Chapter 5: Power of Champion

"Say, Ars… Would you like to battle me?"

"... Excuse me?" I blinked when Cynthia suddenly asked that. Never once have I ever thought that a reigning Champion would suddenly ask me for a pokemon battle where it usually happens in reverse.

"I am asking you for a pokemon battle." repeats Cynthia once again, which earned her looks from her entire pokemon team.

They probably didn't expect it either.

"Wait, hold up a moment." I raised my palm to her, trying to process the whole situation. "First of all, why?"

Grunts of agreement are also being shared with her team, as they also look at their trainer in curiosity. Though I noticed that Garchomp has been giving me an odd glint since her master/friend's demand.

"You'll see." Cynthia just took out one of her pokeball instead of answering me.

She then pointed it at Roserade, who oddly just nodded in understanding. Cynthia returned Roserade into her pokeball, before pressing a few buttons in her pokedex, which caused Roserade's pokeball to disappear, and then be replaced by another one.

'The Pokedex in this world can do that? Is this a new system where trainers can simply exchange their roosters without doing it in the pokemon center?' I wondered in amazement.

I was about to ask about it, but Cynthia quickly releases another pokemon. And it is a familiar pokemon originating far from Galar.

It is a bipedal reptilian pokemon with gray skin with a pair of red eyes and a rounded beak with a small spike on its upper jaw. On its chest is a line of three slightly raised scales, a matching line of four scales down its back with gray-yellow scales overlapping its shoulders white crest made of feathers on its head. Two circular scales cover the front of its neck, where both are light yellow with darker edges. The tops of its arms are covered by three overlapping scales with a combination of gray, yellow, and red. At the tip of its tail is a yellow colored scales.

"Haka..!" It growled loudly in an aggressive tone, its sharp eyes eyeing the surroundings before it landed on Sliggoo, where its eyes shone in glint.

"A Hakamo-o!" I exclaimed in excitement, seeing the Dragon-type who's now eyeing my pokemon with a calculative look. "I didn't know you also have a pokemon from Alola!"

Cynthia just gives me a smile. "I found him when I was exploring Alola when he was still Jangmo-o. He's been a great addition to my team."

"Damn, such a great pokemon!" I said while approaching Hakamo-o who looked at me in curiosity. But I stopped myself when I remembered about my Aversion on Hakamo-o's other typing. "Wait, I wonder if he will react negatively since he is part fighting-type, despite being a dragon-type as well."

Cynthia's eyes perked up at my question. "Well, I don't know about that. Think you should touch this little guy by yourself."

"...Are you seriously suggesting that?"

"Yes, Given the reaction with Garchomp before, I don't think you will have any problem with Hakamo-o, even though this guy practically has both of your affinity, and your aversion as well."

I give Cynthia a look.

Seriously? This girl just said that I probably almost lost one of my hands when I unceremoniously pet her Garchomp, who thankfully liked me enough to not bite my hand off. Then she just casually told me to pet another dragon-type, who is also a part fighting-type, which is literally a type that has an Aversion to me.

Heck, I even caught her pokemon were also staring at her, as they probably also were thinking the same thing as me.

Huh, Great minds are thinking alike.

Instead of replying to her, I merely pointed my finger at Hakamo-o, then pointed back at myself. It took her for a while before realizing what I meant, which is making her scratch her cheek in embarrassment.

"Fair," said Cynthia while smiling wryly. "I guess I need to ask Hakamo-o first."

The said pokemon who basically is the main topic of this conversation just looked at us back and forth in total confusion.

"Hakamo-o," Cynthia called her pokemon, who immediately looked at her. "This person will try to touch your scales. If you ever feel any discomfort, just growl loudly enough for us to understand."

I had to hold my laugh when Hakamo-o just stared at Cynthia, like the rest of her pokemon. Though he nodded albeit unamused by his trainer's odd request. Seeing that, I walk slowly to this fine specimen of dragon who is just staring at me with a flat look, which makes me almost stifled in laughter at his stiff demeanor.

But I held myself for not causing anything that might offend the young dragon, instead merely extending my right hand, about to touch Hakamo-o's head.

Under his sharp gaze, I am gently touching his gray scales, finding myself marveling at how hard Hakamo-o's skin is. It feels like touching a warm concrete which is different if compared with Garchomp's skin.

