Pokémon: Trainer Paul

"Forget it, don't waste my time."

After a moment of thought, Paul tossed a Poké Ball, releasing a Gyarados back into the wild.

To Paul, exceptional talent wasn't all that rare. With the breeding facilities he had access to, nearly half of the Pokémon raised there were already considered highly talented.

Given that, what was the point of raising an average Gyarados?

Paul would rather catch a Magikarp with top-tier potential and raise it from scratch than waste time on a mediocre Gyarados.

After all, the world was full of powerful Gyarados with extraordinary abilities. Why settle for mediocrity?

Even without considering Lance's potential capture of the infamous "Raging Gyarados," or Lysandre's formidable Shiny Gyarados, both of which were among the strongest, there were still others like Misty's Gyarados, which learned at least five moves right after evolving. Its talent was undeniably exceptional.

What use was there in capturing a run-of-the-mill Gyarados?

And Gyarados wasn't even the most extreme example—Charizard took the cake.

In this mixed world where top trainers from various timelines gathered, one thing became apparent: there were too many overpowered Charizards.

Charizard Y, Charizard X, Leon's Charizard, Lance's Charizard, Ash's Charizard...

Having a Charizard wasn't the issue; the problem was having a weak one.

Paul wouldn't even consider raising a Charizard unless it had the potential to outclass all the others. Otherwise, he wouldn't have the confidence to train it to the top.

After all, the competition among Charizard trainers was too intense.

Just then, Gible descended from the sky carried by Elekid. Upon landing, Elekid immediately rushed to Blissey, stretching out its hands with an exhausted expression.

"Blissey~"

Blissey noticed Elekid's hands, red and swollen as if it had been struck repeatedly by moves.

Extending its own hands, Blissey used Heal Pulse to soothe Elekid's injuries. Within seconds, the swelling disappeared.

"Show me your strength." Paul said, walking over to Gible and pointing at Elekid.

"Use Dragon Breath."

"Huh?"

Gible tilted its head in disbelief, its eyes widening.

That's my big brother! How can I attack him?

"Bzzt~"

Elekid, touched by Gible's loyalty, felt its bond with the little one deepen.

Paul's cold stare silenced Gible's hesitation.

"Gib!"

Determined, Gible puffed out its chest, channeling its purest Dragon-type energy into a green breath of power that shot toward Elekid.

"Bzzt?!"

Caught off guard, Elekid was struck squarely and sent flying.

Big bro carried me through the skies; now it's my turn to make him fly!

Gible: Repaying kindness with kindness.

"Bzzt~!"

Elekid's face darkened as it got up, storming toward Gible with glowing hands ready to unleash Brick Break.

"Use Dragon Claw." Paul ordered.

Gible rushed forward, its tiny claws glowing green. Despite its best effort, its small size made the attack awkward.

"Bang!"

Dragon Claw clashed with Brick Break, but Gible's attack lacked the power to compete. It was knocked backward and immediately dug a hole to escape.

From a safe distance, Gible peeked out to gauge Elekid's mood, only to find itself locked in its brother's sights.

Elekid began charging Focus Blast.

"Stop." Paul commanded, halting Elekid's next move.

Paul frowned. Gible's current strength wasn't enough to face Elekid head-on. And using tactical strategies like Dig and Fly would just result in a tedious stalemate.

This kind of training was meaningless. It would be better for Gible to focus on developing its own moves.

"Bzzt~"

Reluctantly, Elekid canceled Focus Blast and began lecturing Gible instead.

It wasn't that Elekid didn't want to teach Gible a lesson physically, but Gible's tough skin made it impractical. Striking Gible felt like hitting armor—both would end up hurt.

"Gib..."

Gible lowered its head apologetically, acknowledging its mistake.

Next time, I'll think twice!

"Bzzt~"

Satisfied with its little brother's attitude, Elekid nodded. Gible was proving to be a quick learner.

"Alright, for now, Gible will train alongside Elekid in battling Ursaring, with Blissey supporting them with Gravity."

After a moment of thought, Paul decided to proceed with some conventional training.

The next day.

Under clear skies, Paul arrived at Oreburgh City's iconic gym, ready for his challenge.

Unlike other buildings in the city, the Oreburgh Gym was carved into a mountain at the city's edge, standing out as a unique structure.

Walking up to the door, Paul pressed the bell. Within seconds, the doors opened revealing a sleek modern interior.

"Welcome young man, to the Oreburgh Gym." greeted a middle-aged man with dark green hair.

"Hello, I'm Paul. I scheduled a gym battle for today." Paul replied curtly.

"Ah, a challenger! I'm Yan, the gym's administrator. Roark has been expecting you. The match can begin whenever you're ready." Yan said with a smile, leading Paul inside.

"Roark is an exceptional gym leader, specializing in Rock-type Pokémon. Defeating him won't be easy—good luck!"

"I'll do my best." Paul replied, his expression was unreadable.

In the arena, the battlefield opened to reveal a clear sky overhead. Scattered rocks dotted the ground.

On the other side stood Roark, wearing his signature mining helmet and goggles.

"Welcome, challenger! I'm Roark, Oreburgh's Gym Leader. Let's have a great match!"

"Likewise." Paul replied, stepping into position.

Yan raised his hand. "This gym battle will be a three-on-three match. The challenger may switch Pokémon, but the Gym Leader cannot. The match ends when all three Pokémon on one side are unable to battle. Begin!"

"Geodude, let's go!" Roark declared, throwing his Poké Ball.

"Geo!"

The Geodude landed on the field, raising its fists in preparation.

"Gible, get ready!" Paul shouted, releasing Gible onto the battlefield.

"Gib~!"

Gible leapt onto the field, baring its teeth in an attempt to look fierce.

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