"I don't know when I'll be able to rival that Pokémon said to be one of a kind—the ancient Dragonite.
Such a powerful creature that even a bugged-out system like mine can't detect its skills or strength. If I could capture it, I'd basically be unstoppable!"
While daydreaming, Raj finally arrived at Vermilion City, home of the Electric-type Gym.
The entire city buzzed with life—neon lights, electric arcs, and trainers showing off their Pokémon.
Shops along the streets sold everything electric-themed—Pikachu plushies, Raichu-shaped lamps, Thunder Helmet replicas, and lightning bolt necklaces.
It was every Electric-type lover's paradise.
"Grrr~" Raj's stomach growled loudly.
He rubbed it and muttered, "Even villains need food. Let's hit the Pokémon Center first—Nicholas and the others need to recover too."
After healing his Pokémon, Raj walked over to Nurse Joy for a meal. But as he entered the recovery hall, he froze.
Half the Pokémon lying there were charred black.
"Uh… Nurse Joy, what happened here? Why do all these Pokémon look like they got roasted alive?"
Nurse Joy sighed. "This is the fifteenth batch this month. They were all defeated by Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader."
"All of them?" Raj blinked. "Is that guy really that strong?"
"Don't underestimate him," she warned.
"Lt. Surge trains his Pokémon to fight at full power. He never holds back. That's why so many challengers end up with badly injured Pokémon."
Raj frowned. "Man, that's excessive. Even a Gym Battle shouldn't go that far. Good thing you're nearby, or half these trainers would've given up by now."
He paused. "By the way, Nurse Joy, what kind of Pokémon does he use?"
"Lt. Surge specializes in Electric-types. His usual lineup includes Magnemite, Magneton, and his ace—Raichu."
"Raichu, huh?" Raj murmured. "That's a rare one."
"Yes. Raichu evolves from Pikachu using a Thunder Stone. But Surge's Raichu was already very experienced before evolving. Its strength skyrocketed after evolution," Nurse Joy explained.
"Oh, and it's funny," she added.
"A while ago, a boy named Ash from Pallet Town actually beat Lt. Surge's Raichu with a Pikachu! It was unbelievable!"
Raj froze for a moment. "Ash has already been here? Damn, he's fast... He's probably heading toward Celadon City now. Guess I've got to catch up!"
He thanked Nurse Joy, scarfed down his food, and sprinted toward the Vermilion Gym.
Inside, the gym's metallic floor sparked faintly underfoot.
Electric machines hummed around the arena. A tall, muscular man with a buzz cut stood in the center, arms crossed.
When he saw Raj, he smirked. "What's this? Another little brat come to challenge me?"
Raj frowned. "Little brat? I'm Raj from Pallet Town, and I came here to defeat you!"
Lt. Surge barked a laugh. "Another one from Pallet Town, huh? Let's see if you're as tough as that last kid."
Raj clenched his fists. I'll wipe that smug grin off his face.
"The rules are simple," Surge said. "Three Pokémon each. First to lose all three is the loser. Ready to get zapped, kid?"
Raj smirked. "You should be the one getting ready!"
"Hahaha! I like your attitude. Go, Electrode!"
[Ding! 20 meters ahead — Electrode detected (Owned).]
[Type: Electric]
[Moves: Explosion, Charge, Rollout, Thunder Shock, Screech]
[Combat Power: 550]
Raj grinned. "That's not too bad. Beedrill, you're up!"
His Shiny Beedrill emerged with a metallic buzz.
Surge laughed. "A Shiny, huh? Nice color, but it won't save you. Electrode, use Charge!"
Raj snapped, "Beedrill, Double Team! Then Pin Missile! Don't give it room to charge!"
Beedrill blurred, creating multiple clones that fired a flurry of glowing needles.
But Electrode rolled rapidly around the field, smashing through the clones like bowling pins.
"Beedrill, Hyper Beam! Finish this!"
"Not a chance! Electrode, Screech!"
A sharp soundwave cut through the air, disrupting Beedrill's focus.
Electrode immediately followed up with a Thunder Shock, landing a clean hit. Beedrill crashed to the floor, fainted.
Raj sighed. "You did great, Beedrill. Take a rest."
He swapped Poké Balls. "Your turn, Shiny Grimer!"
Surge raised an eyebrow. "Another Shiny? You're really something, kid. Electrode, Explosion! End it!"
Raj's eyes widened. "Grimer, Dissolve! Now!"
Grimer melted into sludge just before the massive blast shook the entire gym.
The explosion scorched the arena, but Grimer oozed out of the smoke, barely hurt.
Surge smirked. "You're pretty good. But let's see you handle Magnemite!"
[Ding! 20 meters ahead — Magnemite detected (Owned).]
[Type: Electric/Steel]
[Moves: Thunder Wave, Flash Cannon, Thunderbolt, Light Screen, Supersonic]
[Combat Power: 600]
"Grimer, Double Team, then Mud Bomb!" Raj ordered.
"Magnemite, Thunder Wave!"
Grimer's attack struck first, splattering mud across the battlefield. But Magnemite stayed standing.
Raj frowned. "Wait, it didn't faint?"
Surge grinned. "Magnemite's got the Sturdy ability. It always survives a one-hit KO. Now—Explosion!"
"Grimer, Dissolve! Quickly!"
But paralysis from the earlier Thunder Wave froze Grimer mid-move.
The second explosion rocked the gym. Both Pokémon fainted.
Raj recalled Grimer with a smirk. "You're strong, old man. But you're out of tricks."
Surge laughed. "You wish! Go, Raichu!"
[Ding! 20 meters ahead — Raichu detected (Owned).]
[Type: Electric]
[Moves: Thunderbolt, Discharge, Thunder, Thunder Punch, Electro Ball, Agility]
[Combat Power: 650]
Raj grinned. "Let's see if history repeats itself. Go, Haunter!"
"Raichu, Agility!" Surge ordered.
"Haunter, Hypnosis! Then Venom Blast!"
Haunter spun midair, spraying venom that hit Raichu squarely. Poison spread fast.
"Damn it, Raichu, Thunder Punch! Knock it out!"
Raj smirked. "Exactly what I wanted. Haunter, Dark Pulse! Full power!"
Haunter's claws glowed black as waves of dark energy blasted Raichu back. The Electric-type twitched, then fell with a thud.
[Ding! Opponent's Raichu fainted. Victory achieved.]
Raj exhaled in relief. "That… was intense."
Lt. Surge smiled, walking over with an orange badge in hand.
"You've got guts, kid. Even more than Ash. I like that. Take the Thunder Badge."
Raj accepted it proudly, though his mind was already racing. That battle was too close. It's time to power up the team.
He turned toward the gym exit. "There's a Pokémon island nearby... If I remember right, it's filled with wild giants. Perfect for training."
A sly grin crossed his face. "Time to level up."
And with that, Raj strode out of the Vermilion Gym, the gleaming badge pinned proudly to his chest.