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August 3rd arrived with great anticipation. At ten o'clock in the morning, the opening ceremony of the national competition commenced in spectacular fashion.
Biu!
Dozens of firework rockets shot into the sky, creating clear, high-pitched sounds as they soared toward the clouds. With thunderous bangs, colorful fireworks bloomed across the heavens, but these weren't ordinary fireworks—they had been carefully crafted to form the silhouettes of various Pokémon.
Gardevoir, Dragonite, Beedrill, Gengar...
The massive stadium, capable of accommodating 100,000 spectators, erupted in cheers. Voices filled every corner, creating an electric atmosphere that pulsed with excitement.
The Players' Room
Roy experienced his first national competition venue firsthand. As he watched the fireworks display painting pictures across the sky, something about the Dragonite silhouette seemed familiar. Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, "These fireworks aren't arranged randomly, are they?"
Elon gave him a puzzled look. "Don't you know? These fireworks are all designed based on the ace Pokémon of the previous championship team's MVP players."
Anya added helpfully, "That's right. The Gardevoir belongs to Senior Sister Caroline, the Dragonite belongs to Mr. Lin, the Gengar belongs to a Gym Leader, and that Beedrill also belongs to a Gym Leader."
Roy felt stunned and somewhat emotional. The MVP of the previous championship team included someone whose signature Pokémon was a Beedrill. While racial potential levels generally indicated a Pokémon species' capabilities, there were always exceptional cases that defied expectations. Electabuzz, for instance, was widely considered a Pokémon with low potential value in most people's eyes.
The fireworks display concluded, but rather than diminishing, the cheers in the arena suddenly intensified, rising several levels as the crowd became even more enthusiastic.
"The special guests have arrived!" Philip exclaimed excitedly.
"Who are the guests this year?" Patrick asked with obvious curiosity.
Soon, two prominent figures well-known throughout China appeared at the guest podium.
The active Fighting-type Elite Four member, Sebastian.
The newly appointed Psychic-type Elite Four member, Caroline.
One had graduated from Capital University more than ten years ago, while the other had graduated from Central University just last year. The two guests perfectly corresponded to the school teams participating in today's opening match, creating perfect promotional appeal. No wonder the audience's reaction had become so intense.
Meanwhile, in the Central University school team's player room, surprised voices erupted throughout the space.
"It's Senior Sister Caroline!"
"She actually came to watch our match!"
"I told you Senior Sister Caroline just appears cold—there's no way she doesn't have feelings."
"That's right. Captain Fisher always likes to assume the worst about people."
As Fisher listened to his teammates' chatter, the team captain found himself stunned.
Impossible... Could it be that I really do have prejudices against Senior Sister Caroline?
Takeshi Aihara frowned deeply. As someone completely devoted to martial arts and the ascetic path of Pokemon training, he held no interest in romantic relationships. His only interest regarding women centered on whether they could battle effectively and whether they could withstand a real fight.
Obviously, he wasn't nearly strong enough to provide Caroline with a proper challenge. What he desired was an evenly matched opponent, not a one-sided beating.
Better not provoke her.
Takeshi closed his eyes and returned to his meditation.
At the guest podium, Sebastian delivered his prepared speech while Caroline stood behind him with her characteristically blank expression. The officials had wisely decided against allowing the Psychic-type Elite to give a speech, knowing she possessed another type of psychic power—one that could instantly cool down a stadium of 100,000 people and render them completely silent.
In fact, Caroline's agreement to serve as a competition guest, satisfying the promotional aspects of this tournament, had exceeded all official expectations. Under careful consideration, they could only attribute Caroline's participation to her lingering feelings for her alma mater.
After the speeches concluded, the next segment involved both Elite Four members visiting their respective alma mater school teams to offer greetings, encouragement, and support. This approach undoubtedly served as an effective method for stirring up the atmosphere.
Followed by two photographers, Sebastian entered the Capital University team's player room and spoke gently with each team member. Elon, Anya, and the others all appeared completely flattered by the attention.
When Roy's turn arrived, the gentle smile on Sebastian's face suddenly vanished. He waved his hand, dismissing the photographers, and spoke angrily: "You troublesome kid, that pre-match interview was absolutely reckless. Didn't you consider what might happen if you actually lose?"
Roy simply shrugged. "It'll be fine as long as I don't lose."
"Are you really that confident?"
Sebastian glanced at him suspiciously, wondering where such confidence could possibly originate. Oh well, this kid has always been full of secrets.
