Bonus chapter
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After special training at Mt. Moon, the strength of Sam's Pokémon had improved significantly.
Bulbasaur (Elite Beginner)
Clefairy (High Ordinary)
Scyther (Elite High)
Tyranitar (Elite Mid)
Among them, Bulbasaur had made the greatest progress. With the Miracle Seed constantly supplying it with energy, its strength had skyrocketed.
It was now standing right at the threshold of evolution. As long as the right opportunity appeared, it would be able to evolve into Ivysaur.
Once that happened, its overall strength would undergo a massive leap.
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"Thank you, Nurse Joy."
Taking his fully treated Pokémon from Nurse Joy, Sam smiled and expressed his gratitude.
"You're welcome. That's what we're here for," Nurse Joy replied warmly.
With their injuries healed and their conditions fully restored, it was finally time to challenge the Cerulean Gym.
However, as soon as Sam arrived, he was met with unexpected news.
"Please proceed to the challenger waiting area. The Gym Leaders are not currently in the Gym," the staff member said politely.
After speaking, the usher led Sam to the waiting area.
Sam had arrived at an awkward time. The three Cerulean Gym sisters had gone out to perform synchronized swimming and were not present.
In fact, the Cerulean Gym was something of an oddity among the many Gyms in the Kanto Region.
The three sisters didn't particularly enjoy running a Gym. Compared to being Gym Leaders, they preferred performing synchronized swimming, which had become their true passion.
As a result, situations like this were common, Trainers would arrive full of enthusiasm, only to be told that the Gym Leaders weren't around.
"Looks like I don't have a choice but to wait," Sam muttered.
He found a seat and patiently waited for the sisters to return.
He wasn't sure how much time passed, but eventually, a clear female voice echoed through the Gym.
Sam turned around, expecting to see the three sisters, but instead, his expression shifted slightly in surprise.
The person who entered wasn't the sisters, but Misty.
"Are you here to challenge the Gym, Sam?" Misty asked after spotting him.
"That's right," Sam replied helplessly. "I've been waiting for a long time, but the Gym Leaders still haven't come back."
Sam more or less understood why the Cerulean Gym's reputation wasn't great. Even setting aside the Gym Leaders' strength, their frequent absences alone were enough to frustrate challengers.
Misty looked a little embarrassed after hearing his complaint. After all, those unreliable Gym Leaders were her sisters.
"Hey…" She sighed. "Sam, come with me."
Unlike most Trainers, Sam knew Misty's true identity very well. Hearing her words, he could already guess what she was planning.
He followed Misty into the Cerulean Gym's battle arena.
The moment he entered, Sam's expression grew serious.
The Cerulean Gym used a Water Battle Arena.
A massive pool filled the field, with only a few floating platforms suspended above the water.
This was a battlefield designed specifically for Water-type Pokémon, clearly unfavorable for a Trainer who hadn't yet specialized in that type.
Misty stepped into the arena and called over the referee. After formally introducing herself, she said,
"Sam, if you don't mind, I'll be the one to accept your Gym challenge."
"No problem at all," Sam replied immediately.
As long as he could start the challenge, he had no reason to object.
"The match will be one-on-one," Misty continued. "Each side may use only one Pokémon. Is that acceptable?"
"No problem," Sam agreed.
With the rules confirmed, Misty threw her Poké Ball high into the air.
With a flash of light, a star-shaped Pokémon appeared in the pool.
[Pokémon]: Staryu
[Type]: Water
[Strength]: High Ordinary
[Potential]: Gym Level
Staryu.
It didn't look easy to deal with.
After a brief moment of consideration, Sam made his decision and sent out his own Pokémon.
"Go, Clefairy!"
"Clefairy?!" Misty exclaimed in surprise.
She had encountered Clefairy back in Mt. Moon, but because she lacked the proper qualifications, she hadn't been able to capture one. She hadn't expected Sam to have a Clefairy of his own.
Curiosity flickered in her eyes, what had allowed Sam to obtain permission to raise such a rare Pokémon?
But now wasn't the time to think about that.
The Gym battle was what mattered most.
Misty knew very well just how strong Sam was. She didn't dare to underestimate him.
With both Pokémon on the field, the referee raised his hand.
"The battle begins!"
Without hesitation, Misty gave her command right from the start.
"Staryu, use Water Gun!"
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