This gym was huge—its vast structure exuded an imposing aura, with large staircases leading you down into the central room where you would face your opponent. The rumors swirling around the city had painted a picture of this place as one of the toughest challenges trainers could face. Few had ever beaten the gym leader, and even those who had, barely managed to scrape by to earn the coveted badge needed to progress further in their adventures.

As you entered, the fighting-type gym workers glanced at you with nervous eyes, offering no words of encouragement as they led you to the arena. Their unease only added to the tension.

And then you saw him.

Standing in the middle of the arena was a towering man, his massive frame casting a long shadow across the room. His muscles bulged under his tank top, and he radiated confidence, almost as if he had already declared himself the victor. As you approached, his eyes locked onto you, a big grin spreading across his face.

“You! You must be the puny trainer I’m s’posed to fight,” he boomed, his voice echoing off the walls. He crossed his arms over his massive chest, then pointed directly at you. “Name’s Mauga. Don’t forget it.”

He laughed heartily, clearly amused by the bewildered expression on your face. His laughter reverberated through the arena, adding to the growing tension. “Now, get over here,” he commanded, still grinning. “Seems like it’s gonna be an easy fight.”

In his hand, he grasped a Pokéball, twirling it between his fingers with practiced ease. As the people from the city began to gather in the seats around the arena, their excited chatter filled the air. Some were placing bets on the outcome, and from the sounds of it, most weren’t betting in your favor.

Without breaking eye contact, he flicked his Pokéball onto the arena floor, releasing his first Pokémon—a towering Machamp. The four-armed Pokémon flexed its muscles, mirroring its trainer’s confidence.

“Don’t cry when ya’ lose, buddy,” Mauga taunted.