After completing the challenge at Mossdeep Gym, Rex decided to continue traveling with Ash and his friends to their next gym location, Sootopolis City. As Sootopolis City is also an island city, they could only reach it by boat.
Legend has it that a long time ago, an underwater volcano erupted, spewing lava that extended above the sea surface to form an island. The volcanic crater in the center of the island filled with rainwater, creating a lake.
Soon, people discovered that the climate here was very warm and suitable for living, so they built Sootopolis City inside the volcanic crater.
Looking up at the sky from Sootopolis City, one can see the edge of the crater, forming a unique landscape. At night, it appears as if the stars are encircled within the crater.
Rex learned all this from Brock's travel guide, which was very well-written and allowed travelers to quickly understand the local customs and scenery.
One day, they arrived on a small island called Monsu. Since the boat to the next island would only depart the following day, they decided to explore this small island.
However, as everyone's interests were different, they chose to act separately. Brock went to the market to buy ingredients, May planned to purchase some local specialties, and Max chose to follow Ash to find local trainers for Pokémon battles.
Rex decided to wander around alone. But before that, he needed to call his core employee, Yuli, to inquire about the farm's recent situation, as he had been away for several days.
"Hello, Yuli, has everything been alright at the farm lately?"
Rex asked as soon as the call connected.
"Boss, don't worry. Everything at the farm is fine. The newly planted Gracidea flowers are developing well, I check the rare Berries daily, and the Sitrus berries have produced a lot of juice. The quality of Miltank's fresh milk has also improved recently."
Yuli reported the farm's recent developments in detail, and Rex listened quietly. Knowing that the farm was running smoothly put his mind at ease.
"Thank you and Yui for your hard work. I've already obtained my seventh gym badge. After I get the eighth one, I'll return home!"
Rex informed her about his current progress.
"Really? Boss, that's amazing! I've heard that trainers who can earn eight gym badges are considered elite!"
Yuli was thrilled to hear that Rex had already earned seven badges. She had been with Rex since he had only a Taillow and had watched him capture various Pokémon and grow stronger step by step.
After chatting a bit more about his travel experiences, Rex ended the call and began wandering around Monsu Island. Before he knew it, he had arrived near the docks.
"Scizor, use Fury Cutter!"
Suddenly, a voice caught his attention. Rex followed the sound and found Ash battling a trainer using a Scizor with his Torkoal.
"Oh, Rex, you're here!"
May, Brock, and Max, who were watching the battle, greeted him as he arrived.
Rex smiled and nodded to them, joining them to watch the battle.
"Torkoal, use Flamethrower!"
Ash commanded as Scizor lunged towards Torkoal.
Torkoal breathed a stream of orange-red flames at Scizor. Although the attack missed, it stopped Scizor from getting closer.
"Scizor, use Hyper Beam!"
The unfamiliar trainer ordered.
Scizor stood up and gathered energy in its pincers.
"Torkoal, use Iron Defense!"
Ash commanded before Hyper Beam could hit. Torkoal retracted its head and limbs into its shell, which became coated in a layer of energy. The Hyper Beam struck, but Torkoal was hardly affected.
Ash gestured a victory sign to his friends, confident in his impending win.
"Scizor, use Metal Claw!"
The trainer, irritated by Ash's confidence, shouted.
"Torkoal, use Overheat!"
Ash ordered immediately.
Rex knew that Scizor, already at a disadvantage in type, had lost the battle the moment its trainer lost his cool and chose to fight head-on.
Sure enough, as Scizor swung its glowing pincers, Torkoal's Overheat engulfed it in high-pressure flames, knocking it out.
"Scizor is unable to battle. Torkoal wins!"
Brock, acting as the referee, declared.
It was nearing noon, and after saying goodbye to the trainer, they planned to find a restaurant for lunch.
Suddenly, Rex noticed a man in a captain's uniform in the distance, but he didn't pay much attention, thinking he was just another spectator.
They found an outdoor restaurant nearby and sat down. Ash began complaining that his recent opponents were too weak, making him feel unbeatable. Clearly, he was getting a bit conceited.
Rex didn't argue with him. After all, Ash had challenged several leagues and consistently performed well in tournaments. If Ash didn't always start fresh with only Pikachu in each new region, his strength would be much greater. Rex believed he probably couldn't beat Ash's full team.
"May, which Pokémon are you planning to use in the next Pokémon Contest?"
Brock suddenly asked.
"Well, I'm still undecided."
May replied, feeling troubled. All her Pokémon were in great shape, making it hard to choose.
"In Pokémon Contests, coordination and harmony with your Pokémon are crucial. You should carefully consider and choose your partner."
An elderly man in a blue captain's uniform suddenly appeared behind May, offering his advice.
"Yes, I understand. Thank you for the suggestion."
May responded politely, though a bit startled at first.
Rex immediately recognized the man as the one who had been watching Ash's battle earlier. He wondered why the man had approached them now.
"Excuse me, are you Drake of the Elite Four?"
Max, ever the know-it-all, cautiously asked.
"Oh, you know about me?"
Drake was surprised but didn't deny it.
Rex then realized who he was. He had forgotten much of the original anime's storyline, except for some well-known characters, making it hard to recognize them immediately.
After introducing himself, Drake mentioned watching Ash's battle and praised his performance. He then invited them all to his ship.
Naturally, Ash and the others eagerly accepted the invitation. Rex was also happy to join, hoping to learn something useful from an Elite Four member.
(End of the Chapter)
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