Pokemon Battle System: I Reincarnated As A Charmander

"I didn't expect to see a Charmeleon in the Extreme Speed Conference finals this year," Kas chuckled. Historically, the finals were dominated by flying-type Pokémon, with very few non-flying types making it through.

Surrounding Kas were several gym trainees, including Aaron, who had successfully become a student at the Flying Type Gym. Their routine involved attending lectures by the Gym Leader and engaging in practical training sessions. Today, they joined other students to watch the Extreme Speed Conference finals.

Aaron observed the competing Charmeleon, unaware that it was Kalia's Charmander, which had evolved since their last encounter.

Feeling envious, he wondered what kind of Trainer could raise such a powerful Charmeleon and advance all the way to the finals.

After weeks of diligent study, Aaron had gained considerable knowledge, particularly about the incredible speeds achieved by Pokémon in the Extreme Speed Conference.

Initially, he planned to participate himself, but his Pidgey hadn't yet evolved, and while his Manectric had decent speed, it fell significantly short compared to the conference standards. He knew Manectric needed to evolve further before being eligible, so ultimately, he decided not to register.

On the grass field, Lian noticed the referee raising their hand, signaling the imminent start of the race. He prepared himself eagerly.

"Begin!"

With the referee's signal, the final round of the Extreme Speed Conference commenced.

Instantly upon starting, Lian prepared to unleash his move, targeting the airborne Swellow with a Dragon Breath attack.

To Lian's surprise, at the same moment, Swellow also initiated its assault, wings glowing white as it charged directly towards him.

"Already engaging in battle?"

"That's quick."

The unexpected confrontation between the two Pokémon, launching moves right from the start of the finals, caught everyone off guard.

Lian was thrilled; Swellow voluntarily flying into the Dragon Breath seemed perfect. If luck prevailed and Swellow became paralyzed, victory would be assured for this match.

The intense dragon aura collided with the soaring Swellow, causing a fierce impact between the white-glowing wings and the Dragon Breath, sending waves of energy pulsating outward.

Once the shockwaves subsided, Swellow continued flapping its wings, hovering in mid-air, seemingly unaffected by any significant damage.

However, as Swellow attempted to execute its Wing Attack again, its movements abruptly froze. Although it had managed to block the Dragon Breath using its wings, due to close proximity, the secondary effect of Dragon Breath still took hold.

Lian was stunned - could he be this lucky? Paralyzed already?

That was too effortless.

If not for Lian's experimentation during last night's practical training session, where only three or four out of six Dragon Breaths caused Paralysis, he would have suspected the system had increased the secondary effect to a 100% chance.

Others also noticed Swellow's unusual state and were astounded. Charmeleon's luck seemed extraordinary, instantly causing Paralysis with its attack.

With Swellow paralyzed, its entire body became stiff, making it unable to execute moves properly. It could barely maintain flight, but at a significantly reduced speed.

Lian wouldn't let this opportunity slip by; he continued unleashing moves. Now, Swellow served as a moving target, easily defeated.

He felt like he discovered another method to achieve high scores without taking damage. From now on, whenever encountering any Pokemon, he'd start with Dragon Breath to induce Paralysis. With the opponent's speed greatly diminished and their move execution slowed, he could swiftly pummel them, ensuring a high score.

After two consecutive Dragon Rages, Swellow lost its ability to fight, and staff promptly took it away for treatment.

The spectators watching the match were left speechless. It was incredibly fast—barely half a minute had passed since the referee announced the start, yet Charmeleon had already defeated Swellow.

This was likely the quickest final round in the history of Extreme Speed Conferences, lasting less than a minute.

Although the race technically wasn't over, Swellow had lost its combat capability. Naturally, Charmeleon emerged as the champion of the Extreme Speed Conference.

Following the standard procedure, Lian leisurely jogged to the finish line, effortlessly securing the championship title.

Commentator Tina struggled to find words throughout the match, initially expecting a fierce speed contest with mutual interference through moves. Instead, Charmeleon's single Dragon Breath determined the outcome.

"Congratulations to Trainer Julian's Charmeleon for winning the Extreme Speed Conference! Now, let's proceed to the most crucial segment of the conference."

After returning to the starting area, Lian accompanied Julian to meet Gym Leader Kas for the final phase.

