Chapter 105: Ravenwood Dojo, The Evolving Natural Sparrow

It was another bright and clear day—the day had come for Cheng Cheng to challenge the Raven Gym. His appointment was scheduled for the evening, so with nothing pressing to do during the day, Cheng Cheng decided to indulge in a bit of extra sleep.

He didn’t rise until ten in the morning and went to the Pokémon Center, where he combined breakfast and lunch into one meal. However, the Pokémon who had missed breakfast seemed upset, prompting Cheng Cheng to give them an extra portion of food.

This time, Cheng Cheng resolved not to use his powerful Pokémon. Instead, he chose several weaker ones for battle to help them grow stronger. But before the fight, he knew special training was essential; otherwise, he might not even earn the badge.

That afternoon, Cheng Cheng conducted rigorous training sessions with all the Pokémon he planned to enter into the match. After dinner, he took the subway once again and arrived at the Raven Gym.

Entering the gym, he found the staff member who had arranged his reservation. “Hello, I’m Cheng Cheng Kijiki. I have an appointment tonight for a battle with Miss Chrysanthemum.”

“Alright, let me check. Cheng Cheng Kijiki, yes, your battle is about to begin. Follow me,” the staff member replied.

Cheng Cheng followed the attendant into the inner hall. After a short ride, he arrived outside the battle arena.

Just then, Miss Chrysanthemum stepped onto the battlefield, greeted by cheers from the crowd. She was clearly beloved by the spectators.

Cheng Cheng ascended the battle platform, preparing for the match ahead.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s battle is about to commence. Please enjoy this dazzling display—let’s be mesmerized together!”

Under the spotlight, Miss Chrysanthemum looked stunning, earning enthusiastic applause.

“The battle will begin shortly. Each side may send out three Pokémon. Victory is achieved when all of one side’s Pokémon are unable to continue. Only the challenger may switch Pokémon during the match. Now, please send out your first Pokémon.”

“Alright, we’ll start with our first. Go, Zebstrika!”

Zebstrika appeared before Cheng Cheng, its body crackling with electric energy, looking exceptionally striking.

“In that case, here we go. Go, Spoink!” Miss Chrysanthemum sent out Spoink.

“Doo-doo.”

Cheng Cheng had sent out Spoink, who had never competed in an official battle before.

“Alright, Spoink, let’s give it our best.”

“Doo.”

Spoink bounced happily on its tail, thrilled to finally be in the arena.

“Let the battle begin.”

“Zebstrika, use Flamethrower!”

Zebstrika erupted in flames and charged swiftly toward Spoink.

“Spoink, dodge!”

Using its springy tail, Spoink leapt high, narrowly avoiding the fiery assault.

Cheng Cheng had specially trained Spoink to improve its jumping ability, enabling it to leap over ten meters high and evade attacks from multiple angles.

“Spoink, use Psywave!”

“Doo-doo!”

The Psywave struck Zebstrika directly, leaving it confused.

“Now, use Psyshock!”

The mental attack hit Zebstrika hard, causing significant damage.

“Zebstrika, use Thunderbolt!”

“Spoink, dodge quickly!”

Spoink bounced away again, narrowly escaping the electric blast.

“Zebstrika, use Quick Attack!”

Zebstrika charged swiftly, but Spoink bounced aside, evading the strike.

“Now, use Double Kick!”

Suddenly, Zebstrika spun and delivered consecutive kicks with its hind legs. Spoink failed to dodge and was hit directly.

“Spoink, use Strange Wave!”

Zebstrika’s speed allowed it to avoid the attack effortlessly.

“Zebstrika, use Thunderbolt!”

The electric attack hit Spoink squarely.

“Spoink, now use Psycho Headbutt!”

Spoink’s gem glowed intensely as it unleashed a powerful psychic headbutt. The attack landed, and Zebstrika collapsed, unconscious.

“Zebstrika is unable to continue. Spoink wins this round.”

Spoink bounced joyfully, then suddenly collapsed, also losing the ability to fight.

“Come back, Spoink. You did very well.”

“What a dazzling battle! Now, let’s see how you handle this. Go, Emolga.”

An Electric-type Pokémon capable of flight is indeed challenging, but Cheng Cheng chose to send out this one.

“Go, Starly. That’s right, Cheng Cheng’s choice is the less advantageous Starly. Despite its natural shortcomings and limited combat power, Cheng Cheng believes Starly can win this battle.”

“You actually sent out a Flying-type Pokémon? That surprises me.”

“Type isn’t everything, is it?”

“Very well, show me your dazzling battle!”

