NOVEL NEXT Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Trouble?
As Nidoking's movements slowed, Machoke's attack landed squarely on its body.
With a powerful blow that sent Nidoking flying, Machoke seized its opponent's arm, hurling it back into the battlefield to prevent an automatic defeat due to leaving the arena.
"Nidoking, hang in there! Counter with Outrage!"
Long's command echoed through the air. Nidoking, still mid-flight, tried to fight back but was ultimately outmatched by Machoke's superior speed.
Using Shave (Soru), Machoke appeared behind Nidoking, slamming it into the ground with a seismic throw.
Combining Glare with Close Combat, Machoke relentlessly struck Nidoking, sending it reeling before dashing forward with another Shave to hurl it back into the center of the arena.
Despite Nidoking's massive frame, it seemed like nothing more than a toy in Machoke's hands, its movements completely dominated.
Having reached the semifinals, Ron had been merciful during his match against Aaron. Even though Golem had been defeated, its injuries were relatively minor.
But against Long, it was a different story. Ron had specifically instructed Machoke to go all out, ensuring that Long wouldn't even achieve second place, leaving him with only the consolation prize for third.
After all, TMs (Technical Machines) were a rare commodity. Trainers typically used them immediately, and it was uncommon to find any spares.
If not for this, Ron might have considered holding back and robbing Long for the TMs later.
Nidoking, with its Poison and Ground dual-typing, resisted Fighting-type moves. However, this resistance only meant it would have to endure even more of Machoke's brutal assault.
As Ron observed Long, who was desperately cheering on Nidoking in hopes of a comeback, he silently monitored Nidoking's remaining stamina using his Fighting Aura-enhanced perception, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Under Machoke's unrelenting barrage of attacks, the opportunity Ron was waiting for finally presented itself.
"Finish it, Machoke! Use Focus Punch!"
Ron's voice rang out just as Nidoking, dazed and barely conscious, could no longer fight back.
Realizing Ron's intent, Long hurriedly called for a forfeit, but he was a fraction too late. He could only watch as Nidoking was sent flying, crashing to the ground in defeat.
The referee declared Ron the champion, leaving only the third-place match.
While Nidoking was given a brief respite to recover, Long rushed it to the Pokémon Center for treatment. Without immediate care, even second place would be out of reach.
As expected, the third-place match ended with Aaron's Golem emerging victorious. After a brief 20-minute intermission, the final match began.
When Long returned to the arena, Nidoking's poor condition was evident, even worse than Aaron's Golem, which had just finished another match.
Despite having access to the Ice Beam move, which was effective against Golem, Nidoking's weakened state and Long's imprecise commands gradually led to its defeat.
A well-timed strike that exploited an opening caused by Nidoking's injuries sealed the outcome.
With the top three trainers determined, the tournament organizers quickly fulfilled Ron's request for three TMs: Focus Blast, Thunder, and Solar Beam.
These moves were chosen to address Machoke's lack of ranged attack options, particularly focusing on Focus Blast, which would significantly enhance Machoke's versatility.
Rather than leaving Cerulean City immediately, Ron chose to wait. He was certain that Long and his older brother, Kong, would come seeking revenge.
In cities, even criminals like Pokémon Hunters and Team Rocket rarely acted openly due to the presence of police stations and Gym Leaders.
Between law enforcement and the surveillance network, it was nearly impossible for anyone to commit crimes within city limits without swift retribution.
This security gave Ron an advantage, allowing him to remain in the Pokémon Center, training his Pokémon with the new moves.
Sure enough, after nearly a full day, Long returned—this time with his brother, Kong, whose sharp, triangular eyes mirrored his sibling's.
"Kid, hand over those TMs and apologize to my brother. If you do, we'll let this slide," Kong demanded, his tone commanding.
"And if I refuse?" Ron asked, his smile masking his cold intentions.
"This is your last chance," Kong warned, his voice icy. "Surrender the TMs and apologize, or you'll regret it once you leave Cerulean City."
Unfazed, Ron smirked. "Tomorrow at 9 a.m., I'll be leaving Cerulean City from the eastern road. Don't say I didn't give you a chance."
With that, Ron walked past the two brothers, his intimidating aura silencing any objections.
"Let's see if you're still this bold tomorrow," Kong growled, signaling Long to follow as they left.
The next day, Ron departed the Pokémon Center as promised, heading eastward.
After following a League-maintained path for a while, he veered into the forest, disappearing into its depths.
As he traversed the woods, he discreetly released Bellossom and Persian, instructing them to stealthily scout the area while Machoke remained by his side.
For Long and Kong , Ron planned to find a quiet resting place—one they wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.
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