As a freshman, John's remarkable victory over Zane, the Best Battler in Riverstone, had become the talk of Riverstone University. Everywhere on campus, students buzzed with excitement about the underdog who had toppled a second-year legend.
For John, the biggest change was how people addressed him. Where younger students once called him by his first name, they now hailed him as "Boss John," a title that carried a blend of reverence and admiration. Even second-year students, who previously might have ignored him, now used the nickname with a hint of deference.
"Should I just change my name to John Wick and lean into the reputation?" he joked to himself one afternoon, imagining a more dramatic persona.
Though there were whispers about him challenging the Battle club president next, John had little interest in chasing unnecessary conflicts. Without a reason to interact with upperclassmen, he was content to avoid any potential drama. His life was peaceful, and he wanted to keep it that way.
The Battle Club, which had extended an invitation through Grace, seemed to take his rejection in stride. With no follow-up from them, John returned to his preferred routine: a quiet existence divided between his cozy dorm room and the lecture halls.
For John, who had experienced the grueling reality of working life before returning to school, university felt like a vacation. The relentless grind of nine-to-nine shifts—and sometimes overnight marathons—was a distant memory. In contrast, this slower pace with more downtime felt like heaven.
In the world within the Gameboy, John's Pokemon, Gible, had grown into a formidable force. He'd traversed the notorious cycling bridge countless times and turned Slateport City's sunlit beach into his personal training ground. Even Katie, the cheerful bikini-clad NPC, no longer distracted him as he focused on leveling up his team.
"Someday, I'll find that shiny Magikarp," he muttered while grinding levels. Though the rare, gleaming variant eluded him, he wasn't discouraged.
Gible's training had paid off spectacularly. By reaching level 34, it had evolved into a fearsome Gabite back at level 24.
[Gabite (Ground, Dragon-Type)]
[LV: 34]
[Ability: Rough Skin (contact moves damage the attacker)]
[Stats: HP (31), Attack (31), Special Attack (31), Defense (31), Special Defense (24), Speed (31)]
[Moves: Sand Tomb, Tackle, Sand Attack, Dragon Breath, Bulldoze, Bite, Slash, Double Claw, Dragon Claw, Dig, Rock Smash, Quick Attack]
[Held Item :Soft Sand]
Gabite was more than ready for the challenges ahead.
John found himself back in Mauville City, standing outside the gym where Wattson, the eccentric Electric-type leader, waited. This time, John felt more confident. The memory of his previous loss no longer weighed him down; he was prepared to win.
As he stepped into the gym, the air seemed to hum with static. Opposite him stood Wattson, a stocky man with a booming laugh and a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.
"Hahaha! Back again, are we?" Wattson called, his voice echoing through the gym. "I like your perseverance, kid. But don't expect me to go easy on you. Let's see if you've got what it takes this time!"
The referee—a sleek, robotic assistant—rolled onto the battlefield and began to recite the rules in a metallic voice:
"This is a three-on-three match. No substitutions allowed. When one trainer's Pokemon are all unable to battle, the match is over."
Wattson reached for his first Pokeball with a grin. "Let's kick this off, shall we?"
With a practiced flick, Wattson sent out his first Pokemon: an Electrode. Its smooth, spherical body gleamed under the gym's lights, and it vibrated slightly with barely contained energy.
John raised an eyebrow, noticing the difference. "An Electrode? Looks like it evolved since our last battle. Good thing I've been preparing for this."
He grabbed his own Pokeball, tossing it confidently. "Gabite, let's show them what we've got!"
With a burst of light, the dragon appeared, roaring fiercely as its claws dug into the gym floor. Its piercing gaze locked onto Electrode, and it shifted into a battle stance, ready to strike.
Gabite wasn't just determined—it was hungry. John had promised it a double portion of food if it swept the match, and Gabite wasn't about to let anything stand between it and its reward.
Wattson chuckled. "Gabite, huh? Didn't see this little guy last time. Guess I'll have to teach it a lesson!"
The referee bot chimed in, signaling the start of the battle. "The match begins!"
"Electrode, set up Electric Terrain!" Wattson called.
The ground crackled as electric energy surged across the battlefield. Bright sparks danced in the air, creating an intimidating display.
John smirked. "Gabite, Dragon Claw!"
Gabite launched forward with a roar, its claws glowing an intense green as it accelerated. Each step kicked up clouds of dust, its sheer momentum shaking the ground.
"Electrode, Screech!" Wattson shouted, hoping to disrupt the attack.
Electrode emitted a sharp, grating sound, but it was too late. Gabite closed the distance in an instant, its glowing claws slashing across Electrode's smooth surface. The impact sent Electrode flying backward, crashing into the gym wall with enough force to leave a visible dent.
Gabite turned back to John, strutting proudly. Its expression said it all: One down, two to go.
Electrode lay motionless, its eyes replaced by swirling spirals.
The referee bot's monotone voice confirmed the result: "Electrode is unable to battle. Gabite wins!"
John grinned, patting Gabite on the head. "Nice work, buddy. Let's keep it up."
Gabite growled in response, already imagining its well-earned feast.
Wattson, far from discouraged, laughed heartily. "Not bad, kid! But don't get cocky just yet. Let's see how you handle this next one!"
As the gym leader reached for his second Pokeball, John adjusted his stance, his grin widening.
"Bring it on," he said, ready for whatever came next.