"Right, let's check your attributes."
Aoki immediately focused on Happy and activated the Eye of Data.
• Name: Happy
• Type: Normal
• Ability: Friend Guard
• Strength: Beginner
• Potential: Elite
• Moves: Charm, Refresh, Sweet Kiss
Despite using some ordinary evolution stones to test its potential, Happy's qualifications had not yet reached the Champion level.
"But with proper training, it should still reach Champion level," Aoki mused. "After all, it's a Pokémon with great natural potential."
He examined Happy's ability—Friend Guard.
This ability reduced the direct damage received by allies by 25% when Happy was on the field. A useful ability, especially in double battles.
"Alright, Happiny, Jirachi, get some rest and have a good sleep."
Aoki was in no rush to challenge Viola Gym. Since Happy had just hatched, it needed time to adjust.
The next morning, Aoki woke up, hugged Happiny, and prepared to leave the Pokémon Center.
However, just as he was about to step out, Nurse Joy stopped him.
"Sir, is this your Happiny? It's absolutely adorable!"
Aoki recalled that the Happiny line was typically associated with the Joy family.
"Yes, I found its egg on a ghost ship during my last journey," he explained.
"A ghost ship? That's quite the story. Since it's a rare Pokémon, would you like me to examine it?" Nurse Joy asked politely.
"No problem, I don't mind."
Since Nurse Joy had offered, Aoki didn't refuse. Although he was confident in Happiny's condition, there was no harm in giving her a chance to inspect it.
After all, as a trainer, he would frequently visit Pokémon Centers—there was no need to offend Nurse Joy.
After a quick check-up, Nurse Joy returned Happiny to Aoki.
"Your Happiny is in excellent health and has great potential. Be sure to raise it well," she advised.
Machines in this world could also assess Pokémon potential, but unlike Aoki's Eye of Data, they had a margin of error.
During the examination, Nurse Joy had performed a potential analysis, confirming Happiny's high qualifications. She was a little envious—if not for her professionalism, she might have wished for one herself.
"Don't worry, Nurse Joy. I care about Happiny a lot and plan to make it one of my main Pokémon."
"That's wonderful! Train hard, and I'll be rooting for you."
After thanking Nurse Joy, Aoki left the Pokémon Center and arrived at Viola Gym.
The moment he stepped inside, he recalled that this Gym was known for its intricate trap mechanisms. He needed to stay alert.
Aoki walked deeper into the Gym and spotted a wooden board. Instinctively, he knew it was a mechanism.
Sure enough, as soon as he stepped onto it, the plank shot downward, carrying him to the lower level.
As he landed, he was met with an imposing sight—Raikou!
However, as a seasoned traveler, Aoki instantly recognized that it wasn't a real Raikou.
It was a mechanical replica.
The artificial Raikou let out a deep, rumbling growl, trying to intimidate him.
Aoki sighed. "…I really hope they won't make me pay for breaking this thing."
"Wait, don't destroy it!"
A man emerged from the shadows—Viola Gym's head trainer, Iron.
"Mr. Iron, I'm here for a Gym Challenge. Do you have time for a battle?" Aoki asked directly.
Iron grinned. "Of course! If it's an official Gym Challenge, I have no reason to refuse."
He led Aoki to the battlefield.
"Let's begin the Gym Challenge! The challenger is Aoki from Littleroot Town. Both trainers will use three Pokémon each. The first to incapacitate all of their opponent's Pokémon wins!"
Iron took out a Poké Ball. "Alright, Magnemite, you're up first!"
He released a Magnemite, which hovered steadily in midair, its metallic body gleaming under the Gym lights.
Aoki analyzed it with the Eye of Data:
• Name: Magnemite
• Strength: Advanced
• Potential: Gym-level
Magnemite wasn't particularly strong—it was meant for beginner trainers to challenge.
If all Gym Pokémon were at the Superior or Elite level, few challengers would dare to compete.
"Since it's Magnemite… alright, let's go! Bagon!"
Aoki tossed his Poké Ball, releasing Bagon.
Both Bagon and Grovyle would have been good choices against a Steel-type, but he prioritized training Bagon. After all, Bagon was a pseudo-legendary with the potential to reach Champion level.
It was only natural to give it more battle experience.
"Oh? A Bagon?" Iron looked surprised but not intimidated. Unlike typical trainers, he didn't get jealous seeing a rare Pokémon.
"Even if it's a Bagon, we won't go easy! Magnemite, use Thunder Shock!"
Electricity crackled around Magnemite as it launched a burst of golden energy at Bagon.
"Bagon, counter with Flamethrower!"
Bagon opened its mouth and unleashed a scorching stream of fire.
Over the past few weeks, Aoki had focused on training Bagon, so its moves were exceptionally well-practiced.
Its strength had already reached the Superior level.
Once it evolved, it would undoubtedly reach Gym-level strength.
The swirling flames effortlessly engulfed the Thunder Shock, overpowering the electric attack in an instant.
The firestorm struck Magnemite with full force.
"Magnemite, hang in there!" Iron called out, looking concerned.
As a Steel-type, Magnemite had a severe weakness to Fire-type moves. Taking a direct hit from Flamethrower was devastating.
Aoki's Bagon wasn't just strong—it had trained extensively in controlling its flames.
When the fire dissipated, Magnemite wobbled unsteadily in the air before dropping to the ground, unconscious.
"Magnemite is unable to battle! The winner is Bagon! Gym Leader, please send out your next Pokémon!"
Iron sighed but recalled Magnemite with a nod.
"Great job, Magnemite. Take a good rest."
He then grabbed another Poké Ball.
"Alright, my next choice is clear. Go, Voltorb!"
Iron released his second Pokémon—a Voltorb.
Aoki immediately recognized its greatest threat: Self-Destruct and Explosion.
Many villainous trainers used Voltorb for its ability to explode without warning, much like Forretress.
Aoki narrowed his eyes.
He had to be careful—this battle was far from over.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 60+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/Kora_1