I am taking my time as I continue petting the Dragon/Fighting type while moving my fingers across Hakamo-o's head, intending to go slowly in case he will display any similar reaction with Lucario, or Roserade. But to my surprise, Hakamo-o seems to be enjoying my touch. Purring softly while closing his eyes in contempt while enjoying every of my touch on his head.

I blinked.

"... No freaking way..."

"... unbelievable…"

Cynthia stared at the scene with a disbelieving expression.

The rest of her pokemon, alongside Gardevoir, who I didn't realize were in guard are also mirroring her expression as they just stared at me with total astonishment.

"... I guess my Affinity is greater than my Aversion." I said, still in dazed while continuously petting the young dragon, who is now basically sticking close to me like an overgrown puppy.

Cynthia just nodded her head monotonously as she still stared at me and Hakamo-o. "Your Affinity must be very strong given it can neutralize your Aversion easily without any sort of conflict… It's just incredible…"

Cynthia then clears her throat. "That's enough for your curiosity, Ars. Let's go back to our previous topic."

I looked at her while taking my hand off from Hakamo-o, who whined for lack of my touch. "You mean for a pokemon battle?"

"Yes," Cynthia answers. "That's the reason I switched Roserade with Hakamo-o."

Suddenly it clicked on me.

"Wait a minute," I held my hand, trying to explain my thoughts. "So basically you switched one pokemon from your main team with a new member from your reserves for a pokemon battle with me… In order to play on an equal field?"

Cynthia's eyes shone in delight, showing how she was pleased with my explanation. "You are catching it rather quickly, Ars."

Considering that you are just lowering your standard simply to fight me in a pokemon battle, I don't know how to feel about this. While I understand that I am not yet on the level where I can fight Cynthia equally, I am also being underestimated by her and it's very unpleasant.

"... It stings, but I can understand your reasoning."

"My apologies if you feel underestimated, but I will treat this battle according to your current level. And trust me, it will do better for your growth as an aspiring trainer." Cynthia said with a professional tone.

I sighed while nodding at her.

I can understand that she took the best option for giving me a decent chance while also rounding the current condition with the most optimal usage of her pokemon. Even with her sheer potential and status as an Alpha, I doubt that Sliggoo could do anything against any of her pokemon when they are serious, especially Garchomp who's been eyeing me for a while.

Sliggoo just stared back at Garchomp, as both silently had a brief conversation before breaking eye contact.

"Nah, it's fine." I told him while blowing some fuse. "That makes me more motivated to win this fight."

Cynthia who hears that smiles in anticipation. "Don't expect me to hold back and give you a free win, though."

I snorted, giving a fake offended expression. "As if the Sinnoh Champion would ever hold herself back in a pokemon battle when she's the one who asked for it. I know you are thirsty but Sliggoo is not a beverage you can drink."

I smiled when I heard her snort in amusement at my attempt for a joke. Even Gardevoir who heard that just gave me a dry look, which was also followed by Cynthia's other pokemon. Arceus, damn it. Give me some slack. I am trying to break the ice here since I am currently very nervous about my first real battle ever since I transmigrated into this world.

"Very funny, mister beginner, now prepare yourself for some beating." Cynthia said as she called her newer member. "Hakamo-o! Prepare for battle!"

Hearing his master's command, the young dragon immediately took a battle stance just after one command from Cynthia alone. Showing the results of the training and diligence that had been drilled on him, as if proving his worth as one of the pokemon that belongs to a Pokemon Champion. Hakamo-o then focused on me with a sharp, calculative look, ready for any pokemon he'll face.

I guess it's understandable given his species' custom.

Hakamo-o and its lineage are very famous for never running away from any challenge and well known for being honorary in battle. They are a bunch of warriors who love fighting and prefer fighting against strong foes. Hakamo-o's final evolution is famously for being a dragon who hardly attacks any trainers that bypass its territory and mostly scares them with the sound of its scales unless those trainers are doing something stupid like trying to capture one of Jangmo-o with an underhanded method. While Kommo-o is hard to approach, encountering them in the wild is still safer than encountering a wild Salamence or Arceus-forbid, a freaking Hydreigon in the wild.

