The next morning, Rex didn't go straight to Hala's home. Instead, he headed first to the Trainer School, planning to travel with Professor Kukui and the others to the ceremonial battlefield for the Grand Trial.
"Rex! You're here! I've been dying to see your Grand Trial against Island King Hala!"
As soon as Rex hopped down from Swellow's back, Kiawe greeted him excitedly.
Seeing the fiery glow in Kiawe's eyes and his over-the-top energy, Rex instinctively stepped back a bit. He wasn't great at handling overly passionate types, so he decided to wait until Kiawe calmed down.
"I'm looking forward to the match too. Thanks for coming to support me, everyone."
Once Kiawe settled, Rex nodded to the group in appreciation.
The group then boarded a bus heading toward Iki Town.
"Rex, has your Swellow undergone another breakthrough recently? I noticed its body size seems significantly larger."
Once the bus started moving, Professor Kukui sat beside Rex and asked.
As a researcher who had studied Pokémon for years, Kukui was extremely sensitive to physical changes in Pokémon. The increase in Swellow's size was immediately apparent to him.
"Huh? Now that you mention it… I did think something seemed off. Swellow really does look bigger than before!"
Lillie, too, suddenly realized the change. She had sensed something was different earlier but couldn't quite pinpoint it until Kukui mentioned the size.
"These past few days, I've been having Swellow use up all its stamina through training, then letting Jumpluff heal it with Grassy Terrain. I found that during the healing process, Swellow absorbs Z-energy much more efficiently."
Rex had already prepared a plausible explanation for Swellow's changes, omitting the fact that he used his unique healing ability.
And in truth, he wasn't lying—the Grassy Terrain method did work, just not as effectively as his life energy technique.
It was enough, though. After all, there was natural variance between Pokémon. If Swellow showed a strong affinity for this method, it could be attributed to its individual talent.
"So that's how… It's a clever strategy. Rex, you really have a knack for research. Have you ever considered becoming a Pokémon scientist someday?"
Kukui nodded as he processed the method. Though further experimentation would be needed to gauge how universally effective it was, it was still a smart idea. Kukui was more and more amazed by the creative insights Rex came up with.
"I really enjoy the life I have now, Professor. So… I'm afraid not."
Rex politely declined. Research was never something he wanted to pursue.
Kukui was a bit disappointed but didn't push the matter. Everyone had their own path, and for someone like Rex, who clearly already knew what he wanted, no amount of persuasion would change his mind.
The rest of the ride was lively and filled with laughter. Before long, they arrived at their destination: Iki Town.
"Hala! I'm here to take on your Grand Trial!"
When Rex arrived at the ceremonial stage, Hala was already there waiting. He quickly strode forward to greet him.
"Haha! Then I look forward to seeing what you've got!"
Hala laughed warmly, clearly in good spirits.
"I'll act as the referee for this one, Master Hala!"
Kukui stepped forward and offered to officiate.
Back in his younger days, Kukui had studied under Hala, so he still regarded him as a teacher.
"Very well. I leave it to you, Kukui!"
Hala accepted the proposal without hesitation.
"Then the Grand Trial between challenger Rex and Island King Hala begins now! This will be a 2v2 match. The challenger may switch Pokémon; the Island King may not. The first side to have both Pokémon unable to battle loses!"
With Kukui announcing the rules, both trainers released their first Pokémon.
"Go, Crabominable!"
"Let's do this, Combusken!"
Hala's first Pokémon was Crabominable. One look at its sharp gaze and battle-hungry aura, and it was clear this was no ordinary opponent.
Rex sent out Combusken, just as he had planned. The Pokémon had been looking forward to this battle for a long time, eager for a real challenge.
Crabominable was a crustacean Pokémon covered in white fur, with patches of purple and icy-blue patterns. It had evolved from trying to climb snowy mountains, its fur having grown thicker to endure the cold.
Instead of pincers, it had massive fists, and when excited, it would beat opponents with ice-charged punches strong enough to shatter walls. If desperate, it could launch its fists like rockets—a method once used to stop an avalanche.
The two Pokémon each had moves that could counter the other. The outcome would depend on pure strength—Combusken's speed versus Crabominable's brute force.
"Combusken, use Flame Charge!"
After analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, Rex opted to start by increasing Combusken's speed advantage.
"Crabominable, use Bubble Beam!"
Hala, quick to recognize Rex's plan, ordered a counter. Bubble Beam wasn't just an attack—it also reduced speed.
Clearly, Crabominable was experienced in dealing with fast opponents. Its Bubble Beam tracked Combusken relentlessly, forcing the fire-type to work hard just to dodge within its range.
(End of Chapter)