Sinnoh Region – Veilstone City – Pokémon Daycare
It had been several days since Paul returned to the Daycare Center in Veilstone City, and his life had fallen into a surprisingly strict routine.
Each day, aside from training his Pokémon, he would take time to visit the city's various battle facilities, seeking out trainers registered in the World Coronation Series to challenge them.
He had already fought in dozens of battles—some inside facilities, others in outdoor arenas. Regardless of who his opponent was or what Pokémon they led with, Paul always started with one choice: Chimchar.
He used these battles to give Chimchar every opportunity to train and evolve, physically and mentally.
But the more he battled, the higher the chance he would run into stronger opponents. And against them, Chimchar, now still developing, was often overmatched.
In just a few days, Chimchar had lost more matches than all of Paul's other Pokémon combined.
Yet Paul never wavered.
He continued to send Chimchar into battle first—every time.
Word soon spread throughout the city.
The strongest trainer in Veilstone had returned, and he was using only a Chimchar.
This rumor sparked a storm of excitement and challenges.
A trainer of Paul's caliber was normally far beyond the reach of everyday challengers, let alone beatable. But now? With Paul using only a basic-stage Fire-type, even rookies felt they had a chance.
After all, if you were lucky enough to defeat his Chimchar and claim a win, you could boast about it forever:
"Paul? Yeah, I beat him back in Veilstone. He never saw it coming."
With a steady stream of battles, Paul's World Coronation Series ranking climbed rapidly. Before long, he was ranked within the top 1,000, just one step away from achieving Great Class Trainer status.
That day, after finishing another battle and sitting down to rest, Paul pulled out his Rotom Phone. Just as he tapped the screen, the device blinked to life and spoke:
"Trainer, your marked event—a lecture event with Elite Four Aaron—is about to begin. You may now proceed to the venue."
"Finally." Paul muttered.
He rose to his feet, Chimchar at his side, and began weaving through the crowd toward a cleared plaza where a temporary stage had been set up. He had heard about this event two days ago and had been waiting ever since.
Today was the day.
Today, he would challenge Elite Four Aaron again.
By the time Paul arrived, the event was already underway.
Aaron stood confidently onstage, offering advice on Bug-type Pokémon, sharing tips on training and nurturing, and even charming the audience—especially the younger female fans with his bright smile and enthusiastic gestures.
Once the lecture concluded, the host invited audience members to ask questions, and Aaron answered them with patience and clarity.
Then came the final part of the program.
"We all know that lectures only go so far. The best way to learn is through battle. So now, we'll randomly invite one trainer from the audience to engage in a live exhibition match with Elite Four Aaron!"
"If you're interested in challenging Aaron, please raise your hand! We'll choose one lucky trainer to battle the El—wait, you! Please hold on! The challenger must be selected ran—!"
Before the host could finish, a purple-haired teen with a Chimchar stepped out from the crowd and walked straight onto the battlefield.
The host froze.
"I'm Paul. Do you remember me, Elite Four Aaron?" he said, his tone calm but unyielding.
Ignoring the host entirely, Paul locked eyes with Aaron. His gaze was like steel.
Aaron blinked. Then, he smiled faintly.
"Of course. You left quite an impression. I didn't expect you to grow this strong so fast."
In Aaron's mind, scenes from the past flickered—memories of their previous battle, of reviewing Paul's battle records, of a cold but driven boy with relentless potential.
He had always believed Paul would become powerful. But this? This was beyond what he imagined.
It had been less than a year since they last crossed paths.
And in that time, Paul had not only conquered the Battle Frontier in Kanto, he had even defeated the Battle Pyramid King Brandon—a man once thought untouchable.
It was staggering.
"Who is that guy?"
A curious voice rose from the audience.
"Paul… that name sounds familiar…"
One of the trainers furrowed their brow.
"Are you serious?! He's the reigning Sinnoh League Champion—and Veilstone's undisputed top trainer!"
Some trainers knew exactly what was going on.
"Strongest in town? I doubt it. I've heard plenty of trainers have beaten him recently."
Others were far more defiant.
"Those defeats? They were all outdoor 1-on-1 battles. He only used that Chimchar of his, and every match was clearly targeted against it. Being overpowered like that? Pretty normal. But in an indoor 2-on-2? Has anyone ever beaten Paul?"
And then there were the silent ones, trainers who had been observing quietly all along.
But no matter what their views were, one thing became increasingly clear:
Paul was no ordinary trainer.
Now, every pair of eyes in the crowd shifted, watching with growing curiosity as the tension between Paul and Elite Four Aaron intensified.
Amidst the buzz of anticipation, Paul did not disappoint. He calmly raised a Poké Ball and held it out toward Aaron.
"Let's settle this—one-on-one."
Aaron hesitated.
His gaze swept over the surrounding crowd, who had all become spectators in this impromptu spectacle. The pressure was mounting, and Aaron felt it intensely—as if he were being skewered on a spit over open flames.
Back when he battled champions at official events or in the Pokémon League, Aaron had never flinched. He had faced countless prodigies and top-ranked opponents with calm resolve.
But Paul?
Paul was different.
There was something unsettling about him, something that made even an Elite Four member wary.
"This trainer…" the host interjected hurriedly, sensing the rising tension, "—our challengers are supposed to be chosen at random. It's unfair to the others if you just jump in like this."
Paul's expression didn't change. His cold eyes swept across the gathered crowd.
"Is that so? Is there anyone else?"
The entire area fell into a stunned silence.
"If any other trainers wish to challenge Elite Four Aaron, please raise your hand now." The host called out again, though less confidently this time.
But no one moved. No hands were raised.
Everyone had suddenly become spectators—watching with barely disguised interest, enjoying the unexpected showdown. No one wanted to interrupt.
And with that, the path was clear.
"Alright then…" Aaron finally said, his eyes flickering with determination. He stepped off the platform and landed gracefully on the battlefield.
"This will be a 2-on-2 match. The first trainer to lose both Pokémon will be declared the loser."
The host, now acting as the referee, officially announced the rules.
Aaron took a deep breath and hurled his Poké Ball forward.
"Let's go—Drapion!"
A flash of light, a menacing hiss, and the battlefield shook as Aaron's signature Drapion landed with a snarl, snapping its massive claws.
"Perfect." Paul murmured, smirking.
He was ready.
Without missing a beat, Paul flung out his own Poké Ball.
"Drapion—prepare for battle."
A second burst of light, followed by the exact same rasping growl.
Another Drapion appeared—but this one was massive. Nearly double the size of Aaron's and with darker, more menacing coloration. Its claws clicked ominously as it stood like a giant looming over its counterpart.
Aaron's Drapion was average-sized, about as tall as its trainer.
Paul's Drapion? A towering, 2-meter-tall that exuded sheer dominance.
At a glance, the difference was undeniable.
Of course, size alone never decides a battle—especially not when both Pokémon are trained to Elite Four standards.
But, if you only look at the size—Paul's Drapion had already won.
(End of Chapter)
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