"Ars!" Cynthia called me after taking a considerable amount of distance along with Hakamo-o. "What level do you want to use?"

"I will be using Master Level!" I replied immediately.

I can see how she raised her eyebrow. "Are you sure about that? It might be too hard for a first battle!"

"I am fine with using Master Level! Don't worry about it!" I replied to Cynthia, who looked at me for a bit, before nodding in acceptance.

I can understand how she is a bit concerned about my choice given this is my first pokemon battle. But given the circumstances behind the rules, there's no real reason to not immediately start with Master Level.

In this world, pokemon battles are divided by four rules in terms of rules according to Pokemon League. Unlike in games where pokemon are usually limited to only known four moves, in this world, pokemon can learn as many moves as possible as long as they are capable of using it frequently. In order to create a stabilization in pokemon battle, the League then created a rule system under strict control as every trainer must abide with the rules under official matches.

There's four levels in official pokemon battles under the Pokemon League rules. The level goes from Normal Level, followed by Great Level, Ultra Level, before lastly, Master Level. A system which unsurprisingly takes reference from pokeball's rarity, except the Master Ball who is currently not available in public for obvious reasons.

Honestly, there's not much difference between those levels, except they basically limit how many moves that the pokemon could use in battle. On Normal Level, pokemon can use up to seven moves. While in Great Level, they could only use six moves. Lastly, Ultra Level and Master Level limit pokemon moves in five moves and four moves respectively by trainer's choice.

Honestly I feel it's like following the anime after the best wishes season where the series began to implement four moves only for most battles, which is a shame considering the amount of moves that Ash's Charizard and Snorlax used during Diamond and Pearl season are quite staggering. Also with my experiences from playing pokemon games in my previous life, using Master Level immediately doesn't trouble me too much, which is the main reason why I am confident of using Master Level. Not to mention, I need to get used to the highest level sooner given the pokemon conference is using Master Level in all of their pro league official matches.

The sooner I am used to using four moves, the better I am prepared for taking this year's Pokemon Confederence.

Looking at Cynthia's eyes, I cracked my knuckles in anticipation.

Never thought that my very first pokemon battle in this world would be against a Sinnoh Champion.

But I'll take it.

With my knowledge, I am quite confident that I could take her even with this condition.

"Sliggoo!" I called her loudly, to which she replied with a coo. "We are going to have our first pokemon battle! And our first opponent is none other than a Sinnoh Champion! The clumsy girl who is in front of me who paves her path to be one of the top dogs!"

"Gooo!"

Across where I stand, I heard some growls and snickers from the place where Cynthia's pokemon stood. Also from a stammered Cynthia who quickly denies much to her chagrin.

"Don't be shy Cynthia! That was a compliment!" I teased her in a loud voice. Getting more laughter from her pokemon as they pretty much enjoyed their trainer's reaction.

"I don't take it as a compliment!" Complained Cynthia before huffing in annoyance. "Quit teasing me and let's just start our battle already!"

"Fine, fine!" I laughed, as I accepted her demand. Still, a flushed Cynthia is a cute Cynthia. Not like I'm gonna say it outloud lest she will get embarrassed again and get grouchy.

Well, at least for now.

"Ars, you may have the first move!" Cynthia said loudly.

I nodded, smirking at the chance to get the first strike in,"Hope you don't regret this, Cynthia! Sliggoo, let's start with Water Gun!"

"Goo!"

"Dodge it Hakamo-o!"

Quickly obeying my command, Sliggoo immediately spits a large torrent of pressurized water towards Hakamo-o, who looks tense but not immediately moving on. At the last moment though, with a simple command from Cynthia, it dodged lightly to the side and easily dodged the gout of water despite the speed of the attack.

Though I did not expect the strength behind her water gun to be enough to obliterate a decent sized boulder behind Cynthia, causing an eruption of debris and dust to go flying everywhere. Cynthia glanced back, giving a slightly awed look at the sheer power behind Sliggoo's water gun, but she showed her mettle as Sinnoh's Champion by immediately getting focused on the match, before even me.

"As expected from an Alpha pokemon, that power alone could give a well-trained Blastoise a run for its money…In that case, Hakamo-o! Use Noble Roar!"

