Pokemon: Master of tactics

Mauville City,

One week later, Alex had already arranged his next S Badge match, wasting no time as he continued moving forward with his plans in a steady and deliberate manner.

Unlike many trainers who allowed themselves periods of rest between major battles, Alex saw no value in slowing down when progress could still be made.

His next opponent was Wattson, the Gym Leader of Mauville City.

Wattson was already over 60 years old, making him one of the older active trainers within the region, yet despite his long career and vast experience, he had never managed to break into the ranks of truly elite trainers. (level of an Elite Four member)

At his peak, a decade ago, he had come close, closer than most Gym Leaders ever would, but even then, he had ultimately fallen short of reaching the level.

Back in his fifties, Wattson had possessed a Manectric with extraordinary potential, a SS-rank Pokemon.

That Manectric had reached level 64, placing it firmly within the top bounds of Low Champion-level strength, while several of his other Pokémon also had stood at the late elite level, forming a team that, while not quite complete by Elite Four member standards, was undeniably formidable.

Now, things were different.