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Gan Fall's Flying-type Gym is considered the easiest among the eight gyms to challenge.
This is because the other seven gyms typically require trainers to meet certain strength requirements, but Gan Fall does not.
He reasons that for trainers to reach his high-altitude temple and climb several hundred meters of vines is already challenging enough to limit most trainers, so no additional restrictions are necessary.
The eight gyms officially began accepting challengers about a month ago.
However, Gan Fall had not received any challenges yet.
After some inquiries with Morgans, it turned out that the exact locations of the gyms had not been disclosed. Dak wanted the trainers to venture out and find them on their own.
Gan Fall nodded, understanding the situation.
It was just as well since he planned to train his three Pokémon further.
One was a Gligar he recently received from Dak, a rather antisocial one from the breeding base, at Lv. 18.
The other two were Pokémon Gan Fall had been training for about a month and a half.
One was a Pidgeotto at Lv. 28.
When Pidgey evolved into Pidgeotto, Gan Fall had even shed tears of joy.
The other was a Corvisquire at Lv. 25.
All three were very handsome Pokémon, and Gan Fall particularly liked them.
Initially, Gan Fall accepted the position of Flying-type Gym Leader just to follow the alliance's orders. Now, he genuinely appreciated these Flying-type Pokémon and was on the path to becoming a Flying-type trainer.
"Gym Leader!"
At this moment, a young man in a white uniform ran in from outside.
He was a referee from the Pokémon Alliance, essentially an assistant at the Flying-type Gym.
"What's the matter?"
Gan Fall, who was leisurely sipping tea, had never seen the young man so flustered before.
"A challenger has arrived!"
Business has come! The assistant was extremely excited. Being assigned to this primitive sky island had almost driven him to depression.
For a month, he had nothing to do. His enthusiasm for the job had plummeted, and all his ambitions had been worn down by the mundane life.
But today, he finally had a chance to prove his worth!
Heaven rewards the diligent! "Oh? Open Sesame, lead them to the battle arena."
Gan Fall understood the assistant's excitement and quickly stood up.
He could finally conduct a formal gym battle.
Gan Fall donned his armor, stood before a mirror, and adjusted his appearance.
To be a gym leader, there were certain requirements, such as wearing distinctive attire during gym battles.
Gan Fall thought his old armor was unique enough, so he didn't change it.
For instance, Fukahoshi, the Water-type Gym Leader, didn't need to worry about this requirement because being a merman already made him quite distinctive.
The gym's battlefield was at the top of the vines.
It was a platform that overlooked the entire Skypiea.
Building the battlefield so high showcased the Flying-type Pokémon's characteristics and applied psychological pressure on challengers.
Only trainers who could complete the gym challenge at such heights were deemed worthy of earning the 'Sky Badge'.
This challenge was tougher than those in the Pokémon world.
The only thing it couldn't match was the current gym leaders' overall strength compared to those in the Pokémon world.
In the Pokémon world, any gym leader would at least have Elite Four-level strength, with some even having Champion-level strength.
For example, before Steven retired, Sootopolis Gym Leader Wallace had Champion-level strength.
The challenger soon followed the assistant to the battlefield.
"Impressive, your courage in coming here proves your bravery."
Gan Fall nodded, generously praising the young man opposite him. "I am Gan Fall, the Gym Leader of Skypiea. Defeat me here, and you will earn the 'Sky Badge'."
Gan Fall held a pink feather badge in his hand. The young man opposite him smiled when he saw it.
Of course, by 'defeat', Gan Fall meant through Pokémon battles.
Nowadays, 'battle', 'fight', and 'defeat' on the sea had become synonymous with Pokémon battles.
"I am Trafalgar D. Water Law, an advanced trainer from North Blue, Flevance!"
The young man opposite Gan Fall finally spoke. He was none other than the sixteen-year-old Law.
In this sea, the D. family no longer needed to hide their names.
With the complete downfall of the Celestial Dragons, the special significance of the D. family had faded, and no one cared about the extra letter in their names.
