Pokémon: The Hoenn Gods as Starters Chapter 163: Evaluating Snowpoint Gym, Candice at Quasi-Elit

Snowpoint City — Snowpoint Gym.

After Aiden revealed his identity upon arrival, Gym Leader Candice personally ca out to receive him.

But when she saw that he had arrived together with Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, she imdiately straightened up.

"I didn't know the Champion and the Evaluation Officer were coming together. I apologize for the lack of preparation."

Aiden smiled lightly.

"There's no need for formalities. Leader Candice, if you're ready, shall we begin the Gym evaluation battle?"

Candice's eyes burned with fighting spirit.

"I'm ready at any ti!"

…

Soon, inside the Gym arena, the official evaluation match began.

A Gym evaluation was simple in purpose — the Pokémon League Headquarters sent soone to assess the Gym Leader's strength and confirm whether they were properly fulfilling their duties.

But there was also an unspoken rule.

Those who served as Evaluation Officers were almost always future Champions or Elite Four mbers.

Four years ago, it had been Lance — at that ti still Kanto's Elite Four leader, not yet Champion.

Now, it was Aiden.

There was another reason as well.

If a Gym Leader governed unchecked for years, they could easily beco a tyrant in their own territory. The League had to ensure no one abused their authority.

That was why Aiden never notified Gym Leaders in advance and always observed the city first.

If he discovered corruption or oppression—

He would not tolerate it.

Fortunately, neither Volkner of Sunyshore nor Candice of Snowpoint were such people.

Under their governance, both cities thrived with vitality.

Volkner had simply lost motivation — now restored.

Problem solved.

It also proved Aiden's capability as a future Hoenn Champion.

"Gym Evaluation Officer Aiden Flint versus Snowpoint Gym Leader Candice! Full match recording active! Battle—Begin!"

As the referee's flag fell, Aiden released his Pokémon.

Freshly evolved—

Magmortar stepped onto the field.

Candice narrowed her eyes at the sight of the massive Fire-type.

"Go, Abomasnow!"

A towering white Pokémon with green leaf-like accents erged, resembling a living snow golem.

Ding!

Pokémon: Abomasnow

Level: 56

Ability: Snow Warning

Type: Grass/Ice

Aptitude: Gold

Moves: Mist, Razor Leaf, Ice Wind, Ingrain, Wood Hamr, Blizzard

Level 56.

Higher than Magmortar.

But—

Four-tis weak to Fire.

The mont Abomasnow appeared, hail began falling across the battlefield.

Candice intended to use weather advantage.

"Aerial assault won't work… go all in!" she decided.

"Magmortar, Fire Blast!"

"Abomasnow, Hyper Beam!"

Understanding the type disadvantage, Candice attempted to end the battle in one decisive strike.

But Fire Blast landed first.

Flas engulfed Abomasnow completely.

Even with a higher level—

Four-tis weakness was brutal.

Hyper Beam was interrupted.

"Close in! Fire Punch!"

Candice had hoped to avoid close combat due to Magmortar's Fla Body ability.

But she had no choice now.

"Abomasnow, Focus Blast!"

The two Pokémon clashed at close range.

Fire Punch struck.

Abomasnow cried out—

But Focus Blast fired at point-blank range, blasting Magmortar backward.

However—

Fla Body activated.

Burn.

Abomasnow's body ignited with searing flas.

Burn status.

Its condition deteriorated rapidly.

"Now! Burn Up!"

A blazing inferno engulfed the battlefield.

Abomasnow finally collapsed.

Ding!

Magmortar defeated Abomasnow!

Experience gained: 3500

Level increased!

Current Level: 52

Two levels gained instantly.

However, Magmortar's stamina was heavily drained.

Aiden recalled it calmly.

"Rest."

Candice released her second Pokémon.

"Mamoswine, let's go!"

Ding!

Pokémon: Mamoswine

Level: 57

Ability: Thick Fat

Type: Ice/Ground

Aptitude: Gold

Moves: Ice Fang, Ice Shard, Blizzard, Earthquake

Stronger than Abomasnow.

And with Thick Fat reducing Fire damage—

This was a different challenge.

Rhyperior would struggle here.

Aiden made his decision.

"Glaceon, you're up."

Glaceon stepped forward.

An even colder aura descended upon the field.

Candice's expression shifted.

Earlier, she had wondered—

Was this truly the man who crushed Sinnoh League Headquarters?

Why had he used seemingly weaker Pokémon first?

Now she understood.

It wasn't that he lacked power.

It was that he could defeat her strongest Pokémon—

Even with newly evolved ones.

And now—

A true Elite-tier Glaceon stood before Mamoswine.

The pressure alone made Mamoswine uneasy.

The evaluation—

Was far from over.

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