Chapter Eighteen: The Battle with Junsha Ling

The Normal-type Gym in Orange Blossom City was so uniquely designed that Zhao Fang didn’t even have to ask for directions—he spotted it right away. At that moment, several trainers were gathered outside, waiting their turn to challenge the Gym. Among them, Zhao Fang noticed two trainers dressed in flamboyant outfits, each accompanied by a Blaziken.

“A Fighting-type Blaziken is actually a great choice for taking on a Normal-type Gym,” Zhao Fang nodded to himself. In fact, nearly every trainer he saw with a Pokémon at their side had chosen a Fighting-type. He even spotted a female trainer with a Machamp standing beside her.

Conversely, it was rare to see any rookie trainers among those challenging the Normal-type Gym.

“Are you here to challenge the Normal-type Gym?” Just as Zhao Fang was contemplating whether to join the line, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

Turning around, Zhao Fang saw Miss Junsha Ling, whom he’d met just yesterday.

“No, I only have a Magikarp—there’s no way I could possibly defeat Gym Leader Qianli. I’m just here to meet him for some business.” Zhao Fang waved his hands quickly. What a joke—his Magikarp, even if its stats were a bit higher than the average, stood no chance against the Normal-type Gym.

“That’s good. Gym Leader Qianli’s Gym is usually recommended only for those with five badges. I’d suggest you try the Rock-type Gym first. But in the meantime, you really should catch another Pokémon.” Junsha Ling spoke with warmth and cheer as she introduced the local Gyms.

Zhao Fang nodded. In truth, he’d been considering whether it was time to catch another Pokémon; otherwise, he’d have to wait until Magikarp evolved into Gyarados, and who knew how long that would take. After all, even in this world, Magikarp’s evolution conditions remained a mystery.

Professor Oak’s earliest research only suggested that Magikarp’s evolution was related to its rage level—if a Magikarp was pushed to an extreme state of anger, it might trigger evolution into Gyarados and undergo a transformation at the very core of its being.

Even then, in the wild, only a handful from the vast Magikarp population ever evolved into Gyarados.

“Miss Junsha, by the way, do you know Dawn?” Zhao Fang asked, curious.

Of course, the Dawn he referred to wasn’t the protagonist from the Diamond and Pearl series, but the rival character from Ruby and Sapphire.

“Dawn? You mean the shy, introverted one?” Junsha Ling paused for a moment before replying.

“Yes, the one who lives here in Orange Blossom City.” Zhao Fang nodded. He was genuinely curious about Dawn, who could catch a Ralts right at the beginning of the journey.

“That’s right. Dawn’s house is right over there. Do you need something from him?” Junsha Ling pointed to a house next to the Normal-type Gym.

Just as he’d thought.

Zhao Fang thanked Junsha Ling and returned to the end of the queue. He wanted to meet Gym Leader Qianli, but if he didn’t line up, others might think he was trying to cut in.

Even though he’d only been in this world a few days, Zhao Fang had already figured out the local temperament—trainers settled disputes with battles, and they were always eager for a fight. Intimidating, to say the least.

“Hey, Zhao Fang, how about a battle with me?” Junsha Ling looked at him with a cheerful smile, but her words were anything but ordinary.

“Huh? There’s no way I could beat you, Miss Junsha.” Zhao Fang stared at her in disbelief. Was she serious? There was no way he could win.

The Pokémon Junsha Ling had revealed yesterday—none of them were opponents Zhao Fang could hope to defeat. His Magikarp might not even be able to leave a scratch.

“Oh, I wouldn’t use those Pokémon! Remember those two Aqua Team grunts I caught yesterday? My sister gave me a new Pokémon—a baby that’s barely a month old,” Junsha Ling said, rubbing her nose, and produced a Poké Ball from her belt. A Squirtle appeared at her side.

Zhao Fang couldn’t help but give her an odd look. This woman was certainly well-off—she could casually produce a starter Pokémon.

Though Squirtle was one of the original starters, it was still a formidable Pokémon. Its final evolution, Blastoise, could even Mega Evolve. Even as it was now, Squirtle could easily handle a Magikarp.

But thinking that this Squirtle was just a baby, only a month old, Zhao Fang nodded. After all, with proper training, a one-month-old Pokémon could already possess basic combat abilities—maybe even know moves like Bubble.

Seeing Zhao Fang agree, Junsha Ling happily led him to the Trainers’ Battle Area of Orange Blossom City.

“I’ll teach you a thing or two about Pokémon!” Junsha Ling declared, full of spirit.

Zhao Fang raised an eyebrow. He wondered if she was using this opportunity to repay him for the help he’d given her the day before, under the guise of teaching.

“Come out, Magikarp.” Without hesitation, Zhao Fang released his Magikarp. He would never pass up an opportunity to give it real combat experience.

“Squirtle, your turn!” Junsha Ling released her Squirtle onto the field.

“Squirtle! Squirtle!” Squirtle cried out energetically as it entered the battle.

“Squirtle, withdraw into your shell and boost your defense,” Junsha Ling commanded. She remembered Magikarp’s limitations from yesterday—before it evolved, it could only use moves like Tackle. Having Squirtle withdraw was a sound strategy.

Zhao Fang was speechless. This was a starter, and she was still being cautious against a Magikarp.

“Magikarp, speed up with a Tackle, and when you see the opening, hit Squirtle with everything you’ve got!” Zhao Fang gave his order. But Magikarp’s options were limited—there were only so many moves it could use.

Magikarp rapidly flapped its tail, using Splash to propel itself toward Squirtle. Zhao Fang was surprised—the speed seemed significantly improved.

“Squirtle, hide in your shell! Don’t give it a chance to attack!” Junsha Ling ordered. Magikarp’s body collided with Squirtle’s shell.