"Gym Leader, isn't this a bit…"
A bit too outrageous?!
The receptionist couldn't bring herself to say it out loud, but her expression showed her confusion.
Both she and Selene knew the Gym Leader had captured the legendary Articuno, a true legendary Pokémon.
It was different from Pokémon classified as 'legendary' but surprisingly numerous, like Arcanine.
But using Articuno in battles against challengers…
The receptionist could already imagine the scene.
Bug Catcher and Youngster: Go, Caterpie (Rattata)!
Dylan: Go, Articuno!
Bug Catcher and Youngster: Waaah~ Mom...
This is just too ridiculous, you scoundrel!
"Don't worry, it's just a fun little surprise."
Dylan understood what the receptionist was worried about and smiled as he explained.
The golden section of the spinning wheel was tiny compared to the whole wheel, making it incredibly difficult to land on. It might not even happen once in six months.
Moreover, even if someone did land on it, Dylan would adjust accordingly, giving challengers a fair chance.
After all, as a Gym Leader, his primary duty was to assess challengers' abilities. Dylan prided himself on being a qualified Gym Leader.
"That's true." The receptionist tilted her head, realizing he had a point.
"Alright, let's go have breakfast. We might get challengers soon." Dylan ruffled the receptionist's hair affectionately.
"Gym Leader, don't mess with my hair! I worked hard to style it." The receptionist pouted, clearly unhappy.
"Ha ha~ Okay, my apologies." Dylan laughed warmly, showing no real remorse.
The morning passed quickly. Four challengers arrived, three of whom were new and found the spinning wheel concept intriguing.
The fourth was a returning challenger, who looked grim upon seeing the wheel.
He had prepared a team specifically to counter Poison-types, only to be told the Gym Leader might use a Dark-type team?
What was the point of his preparation? This Rota Gym was too devious!
As expected, the returning challenger spun Dark and was thoroughly defeated by Incineroar and Meowscarada, leaving the gym muttering about the unfairness.
The other three trainers, although they lost, were fascinated by the new concept and enjoyed the unique challenge.
Around 1 PM…
"Hello, I'm Ritchie from Frodomar City. I'd like to challenge the gym."
A boy wearing a hat entered Rota Gym, speaking to the receptionist, who was trying to figure out how to pet Eevee.
"A challenger? Sure, the Gym Leader is here." The receptionist blinked her big eyes, leading Ritchie to the spinning wheel.
"What's this?"
Ritchie was puzzled, having challenged several gyms, but this was new.
"This is unique to Rota Gym. The Gym Leader is proficient in many types, so challengers spin the wheel to determine which type they'll face," the receptionist explained sweetly.
"Oh, okay…"
Blushing slightly at the receptionist's smile, Ritchie quickly focused.
"So, the Gym Leader's team type is decided by my spin?"
"Yes~"
"And the gold section?"
"Well… the Gym Leader says it's a special reward, only for the very lucky," the receptionist struggled to keep her smile, thinking it might reveal facing Articuno and Darkrai.
She and Selene had just learned that the Gym Leader had recently captured the mythical Darkrai.
As expected of the Gym Leader, truly impressive!
"Got it, I'll give it a try." Ritchie, intrigued, focused on the tiny gold section.
"Please, press this button."
"Okay."
Ritchie pressed the button, and the wheel spun rapidly, finally slowing and stopping.
The receptionist was stunned.
"Wow! I landed on gold!"
Ritchie was thrilled, thinking it meant he was exceptionally lucky.
But why did the receptionist look so odd?
"You're... very luck."
The receptionist's smile was a bit strained, her eyes showing some concern.
"Since the type is decided, please wait while I notify the Gym Leader."
The receptionist, maintaining her sweet smile, walked away.
"Sure, thank you."
Ritchie didn't have to wait long. Dylan soon arrived at the battle arena.
"So, you're the challenger? Impressive, you're the first to land on the gold section."
Dylan raised an eyebrow, recognizing Ritchie from the Indigo Conference.
Ritchie had advanced to the top eight by narrowly defeating Ash, thanks to Ash's Charizard being disobedient.
But he hadn't expected someone to land on the gold section on the first day.
"Please guide me, Gym Leader." Ritchie smiled brightly.
They took their positions, and the referee announced the rules.
"The gym challenge for the Rota Badge begins now. The challenger is Ritchie from Frodomar City."
"The battle is 2 vs. 2. The Gym Leader will send out the first Pokémon and cannot switch. The challenger wins if both of the Gym Leader's Pokémon are defeated."
"Begin!"
The referee waved the flag, signaling the start.
In the stands, the receptionist had pulled Selene over to watch this rare event—the first challenger to land on the gold section.
"Ritchie, welcome to Rota Gym. Let me introduce myself first."
"I'm Dylan, the master of Rota Gym, and I specialize in multiple types."
Dylan adjusted his collar and enlarged a luxury ball in his palm, smiling at Ritchie.
Even Ritchie had to admit, this Gym Leader was really charismatic.
"Ritchie, have you ever heard of legendary Pokémon?"
"?"
Ritchie was taken aback. Of course, he had heard of them, growing up in Kanto, listening to stories about the legendary birds.
But why was the Gym Leader bringing this up?
"Legendary Pokémon possess immense power and are extremely rare. They are often revered as gods or creators of the world, some even causing great disasters in the past. Regardless, they possess extraordinary power."
Dylan spoke, his magnetic voice captivating Ritchie.
"Have you ever seen a legendary Pokémon?" Dylan asked.
"No." Ritchie replied, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had always wanted to see one, but never had the chance.
"Well, congratulations, Ritchie."
Dylan still wore a gentle smile as he threw the luxury ball.
"My first Pokémon is…"
"Articuno, prepare for battle!"
The ball opened, releasing a white light.
"Yiao~!"
The clear, melodious cry echoed through the gym, as the magnificent ice-blue bird spread its wings, shimmering with a beautiful blue light, frost falling gently around it.
The legendary Articuno! It's really Articuno!
Ritchie was stunned!
Gym Leader, is this for real? You want me to battle Articuno?
(End of Chapter)