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The Mauville Gym, located in the center of Mauville City, was a very grand building.
In fact, the founder of Mauville City was Wattson himself. With his own efforts, he had built an entire city. One could say that the prosperity Mauville enjoys today is largely due to Wattson's hard work.
Perhaps that was also why the residents here were so tolerant of him.
After entering the Gym, Wattson remained extremely enthusiastic the whole time.
He actively arranged dinner and a guest room for Liam. After Liam finished eating, the two of them came to the Mauville Gym's battle field and began what Wattson jokingly called an after-dinner Pokémon battle.
"Haha~ Liam! Let's have a friendly match. I'm quite curious about your Electabuzz—how about we have a simple battle between Electric-type Pokémon?"
Liam hadn't told Wattson about his identity, only saying that he was currently travelling. Wattson didn't mind and stood at the Gym Leader's command position, holding a PokeBall as he spoke.
However, Liam didn't agree immediately. Instead, he asked:
"Mr. Wattson, what are the normal rules for your Gym challenge?"
"Hm? The standard 3-on-3 battle. Why? Is there a problem?"
Wattson looked a bit confused by the question.
Liam waved his hand lightly.
"It's nothing. Mr. Wattson, although I don't intend to participate in the Ever Grande Conference, I do enjoy collecting Gym Badges from different regions. So could we change the rules slightly? Let's have an official Gym battle. If I happen to win, could you give me one of your Gym Badges?"
Originally, Liam had no intention of collecting the Gym Badge.
But…. earlier that afternoon, when Wattson invited him to the Mauville Gym—
[Ding.]
[Mission Released: Hoenn Badges!]
[Mission Objective: Collect the eight Gym Badges of the Hoenn region, by any means.]
[Reward: 10,000 exchange points, choose any three Mega Stones.]
It had been a long time since the system issued him a mission. As Liam's strength and status had risen, the system no longer gave him simple Gym challenge missions. This new collection quest felt more like a special bonus.
Free rewards were free rewards. So Liam agreed to stay at the Gym for the night and used the opportunity to conduct a proper Gym battle to obtain a Badge.
"Uh… I don't really mind," Wattson said, scratching his head. "But are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'm sure."
"…Alright then."
Seeing Liam's serious expression, Wattson knew further persuasion was pointless. He turned and called out to a young boy standing by the battlefield.
"Walter, please act as the referee."
"Yes, Gym Leader."
The boy named Walter appeared to be Wattson's assistant. Hearing the request, he quickly ran to the referee's platform and raised both hands formally.
"Mauville Gym Badge Challenge! Battle format: 3-on-3! During the match the Gym Leader may not switch Pokémon, but the challenger may! The battle begins now! Both sides, please send out your Pokémon!"
"Alright! I'll go first! My first Pokémon is this one—go, Magnemite!"
"Zzzt!!"
Wattson threw his PokeBall onto the field without hesitation. A flash of white light burst out, revealing a Magnemite, its side magnets spinning continuously.
"Then it's my turn. Go, Piplup! I choose you!"
"Piplup!"
Liam sent Piplup onto the field first.
Aside from Garchomp and Aerodactyl, Liam only had three Pokémon available for battle. Piplup had improved quite a bit recently, so this was a good chance for it to experience a higher-level battle.
"Hmm… that Pokémon should be Piplup, right? A Pokémon from the Sinnoh region. Are you from Sinnoh, Liam? But Piplup is a Water-type Pokémon. Sending it against my Electric-type Pokémon—isn't that a bit reckless?"
After recognizing Piplup, Wattson frowned slightly.
"Don't worry, Mr. Wattson," Liam replied calmly. "I'll be careful."
He didn't elaborate further.
Wattson sighed lightly.
"Well… alright. Walter, start the match."
"Magnemite versus Piplup! Battle start!"
"Magnemite! Use Thunder Wave!"
The battle began immediately. Wattson issued his command loudly—but it was obvious he was holding back. His first move was merely Thunder Wave.
"Zzzt!!"
Magnemite's magnets aimed toward Piplup, releasing a blue-white pulse of electricity.
Seeing the attack coming, Liam shouted at once:
"Piplup! Use Bubble!"
"Piplup!"
A huge stream of bubbles burst from Piplup's mouth in an instant, piling up in front of it and forming a bubble wall. The incoming Thunder Wave was completely blocked by the barrier.
Then—
"Piplup! Use Brick Break!"
"Piplup!"
With Liam's command, Piplup's blue figure suddenly rushed out from beneath the bubble wall. One small wing glowed red as it leapt into the air, striking Magnemite with a powerful Brick Break!
Bang!
"Zzzt!!"
Magnemite was smashed straight to the ground. The attack was super effective, and even with its steel body it clearly suffered. Its magnets spun rapidly as it slowly floated back up from the floor.
"Good job, Piplup."
"Piplup!"
That strike had been excellent. Piplup clearly possessed strong battle instincts. If its physical strength were just a bit higher, that attack might have ended the battle outright.
"Wow! Looks like I underestimated you! Liam, you're quite interesting! From now on we'll go all out! Magnemite—use Screech!"
Wattson stared at Piplup in surprise for a moment before breaking into a wide grin.
"Zzzt!"
Magnemite began spinning rapidly in the air. Rings of invisible sound waves spread across the battlefield.
"Piplup!"
Piplup was enveloped by the sound waves and immediately showed a pained expression, covering its ears with its flippers as it endured the piercing noise.
"Piplup! Use Bubble Beam!"
"Piplup!!"
Liam gave the order without hesitation.
Piplup fired a much stronger stream of Bubble Beam toward the hovering Magnemite.
"Dodge it, Magnemite! Then use Thunder Shock!"
"Zzzt!"
Wattson reacted instantly.
Magnemite spun aside, easily dodging the Bubble Beam. Then a streak of golden electricity shot out!
"Piplup!!"
The lightning struck Piplup directly. Its entire body was instantly wrapped in crackling electricity, and a painful expression appeared on its face.
"Return, Piplup!"
At that moment, Liam quickly recalled Piplup into its PokeBall.
"You did well, Piplup. Take a good rest."
He spoke softly to the PokeBall, then took out another pink PokeBall and threw it onto the field.
"Your turn, Zorua!"
"Chi-chi-chi~"