The brilliant rays of light gleamed, and the figure in the radiant glow expanded until it reached a height of about two meters.
Arcanine, exuding an imposing presence, stood in the arena, its fluffy flaxen mane flowing with the wind.
Synonymous with loyalty and handsomeness, this Legendary creature from ancient Eastern legends had caused countless individuals to be captivated by its elegant form.
Its majestic roar had the power to make people kneel on the ground.
Nevertheless, Teacher Luke gazed at his plump Arcanine with a bewildered tilt of his head.
Could my Pokémon be overly nourished?
The two Arcanines faced each other in the field, and Teacher Luke's Arcanine made a complete circle.
Certainly, as a stationary joint-defense player, this was indeed a positive thing...
But the issue was:
Luke swallowed, and his heart trembled.
"ao wu!"
Arcanine turned its furry head and let out a foolish laugh at Luke.
It sensed the master's heart!
It would win this battle!
Luke: "You're not trying to demolish things..."
"ao wu ~(O_o)??"
"It's... beautiful."
Blaine gazed at the scene and involuntarily sighed.
The reason he became a Fire Element Trainer was due to his fascination with Moltres' leaping flames.
Fire Element Pokémon possessed a radiant beauty and resilient belief like rubies.
And this Arcanine... brought Blaine an indescribable sense of awe.
For a Trainer, to fight unwaveringly until the last moment...
Blaine wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her palm and donned her sunglasses once more.
"Come on, keep fighting!"
Blaine's Arcanine had the "Flash Fire" Ability.
From a move perspective, it was also a special attack turret type with moves like Fire Spin and Fire Blast.
Even if the face was protruding... it could still maintain a certain advantage.
Luke glanced at the Arcanine list, considering the "Extreme Speed" he learned after evolving.
In theory, "Extreme Speed" was a swift close-range move.
But... Luke glanced suspiciously at his Arcanine's size.
Could it really execute Extreme Speed like this?
"Use Extreme Speed?" Teacher Luke inquired.
"ao wu! !(｀0´)"
Arcanine roared like a '59 modified tank, aggressively pouncing.
"Fire Spin, on my command!" Blaine exclaimed.
The flames surged, creating a cloak of fire that enveloped Blaine's Arcanine.
The "Flash Fire" Ability was triggered, forcibly containing Extreme Speed, and Fire Blast surged forth.
If it were Growlithe, it might not withstand such a Fire Blast.
But after evolving, Arcanine had become tougher and more robust, rushing towards the roaring fireball like a fierce warrior!
"So intense!" Luke couldn't help but be speechless and commanded, "Double Edge!"
With the boost of Double Edge, Arcanine advanced, moved its limbs, and leapt out of the Fire Blast, as light as the wind!
But here was the problem.
Observing Arcanine's fangs and its tongue fluttering, Teacher Luke looked perplexed.
That's a husky for the people.
It's a mad dog in my household!
"Use Burn Out!" Blaine shouted.
After burning out, Arcanine's own Fire Type would also disappear.
As one of Fire Element's powerful moves, its formidable power was incredibly astonishing!
The flames soared into the sky, and Luke's vision suddenly reflected.
Blaine's Arcanine flexed its limbs slightly, and the ground beneath its feet couldn't withstand the high temperature, turning into crystalline particles.
With the blessing of Extreme Speed, Arcanine's Double Edge, its imposing presence still rising!
Bang!!
Burn Out, resembling a golden Fireball, surged forth.
Extreme Speed created a white wave.
Like two heavy tanks, the thunderous rumbling echoed, causing the entire Cinnabar Gym to tremble!
Simultaneously.
Beneath Cinnabar's underground volcano.
A deity that commanded flames opened its eyes slightly.
Both sides were knocked out simultaneously, Arcanine fell heavily to the ground, and the hair on its body was charred black.
But Blaine's Arcanine fared no better.
It felt as if its bones were about to break.
Struggling to stand up, it finally thudded to the ground.
Blaine took a deep breath.
"I've lost."
"ao wu ~"
Arcanine, lying on the ground, opened its eyes, turned its head toward Luke, and a glimmer of hope flickered in its eyes.
"Ah, you've done well enough."
Luke stepped forward slowly, felt Arcanine's warm tongue, and affectionately patted its head with a smile.
"Now, you can rest for a while."
"ao wu ~"
Arcanine rubbed its head into Luke's palm, shifted to a comfortable position, let out a snort, and then fell into a deep slumber.
You witnessed it.
This Uncle secured a commendable victory against the other two challengers.
As long as there's no internal strife, this Uncle remains quite formidable!
A cluster of red light emanated from Luke's Poké Ball.
Sylveon gently touched Arcanine with a ribbon, ensuring it was unharmed, and then quietly eased up.
"Everyone put in a great effort," Luke said, squatting halfway as if in a resting position, and affectionately patting Arcanine's head.
Seemingly a bit helpless but also filled with joy, Teacher Luke shook his head.
"It was an outstanding match."
Blaine stepped forward, shook hands with Luke, and said with emotion:
"It's been a while, so let's go all out in the match!"
Luke shook hands and cleared his throat:
"I didn't expect... this guy to be so straightforward."
