The crisp ocean air greeted Boe, Rev, and Zane as they stepped into Olivine City, the rhythmic crashing of waves against the docks serving as their welcome. After the lingering tension of Ecruteak, the coastal city felt like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. The salty breeze tugged at their clothes and carried the scent of seawater and engine oil from the freighters docked nearby. Spearow circled above in the pale morning sky, screeching and diving toward the rooftops in playful pursuit of one another.

What caught their eyes immediately was a building directly across from the city gate. It was a bold, sloped structure of dark stone and clean angles, with tall windows above and the word GYM displayed in shining gold letters above heavy front doors. The building looked both futuristic and grounded, like a fortress of iron.

"Whoa," Zane said, squinting at it. "That has to be the Gym, right?"

"No doubt about it," Rev muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Looks tough."

They lingered for a moment, taking it in. Trainers occasionally passed in and out of the doors, and a pair of Steel-type statues flanked the entrance, shaped like a pair of armored Pokémon that looked like a Magnemite or Forretress.

"Hit the Pokemon Center up and head back here?" Boe asked signaling for the trio to get moving.

They followed the broad street down toward the marina, where the heart of the port city beat strongest. Sailors moved along the piers, hauling crates with the help of a bipedal, humanoid Pokémon covered in blue-gray skin and bulging muscles. The Pokedex called it a Machoke. The sound of metal clanking, rope tightening, and waves splashing created a constant hum of activity. The skyline was lined with small shops, fish markets, and industrial warehouses. Signs advertised ferry routes to Cianwood City and beyond.

The Pokémon Center was perched right near the water, offering a clear view of the harbor from its outdoor seating area. It was a newer design, sleek and spacious, with a soft sea-blue trim and a large glass window shaped like a Lapras shell dome. Trainers and travelers rested under awnings near the entrance.

Boe, Rev, and Zane lingered for a moment, taking it in. Trainers occasionally passed in and out of the Pokemon Center doors. Just past the plaza, they noticed a billboard across from a small path leading down toward the beach. It read: "Battle Frontier Ahead — Challenge the Ultimate Trainers!"

Boe tilted his head. "Battle Frontier? What's that?"

"No clue," Zane said. "Is that like a league thing?"

A middle-aged man walking his Pokemon with orange fur with black stripes along its back and legs. The fur on its muzzle, chest, belly, and tail is beige, as is an additional tuft of fur on top of its head. The man chuckled. "Are you serious? It's been open for years now. Used to be the Battle Tower, but they expanded it big time. Trainers from all over the world come to challenge it."

"Really?" Boe asked, surprised. "We didn't hear anything about it in Violet or Ecruteak."

The man shrugged. "Guess you've been on the road too much to notice. You should check it out, once you've earned all eight badges to survive it."

They exchanged glances, a flicker of excitement passing between them.

"Sounds like something to aim for," Zane said, grinning.

"Yeah, but first…" Rev gestured toward the Gym. "I want to battle there. Right after we hit the Pokémon Center."

As the trio stepped out of the Pokémon Center and back into the salt-laced morning air, they were greeted not by the sound of crashing waves, but by a voice that instantly put them on edge.

"Didn't expect you three to survive that fall."

They froze.

Victoria Triumph stood a few yards away near the edge of the dock, one hand in her coat pocket, the other holding a fishing rod slung lazily over her shoulder. She wore a sleek black vest over a long-sleeve shirt, civilian gear by her standards, but the aura she gave off was anything but casual. Her Dragonite stood beside her—massive, battle-scarred, and radiating tension. Its wings flicked once, and it let out a low, growling snarl the moment it locked eyes with the trio.

Zane bristled. Boe tensed. Rev didn't even try to hide his glare.

"Oh, look," Rev said dryly. "The harbor trash washed ashore."

The Dragonite took a threatening step forward, eyes narrowing.

"Easy," Victoria said, barely glancing at it. "Please don't waste your time on these weaklings."

Rev reached for his belt, hand hovering over a Poké Ball. Boe stepped in fast, throwing an arm across his friend's chest.

"Not now," Boe warned. "We've got a Gym to beat. She's not worth it."

Victoria tilted her head with amusement, her lips curling into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Smart boy," she said. "Focus on the small leagues while you still can."

She reeled in her line with a smooth motion and began walking along the pier, her Dragonite falling into step behind her. Her two guards followed behind, one carrying a tackle box, the other holding a net, followed silently. She didn't look back.

"I'll be seeing you three real soon," she called over her shoulder. "Don't get too comfortable."

Rev stood rigid; jaw clenched as he watched her fade into the mist curling over the docks.

"Next time," he muttered.

Boe lowered his arm. "Yeah. Next time."

The wind shifted again, carrying the scent of sea and steel as the lighthouse loomed ahead; quiet, tall, and waiting.

