Chapter 94: Boss Lairon Wins, Diamond Treasure Chest (4)
"Firestorm Beast, don't give up!"
Seeing her grandfather's Firestorm Beast struggling, Asha clenched her fists and shouted encouragement.
"Boss Lairon, you too!"
Kamizlei was just as excited, cheering Aoki on.
"Boss Lairon, use Rock Wrecker! Finish this battle!"
Boss Lairon, panting heavily, gathered energy in its claws, forming a massive rock. It launched the attack with immense force, the projectile tearing through the air toward Firestorm Beast.
"Firestorm Beast, counter with Focus Blast!"
Firestorm Beast roared as it formed a glowing blue energy sphere between its hands, compressing it before hurling it forward.
The two powerful attacks collided mid-air, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
Neither Pokémon dodged—this was a direct clash of strength and willpower.
A thunderous explosion erupted, sending both Boss Lairon and Firestorm Beast flying backward from the impact.
"Boss Lairon, stand your ground!" Aoki called out.
Boss Lairon trembled, struggling under the accumulated damage, but it gritted its teeth and forced itself to remain standing.
Firestorm Beast also staggered to its feet, its body swaying. It was at its limit.
"Boss Lairon, one last Earthquake!"
"Firestorm Beast, Focus Blast again!"
Mu La knew that Firestorm Beast had taken too much damage from Earthquake earlier, but he still hoped to land one decisive blow.
Boss Lairon raised its heavy foot and stomped the ground hard, sending powerful tremors rippling through the arena. The entire battlefield shook violently, cracks forming beneath Firestorm Beast.
At the same time, Firestorm Beast unleashed its Focus Blast, striking Boss Lairon directly in the chest.
Both Pokémon took the hits head-on.
Firestorm Beast let out a low growl, then collapsed onto the ground, unable to continue.
Boss Lairon staggered, almost falling as well—but then, for just a moment, a faint glow flickered from its Focus Sash.
Aoki's eyes narrowed. So that's what saved it at the last moment.
Even though Boss Lairon had achieved Mega Evolution, its base stats were still slightly inferior to Firestorm Beast's. It had survived by relying on its endurance, defensive bulk, and the Focus Sash he had prepared in advance.
"Firestorm Beast is unable to battle! The winner is Aoki!"
The referee's announcement echoed through the gym.
"Firestorm Beast, you did well," Mu La said, recalling his Pokémon with a sigh. He was a bit disappointed, but he accepted the loss with grace.
Meanwhile, Asha was in disbelief. Her grandfather's strongest Pokémon had lost!
As Boss Lairon's Mega Evolution ended, it reverted to its original form, breathing heavily.
"So that really was Bond Evolution…" Mu La mused aloud, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It seems the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon is far more important than I realized."
Asha clenched her fists. I've decided! I'll train my Pokémon harder and make my Camerupt achieve Bond Evolution too!
Aoki simply smiled but didn't say anything.
There's no such thing as Bond Evolution… But they don't need to know that.
Mu La approached Aoki, holding out a badge.
"This is the Heat Badge—proof of your victory."
"Thank you," Aoki said, accepting it with a small bow.
Mu La sighed. "Young Trainers these days are truly impressive… In just over a year, you've become this strong." He glanced at Asha. "Maybe it's time I consider passing the Gym down…"
But after a moment, he shook his head. Asha's still too young to handle that responsibility.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Mu La smirked.
"By the way, Aoki… Do you have a girlfriend?"
Aoki froze.
"Would you like me to introduce you to my granddaughter? She's quite a beauty!" Mu La continued, laughing.
Asha's face turned bright red, and she shot her grandfather an embarrassed glare. Grandpa, could you not do this in front of everyone?!
Kamizlei, standing beside Aoki, suddenly looked tense.
This old man is dangerous! Is he trying to steal Aoki away?!
Aoki coughed awkwardly. "I, uh, don't have any plans for that right now."
Although Asha was attractive, Aoki wasn't interested.
Mostly because of Kamizlei.
"Well, if you change your mind, let me know," Mu La said with a wink. "I'd gladly arrange a match for you two!"
Aoki quickly grabbed his badge and fled with Kamizlei before Mu La could continue.
Who knows what kind of schemes that old man is cooking up?
Outside Lavaridge Gym, Aoki exhaled in relief.
Then a thought crossed his mind.
Asha isn't bad-looking… and having an Elite-ranked grandfather isn't a bad deal either…
Wait, what am I thinking?!
Aoki shook his head. I need to focus!
Arriving at the Pokémon Center, he approached Nurse Joy.
"Nurse Joy, could you heal my Pokémon?"
"Ah, Aoki! You're back from the Gym battle?" Nurse Joy asked with a smile. "Did you win?"
"Yeah."
Nurse Joy's eyes lit up.
She had just recently learned about Aoki's Pokéblocks and their nutritional benefits. Not only that, but he was also working closely with the Joy Family, Professor Oak, and even the Jenny Family.
With connections like that, Aoki was someone the Joy Family wanted to build a strong relationship with.
They had even decided: If their secret project succeeded, Aoki would become one of their most honored guests.
Free meals, free lodging, and—if he wanted—he could even receive a Nurse Joy as a personal assistant.
And which Nurse Joy would that be…?
The Lavaridge Town Nurse Joy felt her face grow hot as she imagined something embarrassing.
Would they send me to Aoki…?
She stole a glance at him.
Aoki is really handsome…
Aoki noticed her staring at him with a dreamy expression and sighed.
What is this Nurse Joy thinking?
Although he liked Nurse Joys, he wasn't interested in joining their family business or whatever plan they had in mind.
"By the way, I'll take care of your Pokémon now," Nurse Joy said, quickly regaining her composure.
As she left, Aoki turned his attention to his Diamond Treasure Chest.
He had received it after the Gym battle, but he had been too focused on healing his Pokémon to check its contents.
Now that his team was recovering, he could finally open it.
What kind of reward will I get this time?
Excitement surged in Aoki's chest.
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