After all, it was a 2V2 battle, and winning with a strategy of rotation and zone defense was unexpected.
Yet, Luke could sense Arcanine's unwavering faith.
Teacher Luke was willing to stand by it until the last moment.
"The Pokémon Center is nearby. I'll take you to the emergency room."
Observing Arcanine, whose eyes were weary and slightly embarrassed, Blaine offered assistance.
"The emergency room isn't necessary," Luke said with a smile.
"This guy is just resting..."
By the way, isn't this essentially Snorlax?
Where else can you rest after a game?!
Blaine scratched his shiny bald head and was about to say something when a serious expression crossed his face.
A strong pressure shocked Luke's heart, and Poké Balls were opened.
The little Pokémon sheltered in front of Luke with unfriendly expressions.
A dark figure appeared at the Gym exit, making Blaine slightly startled.
Following Blaine's gaze, Luke turned around, his breath catching.
Elegant orange-red hair, a white, smoke-like mane trailing behind, and a red six-pointed star-like pattern on its cheeks.
The lion-like deity stared quietly at Luke, examining him with a scrutinizing gaze.
Entei, one of the Three Sacred Beasts!
Legend has it that only a righteous Trainer can see the silhouette of Entei; otherwise, they may be consumed by the fire of Cinnabar.
Blaine scanned his surroundings, as if understanding something, and gave a slight nod.
Due to their friendship, Entei resides underground in the volcano on Cinnabar Island.
Perhaps it was just a match that startled Entei.
Moreover, it has found a favored Trainer and wishes to engage in a battle.
In any case, this will be an opportunity for this youngster!
In this moment, Luke felt like he was surrounded by hot lava in a volcano.
Taking a deep breath while meeting Entei's intense gaze, Luke couldn't help but shield his forehead.
A heatwave surged as Entei opened its mouth, and Luke instinctively reached out to protect himself.
The Heat Wave struck, causing the hem of his clothes to flutter.
After a few seconds, the burning sensation abruptly disappeared.
When Luke opened his eyes, Entei had vanished.
"ao wu ~~"
Arcanine, still in slumber, lazily rolled over.
A golden flame ignited on its body, flickering like a butterfly, even the scorched areas were restored.
"It's the Fire of Life, healing Arcanine's wounds."
Blaine pushed up his sunglasses. "It seems... you and Arcanine have gained Entei's approval."
Teacher Luke was momentarily stunned.
"Will there be any side effects?" he inquired.
"It's just for healing, no side effects," Blaine assured, scratching her bald head. "The energy will be more vigorous."
Teacher Luke? ? ?
Enhance Arcanine's energy? !
Entei, take a look at what you're protecting!
Observing Luke's perplexed expression, Blaine chuckled and said:
"When I was chosen by Entei, I was even more excited than you. If you want to laugh, just laugh!"
"haha," Luke managed a half-smile.
"Entei won't linger on Cinnabar Island after being awakened."
Watching Entei depart, Blaine mumbled:
"Next time... I don't know when I'll see it again."
"Yes, this is for you!"
Blaine pulled a Badge from her pocket and placed it in Luke's hand.
"With this, consider it a token for your gym battle."
[Ding! Mission update]
[Collection progress: (2/8)]
Glancing at the system hint's progress update, Teacher Luke sighed helplessly.
Forget it... he had mentally prepared for this when gearing up for the challenge.
Six more opportunities... just take it!
"And this."
Blaine fished out a red USB flash drive from her pocket.
"This contains the Move Secrets that every Gym winner receives. It's an enhanced version."
"What?"
"Fire Blast," Blaine said warmly with a smile.
"No, this is really unnecessary!" Teacher Luke's complexion changed.
"haha, you don't have to be polite with the old man. Like you shy youngsters, the old man has seen a lot!"
...
The evening sky was gradually improving.
On the open-air plaza of Cinnabar Island, Red and Yellow from Viridian Forest were getting ready to return to the hot spring hotel.
"I wonder how Teacher Luke's challenge went," Red pondered to himself.
"It should be finished by now," Yellow speculated. "You could try calling Mr. Blaine directly to find out."
Red nodded and dialed the phone, surprised to find it instantly connected.
Just as he was about to speak, Red felt a chill running down his spine. As The Fighter, his intuition compelled him to glance at a shadowy figure blending into the night.
The dark silhouette, resembling a lion, leaped onto the rooftops and vanished into the snowy night.
Why is Entei here?
Realization dawned on him, and Red's voice took on a serious tone.
"Mr. Blaine, how did your battle with Teacher Luke..."
"Spare no effort, but I still lost," Blaine chuckled.
"Even Entei acknowledged him. No wonder you call him 'Teacher.'"
"Yes," Red replied with a slight smile, understanding now why Teacher Luke had chosen not to let him watch the match.
Revealing the trump card capable of defeating Entei was indeed not a simple matter.
"Let's go, Yellow. We should head back and throw a celebration for Teacher Luke!" Red said, walking briskly.
"Wait for me, Senior Red!"
The night on Cinnabar Island was clear and invigorating. Under the bright moon, the two strolled side by side on their way back to the hot spring hotel.