“Beldum, use Body Slam!”
Beldum slammed down with full force, sending the opposing Beedrill crashing to the ground.
“So strong…” the boy opposite sighed.
This was already the sixth opponent Tianlin had defeated today.
Since leaving Cerulean City yesterday, he had entered a constant battle-and-travel rhythm.
Most of the fighting was handled by Feebas and Beldum.
At this point, Grovyle and Scyther had both reached the peak of Elite-level strength.
Battles of this low level no longer helped them grow—they needed a breakthrough opportunity.
Only by advancing to Gym-level strength could they truly begin their path toward becoming powerful Trainers.
Feebas and Beldum, however, were still progressing rapidly.
Feebas was gaining confidence through victories, and with Tianlin’s specially prepared daily nutrition and training, its Beauty condition had improved significantly.
Beldum’s progress was even more astonishing.
In just a few days, it had jumped from normal beginner level to high-level, and was close to entering Elite tier.
Bottlenecks seemed nonexistent for it—truly worthy of its King-level potential and limitless growth as granted by the system.
“Not bad.
That was impressive.”
A passing teenager stopped to watch the battle, clearly interested.
“Hello, my name is A.J .
I am known as the Beast Tamer.”
“Hello, I’m Tianlin.
I’m traveling to participate in the Pokémon League,” Tianlin replied.
“I just watched your battle—you’re strong.
But if you want to go far in the League with your current strength, it’s still not enough,” A.J said.
“I run a private Gym not far from here.
Want to come by?
I’ll even treat you to lunch.”
“Alright,” Tianlin agreed.
He already recognized this person—A.J , the Trainer known for a hundred consecutive wins in the original story.
At A.J ‘s private Gym, a large sign displayed: 93 Consecutive Wins.
It seemed he had arrived earlier than Ash in this timeline, so he hadn’t yet reached the 98-win record from the original story.
“93 wins… so you really are strong,” Tianlin said with a smile.
“Inviting me here isn’t just for lunch, is it?
You want a battle.”
“Of course.
Defeating strong opponents is my greatest interest,” A.J replied.
“Once I reach 100 consecutive wins, I’ll challenge the League.
As Trainers, the moment our eyes meet, that’s already a signal for battle.
What, are you trying to avoid it?”
“Of course not,” Tianlin replied.
“But can I take a look around your Gym first?”
“You’re welcome,” A.J said.
Inside, many Pokémon were training hard using various enhancement tools—Power Braces, Power Belts, and other equipment that boosted specific stats while limiting speed.
“You’ve collected quite a lot of training equipment,” Tianlin remarked.
“Of course.
To become the strongest, preparation is everything—training tools, nutrition, everything must be perfect. Visit g.com for the full chapter.
I even prepare evolution items for them,” A.J said, opening a cabinet filled with Evolution Stones, Metal Coats, Charcoal, and other items.
“I’d like to hear your opinion, Professor.
Tianlin.”
Hearing the title, Tianlin immediately realized—Xiao Ming hadn’t invited him randomly.
He already knew his identity.
“I’ve read your works—On Pokémon Requiring Special Evolution Methods and Hypothesis on Hidden Pokémon Abilities.
Your photo was even included in the publications,” A.J explained.
“I’m glad my research was useful,” Tianlin replied modestly.
While observing the collection, Tianlin suddenly noticed something.
“This is… a Prism Scale?”
“You’re interested in that?
I don’t need it,” A.J said casually.
“If you want it, you can have it.
But on one condition—battle me this afternoon.
And you must use your strongest Pokémon.”
Tianlin hesitated only for a moment before agreeing.
After lunch, the battle began.
“Let’s start with some post-meal training.
Go, Grovyle!
This is your first battle since recovering—don’t be careless.”
“My opponent is a Grass-type… perfect,” A.J said.
“Go, Sandshrew!”
Seeing Sandshrew, Tianlin recalled its infamous appearance from the original story—and the overwhelming loss it once dealt to Brock’s team in the games.
He became more serious immediately.
“Sandshrew, use Defense Curl!”
“Grovyle, use Mega Drain!”
“Sandshrew, use Poison Sting!”
The two moves clashed mid-air.
Mega Drain had higher power, but Poison Sting resisted Grass-type energy.
The battle briefly stalemated.
“Grovyle, Leaf Blade!”
Grovyle’s speed advantage kicked in, striking Sandshrew twice.
Despite increased defense, Ground-types still struggled against Grass-type attacks.
“Can’t keep up with speed?
Then—Sandshrew, Sandstorm!”
A sandstorm filled the field, reducing visibility and damaging Grovyle.
“So that’s your plan…” Tianlin thought.
“Boost evasion while using Sandstorm synergy.”
“Leaf Blade again!”
Grovyle attacked—but Sandshrew dodged both strikes instantly.
“What?!
Its evasion increased so much?
No… its speed increased!”
Tianlin suddenly realized something.
“That’s right,” A.J said.
“Sandshrew’s ability isn’t Sand Veil… it has a Hidden Ability—one you mentioned in your research.”
Sandshrew
Type: Ground
Ability: Sand Rush (Hidden Ability)
Potential: the top tier qualification, the potential is the Elite Four
Current strength: High Elite level
So it really was a Hidden Ability user—the first one he had encountered.
The battle intensified.
Leaf Blade, Poison Sting, and Body Slam clashed repeatedly.
Sandshrew kept up with Grovyle’s speed, and for a moment, they were evenly matched.
“This is amazing… so many talented Trainers…” Tianlin thought, excitement rising.
“This is what being a Pokémon Trainer is all about.”
“Grovyle—use High Speed Movement!”
Grovyle’s speed increased again, adapting mid-battle and gaining the upper hand.
Eventually, Sandstorm faded.
Without its boost, Sandshrew’s speed dropped sharply.
Grovyle seized the moment and struck it down.
Just as Tianlin prepared the finishing blow—
“Stop.”
Everyone froze.
“This ends here,” Tianlin said.
“Let’s call it a draw.”
“What?
I was about to lose—why stop now?” A.J asked angrily.
“Are you looking down on me?”
“Not at all,” Tianlin replied.
“You still want to complete your 100-win streak and challenge the League, right?
If this ends now, your record resets.
That would delay your dream.”
A.J paused.
“You’re a good opponent.
It would be a pity not to meet again in the League,” Tianlin continued.
“If you’re unsatisfied—then defeat me next time.”
After a moment, A.J smiled.
“Fine.
I’ll accept it this time.
But next time, I’ll be stronger.”
He handed Tianlin the Prism Scale.
“Take it.
Keep getting stronger… I’ll be waiting to defeat you.”
Tianlin smiled and accepted it.
“Thanks.
I can only promise I’ll keep getting stronger too.
Farewell.”
Tianlin left A.J ‘s Gym and continued toward Bill’s Lighthouse.
A few days later, when Ash and his group arrived, the Gym’s sign had changed: