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Jacob's victory over Chandler marked another incredible comeback, securing his place in both the Frosthollow Province Finals and the National Finals. The moment the referee announced his victory, the entire city of Starlight City erupted in celebration.
Streets filled with jubilant crowds as young people poured out of their homes to celebrate as if it were New Year's Eve. Jacob's battle uniform became so popular that it sold out immediately – factory sewing machines were working overtime, practically smoking from overuse, yet demand still far exceeded supply.
Online, Jacob's fan base exploded overnight. Ten-year-old admirers, devoted parent fans, and even some critics all contributed to the digital frenzy surrounding his success. The internet buzz was overwhelming, but Jacob had no time to pay attention to social media.
His complete focus was on the upcoming Frosthollow Province Finals, where he would face the strongest opponent he had encountered since entering the competition: Ariana.
Ariana was this year's overwhelming favorite to win the Frosthollow Province championship. Her reputation was so formidable that despite Jacob's miraculous journey and countless upset victories, very few people were willing to bet on him in this final match.
Ariana's strength was simply in a different league. Every single one of her tournament matches had been won with crushing, overwhelming dominance. Sports analysts considered her a genuine contender for the National Championship – she was the pride of Frosthollow Province and represented their best hope for glory.
Some media outlets had even begun running headlines like "This is Frosthollow Province's Year to Claim the National Championship!"
The final match was scheduled for one week later, giving both competitors time to rest, strategize, and prepare for what would likely be the most important battle of their young careers. The delay also allowed tournament officials to build publicity and generate excitement for the climactic showdown.
Almost immediately after the semifinals concluded, the official promotional poster was released to the public.
Ariana appeared in Embermere City's distinctive battle uniform, her hair pulled back in a practical ponytail that emphasized her determined expression. Her bright eyes and confident smile were directed toward the Frosthollow Province championship trophy, radiating the aura of someone destined for greatness.
Surrounding her were her six ace Pokémon, each one a testament to her incredible skill as a trainer.
In the center position stood her crown jewel: a magnificent Shiny Gyarados, its golden scales gleaming with power. Flanking the massive serpent were what fans called the "Sandstorm Brothers" – Hippowdon and Excadrill, both perfectly adapted for desert warfare tactics. Behind them stood Sylveon, elegant and deadly, alongside Arcanine with its legendary speed and fire power. Finally, lurking in the shadows was Zoroark, the master of illusions and deception.
Jacob's side of the poster appeared notably more modest by comparison. His team featured Charizard and Sceptile as his primary partners, tiny Noibat perched above his head, and Bagon and Axew positioned at his feet. A small Dreepy floated nearby, completing his registered team.
The poster's Pokémon data was clearly outdated – Jacob's Bagon had recently evolved into Shelgon, and Axew had also evolved into Fraxure just days earlier. His Raboot was on the verge of its own evolution into Cinderace, which would represent a breakthrough to Elite-level strength and unlock tremendous battle potential.
Unfortunately, these evolved Pokémon weren't officially registered with the Pokémon Association, making them ineligible for tournament play. Jacob had deliberately chosen not to expose his second team anyway, preferring to keep them as secret weapons for future challenges.
Beyond the promotional materials, tournament officials launched a public voting campaign allowing fans to choose their favorite competitor. Within just one hour of the voting channel opening, Jacob's vote count had already pulled significantly ahead of Ariana's totals.
While Ariana's strength far exceeded Jacob's and she was undeniably talented and attractive, Jacob dominated in terms of pure popularity and fan appeal.
Beautiful and skilled trainers appeared every year, but legendary figures like Jacob were truly once-in-a-century phenomena. His rise from complete unknown to Finals contender in just six months was absolutely unprecedented. Combined with his reputation as a scientific research prodigy, Jacob was genuinely unique throughout all of China.
Media outlets frantically investigated every detail of Jacob's background story. His name had become a complete traffic guarantee – any content related to Jacob would immediately generate thousands of views, likes, and shares.
Official news sources ran headlines like "Young and Ambitious: Excellence in Both Knowledge and Action."
Less reputable clickbait sites posted titles such as "Rich and Handsome Genius Abandons Academics for Pokémon Training, Reaches Life's Peak! Send Me Fifty Dollars to Learn Jacob's Secret Plan for Championship Success!"
The week-long preparation period would allow Jacob to accomplish many important tasks, but his top priority was visiting the Imperial Capital Dragon-type Secret Realm.
Jacob boarded a plane to the Imperial Capital the very night he secured his Finals berth. As the aircraft soared through the darkness toward his destination, he felt a mixture of excitement and nostalgia.
Arriving at the Dragon-type Secret Realm after two months away brought a wave of powerful memories. Jacob found himself momentarily transported back to countless nights of intense training, sweating through rigorous exercises in pursuit of improvement. Looking back now, every drop of effort had been absolutely worthwhile.
He walked directly to Maximus's office, pushed open the familiar door, and stepped inside.
Both Maximus and Nina were waiting for him, seated together on the office sofa. Jacob noticed something unusual in his mentor's expression – a complexity that puzzled him. He had just qualified for the National Finals, so why didn't Maximus seem particularly happy?
Earlier that afternoon, when Maximus had watched Jacob defeat Chandler, the Dragon-type specialist had been unable to contain his excitement. He had cheered openly and spent the rest of the day smiling with pride.
Many of Maximus's colleagues had praised his excellent judgment in taking Jacob as a student, and Maximus had basked in the well-deserved recognition.
"He performed brilliantly today," Maximus had told himself with satisfaction. "He didn't bring shame to my name."
Jacob's advancement to the National Finals brought honor to his mentor, but more importantly, it helped dispel the negative impact that had lingered since Kindler's betrayal and death.
Kindler had been Maximus's senior disciple, and his identity as a traitor had cast a long shadow over the Dragon-type Gym Leader. For the past two months, Maximus had avoided taking on external missions, instead remaining at the Dragon-type Secret Realm to guard and reflect.
"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching, Master!" Jacob offered with perfectly executed flattery.
"You little rascal!" Maximus chuckled despite himself. "Alright, let's get down to business."