"Ethan, you finally arrived."
"As the captain of the reserve team, you disappeared for far too long."
Jason Brooks looked at Ethan with a slight smile; although his words sounded reproachful, there wasn't the slightest hint of displeasure on his face.
In truth, because of Ethan's performance during this time—especially after winning the tournament for the starter Pokémon slot and then crushing the Imperial Pokémon University of Daleron in the exchange tournament—his strength was already fully acknowledged by everyone.
"Ah, I was busy with some matters."
Ethan replied with a laugh, though he was also a bit confused about Jason's sudden visit.
"Of course we came because of the survival test. Besides, after all this time, I'm quite interested in seeing your current strength. Since I was passing by, naturally I wanted to check your power and see if you're qualified to take my place."
Jason's eyes narrowed slightly. A Poké Ball appeared in his hand, and a moment later, the figure of Magmar emerged on the field.
"Is that the same Magmar from back then?"
Seeing the silhouette on the field, Ethan's eyes sharpened as well. He had already guessed Jason's intention: a challenge.
"Then you can go, Charmander."
After thinking for a moment, Ethan took out Charmander's Poké Ball and released him.
"Chaaarr!"
Charmander came out and looked around with bright eyes. As soon as he saw Ethan, he raised his arms, asking for a hug.
"Charmander, it's time for battle now. When we're done, you can have all the hugs you want."
Ethan pointed at Magmar, successfully redirecting Charmander's attention. The little one stared at his opponent with a serious expression.
"Charmander?"
"Is that the one you obtained in the starter Pokémon tournament?"
"But... Ethan, are you sure you want your Charmander to challenge my Magmar?"
"My Magmar isn't my core member, true... but I don't think a Charmander can beat him."
Jason frowned. Had Ethan gotten arrogant? That Charmander looked like a complete baby.
"Captain Jason, don't underestimate my Charmander. After almost half a year of training, I guarantee his strength will surprise you."
Ethan smiled calmly, as if he were completely confident in Charmander's power. Jason's expression darkened even more.
"This Ethan seems a bit inflated... well, fine. I can use this chance to deflate him a little. Otherwise, when he joins the official team, maybe I really won't be able to keep him in check." Jason thought. He had a good impression of Ethan, but seeing him use a Charmander to challenge his carefully trained Magmar stirred a bit of annoyance.
"Then let's begin."
The official team's substitutes and the reserve team members stepped back to leave the field clear for the two captains.
"Ethan, you first. I want to see how your Charmander plans to defeat my Magmar."
As the senior, Jason kept his elegance and ceded the first move.
"Alright. Charmander, use Temperature Control and push it to the maximum."
The moment Ethan finished speaking, Charmander's body began to emit a bluish steam. His skin turned completely red, and a wave of heat burst out around him, warming even the ground.
"This is... a special ability!"
Jason's expression changed when he saw the ability Charmander activated. He finally grew serious.
Under normal conditions, Charmander wouldn't stand a chance. But if he had mastered a special ability... that was a different story.
"It's the Temperature Control ability."
At that moment, Lucas Silver and Marcus Foster recalled the information they had read in the guide they had acquired.
The truth was that among all the starter Pokémon, this Charmander was the most valuable. Even Lucas, a Steel-type specialist, would trade Piplup for this temperature-controlling Charmander without hesitation if he had the chance.
"Magmar, don't let your guard down."
"Start with Flamethrower and give him a welcoming greeting."
Jason decided not to take risks. Charmander's appearance—completely red and steaming—made him treat the little one seriously.
"Maaggmmr!"
Magmar let out a low roar and a blazing flame shot from its mouth.
The intense column of fire completely engulfed Charmander, illuminating the field with a scorching glow.
"Ignore it and absorb the flames."
Ethan smiled confidently. That fire wouldn't harm Charmander.
Most Fire-type moves rely on heat to inflict damage. But if Charmander raised his body temperature high enough to match the flames, the fire could no longer burn him.
In that instant, Charmander swished his tail, creating a suction force from its flame. The fire surrounding him began flowing toward the tip of his tail as if it had found an escape route.
"Maaaggmmr!"
Seeing this, Magmar roared in frustration and used Flamethrower again, even stronger than before, increasing the flames around the little Charmander.
"Chaaarr!"
Sensing the growing flames around him, Charmander growled and suddenly opened his mouth—he began devouring the fire!
This time he used his full strength and completely absorbed Magmar's Flamethrower.
When the flames dissipated, Charmander's tail shone like a tiny sun, overflowing with fierce fire energy.
"Chaaarr!"
Charmander opened his mouth again and unleashed a much larger, much hotter stream of fire—so fierce it resembled the breath of a true dragon—directly toward Magmar.
Boom!
The massive flame shot across the field and engulfed Magmar, catching him off guard.
Although Magmar had the Flame Body ability and naturally strong fire resistance, allowing him to withstand it without too much damage...
The scene left everyone stunned.
No one had ever imagined that a Charmander could endure and fully absorb such a powerful fire attack, only to return it as an even more devastating blast—like a genuine dragon's roar.
(End of chapter)