"This kid is too impulsive! If he loses, he won't be able to pay even if we sell him!"
"Yeah, yeah, today's youngsters are too reckless!"
"Hmph, he's bravely fighting a bully. Unlike you cowards!"
As Rex and Jeston agreed on the bet, the other passengers began to chatter. They doubted Rex's chances of winning.
However, as the involved party, Karen didn't share their doubts. She believed the sunny-looking boy before her could bring hope. For some reason, after Rex assured her that everything would be fine, her heart calmed down.
Unsurprisingly, Jeston chose his Ursaring, while Rex sent out his Machoke.
"Hahaha, this is hilarious! You think a cripple can fight my Ursaring? Do you think type advantage means everything?"
Jeston had initially been worried, thinking Rex might have some ace up his sleeve. But seeing his opponent send out a Machoke missing its right arm, he was no longer concerned. Although Machoke's left arm was incredibly muscular, Jeston didn't believe it could defeat his Ursaring.
Not only Jeston but also many of the onlookers were initially hopeful for Rex. However, upon seeing the one-armed Machoke, they too showed disappointment, doubting its ability to defeat Ursaring.
"Machoke, use Bulk Up!"
As the referee announced the start of the match, Rex immediately ordered.
"Hmph, relying on stat boosts to challenge my Ursaring? Ridiculous! Ursaring, use Hammer Arm to end this!"
Seeing Rex's strategy, Jeston sneered.
"Machoke, use Dynamic Punch!"
Machoke, even before evolving, had been proficient with Bulk Up. After evolving, all its attributes had greatly improved, including its proficiency with Bulk Up.
Before Ursaring could reach Machoke, it had already completed one round of Bulk Up. Machoke then clenched its remaining fist, gathering a massive amount of fighting energy into it.
Since evolving, Machoke felt its left arm had become incredibly powerful. The energy accumulation speed had increased, and the amount of energy it could handle had also greatly enhanced.
As Ursaring's Hammer Arm aimed for Machoke's head, Machoke swung its left arm. With a sound of the air exploding, Machoke's punch struck the circle in the center of Ursaring's stomach.
The force sent Ursaring flying backward several times faster than it had charged, crashing into the wall at the back of the battlefield and leaving a dent in the steel wall.
"How... how is this possible? My Ursaring..."
Jeston murmured in disbelief as he looked at his Ursaring, lying motionless on the ground.
Everyone present swallowed hard, unable to believe the powerful Ursaring had been defeated with a single punch by a one-armed Machoke.
"I don't believe it! You must have used some dirty trick!"
Unable to accept reality, Jeston lunged at Rex with his fists. But Rex didn't hold back. With his recently honed martial arts, he blocked Jeston's punch with one hand and slapped him hard with the other.
Jeston spun several times before falling, his teeth flying out. When he finally realized what had happened, he clutched his mouth and began to wail.
"Alright, you lost. You owe Karen nothing, and you owe me 100,000 Pokédollars. Transfer it now."
Rex said to Jeston after his cries subsided.
Although 100,000 Pokédollars was a significant amount for Jeston, it wasn't the primary concern. He was more upset about losing the bet and being humiliated by the boy.
However, with so many people watching, he couldn't afford to default. Otherwise, it would give Rex an excuse to beat him further.
After transferring the money to Rex, Jeston recalled Ursaring to its Pokéball and left in disgrace. He planned to find a chance to get back at the boy later.
"Karen, now that it's over, you can work without worry!"
Rex said to Karen.
"Thank you so much for your help, Rex. I'll definitely repay you."
Karen said earnestly.
She worked on the Dazzling Star, earning at least 5,000 Pokédollars a month. With her savings, she could repay the 30,000 Pokédollars within a few months.
She couldn't simply pretend nothing had happened, especially since Rex had used his money to bet. If he had lost, he would have had to pay the opponent.
So, to her, it was as if Rex had fronted the 30,000 Pokédollars for her, which she needed to repay.
"If you insist, I respect your decision. But I'm not short on money, so repay me when you can."
Rex said, appreciating her integrity.
Her insistence on repaying showed her character. Most people in her situation, especially when not well-off, wouldn't voluntarily bring up repayment, thinking Rex had already made a profit and wouldn't need the money back.
After exchanging contact information with Karen, Rex returned to his room.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. During dinner, he didn't encounter Jeston, who seemed to be avoiding him.
Rex didn't mind; it was better not to have his meal disturbed.
In the evening, Rex continued his regular physical training in his room. He had mastered the nine moves of the Strength Training technique and adjusted them to better suit his body through continuous practice.
After practicing three sets, Rex stopped, drenched in sweat and feeling his muscles protesting. Yet, he felt immensely satisfied, understanding how exercise could become addictive.
The next morning, Rex woke at 7:30. According to the Dazzling Star's schedule, they would arrive in Slateport City around 10:00.
After packing his belongings, Rex headed to the upper deck restaurant for breakfast, planning to wait there until the ship docked.
"Karen, what's wrong?"
He noticed Karen looking distressed, already in casual clothes and carrying several bags, as if preparing to disembark.
"Rex, I... I got fired. But don't worry, I'll find a job soon and repay you."
Karen said, embarrassed.
"Was it that fat guy?"
Rex asked.
He remembered Jeston threatening to get her fired, and it seemed he had complained to the Dazzling Star's management after losing the match.
"Yes, but I violated company policy. I have no complaints."
Karen said with some relief.
Chapter end.