“Emolga, use Acrobatics!”

Emolga darted through the air like an acrobat, making it difficult to follow.

“Starly, close your eyes.”

Starly closed its eyes, sensing Emolga’s movements.

“Use Peck!”

Emolga flew straight toward Starly, but Starly evaded and struck back with a peck.

“Emolga, use Thunderbolt!”

“Starly, use Protect!”

A brilliant electric current surged through, but Starly’s Protect shielded it. Had it been hit, Starly would have been eliminated.

“Starly, use Psychic!”

Starly controlled Emolga’s movements; Emolga was immobilized.

“Now, throw it!”

Emolga was slammed to the ground, sustaining considerable damage.

“Emolga, use Charm!”

“Starly, use Teleport!”

Starly moved behind Emolga instantly.

“Use Peck!”

Starly pecked Emolga.

“Now, use Thunderbolt!”

The electric attack hit Starly, leaving it badly injured.

“Emolga, finish it with Rapid Spin!”

“Starly, use Teleport again!”

Starly evaded successfully but was severely wounded.

“Starly, you must have waited a long time for this moment.”

“Chirp.”

“Excellent, Starly, evolve!”

“Chirp.”

A white light surrounded Starly, and it evolved into Staravia.

“I didn’t expect your Starly to evolve—what a dazzling battle,” Miss Chrysanthemum praised.

“Emolga, Acrobatics!”

“Staravia, Night Shade!”

Darkness enveloped the arena, and Staravia vanished into the shadows. Emolga lost sight of its target and halted.

Suddenly, Staravia appeared above Emolga and swooped down, pecking fiercely. Emolga fell to the ground.

“Staravia, finish with Psyshock.”

Cheng Cheng had taught Staravia this powerful move early on but hadn’t used it until now. After evolving, Staravia could unleash it.

“Emolga is unable to continue. Staravia wins.”

“Well done, Staravia. Come back.”

Cheng Cheng recalled Staravia. Though still capable of battle, it had suffered heavy injuries as Starly and was not fit to continue. Evolution does not restore a Pokémon’s health.

“I didn’t expect your Pokémon to evolve mid-battle—what a surprise.”

“Now, let me show you my most dazzling Pokémon. Come out!”

At that moment, a tiny fish appeared before Cheng Cheng—unremarkable in appearance.

“Masasakana, this battle’s on you.”

“Ma-ma.”

Masasakana looked weak, but Cheng Cheng had the advantage of a system. This Masasakana’s speed stat was frighteningly high, clearly a speed-based battler.

“In that case, you go first, Chimecho.”

“Ring-ring.”

“Good, Masasakana, charge. Use Tackle!”

Masasakana darted instantly toward Chimecho. Cheng Cheng barely had time to command, but Chimecho dodged smoothly.

“That’s it, Chimecho. Since this is a speed contest, I’ll let you take the lead.”

“Ring-ring.”

Chimecho used Psychic Wave. The wide-range attack trapped Masasakana with no escape. Masasakana charged again from another angle, but Chimecho warped away instantly.

“Truly a worthy opponent.”

“Masasakana, use Thunderbolt.”

Cheng Cheng did not direct Chimecho but let it fight on its own.

Chimecho dodged the Thunderbolt swiftly, then used Psychic to seize control of Masasakana, hurling it to the ground.

“Masasakana, recover and use Tackle!”

Masasakana charged at Chimecho once more with incredible speed, but Chimecho dodged effortlessly.

Masasakana persisted with relentless attacks, all easily evaded by Chimecho.

As a Psychic-type, Chimecho had powerful perception, and with Cheng Cheng’s speed training, it was now nearly unbeatable in speed.

Eventually, Masasakana’s movement faltered, and Chimecho seized the opportunity.

Soon, Masasakana was thrown to the ground again.

“Ring-ring.”

Chimecho used Psyshock, and Masasakana lost the ability to continue.

“Masasakana is unable to battle. The challenger, Cheng Cheng Kijiki, is victorious.”

“Sigh, completely countered. Well, Masasakana, you did your best.”

Miss Chrysanthemum recalled Masasakana.

“Cheng Cheng, congratulations.”

“Thank you, Miss Chrysanthemum. Your Pokémon are impressive, especially Masasakana—much faster than my Chimecho. If it weren’t for Chimecho’s type advantage, I’m not sure I could have won.”

“That’s enough talk. That was truly a dazzling battle. Here is the proof of your victory—the Volt Badge.”

“Thank you very much, Miss Chrysanthemum.”

Cheng Cheng received his fourth badge. With four more to go, he would earn the right to participate in the tournament.