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First, trainers must register for the Trainer Challenge. After registration, the Ferrum League arranges battles based on accumulated points.
Chris had raegistered to challenge the Ferrum League that morning and received a "Battle Arrangement" notification while eating lunch.
At 2 PM sharp, Chris arrived at the Ferrum League headquarters to register for the competition. The official battle would begin at 2:30 PM.
"Please register your main battle Pokémon, along with two support Pokémon and their movesets," the registration staff requested.
"Main battle Pokémon..." Chris rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Since he had zero points, his opponent would likely also have zero points or very few points accumulated. Sending powerhouses like Zeraora or Greninja would be complete overkill, and such one-sided battles wouldn't be interesting at all.
He considered his second-string team: Venusaur, Hariyama, Steelix... No, even they would be too overwhelming for a beginner-level match.
Chris glanced at his third-tier roster - Pokémon he'd recently caught or those not primarily used for combat. Aerodactyl, Arcanine, Kubfu, Smeargle...
"I'll go with Kubfu!" Chris decided.
Kubfu had the lowest level among all his Pokémon, sitting in the early forties due to Chris's lack of focused training with it. This would be a perfect opportunity to gain some experience. Since this was an "Iron Fist" tournament, sending a Fighting-type Pokémon seemed appropriate.
For his two support slots, he needed to declare their moves in advance...
After some consideration, Chris wrote: Garchomp - Precipice Blades; Lugia - Sky Attack.
"All set," Chris said, sliding the completed form and three Poké Balls across the counter to the staff member.
The registration clerk examined the form and Poké Balls, then froze completely.
What in the world is this?
Kubfu and Lugia? Wasn't Lugia a Legendary Pokémon? And Garchomp knowing Precipice Blades? Wasn't that Groudon's signature move?
I may not be the most educated person, but don't try to fool me!
Another confusing point - why was Kubfu listed as the main battler while Garchomp and Lugia were supports?
"Uh... Trainer, are you certain that Kubfu is your primary battle Pokémon, with Garchomp and Lugia as support?" the staff member asked again, assuming Chris had mixed up the positions. In his mind, either Lugia or Garchomp should be the main fighter, with Kubfu as backup. Even among Legendary Pokémon, an unevolved Kubfu didn't seem particularly powerful before evolving into Urshifu...
Had Chris gotten his roster backwards?
"That's correct," Chris confirmed.
Using Lugia and Garchomp as support was his insurance policy for Kubfu. If the small bear encountered an opponent it couldn't handle, Garchomp and Lugia would be there to turn the tide.
The plan was solid.
"But... can your Garchomp actually use Precipice Blades? If your Pokémon can't perform the declared move, you'll waste a support slot," the staff member warned.
"No problem - it can," Chris replied with a smile.
"Well... alright then, I've completed your registration," the staff member said, though clearly still puzzled.
"Thank you," Chris said, noticing the staff member's bewildered expression.
Within minutes, Chris's registration was processed. After retrieving his registered Poké Balls, he headed to the waiting lounge.
Just as Chris departed, a young man entered the Ferrum League lobby. The newcomer seemed well-acquainted with everyone around.
"Keith! Haven't seen you in ages. Where have you been?" an elderly man reading a newspaper called out warmly.
"I failed my championship challenge last time and realized my strength wasn't sufficient, so I traveled to other regions for training," Keith replied with a smile.
"Are you back to attempt another championship run?"
"Exactly. During my journey, I caught some incredible partners and significantly improved my abilities. I'm ready to challenge for the championship again. After all... becoming the Ferrum Region Champion has been my childhood dream!"
Keith spoke with determination. For this dream, he had spent three years traveling, training, battling, and enduring countless hardships.
"But you haven't participated in Alliance competitions for three years - haven't your points and ranking reset to zero?" asked a cleaning lady working nearby.
"That's fine. I'll just start over - it won't take long," Keith said confidently. Given his current strength, unless he faced the Champion directly, who could possibly be his rival? This time, he planned to steamroll through the competition and challenge the Champion again soon!
Keith could already envision himself as the Ferrum Region Champion. "I have a match starting shortly. If you're free, feel free to watch."
"Wonderful! I'll grab a seat right now," the elderly man said, folding his newspaper and heading toward the spectator area.
Other familiar faces - uncles and aunts who had known Keith since childhood - also made their way to the stands. They hadn't seen him in three years and were curious about how much stronger he'd become.
The Ferrum League promoted competitive battling with an intensity rivaling even the Galar Region.
"Long time no see - I'm here to register my Pokémon," Keith said after greeting his acquaintances. He approached the registration window and slid his completed form and three Poké Balls to the staff member.
"Long time no see," the staff member responded, accepting the form and Poké Balls. However, instead of immediately processing the registration, he glanced at the paperwork, then looked at Keith. "Is your battle the one that's about to begin?"
"Yes, what's wrong?" Keith asked curiously.
"Nothing at all," the staff member replied, shaking his head slightly. As staff, he couldn't reveal information about either competitor, but his expression inadvertently showed traces of pity and sympathy.
Keith was taken aback by the staff member's look.
What does that expression mean?
"After this match, let me treat you to dinner - to thank you for all your support over the years and celebrate my comeback!" Keith offered.
"Hmm... maybe we should skip celebrating this particular match. I doubt you'll feel like it afterward," the staff member said, quickly processing Keith's registration and sliding the three Poké Balls back to him.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Keith grew increasingly confused by the staff member's cryptic words.
"It's nothing - you'll understand once the battle begins," the staff member said, waving dismissively to indicate Keith could leave.
With the match about to start, Keith could only take his Poké Balls and walk away, completely bewildered and scratching his head in confusion.