Hakamo-o responded to Cynthia's command instantly, mouth opening wide and roaring loudly. So loud that I quickly found myself closing my ears on reflex by clapping my hands over them. Sliggoo who was the main target whined pitifully as her body shudders under the effect of the attack.

While that attack did not do any physical outer damage, it did stagger Sliggoo a bit due to the piercing sound waves.

"Quick, Hakamo-o! Get close and use Brick Break!"

My opponent gave us no chance to regain our bearings and hearing Cynthia's command, the gray dragon rushed towards Sliggoo at a rapid sprint with his arms glowing in bluish white.

I narrowed my eyes seeing Hakamo-o getting close, but I didn't immediately issue any order. The dragon pokemon getting in close was to our advantage after all.

'Now!' I thought as it got within range.

"Use Shelter!"

"Use wha-!?"

Ignoring Cynthia's confused reply, I grinned as my pokemon quickly slid herself into her shell which gleamed with powerful energy. The dragon pokemon didn't falter at all though and smashed its attack full force into her shell.

A reverberating impact echoed throughout the area from the strike hitting home on my pokemon's shell and Hakam'o's eyes widened as Sligoo's shell didn't even budge from the strike.

Cynthia though, wasn't deterred at all. "Use Dragon Claw!"

This is a gamble, but I am willing to risk it for the sake of victory. "Sliggoo, get out of your shell and counter it using Dragon Pulse!"

"Hakamo-o, dodge!"

Cynthia quickly changed her order immediately after sensing the danger of a super-effective move at such close range. Hakamo-o responded by trying to jump from Sliggoo's range, but he immediately felt sluggish.

"That's one of Sliggoo's abilities-!" Said Cynthia in realization as she watched her pokemon's body being covered by sticky substances that halting his momentum. Exactly what I am aiming for, as the gray hatchling is under the effect of Gooey, reducing its speed temporarily.

Using this chance, my dragon quickly gets out from her shell and forms a ball of multicolored energy in its mouth and fires a multicolored dragon-shaped beam of energy into Hakamo-o, ramming straight into the young dragon and creating a huge explosion

A painful yelp can be heard beneath the smoke and gust, which later shows Hakamo-o's body being thrown backward from force of the attack, landed harshly after rolling on the ground in a harsh manner.

"That was unexpected…" said Cynthia, thinning her lips in a smile.

I smirked back at her, glad our little training paid off well. It's fortunate for me that I did a little experiment on my huge snail pokemon, testing her ability and how she used it in battle. Apparently Sliggoo utilizes her Gooey by spreading it through the softer part of her body, which produces sticky liquid to the shell's edge.

Combined with her Shell Armor ability, it created a double-layer of defensive method, which reduces any damage inflicted as long as it hits the shell part that in response also triggers the sticky substance covering the shell to latch on the opponent who is using direct attacks and slows their movement.

"Quick, another Water Gun!" I quickly pressed another order, as I don't want to waste my advantage.

Hearing my order, the snail dragon obliges as she opens her mouth and fires another high-pressure water towards the downed gray lizard.

"Hakamo-o! Dragon Claw on the ground!"

"What!?"

But to my surprise, Cynthia also responded immediately by ordering her pokemon with an unusual order. Hakamo-o didn't question his trainer's order and quickly gathered another bluish energy in his arms and slammed the ground, creating a huge amount of snow rising up into the air.

I narrowed my eyes at the sound of another explosion beneath the thick snow, signifying the Water Gun has missed its target.

'Her quick response over unexpected disadvantage and quickly salvaging the situation by creating a diversion is truly remarkable.' I thought to myself in morbid fascination.

Judging from how fast the scaly dragon moved after Cynthia's order, I quickly realized that Sliggoo did less damage than it was supposed to. 'Not only that, but she also uses Noble Roar to prevent Sliggoo from unleashing her full strength, thus lessening the damage that Hakamo-o takes from Dragon Pulse.'

As the makeshift fog slowly dispersed, I looked at the surroundings, finding that Hakamo-o was missing from my line of vision, making me narrow my eyes. "Sliggoo, stay cautious. Use your sense to find Hakamo-o's location under this thick layer of snow."

Sliggoo who hears that cooing in agreement as she looked on left and right, searching for Hakamo-o's location, keeping her posture sharp.