The Olivine Gym's lobby was a surprise—sleek, quiet, and almost serene. Polished floors reflected the soft glow of overhead lights, and the walls were lined with modern panels of steel and stone, giving the place a futuristic yet calming vibe. A receptionist gave Boe a polite nod as he passed through the front area, Deku waddling beside him with wide, curious eyes.

Through the inner doors, the Gym revealed itself. The battle floor was steel-plated and clean, raised catwalks crossing above the battlefield. A soft hum buzzed in the air, machinery working just beneath the surface. Boe's eyes swept up toward the top platform, where a slender figure stood waiting.

Jasmine. She stepped forward with a shy poise, hands folded, her expression soft but steady.

"Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Jasmine, a Gym Leader," she said in a quiet voice. "I use the Steel-type. …Do you know about the Steel-type? It's a rare type that's not used by many. …Um… May I begin?"

A referee standing at the side of the arena raised a flag. "This will be a three-on-three Gym battle! The challenger may substitute Pokémon. The Gym Leader cannot."

Boe took a deep breath and looked down at Deku, who gave him an encouraging chirp. Across the field, Jasmine gently released her first Poké Ball.

A Magnemite appeared, hovering in the air with a low hum. Its metal body gleamed under the lights, twin magnets on either side spinning slowly, and a red eye flickering to life at its center.

Boe pulled out his Pokédex. Magnemite, the Magnet Pokémon. Magnemite floats in the air by emitting electromagnetic waves from the magnets on its sides. It can discharge powerful electric and magnetic energy.

"Let's go, Cementoss!" Boe shouted, tossing his Poké Ball.

His Geodude materialized on the battlefield, fists raised, and eyes locked onto the floating Magnemite.

"Rock Blast!" Boe called out.

Cementoss spun as three glowing blue rings formed around him. They turned into bright, white-hot rocks that spiraled before launching toward the Magnemite. The first attack whizzed wide, missing entirely.

"Magnemite, use SonicBoom!" Jasmine said calmly.

Magnemite spun rapidly, sending a large, white shock wave through the air. It slammed into Cementoss, but the Rock-type grunted and held firm.

Boe smirked. "Not even close. Hit it again! Rock Blast!"

Cementoss launched another barrage of glowing stones. This time, they hit—but Magnemite floated back, only slightly rattled.

Boe blinked. "Wait… Rock isn't strong against Steel…"

That's when it clicked. He was thinking of Electric-type weaknesses, Magnemite's Steel typing changed everything.

"Alright then," Boe said. "Time to switch it up. Cementoss, Bulldoze!"

Cementoss slammed his fists into the floor. A surge of golden-brown energy rippled through the steel platform, sending shockwaves across the arena. Magnemite took the full brunt of the Ground-type attack and exploded in sparks before crashing to the ground.

Jasmine returned her Pokémon without a word and sent out her second Magnemite.

This one didn't last nearly as long. Another Bulldoze sent it flying before it could even strike. The referee called it, and the crowd murmured in surprise at Boe's sudden momentum.

Then something incredible happened. Cementoss began to glow. His body expanded, limbs growing thicker as his rocky skin hardened and cracked. When the light faded, he stood taller, more imposing. Now a Graveler. Boe's mouth dropped open in awe.

"Whoa… You did it, buddy," he whispered.

Deku cheered, flapping his tiny arms in excitement.

But Jasmine remained calm. She held up her final Poké Ball.

"...Steelix," she said simply, releasing it.

The steel serpent burst from its capsule, slamming into the battlefield with a metallic roar. Boe's breath caught in his throat. It was like someone had taken an Onix and wrapped it in armor—gleaming, segmented steel plates, a terrifying jaw, and eyes like molten iron.

"That's… a metal Onix," Boe said quietly.

"Bulldoze again!" he called, trying to press the advantage.

Graveler struck the ground, sending more shockwaves surging forward. They hit Steelix dead-on. It was super effective, but the giant didn't even flinch. It growled, its massive tail beginning to glow.

"Iron Tail," Jasmine ordered.

Steelix whipped its glowing tail like a hammer. It crashed into Graveler with a deafening clang, sending the Rock-type rolling across the field. Boe flinched.

"Return!" he said, holding up the Poké Ball. "You did great."

He looked down at Deku, then out at Steelix. "Okay… Think, Boe. That thing's huge. It shrugged off a Ground attack. It's tough… But it can't handle Water."

He reached for another ball.

"Jolee, let's go!"

The Croconaw emerged with a roar, already bristling with energy. Without waiting, he charged and sank his fangs into Steelix with Crunch, a surge of dark energy flaring at the moment of contact.

Steelix reeled slightly, but then its body shimmered. It let out a screeching metallic howl. Screech that echoed through the gym and made Jolee stagger.

"Physical attacks won't work like this," Boe muttered. "We need something stronger."

"Water Gun!" he shouted.

Jolee leapt back and blasted a powerful stream of water from his mouth, straight into Steelix's face. The Steel-type roared in protest and began to reel backward.

"Again!"

