The Rustboro Gym was built in a sturdy, robust style. The battle arena had been specially reinforced because the Gym Leader used Rock-type Pokémon, which were heavy and created a lot of noise when moving.
Inside, the gym was bustling with activity. Many trainers had come from various regions to attend Professor Oak's lecture in Rustboro City, which meant the number of challengers had increased significantly. Several battles were already underway on the arena floor.
Sapphire excitedly grabbed a number plate as soon as they arrived and sat with Ryan in the stands to watch the ongoing matches.
To challenge the Gym Leader, a trainer first had to defeat all the trainee trainers inside the gym. Only after clearing them could one qualify to face the Gym Leader directly. Defeating the Gym Leader earned the trainer that gym's badge.
The number of badges a trainer collected was a direct measure of their strength.
"Brother Ryan, look! That's the Rustboro Gym Leader over there," Sapphire said, pointing excitedly into the distance.
Ryan followed her gaze and saw **Roxanne**. She was wearing a puffy dress with a red bow tie at the chest and a red headscarf tying back her long hair. The overall impression she gave was calm and composed, yet with a hint of playful charm.
She was currently commanding a Nosepass in battle against another trainer.
"That's the Nosepass. I always lose to it whenever I challenge the gym," Sapphire said with a frustrated pout.
Ryan glanced at Roxanne's Nosepass, and its data instantly appeared in his mind thanks to the system.
**[Pokémon]: Nosepass**
**[Type]: Rock**
**[Level]: 16**
**[Ability]: Magnet Pull** (Uses magnetism to attract Steel-type Pokémon, preventing them from escaping.)
**[Description]: Nosepass uses a strong magnetic force to attract and collect iron to protect its body. In critical moments, its magnetic force is significantly strengthened.**
...
The Gym Leader's duty was to test and select capable trainers for the Pokémon League. Therefore, when facing challengers, Gym Leaders typically used Pokémon whose strength matched the challenger's level. Only by passing this fair test would a trainer earn the badge.
Gym Leaders did not use their main battle team. A Gym Leader's strongest Pokémon were usually between levels 40 and 50. If they used those, new trainers would have almost no chance of obtaining a badge.
"You said you've challenged the gym several times and lost every time. Did you always use Aron?" Ryan asked Sapphire while watching Roxanne's battle.
"Yes. My Aron is Steel-type, which should be super effective against Rock-type, right?" Sapphire replied, sounding a little doubtful. "My Torchic is at a type disadvantage against Rock-type Nosepass, so I've never used it."
"Hmm," Ryan responded softly, his eyes still fixed on the battlefield.
It was quite rare to see a girl who not only liked but also excelled at the somewhat "rough" Rock-type Pokémon.
During the battle, Roxanne remained completely at ease, clearly anticipating her opponent's every move. It was said that Roxanne was also a top student at the Pokémon Academy in Rustboro City. Thanks to her excellent grades, she had passed the League's assessment smoothly and was directly appointed as Gym Leader.
...
On the field, Roxanne's Nosepass stood firm. Using its short arms, it picked up a large rock and hurled it at the opponent. While the challenger dodged, Roxanne immediately commanded, "Nosepass, use Rest!"
The Pokémon's lost stamina and energy were quickly replenished. This single move completely shattered the challenger's mentality.
Nosepass already had very high defense. Wearing it down was never easy. Now, one Rest move had restored everything, making all previous efforts meaningless.
"I surrender!" The challenger gave up immediately.
...
"Ugh, Nosepass is so unfair, Gym Leader Roxanne," Sapphire muttered with deep empathy as she watched the defeated trainer leave the arena. "I finally saw a glimmer of hope for victory, and then it was wiped out again."
"Actually, beating Nosepass isn't that difficult," Ryan said calmly, withdrawing his gaze.
"Really?" Sapphire's eyes lit up instantly. She excitedly grabbed Ryan's arm and shook it vigorously. "Good brother, tell me quickly! Please, tell me!"
She kept shaking his arm while looking at him with pleading eyes.
Ryan had previously shown his powerful combat skills in Petalburg Woods and on Route 104, leaving a deep impression on Sapphire.
"Alright, alright. Stop shaking me, I'm getting dizzy," Ryan joked. Despite her cute appearance, Sapphire was surprisingly strong. A few shakes were enough to make him feel a bit carsick.
"Hmm!" Sapphire's eyes widened as she stared at him intently, full of expectation.
Ryan no longer held back. He directly shared all the details he had observed and the key points Sapphire needed to pay attention to during the match.
...
"I see!" Sapphire exclaimed after listening. "No wonder I kept losing! The trick was right there!"
She looked completely enlightened.