Julian felt somewhat nervous and overwhelmed, as if it all seemed too surreal. In what felt like the blink of an eye since the competition began, his Charmeleon had already claimed victory.

"Congratulations! Your Charmeleon is truly exceptional," Kas said with a warm smile. Appearing to be in his mid-twenties, he may not have been conventionally handsome but exuded friendliness and a gentle demeanor. This amiable nature likely explained why numerous students eagerly attended his daily lectures and training sessions.

"T-thank you," Julian stammered nervously, barely able to articulate his gratitude. He genuinely hadn't anticipated Charmeleon winning the championship and felt unprepared for this moment. Moreover, the Charmeleon wasn't even his own, making him feel somewhat undeserving of the praise.

"No need to be tense. Raising such a remarkable Charmeleon demonstrates your skills as an exceptional Trainer. Winning the Extreme Speed Conference is truly a testament to your abilities," Kas reassured him.

Kas then presented the Speed Medal, a silver emblem featuring a pair of wings with a distinctive logo signifying its recognition by the League. This achievement could significantly benefit a Trainer's career.

"Here, take it; you've earned it," Kas solemnly handed the medal to Julian.

Despite feeling unworthy, Julian extended his hands, accepting the medal with a serious expression.

After awarding the Speed Medal, Kas stepped back, allowing the Mayor of Falcon City to personally present the conference prize, since it was provided by Falcon City itself.

The Mayor approached, holding a box, and with a warm smile, addressed Julian, "This is a Custap Berry, which enhances a Pokemon's reaction speed."

Julian accepted the box, opened it, and found inside a brown fruit with peculiar patterns, feeling remarkably hard to the touch.

Lian's eyes lit up at the sight of the Custap Berry. He had heard that its interior resembles sweet cream, making it highly delicious; he couldn't resist wanting to eat it right away.

With the Custap Berry in hand, Julian bowed gratefully. The remaining prize of twenty thousand Alliance Coins would typically be delivered after the conclusion of the Extreme Speed Conference.

As the conference drew to a close, most Trainers began dispersing, and Julian promptly took Lian away from the Blue Grasslands.

At the Pokemon Hotel's resting area:

Feeling both grateful and apologetic, Julian said, "Kalia, thank you so much. Without Charmeleon stepping in for me, I wouldn't have achieved this honor. This Speed Medal rightfully belongs to you."

"It's alright," Kalia shook her head, "The Speed Medal doesn't significantly benefit me, and besides, it was Charmeleon's own decision to help you, not mine."

"Here, please take this Custap Berry." Julian handed the box to Kalia, knowing the berry is immensely useful for Pokemon. Since it was earned thanks to Kalia's Charmeleon, he felt it wasn't right to keep it.

"Thank you." Kalia accepted the Custap Berry; she couldn't refuse as it was rightfully earned by her Charmeleon and intended for its consumption.

"And these twenty thousand Alliance Coins, I'll take only eight thousand, leaving the rest for you," Julian said. He needed just eight thousand more to purchase two S.S. Tickets.

"No need for that much. I'll accept seven thousand five hundred, which is perfect for buying a Fire-type Move Disk for Charmeleon," Kalia replied. She didn't want to take more since Julian seemed financially strained. After purchasing the tickets, he wouldn't have enough left for daily expenses.

"Alright then," Julian agreed without hesitation, taking twelve thousand five hundred and giving the remainder to Kalia.

Upon hearing that Kalia planned to use the money for a Move Disk, Lian felt elated. Could this be the surprise she mentioned earlier?

No, the surprise likely wasn't meant for him to overhear, suggesting there might be additional rewards. Lian's anticipation grew even stronger.

"I'm heading to Pearl City tomorrow," Julian announced, eager to treat Charmeleon's illness with the funds now available.

After Julian left, Kalia took Lian back to their room and retrieved the Custap Berry. Seeing Lian eyeing the berry hungrily, she smiled warmly.

"Don't worry, it's yours."

Kalia gathered some tools, as the Custap Berry's hard shell, similar to a coconut, required specific instruments to open. Once cracked, it revealed soft, sweet, cream-like flesh inside, incredibly delicious.

The opened Custap Berry emitted a tantalizingly sweet aroma, making Lian drool uncontrollably. Eagerly, he embraced the berry and began savoring its delectable sweetness.