Chapter 687 - 687: 687. Wallace

"Milotic, use Water Gun!"

"Altaria, use Sing!"

Sing was a Normal-type move capable of putting an opponent to sleep through hypnosis. In essence, it wasn't much different from Hypnosis or other sleep-inducing abilities only the move's typing differed.

Just from the commands issued by the two trainers, the difference between a traditional Trainer and a Coordinator was obvious.

Most Trainers preferred a straightforward approach. If they could overwhelm their opponent with powerful attacks, they would do so without hesitation. Only when they found themselves at a disadvantage or unable to break through would they start employing more complicated strategies.

Coordinators, on the other hand, often fought with spectacle in mind. Simple, brute-force attacks weren't particularly appealing to them. Instead, the more elaborate and dazzling a move appeared, the more they favored it.

When these two styles clashed, it wasn't really a matter of which was better only that they were different. Whether the clash would create something spectacular could only be determined through battle.

Milotic opened its mouth and fired a powerful stream of water straight toward the Altaria in the sky.

Altaria quickly flapped its cloudlike wings and dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the Water Gun. At the same time, it began to sing.

But unlike most Pokémon using Sing, this Altaria didn't simply stay still while performing the move.

Even though it was the same technique, Lisia's Altaria added an elegant spiraling flight through the air almost like a dance.

This was clearly a habit developed through years of participating in Pokémon Contests.

Lisia had deliberately maintained it so that, even during battle, the performance would dazzle the audience and judges alike.

But in a standard battle like this…

That kind of extra flair might work against an average Trainer. To Kai, however, all those unnecessary movements only created more openings.

The two young boys watching nearby were completely mesmerized. Their mouths hung open as they stared up at the beautiful aerial performance.

They had only ever seen moves like this on television before. When had they ever witnessed such dazzling techniques from this close especially from the Pokémon of a beautiful idol?

Now that they had seen it in person, they finally understood the overwhelming charm and spectacle that came with an idol-level performance.

For Kai, though, the elaborate display while visually impressive gave him plenty of time to react.

The soothing, melodic song gradually made Milotic drowsy. But with a simple command—

"Dive!"

Milotic slipped beneath the water's surface.

The cold water instantly surrounded its body, washing away the creeping drowsiness.

By the time it resurfaced, Altaria's aerial dance still hadn't finished.

That's far too slow…

Lisia didn't seem bothered by the outcome at all. In truth, that had only been a probing move.

The real performance was just beginning.

She spun lightly in place like a cheerful sprite and struck a cute pose with her hands.

"Now then," she said brightly, "let the blue techniques and the grand performance begin in dazzling style!"

---

Splash!

Altaria, soaked through, finally plummeted from the sky like a falling stone and crashed into the water.

It remained submerged for several seconds without resurfacing.

That was enough to declare the result.

The street battle in the park ended with Milotic's victory.

However, despite winning, Milotic hadn't escaped unscathed. Its once-beautiful scales were now covered in scratches and bruises, and it was breathing heavily. Its stamina was nearly gone it clearly couldn't continue battling.

Lisia might have been a Coordinator whose battle style leaned toward spectacle, but her Altaria was undeniably strong.

If Kai had to compare, its ability was roughly on par with Drew, the talented Coordinator they had met earlier—far beyond what most people their age could manage.

During the fight, as the intensity rose, the two Pokémon had even reached a stalemate for a time. Neither could gain the upper hand.

Kai's advantage lay in his precise command. He had an excellent sense for timing knowing exactly when to attack and when to defend.

Lisia had her own strengths.

Altaria's years of battle experience were evident. Because it had grown through countless contests and battles, it often reacted instinctively without waiting for Lisia's commands. It could read the situation faster than Milotic and respond immediately dodging attacks or countering at just the right moment.

That kind of instinctive reaction was faster than the process a Trainer normally followed: observing the field, thinking, then issuing orders.

Because of that, each side fought in its own rhythm. They clashed again and again until the very end.

But just as Kai had predicted from the start, the battle's turning point eventually came.

As Altaria was struck by more and more Water-type attacks, its fluffy cloudlike feathers gradually became soaked. The added weight slowed it down and severely hindered its flight.

Once it lost its aerial advantage, Kai seized the opportunity.

A final Water Gun ended the match.

In the end, the very feature that defined Altaria those cloudlike wings had also become its weakness.

"That… that can't be right. Lisia actually lost…"

Before either of the two Trainers said anything, Kinta was already in disbelief.

He had brought Lisia here hoping she would avenge his defeat. He had been completely confident in her victory.

Never once had he imagined she might lose too.

Who was Lisia?

She was a Contest idol and a very strong Coordinator.

Kinta himself had battled her many times and had never once beaten her. Even many adult Trainers on Sootopolis Island couldn't defeat her in battle.

Not to mention her Altaria.

It was her strongest Pokémon.

Was this guy really that strong?

While some were shocked, others were pleased.

Despite Milotic's battered condition, Kai was extremely satisfied with the outcome.

Even if it had been a hard-fought victory, a win was still a win.

After all, Milotic had only just evolved. It didn't know many moves yet. Defeating such an opponent even with Kai pushing it to perform far beyond its limits—was already a huge step forward.

Coming back to his senses, Kai noticed Lisia hurrying toward the pool, peering anxiously into the water.

He quickly signaled Milotic.

