"Lucario, stay sharp against Ash's Garchomp! We've never faced it before, so we don't know what kind of unique attacks it might use."
"Luca!"
Korrina's Lucario stood ready, every sense heightened.
Ash looked at his Garchomp, his thoughts heavy with expectation.
"Garchomp, this is your very first Gym Battle here in Kalos. Let's give it everything we've got."
Ash's Garchomp wasn't an ordinary one—it had already absorbed an Attribute Enhancement Card.
Its Dragon-type energy was overwhelming.
Level 54!
Korrina's Lucario, after much training, had just recently broken through Level 50!
And with Mega Evolution, its true power could peak anywhere between Level 55 and 59.
Still within Ash's control!
"Let's awaken our true power—Lucario, Mega Evolve!"
"Luca!"
Korrina wasted no time, unleashing Mega Evolution right from the start.
Lucario transformed into its primal Mega form!
"Come at me, Ash! Let's see how you handle it!"
"Garchomp, Sandstorm!"
"Garchooomp!"
With a roar, Garchomp swung its massive fins like dual blades, summoning a raging sandstorm across the battlefield!
The whirling winds and cutting sand made it hard for anyone to even keep their eyes open—Lucario was swept right into the storm.
"Lucario, use Metal Claw—cut through it!"
"Luca!"
"Now, Earth Power!"
Ash struck hard without hesitation.
Mega Lucario's claws gleamed as it tore through the raging sand, but the moment the storm parted, a surge of Earth Power was already rushing toward it!
"Rock Smash!"
Korrina clenched her fists as Lucario drove its knuckles into the ground, countering with explosive force.
Though Rock Smash lacked the raw destructive force of Earth Power, Mega Lucario's sheer strength let it withstand the blow!
But then—
"When did it—?!"
Korrina's pupils shrank. Garchomp had disappeared from sight… and reappeared right behind Mega Lucario!
"Brick Break!"
Its fin glowed white and sliced across Lucario's back with crushing force, launching it forward!
"Luca!!"
"Lucario, lock onto Garchomp's Aura—Aura Sphere!"
Mega Lucario, rattled by Garchomp's speed, raised its sensors, locking onto the dragon's aura.
But instead of sensing Garchomp above ground, it detected… underground?!
Dig!
Garchomp burst from beneath the arena, intercepting the Aura Sphere mid-flight!
Its fin-blade slashed straight through the sphere, causing it to explode violently between them—both Pokémon staggered back from the blast.
"Sand Tomb!"
"Garchooomp!!"
With a guttural roar, Garchomp unleashed a raging Sand Tomb, trapping both itself and Mega Lucario inside a swirling prison of sand.
This was the might of a Gold-Potential Garchomp—battle instincts so sharp that even with minimal direction, it could adapt instantly, knowing which move to chain next.
"Force Palm!"
At close range, Lucario struck out, palm glowing—blasting Garchomp back.
But then Korrina gasped—
"Why… why is Lucario taking damage too?!"
Ash's eyes sharpened. "Don't forget Pokémon abilities, Korrina! My Garchomp has a Hidden Ability—Rough Skin!"
She froze. Rough Skin! That explained it. Every time Lucario made direct contact, it hurt itself in the process.
The battle had just become even harder.
"Metal Sound!"
"Hyper Voice, Garchomp!"
"SKREEE!!!"
"ROOOAR!!!"
The battlefield rattled from the clash of soundwaves, metallic screeches grinding against thunderous roars.
The Sand Tomb's effect was still active, battering Lucario's body relentlessly.
Amid the storm, Garchomp surged forward through the opening.
"Finish it—Brick Break!"
BAM!
The glowing fin slammed onto Mega Lucario's shoulder, sending it crashing back, its body reverting out of Mega form.
"Lucario is unable to battle! The winner is Garchomp! Victory goes to the challenger—Ash Ketchum!"
Grandfather Gurkinn declared the result with pride.
"Lucario, you fought well. Thank you." Korrina rushed to her partner's side.
"Luca…" Lucario let out a faint growl, exhausted but proud.
"Korrina, this was a valuable battle for you," Gurkinn said firmly. "Take what you've learned here, grow from it, and recognize where you can improve. Now, it's time to fulfill your duty as a Gym Leader."
He handed her the badge. The Rumble Badge of Shalour Gym.
Korrina nodded deeply, holding it tightly.
—Meanwhile, Ash's system chimed:
Ding!
[Congratulations, Host! Garchomp successfully defeated Mega Lucario!
The Tenfold EXP Multiplier Card activated!
You gained 100,000 EXP!]
Level 55!
Level 56!
Level 57!
Three levels in a row!
"Great work, Garchomp. Return, you've earned your rest." Ash recalled his partner with a satisfied smile.
Korrina walked over, her tone soft but proud. "Ash, I still couldn't beat you… even when I only aimed to take down one of your Pokémon, I failed. But my grandfather was right—this was an important battle for me. Here, take it. This is the proof you've conquered Shalour Gym."
She held out the Rumble Badge.
Ash accepted it with a firm nod—his third badge in Kalos now secured!
From the stands, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie rushed down to him.
"So, Ash," Korrina asked curiously, "which Gym are you planning to challenge next? If you head from here, I recommend Coumarine City, because—"
But before she could finish, Serena and Bonnie cut her off with a laugh.
"Because Coumarine has the famous monorail! Haha!"
They were right—Coumarine's monorail was one of Kalos's landmarks.
Ash grinned. "Then it's decided. Our next stop—Coumarine City!"
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