Chapter 33: The Iron Fist Ability

"Are you really a first-time challenger?"

Misaki pushed up her glasses, her lip twitching slightly. She glanced toward her unconscious Furret with a pang of heartache; at this rate, it definitely wouldn't be in any condition to handle other challengers for the next few days.

"If this truly is your first Gym, then I have to marvel at your talent. Even I didn't react in time to that last move."

"However, now that I know what you're capable of, things won't be so easy."

N simply raised an eyebrow, maintaining his calm smile. Misaki gave a small, competitive smirk in return, then slowly drew a Poké Ball from her pocket and tossed it high into the air.

"Go! Ursaring!"

Boom!!

A massive bear with brown fur, standing over two meters tall with arms as thick as tree trunks, slammed onto the field. The moment it landed, it unleashed a deafening roar that echoed through the cavernous Gym.

It was an Ursaring!

And not just any Ursaring, this was a Mid Alpha level opponent. Its savage, menacing appearance alone was enough to tell anyone it was trouble. Misaki had brought out a Pokémon of this caliber only because N's performance had far exceeded her expectations. She had decided to get serious to see just how deep this young man's potential truly ran.

"Tim-burr!"

Timburr's expression turned equally fierce. Veins bulged on its forehead as it glared at the Ursaring across the field. It looked as though it were barely restraining itself from charging in immediately.

"Calm down. You aren't the same as you were back then."

N's voice brought a sense of focus back to Timburr. It hadn't forgotten the experience of being hunted by an Ursaring; the jagged scar on its face was a permanent reminder left by one. Timburr had been waiting for the chance to wash away that shame.

"Planning to stay in?"

Misaki raised an eyebrow. While Timburr held a type advantage as a Fighting-type against a Normal-type like Ursaring, the gap in their growth stages was a full tier apart. The difference in size and raw power was immense. It was safe to say that unless Ursaring stood still and took the hits, Timburr had almost no chance of winning.

"Ursaring! Use Rock Tomb!"

"Shatter the stones with Mach Punch."

As giant boulders began to encircle Timburr, it used its Mach Punch to forcibly tear an opening right through the center. Still clutching its log, Timburr sprinted at full speed toward Ursaring.

An aggressive frontal assault?

Misaki was mildly surprised, but on second thought, it was the best choice. Given the disparity in strength, all Timburr could hope to do was wear down Ursaring's stamina as much as possible to create an opening for the next Pokémon.

"Mega Punch."

"Meet it head-on! Use Brick Break!"

Both Pokémon gathered a blinding white light simultaneously. Mega Punch and Brick Break collided with a violent impact. For a brief moment, the fist and the hand-chop seemed evenly matched, but within seconds, Timburr was forced back several meters.

It was clear that Timburr could only hold its own in the initial split-second of contact before being overpowered. However, thanks to its own immense strength, it only suffered minor bruising.

"What incredible power! How can a Timburr's punch pack that much of a wallop?"

This time, even Misaki was caught off guard. That was a Brick Break from an Alpha-level Ursaring! Its overall strength should have completely overwhelmed Timburr!

To have the gap be so large yet only result in being pushed back?

Wait...

Misaki seemed to realize something. She looked at N with a questioning gaze.

"Could it be?"

"Exactly. My Timburr's Ability is Iron Fist."

Many Trainers overlooked Abilities, but in reality, they were an indispensable part of combat. A truly qualified Trainer is one who can utilize every ounce of a Pokémon's power, including its Ability.

Iron Fist.

As the name implied, it boosted the power of punching moves. Whether it was Mega Punch, Mach Punch, Dynamic Punch, or the elemental punches... any move involving a fist saw its power increased by 20%!

Additionally, Timburr was equipped with a Muscle Band, which increased all physical attack power by another 10%.

This wasn't a simple calculation of twenty plus ten; the ten percent boost was applied on top of the already increased power. Timburr's offensive capabilities were climbing exponentially. Even against an Ursaring an entire tier above it, it was only slightly disadvantaged.

"That is a terrifying Ability. I can't imagine how strong this little guy will be when it fully grows up."

"Actually, you can see it right now."

N gave Misaki a meaningful smile. In the next instant, the pushed-back Timburr let out a low growl, its muscles tensing to the limit. It looked back at its Trainer and, receiving an affirming nod, grinned widely.

At that moment, Timburr let out a skyward roar. A brilliant, snowy-white light suddenly enveloped its entire body. As the radiant glow intensified, its aura began to climb rapidly!

Within the light, Timburr's silhouette began to shift and grow, evolving into a new form. As the light finally dissipated, its brand-new body was revealed to the crowd.

It had grown significantly larger. Its skin was now a stony gray, and its muscles were even more explosive than before. With every slight movement, thick veins throbbed beneath its skin. In stark contrast to its hulking upper body was a tapered waist and a pair of stout, powerful legs.

[Gurdurr]

Strength: Low Alpha

Potential: High Grade