POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

"Cooperation?"

Steven blinked and looked at the plain envelope.

"What's in it?"

"A treasure that has never been developed. You can estimate its value after you go there.

If you think it's worth it, give me the equivalent Beldum training method."

"You trust me so much?"

"You are the heir of the Devon Corporation, and I am a rookie trainer with no family background. Do you trust me?"

Rax did not answer directly but asked in return.

Steven's smile widened as the corners of his mouth stretched.

"I trust my vision!"

"What a coincidence, me too!"

---

Walking out of the Pokémon Center, Rax looked up at the dazzling sunlight and felt his body finally warm up a little.

Steven might seem polite to others, but the pride in his bones was like an invisible sword, constantly intimidating.

Negotiating cooperation with such a person required confidence; showing fear would only lead to being overshadowed by his ideas.

Even though Rax had prepared thoroughly, he wasn't entirely confident.

Fortunately, at least so far, the talks had gone well.

As for the contents of the envelope, it held the coordinates of the Canyon of the Great Chasm in the Kanto region and the news that fossil Pokémon were buried underground.

Rax, being from the hoenn region himself, could have plausibly known about this information.

The rest was left for Steven to consider.

The Great Chasm was discovered by Steven in the future—what did that have to do with Rax?

Thinking of this, Rax shrugged and headed back to the hotel.

First, a good rest. Next up was the gym challenge!

---

"Hello, Rax. Since the Black Gold Festival has just ended, many trainers are challenging the gym. Your challenge can only be scheduled for Friday afternoon. Is that okay?"

"Four days later... okay."

"Alright, and a reminder—you'll need to defeat two gym apprentices consecutively on Friday before challenging the gym leader, Byron.

Additionally, you will have half an hour to restore your Pokémon before officially challenging the gym leader.

Okay, the registration is complete. Please take your ID card, and best of luck earning the badge!"

"Got it, thank you!"

Rax thanked the receptionist and retrieved his trainer ID card.

With four days until the challenge, Rax didn't idle. After returning to the hotel, he rented a rock and ground training room.

The rock and ground arena resembled the battlefield of the Black Iron Gym, making it perfect for him to get accustomed to the conditions in advance.

On the first day, he focused on regular training for Marowak and skiploom.

On the second day, Rax replaced the surveillance camera as planned and released Beldum.

Thus, Rax's next three days were highly productive.

Through consecutive battles, Marowak's strength had visibly improved, and it had deepened its understanding of the move Bone Boomerang.

Skiploom continued practicing its poison resistance and substitute techniques, showing initial progress.

Beldum, while showing no significant changes, appeared to have developed a bigger appetite over the three days.

During this period, Steven did not contact Rax again. He likely intended to visit the location personally for such an important matter.

Rax wasn't in a rush; his focus was entirely on the upcoming Black Gold Gym challenge.

---

Finally, the challenge day arrived, and Rax arrived at the bustling Black Gold Gym on time.

The gym was spacious, with six battlefields lined up side by side near the entrance. Gym apprentices were battling challengers on each field.

Rax waited ten minutes before being called to his match.

When he saw his opponent, Rax couldn't help but smile—it was a familiar face.

"Roark, please go easy on me!"

Roark, wearing his trademark red helmet, looked tense. He nodded silently.

After the referee explained the rules, both trainers sent out their Pokémon simultaneously.

Geodude vs. Skiploom!

"Not Marowak? You'll regret underestimating me!"

Roark said with a dramatic flair, a hint of pride flashing on his face.

"Skiploom!"

The Pokémon puffed itself up angrily, its round body swelling as if preparing for a fight.

Rax grinned, thinking, Underestimating Skiploom? You'll pay the price for that!

"Geodude, Defense Curl + Rollout!"

Roark ordered confidently.

This Geodude was impressive. It transformed into a perfect sphere almost instantly and began rolling toward Skiploom at high speed.

"Toxic!"

Splash!

A stream of purple toxins splattered from Skiploom, hitting the rolling Geodude in an instant.

Although much of the toxin was flung off, enough stuck to take effect.

The poison spread rapidly, and the sharp pain made Geodude shudder.

Still, Roark's Geodude had impressive willpower. It continued rolling, bouncing into the air, and hurtling toward Skiploom.

Rax gave no further commands. At the last possible moment, Skiploom gracefully sidestepped, avoiding the attack completely.

"Leech Seed!"

With a flick of its corolla, Skiploom launched seeds that quickly entangled Geodude.

"Geodude, stop rolling!"

Roark's expression turned grim. After a brief exchange, he realized the gap between himself and Rax.

"Is it the airflow from Rollout?"

"Yes, good observation!"

Rax nodded. As Byron's son and the future heir of the gym, Roark's understanding of basic mechanics was solid.

Weighing barely one kilogram, Skiploom was highly sensitive to air currents, which allowed it to adjust its trajectory effortlessly.

Realizing the futility of the battle, Roark raised his hand in surrender.

"I take back what I said earlier—your Skiploom is incredible!"

"Skiploom~"

The Pokémon nodded smugly, clearly forgiving Roark.

Another gym apprentice stepped forward, sending out a Sudowoodo.

Seeing this new opponent, Rax's expression turned serious, and he glanced at Skiploom with a cautious look.

"Skiploom~"

Determined to win, Skiploom straightened itself, ready for battle.

The Sudowoodo moved first, crossing its branch-like arms and summoning a barrage of rocks to fall toward Skiploom.

"Substitute!"

Skiploom nimbly dodged, approaching Sudowoodo while leaving behind a decoy.

As the rocks shattered the substitute, Skiploom retaliated with another shot of Toxic.

The poison took effect immediately, leaving Sudowoodo writhing in pain.

"Sudowoodo, use Mimic!"

"Protect!"

The toxic attack was neutralized by a glowing green barrier.

"Leech Seed!"

Seeds flew out again, binding Sudowoodo and slowly draining its energy.

"Sleep Powder!"

With a gentle shake of its body, Skiploom released a cloud of powder, and Sudowoodo fell asleep.

The match was over.

Now, it was time for the real gym challenge!