Deep within the silent forest, a surge of Ghost-type energy stirred, chilling the air around it.
For the Pokémon nearby, the drop in temperature wasn't the most terrifying thing—it was the overwhelming pressure hidden within the energy that truly unnerved them.
Fortunately, the place Ron had chosen had fewer wild Pokémon in the vicinity, so it didn't cause a major disturbance.
Moreover, the area had just been swept by a similar aura moments ago, and the remaining wild Pokémon seemed to have already grown somewhat accustomed to such disruptions.
Feeling the raw power surging through its body, Gengar could barely contain its eagerness, much like Nidoking had earlier. It was hungry for a challenge—preferably against another Elite Four-tier opponent.
Naturally, Gengar's eyes shifted toward Machamp and the others.
But recalling the beating Nidoking had just taken, Gengar quickly abandoned the idea of picking a fight with Machamp and instead turned its attention back to Nidoking, whose injuries had only just healed.
Their eyes met mid-air—an electric tension crackling between them like sparks threatening to ignite at any moment.
Dwight observed the scene and calmly jotted something down in his notebook:
"Newly evolved Elite Four-tier Pokémon are highly eager to battle. Opponents should be pre-selected in advance."
Reading over his shoulder, Ron gave a slightly exasperated smile.
"You don't have to write that down. These two are just full of energy and nowhere to spend it."
Dwight simply nodded. Still, he didn't cross the note out. Instead, he kept it as a reference—perhaps something to reflect on later.
Ron, realizing he wouldn't change his mind, turned to the two battle-hungry Pokémon.
"Alright, you two, quit glaring at each other. Gardevoir, it's your turn to search for more Elite Four-tier Pokémon."
With that, Ron recalled Persian and the others into their Poké Balls, reducing Gardevoir's burden while using Teleport.
After quickly locating two suitable opponents for Gengar and Nidoking to spar with, Ron and Dwight made their way toward the edge of the forest.
After all this time training Dwight, it was finally time to let him experience what real Pokémon battles were like. He didn't want to raise another bookworm.
"Dwight, this is your first opponent. Let's see what you've learned."
The opposing trainer, who had been anxiously watching Ron, visibly relaxed upon realizing that Dwight would be the one stepping forward. As he released his Pokémon—Absol—the tension on his face eased.
Compared to the unreadable Machamp or the intimidating Persian, Absol was at least a familiar threat.
"Absol, use Sucker Punch!"
Even before the battle truly began, Ron was already intrigued. He doubted Dwight could give such crisp commands so quickly after only a few days with Absol.
But when he heard Dwight issue his command in one breath, he couldn't help but smile.
This was the real deal.
Dwight, in his first battle, was visibly nervous—too nervous to even notice Absol's expression. Fortunately, Absol was the calm, composed type. Upon hearing the order, it charged straight toward its opponent—Ursaring.
Reacting swiftly, Ursaring countered with Headbutt.
Their collision was immediate and fierce. But thanks to the timing of Sucker Punch, Absol held the upper hand, ultimately forcing Ursaring to retreat.
"Absol, follow up with Pursuit!"
Before Ursaring could recover, Dwight issued his next command. His ability to press the advantage was something he had clearly learned well under Ron's training.
Absol surged forward once more, delivering a second hit.
"Now, use Taunt!"
The move landed cleanly. A dark, mocking aura swirled around Absol, and fury flared in Ursaring's eyes.
From Ursaring's perspective, just the sight of Absol now seemed infuriating. It couldn't hold back the boiling anger within.
With a deafening roar, Ursaring charged straight toward Absol.
"Absol, Double Team! Look for an opening and use Slash!" Dwight called out.
As he began to adjust to the rhythm of battle, Dwight's confidence grew.
Sensing the shift in Dwight's demeanor, Absol too became more assured in the heat of combat.
With Double Team deployed, the enraged Ursaring—already provoked by the move Taunt—couldn't distinguish between illusions and the real target. It lunged blindly at the first Absol it saw.
The illusion shattered in a burst of fading light. The real Absol appeared behind Ursaring, and with a swift motion, executed Slash.
Its sharp claws tore across Ursaring's side, a crimson gash blossoming as blood sprayed into the air.
Driven into a frenzy by the searing pain and the scent of blood, Ursaring's rage only intensified. It continued its reckless assault toward Absol.
"Absol, dodge with Double Team! Then finish it with another Slash!"
Suddenly, Dwight felt a surge of heat rush through his body, uncontrollable and wild—he let out a roar, not of fear, but of something primal.
As if responding to Dwight's outcry, the heat seemed to transfer into Absol—but instead of pain, it transformed into strength.
Absol's claws glowed with power as it lashed out again, this time striking from the flank. Ursaring was flung into the air, hurtling backward.
Before it could hit the ground, the brutal impact had already knocked Ursaring out of commission.
The mysterious heat vanished just as quickly as it came, replaced by an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. In the blink of an eye, it was as if Dwight's stamina had been completely drained.
Absol, too, showed signs of fatigue—but for the seasoned Pokémon, the toll wasn't nearly as severe.
"Dwight, what was that just now?"
Ron hurried over, curiosity written all over his face.
A possibility stirred in Ron's mind—something rare—but he wasn't ready to confirm it yet.
"I'm not sure," Dwight said, still catching his breath. "It felt like... a burning sensation rising from inside. I couldn't help but let it out with a roar. After that... I don't really remember what happened."
"But when that heat faded, it felt like I had just run a marathon. I was totally drained."
Absol came over as well and nodded in agreement, confirming Dwight's account.
Perhaps surprised by his own reaction, Dwight—who usually kept to himself outside of battle—had spoken more words than he ever had.
But Ron barely had time to be surprised—because what he had just witnessed left him even more stunned.
"Congratulations, Dwight," Ron said, placing both hands firmly on his shoulders. "That was a special ability—something only a handful of people are born with."
"My Fighting Aura works the same way... and so do my psychic powers. Now you have a unique gift too. You were never meant to be ordinary."
"As for your fatigue, that's likely a side effect of your power. It burns through your and Absol's stamina in exchange for a tremendous boost in strength."
"But don't worry. I'll teach you the proper breathing techniques to train your body. You'll have the endurance you need for future battles."
Ron's voice was charged with excitement. This was the first time he'd encountered someone outside the canonical world with an ability so similar to his own. It was like discovering kin.
Hearing this, Dwight finally let out a sigh of relief.
He had been terrified that this strange phenomenon might mean he was unfit to be a great Pokémon Trainer—and that he would never be able to support Ron on his journey.
Now that he knew it was a special ability—and not a flaw—Dwight's fear melted into joy, and with it, a calm sense of determination.
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