"Oh? An advanced trainer already."
Gan Fall was a bit surprised.
He hadn't expected this young man to already have three Pokémon. He had thought Law was a rookie trainer.
Then, Gan Fall nodded to the referee.
The young referee stepped forward excitedly and loudly explained the battle rules.
"Let me introduce the rules for this battle." "The Skypiea Gym uses a 3v3 format, with no strict requirements for the challenger's level."
"The Gym Leader cannot switch Pokémon randomly, but the challenger is allowed to switch Pokémon during the battle."
"The challenge ends when all three Pokémon on one side lose their ability to battle."
"Now, please send out your first Pokémon!"
Despite his excitement, the young referee performed his job skillfully, having been well-trained by the alliance.
"Hehe, here is my Pokémon, Gligar. Show this young man your vigor."
Gan Fall smiled kindly and released the pink Gligar.
Gligar glared fiercely at the opponent.
This was why Gligar was antisocial. He was too aggressive.
While other Gligars were mischievous but good-natured, this one was aggressive and combative by nature.
"Go, Magnemite!"
Law smiled upon seeing Gligar. It was his first time seeing a Gligar, but knowing it was a Flying-type Gym, he didn't care what it was, as long as it was a Flying-type.
From his research, he knew that Electric/Steel-type Magnemite had a quadruple resistance to Flying-type Pokémon! What can you do against that?! Hahaha!
"."
Gan Fall wiped the sweat from his forehead, puzzled by why the young man suddenly burst into laughter.
Is there something wrong with his head? Gan Fall couldn't understand Law's tactic.
Facing a Ground-type Gligar, Law sent out a Pokémon with a quadruple disadvantage—Magnemite? This move left Gan Fall completely bewildered.
He never expected his first gym battle would involve such a huge mental challenge. Seeing the confident smile on the young man's face, Gan Fall felt there must be some trick he was missing.
In the first battle, Gan Fall fought conservatively.
He found three or four opportunities but hesitated, thinking Law had some hidden strategy.
Meanwhile, Law fought aggressively but was confused.
Why did Electric-type moves have no effect on Gligar?! Why is this happening?!
Unsurprisingly, Magnemite lost. Law, stubborn to the end, refused to switch Pokémon.
He even doubted his information, wondering if this was truly a Flying-type Gym.
"Youth, what is your goal?"
After the first battle, Gan Fall understood.
The young man had no hidden strategy; he simply misunderstood Gligar's type combination.
Flying/Ground is indeed a tricky combination for many Pokémon. This combination was why Gligar stood out among the Flying-types to become one of the Nine Rookies.
"I heard that winning the Alliance Battle Tournament could grant a rare item as a reward?"
Law reluctantly recalled Magnemite and then asked.
"Yes, the winner can choose one rare item from those listed by the alliance."
Gan Fall nodded.
That was indeed the tournament's prize.
"Is there an item that can bring someone back to life?"
"There is."
Gan Fall pondered.
Law was likely referring to the 'Sacred Ash' or 'Revival Herb'.
"So... I must win this."
Law clenched his Poké Ball, a determined look in his eyes. "Second round, go, Houndour."
A Dark/Fire-type Pokémon.
"."
Gan Fall sighed, seeing Law's determination.
With such a mindset, it would be difficult for Law to reach his goal. At least Gan Fall was certain that unless Law's attitude changed, he wouldn't even make it to the Pokémon Battle Tournament.
He might not even pass the next few gyms.
"Youth, you should learn more about Pokémon or get a Pokédex. Gligar is a Flying/Ground-type Pokémon, completely resistant to Electric moves."
As a Gym Leader, Gan Fall had to teach Law a few things.
So he explained Law's mistake.
If Law had used Magnemite against Pidgeotto or Corvisquire, it would have been a great choice. But he used it against Gligar.
Law fell silent upon hearing Gan Fall's words.
"Thank you."
(End of Chapter)