"By the way, you mentioned in that interview that you want to change the world's perception of the relationship between Trainers and Pokémon during this competition... What exactly does that mean?"
Sebastian had always known that although this young man harbored arrogance deep in his bones, he wasn't someone who spoke without purpose. Whatever he said had been thoroughly thought through and prepared.
"You'll understand when the time comes."
Roy smiled slightly. The main issue with Mega Evolution was that no one would believe it if he simply explained it—they had to witness it with their own eyes. Since he intended to put on a show, he naturally wanted to do it on the most appropriate occasion.
At the same time, in the Central University school team's room, everyone except Takeshi appeared completely star-struck. Although Caroline hadn't spoken a single word since entering, everyone felt moved simply by her presence.
However, being purely moved while maintaining such quiet air created an obviously awkward atmosphere.
Captain Fisher decided to step forward for everyone's sake.
"Senior... Senior Sister, do you still remember me?" Yu asked uncertainly. "I took over as captain after you graduated..."
Caroline interrupted: "I remember you."
Her voice remained flat and cold, and her behavior seemed quite impolite, but Yu found himself nearly in tears. What an honor to be remembered! It turns out I really did have prejudices against Senior Sister...
"Your name is Fisher."
"Elite Caroline, the time is almost up," the photographer reminded her.
Caroline nodded. Looking at the expectant students, she spoke softly: "Good luck."
After saying this, she prepared to turn around and leave.
Fisher immediately declared: "Don't worry, Senior Sister, we will win!"
Caroline, who had reached the door, looked back at him. A gleam of confusion flashed in her clear eyes.
They will lose.
She didn't voice this thought but also didn't continue offering encouragement. It would be pointless.
Twenty minutes had passed since the opening match began, and the battle situation had developed into a completely one-sided crushing victory. This outcome aligned perfectly with predictions from major media outlets and audience expectations before the match, so it came as no surprise.
Capital University's fifth position, Philip, and fourth position, Patrick, had only managed to defeat Central University's fifth position player.
Second position Anya had unfortunately lost to Central University's fourth position.
First position Elon had defeated his fourth position opponent, but now faced the third position player who possessed quasi-professional strength.
"No way! It's still not enough!" commentator Shaun said regretfully. "Elon has worked incredibly hard, but it's simply too demanding to expect non-professional level Pokémon to defeat professional-level opponents. This represents an almost impossible task to accomplish."
Almost...
Those two words could have been omitted entirely four months ago.
"Elon's signature Pokémon Blastoise has lost its ability to battle, and he has no remaining Pokémon to continue fighting," the commentator announced.
The commentator looked toward Central University's third position player and continued: "Contestant Sam, using only one Empoleon in battle, has completed a one-versus-three sweep... oh? Empoleon still has sufficient stamina remaining. Do you want to continue battling? This demonstrates the endurance of professional-level Pokémon strength!"
Empoleon resembled a large black penguin with blue patterns. Its most striking feature consisted of three crown-like horns extending from its beak, giving it the appearance of wearing a royal crown. Its pride matched the meaning represented by that crown—it was an incredibly proud Pokémon.
Having completed a one-versus-three victory, Empoleon's morale soared high, and it indicated its desire to continue battling. Sam had no choice but to agree.
However... it's time for that person to take the stage.
Sam looked expectantly toward Capital University's player bench, where only one person remained—the individual known as the strongest contemporary genius in all of China.
Facing that existence who defied common sense, Sam felt uncertain about victory despite possessing professional-level combat power. But he had no intention of losing either.
If he could defeat such an opponent in one-on-one battle, it would represent an honor that everyone would envy.
The legendary Z-Move... please allow me to witness it...
On the other side, Elon exited the battlefield with obvious regret: "I'm sorry, junior. I couldn't even take down a single one of his Pokémon."
Roy patted him on the shoulder, signaling that he shouldn't worry about it, then walked toward the battle platform.
Instantly, violent roars that seemed capable of breaking through the clouds swept across the 100,000-person audience. The volume grew so intense that Roy could faintly feel tremors coming from the ground beneath his feet.
"It's really quite warm reception..."
Roy smiled slightly as he held a Poké Ball in his hand.
"Since that's the case, let's not disappoint them. Let's present a wonderful battle."
The Poké Ball in his hand trembled slightly in response.
The referee announced loudly: "Both parties, please confirm your battling Pokémon."
Empoleon cried out proudly, indicating its readiness for battle.
Roy threw his Poké Ball forward.
Light blazed forth.
A massive and familiar figure appeared before everyone's eyes.
"What?!"