Pokemon: The Master Of Monsters

"Sure enough, the potential of Pokémon is closely linked to the speed of level growth," Kai thought as he examined his team's attributes.

Scizor had been promoted to level 30 in Saffron City and had reached level 31 after ten days of training. In contrast, Blastoise had advanced from level 36 to level 37 in just three days of training in Hengbin City. This discrepancy, Kai knew, was not due to training methods but rather the inherent potential of the Pokémon.

High-potential Pokémon had an undeniable advantage. Not only could they reach higher level caps, but their growth rate was significantly faster.

Kai believed that before the Indigo Plateau Conference, Blastoise could potentially reach levels between 50 and 60—a formidable level for the tournament. After all, even Ash's Charizard was only around level 40 during the Indigo Plateau Conference.

With Blastoise's champion-level potential and relentless training, Kai was confident that no rival, not even Ash's Charizard, could outclass him.

"Kai, it's time to go," Kal reminded him.

"Right, let's head out."

Kai got up from the Pokémon Center's lounge and followed Kal to the Hengbin Gym.

---

Arriving at the Gym

At the entrance of the Hengbin Gym, Kai and Kal were greeted by a boy acting as the gym assistant.

"Are you here to challenge the gym?" the boy asked.

"I am," Kai replied. "She's my companion."

"Good to know, but our gym has a requirement. Challengers must have at least two badges to qualify," the boy reminded.

Kai responded by pulling out an orange badge case and opening it, revealing four badges.

"Four badges? Not bad," the boy remarked, trying to sound indifferent but clearly impressed. "Follow me."

He led them inside to the battle arena, where the gym leader, Lian, was already waiting.

Lian was a man in his late twenties, with black hair and an unassuming appearance. At first glance, he seemed like an ordinary person, easily lost in a crowd.

"Master, someone has come to challenge the gym," the boy called out.

Lian looked up, observing Kai and Kal. "Which one of you is the challenger?"

The boy quickly clarified. "Master, this young man is the challenger. She's here as his companion."

---

Gym Battle Rules

"I am Lian, the Hengbin Gym leader," Lian introduced himself.

"Kai, from Pallet Town."

Lian nodded and explained the gym battle rules. "You may use two Pokémon. The challenger has the right to switch Pokémon during the battle. Do you understand?"

Kai nodded. "Got it."

Lian moved to the command zone and signaled his apprentice to take the referee's position.

The boy stepped forward and announced, "The gym battle will now begin. Each side may use two Pokémon. Gym leader Lian will send out his first Pokémon."

---

The First Match

Lian threw out a Poké Ball.

"Meow!"

A Persian appeared, its sleek fur shining under the gym lights.

[Pokémon: Persian ♂ | Level: 28 | Type: Normal]

Kai smirked. He suspected Lian's second Pokémon would be above level 30, but this was still manageable.

"Scizor, it's your turn!" Kai called, releasing the Bug-Steel type onto the battlefield.

"Zha!" Scizor appeared, his sharp pincers gleaming as he stared down Persian.

"A Scizor? Impressive," Lian remarked. "Not many trainers have fully evolved Pokémon at this stage."

Kai ignored the compliment and commanded, "Scizor, use Double Team and follow up with Bullet Punch!"

"Zha!"

Scizor created multiple clones that surrounded Persian before charging in for an attack.

"Power Gem!" Lian countered.

"Meow!"

The red gem on Persian's forehead glowed, unleashing bursts of energy that shattered Scizor's clones. However, the real Scizor broke through the energy gems with Bullet Punch, continuing his assault.

Persian leaped into the air to dodge, somersaulting gracefully. While airborne, it fired a Water Pulse directly at Scizor.

---

A Fierce Exchange

The water ball struck Scizor, but the damage was minimal.

"Agility!" Kai ordered.

Scizor disappeared in a blur, his speed making him nearly invisible. Persian struggled to keep track of him.

"Use Water Pulse on the ground!" Lian instructed.

"Meow!"

Persian fired a Water Pulse at the ground, creating ripples that spread outward in all directions.

"Charge through with Bullet Punch!" Kai shouted.

Scizor sliced through the water waves with ease, closing the distance to Persian. His relentless punches landed one after another, leaving Persian reeling.

The final swing sent Persian flying across the arena.

"Meow..." Persian struggled to stand, visibly shaken.

"Quick Attack!" Kai commanded, giving Persian no time to recover.

Scizor darted forward, leaving a white streak behind him.

"Slash!" Lian called out.

But Persian, weakened and injured, couldn't muster the strength to counter. Scizor's body slammed into Persian, knocking it out cold.

"Persian is unable to battle! Scizor wins!" the referee declared.

---

The Second Round

Lian silently recalled Persian and prepared his second Poké Ball.

Kai smiled, confident in Scizor's performance so far.

But as the battle continued, Kai knew that Lian's next Pokémon would likely be far more challenging.

End of Chapter 48

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