Gible evolved. Less than half an hour after hatching, it had soared from level 5 to level 25. The evolution happened in an instant.
This leveling speed could only be described as "ascension"—something that would terrify most Trainers in this world.
After Eddie left the site of his previous battle, he immediately released Gible.
As expected, the moment Gible appeared, it began glowing with evolution light.
This time Eddie wouldn't be caught off guard. He produced a pair of sunglasses from somewhere and put them on before watching Gible's transformation.
Gible's round form stretched and grew substantially larger. Its limbs elongated, and its overall appearance became much more dragon-like. Naturally, its strength reached a whole new level as well.
"Ding! Congratulations on your Gible evolving into Gabite! Learned Double Slash!"
"ROAR!!!"
Freshly evolved, Gabite let out a mighty roar toward the sky.
Unlike Gible's cute growl, its dragon roar now carried the unique intimidating power of Dragon-type Pokémon, with considerable force behind it. Eddie, standing nearby, quickly covered his ears.
Many Trainers and Pokémon on Route 9 could hear this dragon roar. Wild Pokémon trembled, and Trainers looked up in surprise.
Dragon-type Pokémon were extremely rare in any region. How could Trainers not be curious when hearing a dragon's roar in such a place?
"Okay, that's enough roaring. If you want to battle, just say so. I'll take you to find opponents now."
Gabite's roar served two purposes: partly to express its joy at becoming more powerful, and partly to ask Eddie for battles. It had been ready for action for quite some time.
"Roar~~~"
Hearing this, Gabite immediately stopped roaring and affectionately nudged Eddie's side with its head.
Though it was a Dragon-type Pokémon, Gabite recognized that Eddie had hatched and raised it, helping improve its strength at an incredible rate—"ascension" was truly the right word.
A Trainer who was like a father, who could satisfy its battle cravings and help it quickly grow stronger—even though Gabite was a naturally aggressive Dragon-type, it showed genuine affection and friendliness toward Eddie.
"Hello, did you hear a dragon roar just now? I... Well, I think I found it."
A man in karate attire approached Eddie. He had heard the dragon roar moments ago and, out of curiosity, came to see what Dragon-type Pokémon could be in this area.
Before he could say anything else, he noticed Gabite eyeing him with clear intent, the desire to battle seemingly uncontrollable in the Dragon-type's eyes.
Although the man had never seen a Dragon-type Pokémon before, he could sense this Pokémon's dragon-like presence, and immediately understood that the roar from earlier had come from this creature.
"So, Gabite can't hold back its fighting spirit. Would you like to battle with us?" Eddie asked, having just been thinking about finding another Trainer for a battle when this opportunity presented itself.
"Battling against a Dragon-type Pokémon is a rare experience—how could I refuse?"
"I am Black Belt Orlando! Please, let me test my skills against you!"
Black Belt Orlando lived up to his reputation. He immediately sent out a level 30 Machoke, proving himself to be a skilled, high-level Trainer.
Although Gabite was only level 25, Eddie figured that with just a five-level difference, victory was still within reach.
"Gabite, go! Dragon Pulse!"
Eddie took the initiative, ordering a Dragon-type attack right from the start.
Gabite, having eagerly awaited Eddie's command, opened its mouth wide toward Machoke and released a powerful shock wave.
Compared to the Dragon Pulse used by Charizard and Sceptile, Gabite's version was not only louder but also appeared far more powerful.
"It's obviously weaker than my Machoke in terms of raw strength, but its presence is much more intimidating. So this is what a Dragon-type Pokémon is like," Orlando observed.
"Machoke, stay calm! Don't be afraid! Dodge this attack first, then use Ice Punch!"
Faced with Gabite's attack and intimidating presence, Black Belt Orlando didn't panic, though Machoke certainly did.
It was natural for living beings to fear more powerful creatures, and dragons naturally stood at the top of the Pokémon world's hierarchy.
Even though Fairy-type and Ice-type Pokémon could counter Dragon-types, a dragon's status remained unshakable.
Despite its fear, Machoke still obeyed its Trainer's command, rolling to the side to avoid the attack.
While completing the evasive maneuver, it gathered energy in its fist, preparing to deliver an Ice Punch to Gabite.
However, both Machoke and Orlando had underestimated Gabite.
Did they really think a simple roll could avoid a Dragon-type's attack? The power and range of Dragon moves were far greater than they had imagined.
Before Machoke could launch its counterattack, the shock wave knocked it back several steps, disrupting the energy gathered in its fists. Its footing became unstable, and it actually fell to the ground.
"With this power and range, it's truly worthy of being a Dragon-type Pokémon, isn't it?" Eddie remarked, having initially thought Machoke would dodge the attack. Gabite had surprised both Eddie and Orlando.
"But now's not the time to be impressed! Gabite, Sand Tomb!"
Eddie may have been surprised, but his sharp battle instincts allowed him to recognize this moment as an opportunity for victory, and he immediately ordered Gabite to press the advantage!
"ROAR!!"
Upon hearing the command, Gabite rushed toward Machoke, who was struggling to stand and prepare a defense against the incoming attack.
"No! Machoke, retreat quickly!"
As an experienced Trainer, Orlando wasn't blind to Eddie's tactics and hurriedly ordered Machoke to fall back.
However, Machoke had just been knocked down—it needed to stand up before it could retreat, right?
But Gabite's speed was considerable. By the time Machoke got to its feet, Gabite had already begun to "circle" around it.
Sand Tomb: Traps the opponent in quicksand, causing damage and inflicting a status condition. Pokémon caught in this status condition continue to receive damage and cannot be switched out.
The ground beneath Machoke's feet instantly transformed into quicksand, trapping it like a whirlpool.
No matter how Machoke struggled, the quicksand gripped it tightly, restricting its movement.
"Damn it! Machoke, use Bulk Up to defend yourself!"
Orlando realized Machoke couldn't escape for the moment, so he opted for defense instead.
He knew Eddie would seize this opportunity to attack Machoke while it was vulnerable. Any Trainer would naturally capitalize on such an advantage rather than passively watching as their opponent fortified their defenses.
But regardless, battling was always about facing challenges directly. What kind of Trainer would he be if he simply gave up?
"I won't give you a chance to defend! Gabite, Outrage!"
Eddie certainly wouldn't allow Machoke time to prepare. He judged that after experiencing two attacks from Gabite, Machoke could no longer withstand the powerful Dragon-type move Outrage.
"ROAR!!!"
Gabite roared again, and energy seemed to overflow from its body.
Using its experience as a Ground-type, it charged into the Sand Tomb area and began attacking Machoke ferociously.
Machoke, already bound by the quicksand, had been about to use Bulk Up to enhance its defense when Gabite interrupted it.
The Dragon-type relentlessly assaulted Machoke with claws, teeth, tail swings, and more.
Gabite's entire body was covered with natural weapons, and it continued its barrage of attacks against the Fighting-type.
After just ten seconds, Machoke collapsed.
"Ding! Gabite gained experience! Level +2! Reached level 27!"
Truly powerful—winning so easily in a battle against a Pokémon five levels higher proved why Dragon-types were considered near-legendary.
Watching Gabite roar in victory, Eddie smiled with satisfaction.