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After Solar Power activated, Charmeleon revealed its terrifying power to everyone for the first time. Its Special Attack stat was enhanced significantly, and with the bonus to Fire-type moves under the sunny sky, the Heat Wave it unleashed was devastatingly powerful.
Even the spectators in the stands could feel waves of intense heat radiating outward, as if they were sitting in an oven. The power of Charmeleon's attack had far exceeded Elite-level combat capabilities, rivaling those of Champion-level Pokemon.
The scorching heat distorted the air, creating visible waves of superheated atmosphere throughout the battlefield.
Simultaneously, Heracross's Rock Slide connected with Charmeleon, dropping massive boulders onto the Fire-type and depleting its remaining stamina.
When the heat wave finally dissipated, both Pokemon lay fainted on the battlefield. Charmeleon appeared relatively unharmed despite being unconscious, but Heracross was in much worse condition. Smoke rose from various parts of its body, and its exoskeleton was charred black like grilled meat. It had clearly sustained serious injuries.
With both Pokemon rendered unable to battle simultaneously, the outcome caught everyone by surprise. Many spectators had believed Wrenly's powerful Heracross might turn the battle around—if not defeating all three of Jacob's Pokemon, then at least taking down two.
No one expected that Wrenly's Heracross in its prime would fall alongside the already weakened Charmeleon!
"Is that a Charmeleon with the Solar Power ability?!" someone exclaimed from the crowd.
"That explains why Jacob had Grovyle use Sunny Day—it was to activate Charmeleon's Solar Power!" another spectator realized.
"What incredible power!"
Many observers in the audience recognized Jacob's tactical arrangement, and they marveled at Charmeleon's raw power. They had initially thought Jacob's Grovyle was his elite, unbeatable Pokemon, never suspecting that his Charmeleon possessed even greater potential. Everyone wondered where such a formidable Pokemon had come from!
Jacob felt quite satisfied with the result. Under clear skies, a Charmeleon with Solar Power demonstrated an unparalleled beauty of strength.
In gameplay terms, Heat Wave has a base power of 95. Factor in Sunny Day's 1.5× boost to Fire-type moves, Solar Power's 50% Special Attack increase, the Same-Type Attack Bonus of 1.5×, and Heracross's 2× weakness to Fire—the math was brutal:
95 × 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 × 2 = 641.25
Jacob couldn't help thinking: who could withstand such damage from his Charmeleon? And this was before it evolved into Charizard! If it evolved and then Mega Evolved into Mega Charizard Y, its power would be truly terrifying.
Jacob also secretly decided that for such a powerful Charizard, he must find a teammate that could set up Drought automatically.
Which would be better—Ninetales, Torkoal, or Groudon? He'd prefer Groudon. After all, following Primal Reversion, Desolate Land was matched only by Primal Kyogre's Primordial Sea and Mega Rayquaza's Delta Stream. No Pokemon could rival Groudon's weather dominance.
With his decision made, Jacob began considering his next objective: how to capture Groudon. In games, you simply located Groudon and used a Master Ball, but what about in reality?
Jacob shook his head, dismissing the concern. Sooner or later, he would conquer Groudon and let everyone witness the power of his ultimate team!
From that moment on, an eighteen-year-old trainer set the ambitious goal of capturing Groudon.
If taming the legendary Groudon proved impossible, his fallback plan was to capture Torkoal. Legend suggested that Torkoal's ultimate evolution was connected to Groudon.
"You win," Wrenly acknowledged frankly. He accepted his defeat wholeheartedly. Jacob had outperformed him in both Pokemon strength and battle tactics. "Actually, I'm curious—your Grovyle and Charmeleon are incredibly powerful. Why did you choose to be a defending trainer at the Dragon Gym? I haven't seen you use many Dragon-type Pokemon. You seem better suited to defend a Fire or Grass Gym."
Jacob rubbed his neck awkwardly. Of his five Pokemon, three were Dragon-types that he wasn't ready to use in battle yet. His Axew was too weak to participate effectively. Currently, only Noibat could represent his Dragon aspirations, which was somewhat embarrassing. But at least he was better than a champion from his previous life, who trained Flying-types while claiming to be a Dragon-type specialist.
"Because my heart is set on becoming a Dragon-type Pokemon Master," Jacob proclaimed, gazing skyward at a 45-degree angle, his expression filled with yearning. "Fire and Grass-type Pokemon are merely temporary companions. Only Dragon-types represent my ultimate destination and deepest belief!"
Nina, standing nearby, overheard Jacob's declaration and gazed at him with shining eyes. She felt as though she'd found a kindred spirit—like searching through crowds hundreds of times, only to turn around and discover him standing there in the soft light.
She was a dedicated Dragon-type trainer, and nothing could diminish her passion for Dragon Pokemon!
What she didn't realize was that Jacob's true thoughts completely contradicted his spoken words.
"Dragons are fine, but Steel-types are truly invincible," he thought to himself. "I just need one more Dragon-type, then I'll happily embrace the Steel typing without hesitation."
Scizor, Metagross, Lucario, and Dragonite—the only authentic Dragon for a Sandstorm team—just wait for me, he thought. My second team is coming together; just be patient while I secure one more Dragon-type.
Jacob had long ago mastered the art of telling convincing lies with a straight face.
"I admire your dedication," Wrenly said, looking at Jacob with respect. "I'll also work hard to become a top Fighting-type trainer like you. That's my lifelong dream."
"I look forward to battling you again someday."
After concluding the match, Jacob changed out of his gym uniform and headed backstage to join Nina and Kindler.
"Junior, let's have dinner together tonight," Kindler suggested, looking at Jacob. "This is your first time at the gym—let me treat you both. We won't leave until we're properly celebrating."
"Brother, let's save it for after I finish the College Cup," Jacob replied politely. "Regardless of the outcome, I'll treat you to a meal then."
"One night of rest won't hurt," Kindler continued persuasively.
"I really can't, Senior. I need to continue training when I get back. I can't afford to slack off even for a moment," Jacob explained sincerely. "None of my Pokemon have reached Champion-level yet. I'm still far behind many others."
Seeing Jacob's earnestness, Kindler didn't press further and turned to Nina. "What about you, Junior? Don't you enjoy drinking? Jacob has his reasons, but surely you can join?"
When Nina heard Kindler mention drinks, she felt tempted—she hadn't had alcohol in a month. However, she couldn't let Jacob return alone just for the sake of drinking. As Jacob's assigned bodyguard, she simply declined: "I need to escort Jacob back. Sorry, Senior."
"You really won't join us for drinks?" Kindler asked, somewhat disappointed.
"I can't—I'm driving," she reminded him.
"Alright then. As Jacob suggested, we'll celebrate properly after the College Cup."
As he watched the two departing, Kindler's eyes flickered with an unreadable expression.