Milotic dove down and gently lifted Altaria back to the surface, carrying it to the edge of the pool.

Altaria looked just as miserable as Milotic.

Aside from its injuries, its once-fluffy wings now hung limp and drenched. With its feathers soaked and clinging to its body, it looked less like a graceful dragon bird and more like a soggy, bedraggled chicken.

"Altaria…" Lisia hurried over to check its condition. After confirming that it wasn't seriously hurt or unconscious, she finally relaxed.

Turning back to Kai, she smiled with admiration.

"You're amazing, I lost this battle."

"Let's call it a draw," Kai said with a small laugh. "You were still holding back. If you'd used that, Milotic definitely would've been the one to lose."

He nodded toward the Keystone in Lisia's hair.

Only then did Misty, Kinta, and the two boys finally notice it.

"So you really do know about it!" Lisia's eyes lit up. "Have you been to Kalos or another region before? Or do you have one too?"

The conversation confused almost everyone present.

Aside from Kai and Lisia, only Misty seemed to understand what they were talking about.

Even Kinta scratched his head in confusion.

Wasn't that thing on Lisia's head just a decoration?

"Of course I have one," Kai said with a smile. "And I've already used it. It's quite something."

Lisia was about to say more when hurried footsteps echoed in the distance.

Turning around, she saw a woman in her twenties rushing toward them.

"Oh no—that's my manager!"

She stuck out her tongue playfully.

"Looks like I've been caught sneaking out. I have to go back right away… and I should get Altaria treated too."

After saying goodbye, Lisia recalled Altaria and hurried to meet the woman.

With her departure, the others had no reason to stay.

Kinta and the boys—having watched even their "helper's helper" lose could hardly bear the embarrassment. Without admitting defeat directly, they exchanged glances and quietly slipped away in the same direction Lisia had gone.

Once everyone had left, Kai was still looking in that direction when Misty suddenly spoke in a sour tone.

"Still staring? She's already long gone."

"What are you talking about?" Kai flicked her lightly on the forehead.

"Am I wrong?" Misty puffed her cheeks. "She's pretty, fair-skinned, and an idol. Of course, everyone likes her. Didn't you see how that Kinta guy and his friends were acting? They practically worship her!"

"Hey, hey…" Kai ruffled her hair. "You don't actually think I'm interested in her, do you? Come on—she looks about your age. Why would I be interested in girls who are still just kids?"

That statement dealt devastating damage to Misty.

She huffed angrily and instinctively puffed out her chest.

Then she glanced down…

…and immediately deflated.

Ugh!

I'll grow up eventually!!!

Since Milotic had also been injured, continuing their battles wasn't an option.

With no choice, Kai took Milotic back to the Pokémon Center so Nurse Joy could treat its wounds. His training plan had to come to an early end.

Still, even though Milotic had only fought five battles fewer than Kai had originally planned the steadily increasing difficulty meant it had gained tremendous experience.

Step by step, it was finally beginning to catch up with Kai's other Pokémon.

---

The Sootopolis Gym was located in the northern district of Sootopolis City, at the base of an extinct volcano.

Thanks to its elevation, the view from there overlooked almost the entire city.

As the official Gym of Sootopolis, its leader was Juan, a master of Water-type Pokémon. Trainers who defeated him would earn the Rain Badge.

After resting for the night, Kai arrived at the Gym early the next morning, hoping to meet Juan.

As mentioned before, Juan was an extremely busy man. With the upcoming festival approaching, he spent much of his time away from the Gym. Meeting him wasn't easy—you usually had to schedule an appointment in advance or rely on sheer luck.

The Sootopolis Gym looked less like a battle facility and more like an elegant estate. A beautifully designed building sat in the middle of neatly trimmed gardens, giving the place the atmosphere of a noble residence.

Interestingly, several middle-aged women were wandering outside the entrance.

What were they doing here?

Could Juan really be so charming that women of that age were lining up to see him?

With that curious thought in mind, Kai and Misty stepped inside.

The interior of the Gym was just as refined.

Statues, decorative paintings, magnificent chandeliers, and polished marble floors filled the space. Everywhere you looked, it reflected the owner's impeccable taste.

But strangely, the building seemed completely empty.

Standing in the main hall, they looked around. Aside from their footsteps echoing through the room, there were no staff members… no voices… not even a single person in sight.

Seriously? Did we come all this way for nothing?

Just as Kai was thinking that, a man's voice suddenly came from the second floor.

"Can I help you with something?"

Looking up, they saw a man leaning casually against the railing of a circular balcony.

He had turquoise-green hair, wore a white round cap, a sleek white outfit, and two flowing green scarves draped behind him.

The familiar appearance made Kai recognize him immediately.

The former Champion of Hoenn, former Sootopolis Gym Leader, a member of the ancient Sootopolis people, a top-tier Pokémon Coordinator, and the elegant man known as the Prince of Water—

Wallace.

What an unexpected stroke of luck.

Kai had come hoping to meet the current Gym Leader Juan… yet instead he had encountered Juan's far more famous student.

"Sorry to intrude," Kai said politely. "I came to challenge the Sootopolis Gym. Is the Gym Leader here?"

Wallace was about to answer when quick footsteps approached from behind him.

A familiar girl stepped into view beside him.

Following Wallace's gaze down into the hall, she looked toward the visitors—

—and instantly pointed at Kai in shock.

"Ah! It's you!"

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