Chapter 17: The Second Badge, the Gray Badge

“Ivysaur, use Vine Whip!”

Ivysaur shook off the dust on its body, extending two vines from its flower buds, which lashed heavily onto Geodude.

Geodude winced in pain after several lashes. Seeing it at a disadvantage, Brock quickly shouted, “This won’t work! Geodude, close the distance quickly and use Rollout!”

Geodude retracted its fists and spun rapidly, turning its body into a stone ball, rolling toward Ivysaur at incredible speed.

Was it trying to engage in close combat to avoid Ivysaur’s Razor Leaf?

Serena decisively commanded, “Don’t let it succeed! Use Vine Whip to entangle it!”

However, Geodude’s rolling speed was too fast. After dodging several vine lashes, it eventually collided with Ivysaur.

Unfortunately, Rollout is a Rock-type move, so the impact only caused limited damage to Ivysaur.

As the rolling stopped, Ivysaur seized the opportunity, raising its vines high and binding Geodude midair.

“It’s time to end this match! Ivysaur, use Razor Leaf!”

At such close range, the Razor Leaf struck Geodude directly again, completely stripping away its ability to fight. It fell to the ground like a stone sinking to the ocean floor, unable to stir even a ripple.

Brock recalled Geodude with a serious expression, realizing he was outmatched both in strength and type.

“From the previous battle, it’s clear you’re quite strategic,” Brock nodded appreciatively. “But to earn the Gray Badge, you have to defeat this one. Come out, Onix!”

Seeing Onix return to the field, Serena called back Ivysaur and sent out Squirtle.

“Now it’s your turn, Squirtle.”

“Squirtle, Squirtle!”

Perhaps having learned from earlier mistakes, Brock immediately ordered as the battle began, “Onix, use Rock Tomb!”

Onix raised its massive body, opened its huge mouth, and instantly conjured countless huge rocks suspended in the air, which then fell, crashing down toward Squirtle.

“Squirtle, use Withdraw!”

Upon hearing Serena’s command, Squirtle quickly retracted its head and limbs into its shell. A moment later, the falling rocks slammed down but were deflected by its hard shell.

“Good opportunity!” Brock’s eyes flashed sharply. “Onix, bind it now!”

Taking advantage of Squirtle’s head still being retracted, Onix swiftly approached and used its tail to wrap tightly around Squirtle, squeezing it firmly.

The intense pressure even made the shell emit ominous cracking sounds.

In the stands, Misty’s heart pounded, and Ash widened his eyes, eager to see how Serena would respond to the same move.

In the command area, Serena remained calm. “Squirtle, use Rapid Spin!”

Squirtle’s shell trembled violently, increasing in intensity. It rubbed against Onix’s body, spinning rapidly like a top, forcefully pushing Onix away.

Rapid Spin, a Normal-type physical move, not only damages the opponent but can also break free from bindings or status effects like Leech Seed!

With Onix’s body momentarily stunned, Serena continued, “Squirtle, use Water Gun!”

The brief hesitation caused Brock to miss the optimal moment to command Onix. By the time he reacted and tried to order an attack, it was too late.

Faced with a powerful water blast, Onix instinctively tried to dodge, but due to its massive size, it was hit squarely.

Water is super effective against Rock and Ground types!

Hearing Onix’s agonized cries, Brock commanded, “Onix, dig quickly!”

On the battlefield, it was hard to believe Onix’s enormous body could use the stone horn on its head to dig through the rock and soil, skillfully burrowing underground.

The arena fell silent as Squirtle cautiously scanned the area for any sudden movements.

Suddenly, the ground beneath it cracked open, and a massive form emerged.

Serena was well prepared for this.

She understood that Onix’s digging was meant to conceal itself and wait for the right moment. Seeing Onix appear exactly beneath Squirtle as expected, she shouted, “Squirtle, use Bubble!”

A large number of bubbles sprayed from Squirtle’s mouth and quickly grew in size. These bubbles not only obscured Onix’s eyes but also continuously inflicted Water-type damage.

Serena extended her right hand forward and shouted, “Now! Let’s finish this match! Squirtle, use Water Gun!”

Squirtle faced the massive opponent many times its size without fear, opened its mouth, and unleashed a powerful Water Gun onto Onix. With a thunderous crash, Onix collapsed, completely defeated!

Applause erupted as Brock recalled the fainted Onix into its Poké Ball. He approached Serena sincerely and said, “You’re truly amazing. I admit defeat wholeheartedly in this match.”

“Oh, not at all,” Serena waved her hand modestly. “I just had the type advantage. If it were other Pokémon, winning wouldn’t be so easy.”

In truth, Brock’s strength was not outstanding compared to many other Gym leaders.

Having lost both parents who left home, he had taken on the responsibility of caring for nine younger siblings while still a minor. Daily chores left little time for training his Pokémon. Although stronger than most trainers, he was not particularly difficult to face.

Brock stepped aside and took a badge from a box, handing it to Serena.

“This is the Gray Badge. As a reward for your victory, I present it to you now.”

The Gray Badge resembled a cut diamond. Though dark gray, it still reflected dazzling light under the illumination.

The second badge of the Quartz League was finally in hand!

After placing the badge in her collection case, Serena praised her two Pokémon, then turned to find Misty and Ash. However, Ash and Pikachu had already disappeared, leaving only Misty waiting.

“Hey, where’s Ash?”

Misty shrugged helplessly. “Seeing you win so easily earlier, maybe he got discouraged. Without a word, he ran off somewhere. I have no idea where.”

Shaking her head, Serena said, “Forget it, don’t worry about him for now. Knowing his personality, he’s probably secretly training somewhere. Even if we don’t look for him now, he’ll soon bounce back and challenge this Gym again.”