Victor and his Pokémon, Torracat and Carbink, resumed their journey toward SeawindCove City. After a week of travel, battling wild Pokémon, and enduring the elements, they finally arrived at their destination—SeawindCove City—on the evening of the seventh day.
Over the course of the week, both Torracat and Carbink had made significant progress in their training and abilities.
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Pokémon Status
Pokémon: Torracat
Type: Fire
Gender: ♂
Ability: Intimidate
Held Item: Charcoal
Level: 30
Moves: Fire Fang, Flame Charge, Flame Wheel, Shadow Claw, Flame Burst, Inferno Charge
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During their journey, Torracat had encountered a formidable Rhydon at the elite level. Torracat insisted on fighting solo, and when it used Flame Charge, its fiery spirit pushed it to unleash a far more powerful version of the move. The intense flames engulfed Torracat as it charged, ultimately defeating Rhydon in a spectacular display of strength.
The battle's emotional high propelled Torracat into the elite level, and Victor discovered a new move in its repertoire—Flare Blitz, which had replaced the older Flame Charge with its upgraded power.
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Pokémon: Carbink (Mutating 50%)
Type: Rock/Fairy
Gender: ♀
Ability: Clear Body
Level: 34
Held Item: Diancite
Moves: Dazzling Gleam, Power Gem, Reflect, Light Screen, Moonblast, Meteor Beam, Iron Defense, Trick Room, Moonlight
System Note: This Carbink is unique due to being bathed in the Fairy Aura of Xerneas before its birth. Its mutation process is over 50% complete, and its transformation into Diancie is underway. As a result, Carbink's diamonds and eyes have turned pink, and its mastery over Rock- and Fairy-type moves has significantly advanced.
Carbink's prowess had proven invaluable. On one occasion, they encountered an unusually large Steelix in the mountains—a late-elite-level Pokémon with immense destructive power. Steelix's Stone Edge and Hyper Beam caused tremors akin to a natural disaster, but Carbink stood firm.
Through expert use of Reflect and Light Screen, Carbink mitigated Steelix's damage while launching counterattacks with Meteor Beam and Moonblast. Thanks to Victor teaching Carbink Moonlight, it was able to recover stamina mid-battle.
Steelix, realizing it was outmatched, ultimately retreated after a decisive Meteor Beam struck it down.
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SeawindCove City
Known as the "Water City," SeawindCove City is a marvel of canals and waterways. Its exotic architecture lines the canals, which extend throughout the city before merging into the sea. Boats replace cars as the primary mode of transportation, adding to the city's charm.
SeawindCove City is also a renowned tourist destination in the crimson Alliance, bustling with visitors year-round.
Victor's first destination, however, wasn't the sights—it was the SeawindCove Gym.
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SeawindCove Gym
The SeawindCove Gym, also known as the Water Boat Arena, was an impressive complex of buildings, much larger than the Sunrise Gym Victor had previously challenged. The main arena was spacious, with seating for thousands, making it suitable for hosting major tournaments.
Victor approached the reception desk and presented his official Gym Challenge Approval Letter. The receptionist, upon seeing the letter, lit up with excitement. After a quick exchange, she escorted Victor to a VIP room, asking him to wait.
Victor settled in with a cup of tea, but the wait wasn't long. A graceful, middle-aged woman soon entered the room. Her elegant traditional aesthetics with modern fashion elements and cloud-like bun exuded sophistication.
"Hello, Victor," she greeted warmly, her voice smooth and poised. "Your father mentioned you'd be coming to challenge the gym."
"Yes, Gym Leader Jasmine," Victor replied respectfully. "I'm here to challenge the gym and earn the junior badge."
Jasmine smiled, her polished demeanor unchanging. "Your father has raised a fine son. Let's discuss the details."
After some polite exchanges, Jasmine got to the point.
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Gym Challenge Plans
"The gym challenge can't take place today," Jasmine explained.
Victor frowned slightly. "May I ask why?"
Jasmine's tone was patient as she elaborated. "Pokémon battles draw a significant audience, especially gym challenges. Hosting these battles as public events helps generate revenue for the gym, which is essential for its operation.
"So tonight, I'll announce that your challenge will take place tomorrow evening in the SeawindCove Arena. Residents and tourists alike will flock to watch, purchasing tickets for the event.
"As the challenger, you'll receive a share of the ticket sales. Since I handle the venue and promotion, the split will be 80–20 in my favor. You'll still earn a fair amount without any additional effort."
Victor considered her proposal. It seemed like a reasonable arrangement, especially since he wasn't losing anything.
"I accept, Gym Leader Jasmine," he said firmly.
"Wonderful!" Jasmine beamed. "Be sure to dress formally for the challenge. It will be televised and streamed online."
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Victor left the gym with anticipation bubbling within him. The thought of battling in front of such a large audience was exhilarating. Tomorrow night, he would face his next challenge—and take another step toward becoming a true Pokémon master.