POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

That night, Rax returned to the Devon Hotel and reviewed his six matches of the day, focusing on his final battle with Brady.

Overall, Arcanine's strength was superior to Marowak's. If not for Skiploom's Tailwind early on, the outcome might have been different. The Trouble Seed that nullified Cherrim's Flower Gift ability also played a decisive role.

However, these strategies could easily fail against moves like Taunt.

It was Rax's first day competing, and most trainers didn't know his tactics, so they didn't focus on blocking Skiploom. But tomorrow? That could change.

Would Skiploom have to stay hidden until the effects of Taunt wore off? And what if opponents timed Taunt perfectly and renewed it?

This glaring weakness needed a solution.

"Looks like I need to spend some money," Rax sighed. Fortunately, he wasn't short on funds.

One solution was Soul Vanilla, a single-use consumable that removes effects preventing a Pokémon from attacking. Moves like Encore, Taunt, and Disable could be neutralized instantly.

Since his last encounter with the Murkrows that repeatedly used Taunt, Rax had secretly stockpiled Soul Vanilla for emergencies. It felt extravagant to use in regular battles, but Rax could afford it now.

---

The next morning began with Rax sharing breakfast with his team.

Skiploom, who had tried Soul Vanilla in a dream last night, was noticeably excited. Knowing it wouldn't be helpless at critical moments boosted its confidence.

However, carrying Soul Vanilla meant Skiploom had to give up its long-used Evolution Stone. Official competition rules allowed only one held item per Pokémon, so Skiploom would have to rely on its evasion skills for survival.

After packing up, Rax headed to the Hearthome Arena, where the cheering crowds and vibrant energy remained as lively as ever.

---

At the registration counter, Rax made a unique decision: he froze his current record.

"Mr. Rax, once you freeze your record, you'll start with lower-ranked opponents again and need six consecutive wins to unfreeze it. Are you sure?"

"Yes, and mark it as a cross-level challenge," Rax replied.

"Would you like a one-level or two-level challenge?"

"One level," Rax confirmed.

The staff completed his registration. "Your record is now frozen, and your new challenge has been logged. Winning six matches will overwrite your previous record."

"Thank you."

---

In the waiting room, familiar faces greeted Rax, including Blake, who wasted no time approaching him.

"Rax! You've been hiding your skills, huh?"

Rax smirked. "Aren't you in the Elite waiting area?"

"Nah, I'm just here to observe. But man, you're full of surprises!" Blake noticed the cross-level challenge on Rax's profile and gave him a thumbs-up. "Impressive."

Blake attempted to fish for information, but Rax dodged his questions, asking instead about Brady.

Blake's expression shifted slightly, but he laughed it off. "That guy? He's alright. Good luck meeting him today!"

After some small talk, Blake excused himself, leaving Rax to prepare for his match.

---

Rax's first opponent was a nervous-looking girl with a backpack. She stepped onto the field, her hands trembling slightly as she sent out her Pokémon: Blaziken and Roserade.

Rax released Skiploom and Scorbunny onto the field. The latter had undergone a thorough check-up by Dr. Rowan the day before and was brimming with excitement, ready to seize its moment for growth.

The referee signaled the start of the battle.

"Skiploom, Tailwind! Scorbunny, Parabolic Charge!"

"Blaziken, Flame Charge! Roserade, poison powder!"

The battle began with explosive speed, as Scorbunny darted forward under Skiploom's Tailwind, prepared to light up the battlefield.