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The collaboration between the Lin, Long, and Xia families proceeded in complete secrecy. Raya rushed back to the capital overnight to discuss the partnership details with Maximus and finalize the contract. Jacob stepped back from daily operations, focusing entirely on preparing for the College Cup.
Three days later, backstage before the quarter-final match.
With financial backing from the wealthy Raya, Jacob's three Pokémon had grown significantly stronger. Charizard mastered Scorching Sands, Sceptile learned Rock Slide, and finally, Noibat acquired Dragon Rush, elevating its power to the Overlord level.
This advancement brought Jacob's overall team strength to Overlord level. The power increase filled him with confidence for the upcoming battle.
Despite Nikolas's formidable reputation, particularly his ace Charizard with near-Gym Leader level strength, Jacob felt no concern whatsoever.
He maintained complete faith in his Charizard and Sceptile, believing them to be absolutely unbeatable among Pokémon of equal strength.
"Noibat, warm up properly. Today's opponent is incredibly strong, but you'll definitely get your chance to battle," Jacob said, gently stroking Noibat's head with encouraging words.
In the previous match against Lee, Noibat had won without even participating. Many fans jokingly commented that with Sceptile and Charizard on the team, even a Growlithe could reach the quarterfinals.
Noibat didn't particularly care whether it would battle or not. If given the choice, it would rather avoid fighting altogether.
Being naturally lazy, it preferred to slack off whenever possible. Having Charizard and Sceptile as its powerful teammates to handle the competition was perfectly fine—it was content being a spectator. Besides, this was just a tournament, not worth fighting desperately over. Dragons had long lifespans ahead of them, so maintaining good health was the priority.
"Master, I'll do my best," Noibat responded telepathically to Jacob, though internally it was already planning how to avoid exerting too much effort while still appearing committed.
After encouraging Noibat, Jacob turned to Charizard. "Charizard, you need to perform exceptionally today. The pressure is on you since you're starting the match."
"Roar!" Charizard nodded and responded to Jacob with determination.
"I suspect the opponent will likely lead with Ninetales. When you enter the battlefield, don't immediately use Scorching Sands. Let's keep that move hidden and start with Ancient Power to intimidate it and wear down its stamina. When we find the perfect opening, we'll finish it instantly with Scorching Sands."
Charizard listened intently to Jacob's tactical instructions and nodded thoughtfully.
"What makes a finishing move truly devastating? It's the element of surprise—striking when the opponent least expects it. If you use Scorching Sands right from the start, even though it would severely damage Ninetales, it will be on high alert afterward. Instead, you need to use Ancient Power to make Ninetales believe that's your only counter-strategy. This will cause it to lower its guard. Then, when it's completely off-guard, you surprise it with Scorching Sands for a guaranteed victory."
"Do you understand the strategy, Charizard?"
Charizard nodded, indicating it had grasped this new tactical approach.
"Execute it perfectly."
"Sceptile, you're our backup as usual. The responsibility is significant," Jacob said earnestly, patting Sceptile's arm—the highest point he could comfortably reach given his height.
"Scep!" Sceptile acknowledged with a confident nod.
After finalizing their battle strategy, Jacob pulled out his phone, took a selfie of himself preparing for the match, and posted it online with the caption: "The battle begins soon. Everyone's welcome to watch my match!"
"Hello everyone, I'm Layne."
"Hello everyone, I'm Liliana."
"We're here once again to provide commentary for the quarterfinals. Four matches will run simultaneously during this round. You can choose to watch your favorite trainer's battle live. Liliana and I will be covering the match between Jacob and Nikolas."
"Nikolas is a talented Fire-type specialist from Olivine City. In the Round of 16, his Charizard demonstrated incredible power, achieving a remarkable one-versus-three victory that remains fresh in everyone's memory."
"I'm sure everyone knows our other contestant, Jacob. He's the pride of Starlight City, the most popular trainer in Frosthollow Province, and widely regarded as this year's most charismatic competitor. Well, I won't hide it today—I'm also a Jacob fan." As he spoke, Layne suddenly removed his jacket, revealing the same battle outfit that Jacob wore.
"Layne, that battle uniform in your size must have been quite difficult to find, right?" Liliana teased. Layne was considerably overweight, and his clothes were typically custom-made in the largest available sizes.
"It was certainly challenging to acquire, but I didn't spend any money on it. The Starlight City Gym gifted it to me," Layne replied with a grin. "Alright, let's focus on the match itself. The biggest highlight will be Jacob's Shiny Charizard facing off against Nikolas's Charizard. It's a Charizard civil war, exactly the kind of spectacle everyone loves. Liliana, who do you think will emerge victorious?"
"Although Nikolas's Charizard is at the Quasi-Gym Leader level and significantly stronger than Jacob's Charizard, I still support Jacob's Shiny Charizard," Liliana said with a smile. "I'm a Jacob fan, so naturally I'll support him. What about you, Layne?"
"I'll definitely support Jacob," Layne declared without hesitation. "Ever since I commentated on the battle between Charizard and Gengar, I've said that whenever Jacob competes, I'll support him unconditionally."
"Perfect! The production team just signaled us. Both contestants are ready. Please welcome them to the stage!"
Stepping onto the stage again, Jacob had gradually grown accustomed to the audience's enthusiastic cheers and no longer felt as nervous as during his previous appearances. He waved and interacted energetically with the crowd.
Jacob spotted a support banner held by a spectator featuring a picture of Noibat with an attached message:
"Noibat: Me, Sceptile, and Charizard—the three of us together are truly unstoppable! (˵¯͒♦¯͒˵)"
Beyond the creative signs, the venue erupted with passionate cheers from the audience.
"Go Jacob, we love you!"
"Jacob! Jacob!"
Hey, enthusiastic fan, why are you removing your jacket? Please stay calm.
Absorbing the crowd's energy, Jacob genuinely enjoyed this stage—the cheers, the thrill of battle, and the opportunity to face increasingly powerful opponents.
The sensation of continuously climbing higher, battling the strong, and growing stronger step by step made Jacob's blood surge with excitement.
Life was a journey of constant ascension and surpassing formidable challengers!
Jacob gazed at Nikolas across the battlefield, his eyes blazing with competitive fire. He resolved to dedicate himself completely to every match from this point forward, to savor each battle seriously, give his absolute best, and leave no room for regret.
An eighteen-year-old should pursue eighteen-year-old dreams and ambitions. Though he had been a trainer for only six months, he firmly believed he could defeat Nikolas, advance to the National Finals, overcome every opponent, and claim the National Championship trophy!
Regardless of the ultimate outcome, Jacob's goal was clear: complete victory!
People must have dreams—what if they actually come true?
He remembered his childhood aspirations when he boldly declared he would become the world's greatest trainer.
"The battle begins!"
"Let's go, Charizard! Give it everything you've got!"
Hearing Jacob's voice, Charizard suddenly sensed something unusual. Why did his trainer seem different all of a sudden?
We agreed to play it safe together, so why are you suddenly so fired up?! Should I really give my all, or should I stick to the original plan?