The Roulette of Destiny: Reincarnated in the Pokémon World

The morning sunlight streamed through the window of Ethan's room at the Pokémon Center, waking him gently.

He stretched, a confident grin spreading across his face. Today was the day he'd officially register for his battle at the Vermilion City Gym.

Ethan had been preparing for this moment. He had trained his team with meticulous care and crafted strategies for different scenarios. He wasn't nervous—this was just another step on his journey to becoming a Pokémon Master.

As Ethan walked toward the Gym, Sylveon padded gracefully at his side, ribbons swaying in rhythm with Ethan's confident stride. Cleffa and Dratini were safely in their Pokéballs, their training still in its early stages.

Ethan mulled over the Gym system he had read about. Every Gym in the Kanto region used a tiered structure for battles. Gym Leaders tailored their Pokémon to match a challenger's skill level, based on the number of badges the trainer held.

"A smart system," Ethan thought aloud, glancing at Sylveon. "It ensures fair challenges for newcomers while giving experienced trainers a real test. Lt. Surge's lowest-tier team is no joke, but his strongest lineup? That's a whole different level."

Sylveon tilted its head, ribbons brushing against Ethan's arm in reassurance.

"We've got two badges," Ethan continued, his voice steady. "That means he'll probably use Pokémon from his second tier. Stronger than the first, but not his full power. It's a perfect opportunity to gauge our progress."

The Vermilion Gym stood like a fortress, its metallic walls gleaming under the midday sun. The hum of electricity seemed to radiate from the building itself.

Ethan pushed open the doors, stepping into the spacious lobby. A receptionist at the front desk greeted him with a polite smile.

"Welcome to the Vermilion Gym," she said. "Are you here to register for a battle?"

"Yes," Ethan replied confidently, his tone unwavering.

The receptionist handed him a sleek tablet. "Please fill out your details and select your team for the match. Gym battles are limited to three Pokémon per trainer."

Ethan took the tablet and entered his information. Selecting his team required no hesitation. "Scyther, Sylveon, and Spearow," he said to himself as he finalized his choices. Magikarp wasn't battle-ready yet, and Dratini and Cleffa were still in their developmental stages.

Once the registration was complete, the receptionist nodded. "Your battle with Lt. Surge is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Since you have two badges, he'll use his mid-tier team. Be prepared—Lt. Surge's Electric-types are known for their speed and raw power."

"I'll be ready," Ethan said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

As Ethan turned to leave, a deep, booming voice echoed from within the Gym.

"So, you're the next challenger, huh?"

Ethan didn't even flinch as Lt. Surge emerged from the shadows. The towering man exuded authority, his muscular frame and electric-themed attire.

"You're Ethan, right?" Surge said, folding his arms. "Two badges in, and you're already walking in here like you own the place."

Ethan met Surge's intense gaze without hesitation. "That's because I know my team and I are ready. I'm here to win my third badge, and I'll do it by taking on whatever you've got."

Surge's lips curled into a grin, impressed by the boy's confidence. "I like your attitude, kid. But confidence alone won't cut it in my Gym. You'd better be ready for a shock, because I don't hold back."

Ethan smirked. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

After leaving the Gym, Ethan found a quiet spot on the outskirts of the city to train his Pokémon. He knew the battle ahead would push them to their limits, and every bit of preparation counted.

"Alright, team," Ethan said as he released his Pokémon. Scyther hovered in the air, its blades gleaming. Sylveon stretched gracefully, and Spearow flapped onto a nearby branch, its sharp eyes alert.

"Here's the plan," Ethan began, addressing them like a seasoned strategist. "Lt. Surge's Electric-types are fast, and they hit hard.

Scyther, your speed gives us an edge, but you'll need to stay on the move to avoid Electric attacks. Focus on Quick Attack and Fury Cutter—strike fast and retreat before they can hit you."

Scyther nodded, its wings buzzing in agreement.

"Sylveon," Ethan continued, "your Protect will be crucial for defending against surprise attacks. Use Swift to chip away at their stamina, and don't be afraid to switch to offensive moves if you see an opening."

Sylveon's ribbons glowed faintly, a sign of its readiness.

"Spearow," Ethan said, turning to the small bird Pokémon, "you're at a disadvantage against Electric-types, but your agility and relentless attitude will be key. We'll focus on dodging and precision strikes with Peck."

Spearow chirped confidently, flapping its wings for emphasis.

For hours, Ethan worked with his team, fine-tuning their movements and testing their endurance. He set up mock battles, using fallen branches and rocks as stand-ins for enemy Pokémon.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ethan called his team back together. The Pokémon gathered around him, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination.

"You've all done amazing," Ethan said, crouching down to meet their gazes. "Tomorrow's going to be tough, but I know we can do this. Rest well tonight, because we're going to give it everything we've got."

Back at the Pokémon Center, Ethan treated his team to their favorite treats before settling in for the night. Sylveon curled up beside him as he reviewed his strategies one last time.

"Two badges down, and the third on the way," Ethan muttered to himself. "Lt. Surge won't know what hit him."

With that thought, he closed his eyes, his dreams filled with visions of the battle to come.