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Dragon Claw and Crunch struck with devastating precision.
Venusaur didn't react, its body already embedded in the wall.
As Jayden commanded Venusaur to use Petal Blizzard, Chris had Tyranitar utilize the debris from the earlier clash of Hyper Beam and Solar Beam as a smokescreen. This gave Tyranitar the perfect cover to charge across the battlefield with its massive, thunderous steps.
Only such a seismic impact could accompany Tyranitar's enormous frame in motion.
Chris's strategy could be summed up as "turning the tables."
The difference? Jayden failed, while Chris triumphed.
The referee, hearing the unmistakable sound of Venusaur being slammed into the wall, confirmed the situation. This continuation marked not a resurgence but the conclusion of the battle.
"Venusaur is unable to battle! Tyranitar is the winner! Examiner Jayden has no remaining Pokémon. The final victor is Candidate Chris!" the referee announced decisively.
"A serious fight?" Chris sneered, recalling Tyranitar. "Sorry, but it seems you lack the qualifications and strength." Three successive Hyper Beams without a chance to recover were no joke. Tyranitar was likely nearing exhaustion.
Jayden's composed façade cracked, his face flushing with frustration.
"This was just supposed to be a practical test for junior breeders. Who would've guessed I'd face such a powerful opponent? That liar Li Cheng set me up! How could someone Trevor's age have such a terrifying Tyranitar?"
Jayden scowled. But for now, there was nothing more he could do.
"Referee, I suspect foul play! This Tyranitar may have been given banned substances! I demand a blood test!" Jayden suddenly exclaimed, desperation coloring his tone.
Chris froze mid-step, incredulous. Was there really someone this shameless? Unable to accept defeat, Jayden resorted to baseless accusations.
The referee hesitated. Tyranitar's overwhelming strength did seem extraordinary, but its sheer size made it plausible. The official deliberated, unsure.
"No need for that," interrupted a cold voice from the entrance of Battlefield 16.
Everyone turned toward the doorway.
There stood a middle-aged man with a tall young woman beside him.
"M-Master!" Jayden stammered, his confidence unraveling.
Master? Chris quickly deduced the identity of the man: Robert, the Pavilion Master of Starmoon Gym.
Robert's sharp gaze swept the battlefield, settling on Jayden before moving to Chris.
"Referee, record his score. This candidate earns full marks for this exam," Robert declared with authority.
"Yes, Pavilion Master!" the referee promptly responded, relieved that Robert's intervention would quell any controversy.
Defeating the examiner with such a commanding performance left no room for doubt—Chris deserved full marks.
Robert approached Jayden slowly, his demeanor exuding disapproval.
"Master—" Jayden began, only to be cut off.
"Why did you use your strongest Pokémon in a preliminary match?" Robert demanded sharply. "And why did you deliberately target this trainer?"
Jayden faltered, his voice trembling. "Senior Brother Trevor asked me to... to handle him. The disciple's pride couldn't tolerate being overshadowed, so I used my strongest to teach him a lesson."
Chris couldn't suppress his laughter. "Do you really think I need you to hold back in a battle against me?"
Robert's piercing gaze turned icy. "Jayden, your actions are disgraceful. You're banned from Starmoon Gym activities for one year and prohibited from participating in any competitions for three years. Reflect on your behavior."
Jayden opened his mouth to protest but froze under Robert's glare. He quickly bowed his head. "Yes, Master."
"Leave."
Humiliated, Jayden retreated in silence, defeated in more ways than one.
Watching Jayden leave, Chris thought to himself that Robert truly lived up to the reputation of a Gym Leader. He displayed the temperament and leadership befitting his role.
But Chris's admiration quickly turned to unease as he noticed Robert walking toward the Trainer's position opposite him.
"Young man, are you interested in a real battle?" Robert said, his sharp gaze locking onto Chris. "Didn't you just mention you weren't serious? Perhaps I can give you a reason to take things seriously."
Chris froze, feeling a chill run down his spine. He silently took back his earlier thoughts about Robert's grandeur—this man clearly had a mischievous streak.
"Don't worry," Robert continued. "This has nothing to do with the exam. Your results are already finalized, and you've been awarded full marks. I just couldn't resist—I've got the urge to battle after watching that fight."
He paused, giving Chris a sly smile. "Let's make it a 1v1. If you win, I'll have a little surprise for you."
Chris raised an eyebrow. Surprise? He had a sneaking suspicion this was just an excuse for Robert to showcase his strength. Still, he had no concrete evidence to back up that theory.
Chris wasn't particularly interested in whatever surprise Robert had in mind. The odds of winning against a Gym Leader were slim, so the surprise was as good as nonexistent.
However, the opportunity to battle a real Gym Leader Trainer was irresistible. It was a chance to measure how far he'd come and how much further he needed to go to one day challenge a true Dojo as an equal. Becoming a Gym Leader himself was Chris's ultimate goal—an achievement that would solidify his status as a powerful Trainer.
"Alright!" Chris agreed, his voice steady.
Robert nodded, then looked at the referee. "I'd like to trouble you to oversee this battle."
"No trouble at all! It's my honor," the referee replied eagerly. Witnessing a Gym Leader battle was a rare privilege.
The referee raised his hand. "Now commencing an exhibition match between Gym Leader Robert and candidate Chris! Each side will use one Pokémon. The battle ends when one Pokémon is unable to continue!"
"Trainers, release your Pokémon simultaneously!"
Robert and Chris exchanged a quick nod of acknowledgment before throwing their Poké Balls high into the air.
Twin bursts of silver light illuminated the battlefield, and two Pokémon emerged.
Robert's choice was Abomasnow. The massive Pokémon loomed like a snow-covered mountain. Its snowy white fur contrasted with its teal hands, feet, and tail, giving it the appearance of a frosty, hulking elder.
Abomasnow: Grass/Ice type. A dangerous combination for Chris.
Chris had sent out Garchomp. Its sleek, draconic form exuded power and agility, but Chris immediately recognized the glaring disadvantage. As a Ground/Dragon type, Garchomp was four times weak to Ice attacks.
"I'll give you a chance to swap Pokémon," Robert offered graciously.
"No need," Chris replied, his voice firm. While Garchomp's type disadvantage was a concern, Abomasnow's dual typing left it vulnerable to numerous other attacks. Chris had faith in his strategy.
"Stubborn youth," Robert remarked, but there was a hint of respect in his tone. He admired Chris's determination to stand his ground.
The referee, confirming both sides were ready, raised his flag. "The battle begins!"
The flag dropped, and the air on the battlefield grew electric.