Suddenly her body went rigid as Sliggoo cooed in my direction while using one of her antennae pointing at the snow. I quickly realized what she meant, widening my eyes in disbelief.

'This bastard is actually hiding beneath the snow nearing Sliggoo-!'

I snapped out, "Sliggoo, use Shel-!"

"Now Hakamo-o! Brick Break!" but my voice was drowned out by Cynthia's own, beating me to the punch.

I frowned in annoyance as I could only watch as Hakamo-o rammed straight into my pokemon's face, throwing her body several meters away while she's crying in pain due to a super-effective move. Despite having Gooey stuck on his body, Hakamo-o did manage to deal a hefty amount of damage.

Just like that, the advantage that I've got instantly demolished by Cynthia with just one technical move.

"Haha~!" Cynthia laughed, the blonde's eyes twinkling as the sound of her amusement drifted in the air. Dang it, even though it's really annoying facing her in a pokemon battle, I can't deny it. Cynthia really was pretty. "Ars, I returned the favor!"

I smiled in return. Even though currently I am really annoyed, I can't help but smile seeing her face. "You did. That was a miscalculation on my part, I didn't expect Hakamo-o to move underneath the snow to evade. Not only that, it also creates an opportunity for "

"Yeah, but you did good for a beginner," Cynthia praised me in a sincere tone. "While your Sliggoo is packed with a lot of strength, you don't squander it for favoring one-trick offense like most beginner trainers. Instead, you utilize a decent defensive plan which combined with her ability, which caught me off guard. It was truly splendid on your part, Ars."

On the sidelines, Cynthia's pokemon also voiced their agreement by growling, cooing, or yelping. Having a similar opinion with their trainer.

As much as I want to brag about being able to fight equally with Cynthia, I rather focus on the fight. "Right, you can praise me as much as you want later because we still have a fight to proceed."

Cynthia nodded in agreement. "Right, time to continue our fight. Hakamo-o use another Brick Break!"

The gray dragon obliges while rushed towards Sliggoo, jumping high as his arms raised, glowing in bluish white.

"Sliggoo use Shelter, then Dragon Pulse afterward!" The gray lizard landed a straight hook towards my pokemon, only to get blocked again by a thick layered Shell of her opponent. Acting quickly, my Snail Dragon immediately pulled her head outside and countered by gathering draconic energy through her mouth.

"Use Noble Roar before it hits you!"

Sliggoo is about to fire her attacks when her body flinches under the effect of her opponent's loud roar. Still, it steels through the sound waves and then fires another multicolored dragon-shaped beam towards Hakamo-o, hitting it straight on while creating another huge explosion. The figure of Hakamo-o is later shown to get thrown above the air, taking another damage as it grunting in pain.

"Focus! On the snow and use Dragon Claw!"

"Don't let him dive under the snow again, use Water Gun on the snow where it's about to land!"

Hearing his trainer's order, Hakamo-o arms are glowing bright green that forms around each of its claws, where the aura turned into a claw-like shape, twisting its body into a stack of snow below.

But suddenly, a myriad of bluish beams exploded and hit the snow beneath Hakamo-o, letting him crash into the ice with a thunderous impact.

I blinked, as did Cynthia.

I recognise that move, it's the same move that I tried to teach Sliggoo a few moments ago.

"Great Job Sliggoo! You're finally learned Ice Beam!" I smirked in triumph, before immediately ordering her again. "Use Ice Beam again!"

"Goo!" Sliggoo cooing in delightment under my praise, but immediately obeyed my command as she gathered energy around her mouth, before a quartet of arctic beams flashing forwards into Hakamo-o.

"Dodge it, and use Dragon Claw to move forward!" Cynthia responded without hesitation.

Rolling his body, Hakamo-o was barely able to dodge as Ice Beam passed on where he previously lay, hitting the ground covered by thick snow which created a huge chunk of ice. Roaring defiantly, another greenish energy formed into claws covering its arms as he stride forward, running at full speed towards my pokemon.

I narrowed in such blatant moves.

Cynthia is not a type who just lets her pokemon simply become a meatbag for her opponent. I did consider trying to order another offensive to overpower the scaly dragon, but seeing how he is basically running by covering its injured body with his draconic energy, I decided to try another choice.

