemon most of the time, but this Druddigon wasn't like the others of its species. It was indeed a Pokemon fit for a member of the council, with this one in particular having a more robust build and a bit more weight to it. 

Druddigon, dominant in the battle, relentlessly pressed its attack against Gyarados. Its glowing claws sliced through the air like a deadly, precise blade–one wrong move could inflict serious damage, which Nanuq desperately sought to prevent. Observing the shift in Nanuq's expression, Callix felt a surge of satisfaction. The teenager had foolishly challenged him, and this fight would utterly humiliate the challenger. 

"You have the chance to quit now," Callix called out amidst the battle, getting Nanuq's immediate attention. "A warrior we may be, but a fool we are not. You should know I've fought in battles that would shatter your worldview. Do you think you're even a challenge?"

At Callix's words, Nanuq froze, a sense of worry creeping up his spine. Unsure why he had challenged Callix, Nanuq wondered if it was his arrogance in having a powerful Gyarados as his partner or simply his disdain for Callix.

Nanuq knew Callix's story. It was just like everyone else's, born at the bottom of the barrel. However, what separated Callix from the rest was the fact that Callix meted out revenge on those who looked down on him. His rebellion caused many prominent trainers in the clan to resign and accept their fate. He didn't just beat them, he broke their minds to the core and loved every minute of it.

Nanuq couldn't believe he was challenging this man, Callix was a monster! Growing up, Nanuq saw countless challengers who thought they could be on par with the council to join them, only to be thoroughly reminded of their insignificance, and now Nanuq would be one more statistic for that.

Callix, seeing the change in Nanuq's previous self-confidence, felt alive. No matter how many people believed they were strong, only the results of past battles and achievements could show who deserves to be the strongest! And for Callix, he was the strongest. He would challenge Lama after this battle to take the number one spot on the council!

"Let's end this farce, Druddigon, end it with an Outrage!" 

Druddigon's eyes began to shift and glow a bloody red as an ancient bolt of electricity came from the furnace, swirling around them and giving him a red aura and glow. The Cave Pokémon charged forward toward the silent Gyarados, its right arm reaching back as it prepared to strike down the Gyarados in one blow!

Lama, who was watching the battle, felt immense disappointment when he saw the frozen look of Nanuq and Gyarados. It seems that even though you look strange and majestic, it does not matter if your strength is not at the same level.

In the silence, time seemed to slow down for Nanuq, unlike the frozen appearance in the foreground, his mind was racing with a swirl of thoughts, suddenly his brain seemed to be a puzzle, with one piece missing, only then could Nanuq sense something awakened, and from the shadowy heaven of his mind, the final piece of the puzzle fell into place.

With a wave of his hand, Nanuq seemed to regain some kind of life in his distant, frozen gaze. "Gyarados, circle Druddigon and use Ice Fang!" 

Everyone's eyes widened as they saw Gyarados moving its serpentine body around Druddigon, who, despite his furious appearance, also showed a surprised expression. Gyarados' mouth began to emit an icy air before his fangs encased themselves in light blue icicles.

Gyarados used Druddigon's moment of shock to spin around it like a whirlwind; the icy fangs cut and wounded the Druddigon as he roared in pain from being hit from all angles by the Ice-type's move. This wasn't an ideal situation for Druddigon, as not only was it super effective, but Druddigon's body also reacted poorly to low temperatures, causing this attack to cause massive damage!

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AN: This is 1 of 3 Chapters for this week, right now you can read up to Chapter 15 for 2 dollars at ko-fi.com/saurianmp4 or Patreon.com/Saurianmp4 

Every time I upload a chapter here on Webnovel, the next chapter is uploaded over on those sites. 

With that said, your thoughts are appreciated!