"Let's kick off the second round! Percival!"
The evolved Marshtomp had seen significant improvements, boosting Ben's confidence. "Marshtomp, use Surf!"
"What?!"
The river began to churn as powerful energy gathered the water, forming a massive wave that rushed towards Milotic with impressive force.
"Twister! Tear it apart!"
"Miloo~!"
Once again, the energy from the Dragon type surged through the air, creating a massive waterspout that seemed to connect the sky and the earth. The river appeared to be drained by the two Pokémon, and as the colossal blue wave collided with the gray Twister, their energies exploded in a spectacular display, neutralizing each other. The resulting spray showered the onlookers like a heavy rain, drenching them.
"That kid is really strong!"
"Yeah, he's lucky to have evolved into a Marshtomp."
"I can't tell who will win this match. Can Master Percival's Milotic really pull through?"
Hearing the surrounding discussions, Percival felt a twinge of hurt to his pride. I'm the strongest rookie! How could I possibly lose to someone like him?!
"Milotic, use Disarming Voice!"
The melodic song echoed throughout the venue.
"Marshtomp, dive into the water!"
"Now, Aqua Ring!"
"What?!"
A shimmering blue water ring flowed gracefully from around Milotic, reflecting light from its scales, creating an enchanting sight. Despite the fatigue in Milotic, it seemed slightly rejuvenated as the water ring continued to swirl around it.
Ben was taken aback by this clever strategy; was the Disarming Voice just a distraction? It seemed he couldn't afford to hesitate any longer.
"Marshtomp, ride the waves and break through! Interrupt it!"
"What?!"
As the aftermath of the Surf attack surged forward, the Marshtomp shot through the waves toward Milotic, its arms enveloped in the familiar white energy once more.
Percival reacted decisively, "Disarming Voice!"
"Marshtomp, dive in and charge!"
Not one to back down, Ben responded quickly.
"Hmph! Milotic, unleash the most powerful Twister centered on yourself, and drain the water! Let's see how he dodges this!"
Percival aimed to end the battle, summoning a massive water column for the third time, even more oppressive than before, encircling Milotic as the river was pulled skyward by powerful suction.
Injure the enemy and hurt yourself too!
Ben shook his head, had Percival lost his judgment? In that Twister, Milotic would likely take severe damage, even with the recovery from the Aqua Ring. But the Marshtomp was undoubtedly tougher.
"Break through with the most powerful Rock Smash! Finish this!"
"What?!"
With a fierce roar, the Marshtomp leaped from the waterspout beside Milotic. With the amplification of both energies, its now-thicker arms struck Milotic' neck with incredible force!
"Mi~!!"
As the scream echoed, the waterspout began to lose power and dissipate, leaving the river calm once more. The Marshtomp, panting and floating on the surface, showed signs of wear. Beside it, Milotic floated as well, fainted.
The referee observed carefully for a moment before declaring firmly, "Milotic cannot continue. The winner is Ben!"
"Phew, it's over. Come back, Marshtomp. Thank you for your hard work!"
Ben sighed in relief while retrieving the Marshtomp. If it hadn't been for his opponent's lapse in judgment, victory might not have come so easily. The control flow was truly remarkable.
[Ding! The Marshtomp has won the battle, earning 10 training points. First evolution rewards: 10 training points, significant experience gains, increased proficiency in Rock Smash, Surf, Rock Slide, and Supersonic skills!]
"Master Percival actually lost!"
"Oh, is this your first defeat?"
"Looks like the rookie king is just talking big!"
"Exactly!"
As they whispered among themselves, glancing at Percival, who stood silent after recalling Milotic, Ben approached him and extended his hand.
"Your command style is impressive!"
"You..."
"Haha, if you'd stayed calmer, I might have been the one to lose. Milotic matches up very well with you!"
Taking the initiative, Ben shook Percival's hand earnestly. "As a trainer, maintaining your mindset is crucial. You're very strong, and I look forward to facing you again at the league conference!"
Percival met his gaze and felt lighter; perhaps losing wasn't so bad after all. He remembered why he wanted to be a trainer, to face a variety of opponents and enjoy the thrill of battle. Images of the care he had given to his Feebas and the joy he felt when it finally evolved into Milotic flooded back.
What was there to feel smug about? Winning streaks only mean so much. Had he really trained enough with Milotic? Did he even have dinner with his family lately?
"Thank you, Ben," Percival said earnestly. "Next time, my Milotic and I will definitely win. See you at the league conference!"
Seeing a new understanding in Percival's eyes, Ben smiled back. "Well, I'll be the one taking home the victory!"
They exchanged smiles before Percival waved goodbye, joined by his butler, and drove off in luxury.
Another challenger awaits Percival, Tim... this is getting interesting!
Ben thought fondly of the boy he had met in Petalburg Forest, a smile tugging at his lips.
What a wonderfully exciting journey this was!
"Thank you very much, Mr. Ben!"
Turning around, Ben saw a middle-aged man smiling at him.
"It's nothing. I feel like I've improved a lot, too."
Marshtomp had evolved; that was his greatest reward.
"Thank you for everything! This is the reward we promised. Please accept it!"
The man handed Ben a cash card and a training device.
"Then I'll gladly accept it!"
Accepting the reward felt right, as it had been agreed upon.
"Alright, then I'll take my leave. Mr. Ben, I wish you safe travels. If you ever find yourself in Slateport City, please stop by. Both the master and young master would be happy to welcome you!"
He handed Ben a business card before hurrying away.
"Hmm... Stern Shipping Company? That name seems familiar..."
Unable to place it, Ben tucked the card away.
"Slateport City? I'll think about it later!"
Declining challenges from nearby trainers, Ben quickly left the riverbank and continued toward Rustboro City to heal the Marshtomp. He couldn't wait to reach the Pokémon Centre, rest up, take a bath, and enjoy a hearty meal!
Meanwhile, Percival sat in the luxury car, gazing out of the window as he pondered today's battle and retrieved the luxury ball containing Milotic.
"I'm sorry, Milotic. Next time, we'll take our revenge together at the league conference."
"Wright, make sure to sign me up for this year's League Conference when we get back, and let Dad know I'm heading to the cave."
"Of course, sir, as you wish!"
They fell into silence as Percival leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to recharge. The car sped along the road, the sound of the engine echoing in the quiet interior.
Rustboro City, a beautiful coastal city, awaited him. With its observation deck overlooking the ocean, towering buildings, and skyscrapers, it was a hub of industry. At the center was the Devon Corporation, surrounded by important industries like the Rustboro Gymnasium for Rock type battles, a martial arts dojo, and the Devon Corporation, the largest company in Hoenn.
To enter Rustboro City from Petalburg Woods, one must cross the Rustboro River Bridge, reaching a city known for its blending of nature and science.
Just like Ben's hometown in his previous life, Rustboro City boasted modern facilities amidst a bustling atmosphere. As one of the major cities in Hoenn, it served as a center for economics, industry, and shipping.
From across Hoenn, many people came to work, including travelers from the Kanto and Sinnoh regions, all eager to challenge the gym, making the city vibrant and lively.
Following the crowd, Ben finally arrived at his first destination, Rustboro City, home of the Rock Gym!