After Victor and his team dealt with the sneak attack by the Sneasel tribe, no other Pokémon appeared to obstruct their journey for the rest of the way.
Setting out at five in the morning, they finally arrived at the entrance of The Extreme Ice Gym, located halfway up the mountain, around eleven at night.
The grueling climb took its toll on Dennis and Alice, leaving them so exhausted that all they wanted was to rest for the night inside the gym.
Even Captain Roger, with his wealth of Climb experience, was only slightly better off, panting heavily but managing to stay on his feet.
"Is he... really human? How is he not tired at all?" Alice da, nearly collapsing on the ground, glanced at Victor, who was still full of energy, his breathing steady and complexion rosy.
Even for a seasoned veteran like Roger, the day's climb was exhausting. Yet Victor appeared completely unfazed, as if he could repeat the feat without breaking a sweat.
"Physical enhancement is also part of the power of Aura," Victor replied, lying without hesitation.
In truth, Victor had become physically strong enough to fight elite-level Pokémon head-on. However, from what he knew, even experienced Aura wielders like Riley hadn't displayed such physical prowess after awakening their abilities.
Victor suspected the system might be responsible. His enhanced stats were even displayed on a mysterious panel, though he lacked concrete evidence. Regardless, he strongly believed the system had played a role in amplifying his abilities.
---
Arrival at The Extreme Ice Gym
The Extreme Ice Gym was perched on the slopes of Icepeak Mountain. Unlike the sprawling complexes of the Rising sun Gym and SeawindCove Gyms, this gym had a simpler, more compact structure.
Upon entering the gate, Victor and his group were greeted by two Ice-type Pokémon standing guard. These Pokémon likely belonged to the Gym Leader and were stationed as a defense against wild Pokémon attacks.
Pokémon 1:
Name: Sandslash (Alolan Form)
Type: Ice/Steel
Gender: Male
Ability: Snow Cloak
Level: 35
Pokémon 2:
Name: Ninetales (Alolan Form)
Type: Ice/Fairy
Gender: Female
Ability: Snow Cloak
Level: 35
Both were elite-level Pokémon.
"Woo~!"
The Ninetales, standing tall and alert, let out a soft cry, signaling an elderly man nearby.
The temperature on Icepeak mountain was frigid, forcing Victor and his companions to wear heavy winter gear. Yet the man who approached wore only thin clothing. His gray hair was slicked back with hair gel, and his age was evident in his wrinkled face.
The man surveyed them and spoke slowly. "Oh my, it's been a while since I've had guests. I assume you're here to challenge the gym."
The man introduced himself as Aaron, the Gym Leader of The Extreme Ice Gym for over thirty years. Due to the gym's remote location, challengers were rare, so having three arrive together surprised him.
"Yes," Victor replied, pointing at himself, Dennis and Alice. "The three of us are here to challenge the gym. And this is Captain Roger, who guided us up the mountain."
Aaron nodded. "Ah, I see. Roger often stays here when he goes hiking."
Turning back to Roger, Aaron continued, "It's late. Roger, you know the way. Take these three students to the guest rooms to rest."
"Of course, Master Aaron," Roger replied.
"Thank you, Master Aaron," the three challengers said in unison.
---
Rest and Recovery
Roger led them to the guest rooms, explaining that each person would have their own room, fully equipped with all necessities. He then encouraged everyone to rest early.
Though Victor's body remained strong after climbing the snowy mountain all day, his mental fatigue was undeniable. After bidding Dennis and Alice goodnight, he entered his room.
The room was small but cozy, with a foldable bed and clean bedding. Due to the limited space, Victor decided not to release his Pokémon. After tidying up, he laid down and quickly drifted off.
Since leaving Celestial, the mysterious voice in his dreams had ceased to appear, allowing him a peaceful night's sleep.
---
A Fresh Start
7:00 AM
The alarm clock's ringing jolted Victor awake. Feeling refreshed, he stretched and began searching for his clothes under the covers.
After dressing in his cold-weather gear, Victor grabbed his toiletries and stepped outside to find a sink.
If there wasn't any warm water available, Victor planned to ask Milotic and Incineroar to heat a pot of water to share with the three others still asleep in the rooms next door.
When he stepped into the courtyard, he saw Aaron tending to a small vegetable garden he clearly took great care of.
"Good morning, Master Aaron," Victor greeted as he approached.
"Good morning, young man. You're up early," Aaron replied with a kind smile. "Just give me a moment to finish picking these vegetables, and I'll start preparing breakfast."
"Let me help you, Master Aaron," Victor offered.
"Very well!"
Victor admired Aaron deeply. According to the information he had found, Aaron was once a King-tier trainer. Decades ago, during a mission to eliminate remnants of a rogue faction, most of his main Pokémon suffered irreparable injuries and eventually passed away.
Unable to retire, Aaron moved to Forstwind City with his family and became the Gym Leader of The Extreme Ice Gym, a position he had held for over 30 years.
The Crimson Alliance had repeatedly offered to build a larger gym for him in Forstwind City, but Aaron always refused. Recognizing his immense contributions, the alliance ultimately respected his wishes.
"Master Aaron, how do these vegetables survive in such extreme cold?" Victor asked curiously as they picked vegetables together.
"With the help of Pokémon," Aaron explained simply.
"I see..." Victor nodded in understanding.
---
The Gym Battlefield
After Dennis and Alice woke up, Victor had Incineroar heat up some water so they could wash their faces.
Once everyone was freshened up and had enjoyed a steaming hot breakfast, they headed to the battlefield of The Extreme Ice Gym.
The battlefield was made of a massive block of ice. Concerned, Victor asked Aaron, "Isn't there a risk of the battlefield melting during battles?"
Aaron reassured him, "This ice won't melt, no matter how hot the flames."
Years ago, the Crimson Alliance had sought Suicune's help to communicate with Articuno, the legendary Pokémon residing on Ice Peak Mountain. As a gesture of peace, Articuno created this non-melting ice battlefield for The Extreme Ice Gym.
In return, the agreement was that as long as no one intentionally harmed Articuno, it would leave Frostwind City in peace. To this day, the truce remained intact.