Day 43

I began training in preparation for my final Gym battle against Volkner, the Electric-type leader of Sunyshore City. During my training, I fished up and caught a Remoraid, a small but spirited addition to my collection. With my team sharpened and ready, I entered the Gym for one last badge.

I opened the battle with Roserade, who laid down a layer of Toxic Spikes to ensure all of Volkner’s Pokémon—except for Jolteon—would be poisoned upon entering. Jolteon was still a threat, so I used Toxic directly to afflict it, then stalled and healed using Giga Drain until Jolteon went down.

Next came Luxray and Electivire. I switched to Gastrodon, who used Mud Bomb to bring them down. The poison damage from the spikes helped wear them down faster, which was crucial given how dangerous they were. Finally, Volkner’s Raichu entered the field, and Roserade returned to the spotlight. After a few powerful Petal Dances, Raichu was defeated.

With that, Volkner was down, and I claimed my eighth and final Gym Badge.

Now, with all badges earned, I turn my focus to Victory Road. One last obstacle remains between me and the Pokémon League—and I intend to be ready.