Chapter Fifty-Two: Azalea Requests to Add You as a Friend

“Gyarados, use Iron Head.” Zhao Fang ignored the emotions of the apprentice across from him and issued the command directly. As soon as Zhao Fang spoke, Gyarados let out a roar, its head shimmering with a metallic sheen before it crashed straight into Geodude’s face.

Zhao Fang covered his own face, resigned. It was just as he expected—even after evolving, Gyarados seemed overly interested in headbutting others. Moreover, somehow, after evolution, Gyarados had mastered a Steel-type move—Iron Head.

“Geodude!” Watching his Pokémon’s face nearly shattered by the blow, the apprentice let out a cry of anguish. Zhao Fang awkwardly rubbed his nose.

Gyarados’s strength was overwhelming. Steel-type Iron Head was extremely effective against Geodude, and as a result, cracks appeared in the rocks on Geodude’s head. It lost the ability to battle.

“Geodude is unable to battle. Please send out your next Pokémon,” the referee announced, surprised as he glanced at Gyarados. He’d seen a flash of light indicating an attack boost, but hadn’t heard Zhao Fang issue any such command.

“I concede…” The apprentice withdrew Geodude, staring at the Gyarados floating before him, its gaping maw threatening. Tears nearly filled his eyes—his next Pokémon was also a Geodude. Was he supposed to bash its head against Gyarados? Pokémon like this should be left to more capable trainers; why did he, a mere apprentice, have to suffer such a fate?

“Since the apprentice has conceded, the challenger is declared the victor,” the referee nodded in approval. Against such a Gyarados, Geodude was simply too weak. Perhaps Graveler, Geodude’s evolved form, could withstand one blow.

Zhao Fang stared blankly at the badge the apprentice reluctantly handed him. He’d already won the badge? Wasn’t he supposed to struggle, rise up, and finally claim victory after a fierce battle?

He’d prepared for a long fight, but glancing at the clock, less than five minutes had passed.

“Trainer Zhao Fang, since you’ve defeated the Rock-type Gym, your trainer card needs to be updated,” the referee said, gazing intently at Zhao Fang. This man was terrifying—he already possessed a powerful Gyarados and another unseen Pokémon, yet his card still listed only Magikarp. Clearly, he was hiding his strength.

Zhao Fang was utterly confused, but nodded and handed his card to the referee. After a few operations, Zhao Fang’s information was updated, and the referee finally saw the name of Zhao Fang’s second Pokémon.

After Zhao Fang left the gym, in the Gym Leader’s room, a girl sat in a chair, her expression helpless.

“Dad, I told you—there aren’t any trainers challenging with Magikarp and Dragapult anymore. Please, spare me and stop torturing me every day,” Dujuan sighed at her father across the table.

“Hahaha, little one, when has your father’s judgment ever been wrong? That boy is strong—if you underestimate him, you might really lose,” the burly man across from Dujuan laughed proudly. If Zhao Fang were here, he would recognize him as the trainer he challenged yesterday.

“But I really don’t have… Hmm? An apprentice conceded?” Dujuan shrugged helplessly, then noticed a new message.

It wasn’t unusual for trainers to lose at the gym, but conceding was rare. Dujuan had repeatedly told her gym trainers that the Rock-type Gym demanded a will as solid as stone; battles usually continued until the last Pokémon fell.

With a stern expression, Dujuan opened the report. If there was any trickery in this battle, she would deal with it seriously. She read through the battle record and the referee’s verdict.

“Oh? Dragapult? Isn’t that the brat from yesterday? Huh? His Magikarp evolved into Gyarados? And used Iron Head?” The burly man leaned over, astonished at the information displayed on his daughter’s Pokédex.

“Gyarados, huh? Interesting. I should have sent Xiaotuo,” Dujuan’s mood improved slightly. Facing Gyarados, an apprentice-level trainer stood no chance, and the opponent’s strength was impressive. Conceding was understandable.

“Hahaha, you mean the newly promoted elite? I doubt he could win either.” The burly man recalled yesterday’s Magikarp, battered yet unyielding. That stubborn spirit—unless Dujuan used her main team, victory would be difficult even for her.

Dujuan nodded in tacit agreement. Her father’s strength was considerable; since he said so, this Zhao Fang must indeed be formidable. Yet she wondered why his card listed only Magikarp.

She searched Zhao Fang’s name in the Pokédex and, to her surprise, found it.

“A Pokédex holder still playing beginner difficulty? The staff needs more training!” Dujuan slapped the table in frustration. A Pokédex holder should at least be facing elite-level challenges.

…

“Hm? Dujuan sent a friend request… huh?” Zhao Fang sat in the Pokémon Center, staring in surprise at his Pokédex.

He hadn’t expected to receive Dujuan’s friend request after leaving the Rock-type Gym. Was she planning to avenge her apprentice?

Curious, Zhao Fang quickly accepted. Becoming friends with a Gym Leader-level trainer was a good thing—he knew the value of connections.

Dujuan’s avatar was shaped like the Rock-type Gym badge, highly distinctive. As Zhao Fang hesitated over what greeting to send, Dujuan messaged him.

“Care for a battle?” Very much in the Pokémon spirit.

“Always straight to battling—can’t they say something else?” Zhao Fang laughed wryly and shook his head. Why did these trainers always want to battle?

He hadn’t intended to accept, having already won the badge and planning to visit Devon Corporation next.

“If you lose, you don’t have to pay the Gym guidance fee. If you win, I’ll give you information about fossils.” Zhao Fang, embarrassed, almost typed a refusal, but seeing the message, quietly deleted it.

“All right.” Seeing Zhao Fang’s reply, Dujuan smiled with satisfaction.