"So this is the Symbol of Knowledge?"
Ash looked at the Symbol (Badge) in his hand.
"Great, I've obtained the Symbol of Knowledge!"
Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, was also happy for him.
"That was an excellent battle, Ash. I didn't expect you to break through my combination of moves like that. Remarkable! Since this is your first challenge in the Battle Frontier, here's a small gift."
Factory Head Noland handed Ash a small box, specially designed to hold Symbols.
Ash and Pikachu admired the exquisite little box.
"Alright, Ash. The next battle facility is the Battle Arena, near Saffron City. The Frontier Brain there is a woman named Areana Tycoon Greta."
Scott also mentioned the Battle Arena to Ash.
"Yay, Saffron City! That's where I'll enter my first Pokémon Contest in the Kanto region. This is perfect!"
May was thrilled since it was along the way.
Saffron City, huh? Great! And in the nearby Lavender Town, in the Pokémon Tower, Haunter should still be there, right? I don't have any Pokémon like Haunter yet, so I'll have to get it back!
And so, Ash and his friends left the Battle Factory and headed toward Saffron City.
On the way, Misty's three sisters kept calling, trying all sorts of tricks to get her to come home so they could travel. But Misty saw through them. Besides, Ash's changes were evident to everyone, so there was no way she'd leave now.
After crossing a rocky mountain (where Ash thought Team Rocket would ambush them), they passed without any trouble. They soon came to a town.
Misty and May, excited, started shopping, while Brock went to stock up on ingredients. Then, they stumbled upon an interesting research lab and decided to bring Ash over to take a look.
Upon arrival, Ash realized this was Professor Gordon's lab! Ash recalled that Professor Gordon's most notable invention was a miraculous candy that could make Pokémon grow enormous for a short time!
Miracle Candy? Right!
Ash suddenly had a brilliant idea… This invention might be the prototype for Pokémon Dynamaxing!
As Misty and May dragged Ash into the lab, they saw Professor Gordon looking flustered.
"Oh no! My most important invention and most of my design blueprints in the lab—they're all missing!"
Professor Gordon was panicking. The latest invention alone—those miracle candies that could make Pokémon grow gigantic—was priceless!
Professor Gordon had a young assistant named Zander, who had a Caterpie that Misty stayed far away from, looking both curious and scared…
"Professor Gordon, what happened?"
Brock and May asked, wanting to see that amazing invention.
Just then, Team Rocket's voices echoed from the sky.
"We heard someone asking what happened!"
"From beyond the horizon!"
"From the side of the great thunderclap!"
"We heard you call our names!"
Team Rocket made their Grand Entrance! They were in a Meowth-shaped hot air balloon, holding a bunch of scrolls and other items.
"Those are my invention blueprints! And that box they're holding—that's my greatest invention!"
Professor Gordon finally noticed what Team Rocket was holding.
And Team Rocket continued with their motto.
"The evil flower that blooms bravely!"
"A strong yet sweet villain!"
"I'm Meowth, that's right!"
"With Team Rocket here, the world and the universe await!"
"That's right, Meowth!"
"Hahaha! Twerp, brat, big twerp, didn't expect you all here! Too bad you're too late. We're leaving now, Meowth!"
Meowth laughed, just as a Pidgeot swooped in with blinding speed! Aerial Ace!
The Meowth balloon was torn apart!
"Alright, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt! Pidgeot, grab the invention blueprints and the box!" Find the newest release on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
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