The match at the Cinnabar Gym was heating up, with Blaine's Arcanine and Gary's Golduck battling fiercely for nearly fifteen minutes.
"Arcanine, use Flame Burst on yourself!" Blaine waved his hand, becoming increasingly aggressive.
"Tch, that irritating ability," Gary gritted his teeth. This old man was indeed strong, and his tactical thinking was quite sharp.
Using Arcanine's ability to boost its own power was even better than using Flash Fire!
"Arcanine, use Wild Charge!"
"Golduck, hold your ground!"
Boom! The two Pokémon collided once again! Golduck was knocked back and skidded several meters before stopping at the edge of the arena.
The scorching lava field began to sap Golduck's Water-type moves' effectiveness.
"Hahaha, keep burning, Arcanine! Use Flamethrower!" Blaine was clearly preparing to rely on a special attack strategy and aimed to finish the match with Fire-type moves!
However—Gary raised an eyebrow; he had already anticipated this!
"Golduck, now's your chance! Use Role Play!" Gary said confidently.
You might say Golduck is lazy or greedy, but he had some really dirty tricks up his sleeve…
Role Play is a Psychic-type move that would allow him to acquire Arcanine's ability!
"Golduck!" Golduck got down on all fours, red energy surging from its body!
Boom!! The Flamethrower hit directly!
Buzz… A massive heat wave formed a red cocoon of light as flames were absorbed by Golduck.
Immediately, a golden aura erupted around Golduck, boiling intensely.
"Golduck, use Surf!" Gary snapped his fingers.
Boom! A tidal wave surged upward as Golduck rode the waves toward Arcanine.
"Arcanine, use Wild Charge!" Blaine went all in, launching a suicide attack against Golduck!
The red and blue figures raced toward each other at high speed and finally collided!
Boom! A white shockwave exploded as both Pokémon flew backward.
Golduck was overwhelmed by electricity and fell to the ground!
Arcanine held on for two seconds before also collapsing!
Both sides lost their fighting capabilities simultaneously!
With one move completed, Golduck had fulfilled its mission. Gary sighed as he recalled Golduck.
After this battle, it should work harder. After all, it was strong but not invincible.
"That was an outstanding performance! I haven't enjoyed myself this much in a long time. But the match isn't over yet; let me enjoy it even more," Blaine said with a satisfied smile.
"Please teach me," Gary frowned. Golduck was currently the highest level in his team; if Blaine brought out something powerful now, he might be in trouble.
"Hahahaha! Then let me show you my greatest creation—hotter than lava! Come forth! Magmortar!" Blaine shouted loudly with open arms.
Bubbling sounds emerged from the lava as Gary's brow twitched.
Splash! An orange-red Pokémon with flaming shoulders and massive cannon-like arms jumped out of the lava!
"How about that? This is my latest creation from attending a seminar in Celadon City. It's pretty strong, right?" Blaine reveled in Magmortar's grandeur.
Gary's mouth twitched; he suddenly felt like he had been set up…
Originally, Blaine's Magmortar was already troublesome enough; now it had evolved…
"Electivire, it's up to you now." After a moment of thought, Gary sent out Electivire.
After evolving, this guy's level had skyrocketed, almost reaching that of Charizard and Eevee.
With minimal level difference, it would come down to skill!
"Electivire, use Light Screen!" Taking the initiative with a serious expression, Gary entered command mode.
Magmortar's special attack was formidable; if he were the opponent, he would definitely aim to eliminate the Light Screen first!
"Magmortar, use Brick Break!" Sure enough, Blaine immediately aimed to destroy the Light Screen.
Magmortar raised its thick right arm and struck down hard toward Electivire.
"Brace for it!" Gary commanded seriously.
"Electivire!" Electivire crossed its arms and met Magmortar's chop head-on!
Bang! The immense force hit Electivire, which slightly bent its knees but managed to catch Magmortar's attack.
The electric engine whirred wildly as Electivire crackled with electricity.
"Now! Use Thunder Wave!" Gary called out as he closed in for an attack.
Zzap… A stream of golden electricity surged from Electivire onto Magmortar, causing it to kneel in pain!
"Now unleash Thunderbolt!" Taking advantage of the situation, Electivire grabbed Magmortar by the head despite burning hands and unleashed maximum power!
Boom! A towering column of golden light shot up as Magmortar was pierced by lightning.
"Magmortar! Use Fire Punch!" Blaine frowned at the sudden turn of events.
"Electivire! Dodge quickly!" Gary shouted anxiously.
However, closing in meant that not only could you hit your opponent easily; your opponent could also hit you just as easily.
Bang! A solid punch landed in Electivire's stomach as Magmortar finally escaped from Electivire's intense electric treatment!
"Electivire! Use Thunderbolt on yourself!" Mimicking his opponent's strategy, Gary initiated self-enhancement.
Zzap~! Golden electricity enveloped Electivire as its arms spun rapidly!
A layer of golden electric film formed around Electivire's body, instantly boosting its momentum.
"Magmortar! Use Double Flamethrower!" Blaine launched a counterattack.
Magmortar raised both hands as two cannon-like arms gathered fiery energy rings before unleashing explosive flames directly at Electivire.
Boom! The burning flames attacked from both sides toward Electivire.
"The precondition has been met. Now show me your skills," Gary clenched his right fist. "Use Thunderous Kick!"
Zzap~!! The golden figure surged like electricity as Electivire transformed into a bolt of lightning and dashed through the gap created by Magmortar's attack.
Swish! Electricity formed behind Magmortar as Electivire lifted its right leg back and unleashed thunderous lightning strikes upon it!
With a powerful kick!
Bang!! Magmortar was sent flying directly into the lava below!
"How interesting~!" Blaine remained unfazed since lava was like going home for Magmortar.
"Electivire! Be careful of your surroundings," Gary warned himself quietly.
"Magmortar! Don't overheat!" Blaine suddenly waved his hand dramatically.
Boom! An orange spiral flame shot out from the lava directly hitting Electivire.
Electivire rolled several times across the arena before collapsing blackened and charred.
"Hiss… Are we playing this big?" Watching as the battlefield melted into a large hole in the lava made Gary shake his head helplessly.
Blaine laughed heartily without concern. "What a thrill! I haven't felt this good in ages. Don't worry about these little things; I'll fix them later. So tell me, what is your last Pokémon?"
Gary's gaze sharpened as he took out his last Poké Ball. "Charizard—you're up!"
Boom! With wings spread wide, Charizard tilted its head back and drank a bottle of wine; flames on its tail surged upward as it fixed its fiery red gaze on Magmortar submerged in lava.
"Uh… Is drinking really okay?" Blaine looked stunned watching this unfold.
"It's fine; it drinks often—if it doesn't drink, it lacks energy," Gary explained with a smile.
"Well then—let's get started!" Blaine nodded seriously.
Bang! Magmortar dove straight into the lava! Immediately afterward, the lava began to churn violently.
Splash! Charizard grabbed Magmortar by the neck as Magmortar roared loudly.