Before Steelix could wind up another Iron Tail, Jolee fired a second Water Gun. It struck clean and hard, and the giant finally toppled with a heavy thud, shaking the entire gym.

The referee raised a flag. "Steelix is unable to battle! The victory goes to Boe of New Bark Town!"

Boe stood there panting, hardly believing it. Deku jumped up into his arms, squeaking in delight.

Jasmine returned her Pokémon and approached with a soft, almost solemn expression.

"...You are a better trainer than me, in both skill and kindness," she said. "In accordance with League rules, I confer upon you this Badge."

She handed Boe a shining, hexagonal emblem, the Mineral Badge.

"Mineral Badges prove your Pokémon have strong defenses," she explained, then held out a small disc. "...Um… Please take this too."

Boe took it, inspecting the etched TM symbol.

"You could use that TM to teach Iron Tail," she added.

Then, after a small pause, she said, "Um… I don't know how to say this, but… good luck…"

Boe smiled wide. "Thanks, Jasmine. Really."

With Deku still in his arms, Boe turned and jogged toward the exit. He was eager to regroup with Zane and Rev and share the news.

Boe sat cross-legged in the pristine lobby of the Olivine Gym, still holding Deku in his lap. The little Togepi yawned, already winding down after the excitement of the battle. Zane stood a few feet away, animatedly recounting every moment of his own match.

"…and then Bayleef hit the final Razor Leaf! Jasmine didn't even see it coming," Zane said, hands slicing the air like a conductor. "It was perfect. Just—chef's kiss."

Boe chuckled. "That's quite the battle!"

"Yeah, it could have not gone better!"

The doors to the gym floor hissed open. Rev stepped out, sweat on his brow, but a big grin on his face. His Quilava walked beside him, fur still flickering faintly with residual heat.

"Well?" Boe asked, jumping to his feet.

Rev gave a firm nod. "I won."

Zane let out a loud whoop and slapped Rev on the back. "Let's go! Trio sweep!"

Rev smirked. "Steelix was no joke… but I figured out how to evolve mine."

Boe raised a brow. "Wait—seriously?"

Rev nodded. "I asked Jasmine. She said you need something called a Metal Coat. I did some digging and it turns out there's a vendor near the port who sells them."

Without hesitation, the trio set out through the streets of Olivine, the salty breeze from the sea guiding them toward the marketplace. The sun hung low now, casting golden light across the cobblestone roads and glinting off rooftops.

They weaved through merchant stalls offering everything from shells and trinkets to Poké Balls and incense. Rev moved with purpose, scanning signs until he spotted the one he wanted: "Forge Finds – Rare Evolution Items & Battle Gear".

Inside the compact booth, an older vendor with soot-stained gloves and thick goggles looked up from polishing a glimmering metal band.

"You are looking for something rare, kid?" he asked, eyeing Rev.

Rev pulled a few bills from his wallet. "Metal Coat."

The vendor reached beneath the counter and pulled out a small, cylindrical canister. "Paint-on application. Safe, clean, and battle tested. It's yours for the right price."

Rev paid without hesitation and held the container up to the sunlight. Inside swirled a thin, silvery liquid that shimmered with a faint magnetized pull.

Back at the docks, the trio found a quiet platform overlooking the water. The sun dipped closer to the horizon, casting an orange glow over the harbor and making the waves sparkle like polished glass.

Rev knelt beside his Onix, who let out a low, rumbling breath. He twisted the cap from the Metal Coat and carefully poured a small amount of the liquid into his hand. It shimmered like molten silver, cold and heavy, humming faintly with magnetic energy.

With a steady hand, Rev reached out and spread the metallic fluid across a section of Onix's neck. The Metal Coat clung to the stone, seeping in like it was being absorbed directly into the Pokémon's body. For a second, nothing happened—then the glow began.

A soft white light pulsed from the spot where the Metal Coat was applied, spreading like a ripple across Onix's massive frame. The rocks began to shift and compress, glinting with metallic sheen as armor-like plating emerged from within the stone. The transformation radiated outward, slow and powerful, like something ancient waking up.

When the light finally faded, standing before them was a Steelix, towering, gleaming, and awe-inspiring. Its serpentine body was now sleek and metallic, its steel plates catching the sunlight and scattering it in a dazzling array. The very air around it seemed to hum with power.

Steelix raised its head and let out a deep, metallic roar that echoed across the harbor.

Rev stepped back, staring up at it with wide eyes. "We did it…"

Boe and Zane stood silent for a moment.

"Okay, that was cool," Boe finally said.

"Insanely cool," Zane added. "That thing's a tank."

Rev walked up beside Steelix and placed a hand on the spot where the Metal Coat had been applied. "Now we're ready for anything."

The trio stood together, watching the sun sink below the waves, the harbor bathed in twilight. Victories earned. Strength gained. Tomorrow, the journey will go on. But tonight, they had one more reason to believe they could conquer whatever came next.