"Don't let him get close to you! Freeze the ground!"

Sliggoo obeyed my command by immediately firing another Ice Beam straight on the snow in front of her, straight towards where Hakamo-o is approaching.

"Use Noble Roar! Then Jump!"

Another painful sound waves emanates from Cynthia's pokemon, as I quickly close my ears on reflex, clicking my tongue in annoyance. The moves unfortunately did a wonderful job on staggering Sliggoo who cried pitifully, enough to break her concentration as the Ice Beam did half of its normal effectiveness.

'What timing to temporarily stun Sliggoo like that-!'

I can't let Hakamo-o get closer.

"Use Dragon Pulse! Aim while he's still on the air!"

"Take it straight through and use Brick Break!" Cynthia didn't deter and commanded her pokemon with a thundering voice, surprising me for her sudden velocity.

Despite her insane command to her pokemon for taking an super-effective move dead-on, Hakamo-o faithfully obeying his trainer, letting himself getting punished in agonizing manner as Sliggoo's attack rammed straight on it, further injure him further that it almost taking him out if not for the sheer determination and his desire to win.

Seeing that, I cannot help but try to end this with one more strike.

"Finish it Sliggoo, Ice Beam!"

But apparently, Cynthia had another idea as she smirked at my command, much to my confusion.

"Roll your body and use Reversal!"

I widened my eyes, as Hakamo-o roared while covering itself in an intense orange aura, showing how much damage it had taken from Sliggoo's attack. It even took a step further as it intentionally took Ice Beam on its left arm, further damaging itself which powers up the move, much to my horror.

"Shit, Dodge it Sliggoo!"

I frantically ordered Sliggoo to dodge that particular move no matter the cost. Given how much damage that Hakamo-o had already taken, that move alone is very dangerous at this point.

But my order fell deaf ears as Sliggoo reacted a second late, giving Hakamo-o every chance it needed as the scaly dragon then swung its right arm, hitting my pokemon straight on its face.

The energy behind Reversal is taking effect, as accumulated force exploded with enormous force, which was too much for Sliggoo to handle as she slumped forward, losing its consciousness.

As for Hakamo-o, it's on its last legs, shakily trying to stand still while its eyes are flickering up and down. Not long after, it also fell forward. Laying on snowy ground while unmoving. But despite both pokemon being down, Sliggoo did fall unconscious first before Hakamo-o does. Making it clear who the winner is.

I gritted my teeth, before sighed in acceptance.

I've lost

-To Be Continued-

Beta Reader: Hipnyah, Old Man of The Mountain, LuluViBritania(FF.N, SB and QQ)/-LuluViB99th Britannian Emperor(Discord)

Beta note: -

Author Note: Okay, first of all, this chapter is still raw. But since It had been two months since last time I posted, I probably should post something in advance before editing it after my beta finished checking through later.

Now let's talk about this chapter.

Well, not much about this chapter expect we got our first battle of Ars vs Cynthia which ends up with Cynthia winning though it's a very close fight.

Lots of technical happens and it also affected the result, but overall, I am quite satisfied with the result.

Anyway I guess that's it. Thank you for all of your reviews, leave it a lot since it makes me a happy man. Adios!

=Ars Current Rooster=

Hisuian Sliggoo

Steel/Dragon

Female

Relaxed Nature

Height: 1.5 m

Weight: 153 kg

Ability: Hydration, Shell Armor, Gooey

Moveset: Shelter, Absorb, Acid Spray, Water Gun, Dragon Breath, Water Pulse, Protect, Rain Dance, Dragon Pulse, Curse, Acid Armor, Body Slam, Life Dew (Egg move)

New Move Learned: Ice Beam

*Warning, the size indicates this pokemon is an Alpha pokemon.*

Hisuian Zorua

Normal/Ghost

Female

Timid Nature

Height: 0.6 m

Weight: 11 kg

Ability: Illusion

Moveset: Torment, Shadow Sneak, Snarl, Extrasensory (Egg move)

Ralts

Psychic/Fairy

Female

Modest Nature

Height: 0.4 m

Weight: 4.5 kg

Ability: Trace

Moveset: Disarming Voice, Confusion, Hypnosis, Double Team, Thunderbolt, Disable (egg move)