It turns out that the full name of the "Pokémon Professional League" is the "Professional League of Pokémon Hunter Battles."
This competition first appeared three years ago, at the same time that Pokémon began to integrate into the human world.
In its early days, this tournament was created with the purpose of selecting Pokémon hunters, and only later did it evolve into an official sporting competition.
Because of its origins as a selection tournament for Pokémon hunters, the rules of this league are designed to simulate a survival environment in the wild.
Since Pokémon hunters usually work in small teams, the league also adopted the format of 5 versus 5 team battles in a skirmish style, and moreover, the trainers themselves must also participate in the battle.
However, participating does not mean that trainers fight directly, but rather that they must stand inside a protective barrier on the battlefield, and the Pokémon are responsible for safeguarding the trainer's safety.
After all, in a dangerous wild environment, the trainer's safety is the top priority. If the trainer dies, no matter how strong their Pokémon may be, it is meaningless.
This kind of battle is very similar to tower defense games. In a 5v5 battle, the Pokémon not only have to fight, but also protect the battlefield's safety barrier.
In fact, this form of combat strongly resembles the popular competitive video game League of Legends: it is also a 5v5 battle, and the trainer's protective barrier plays a role similar to the nexus in League of Legends.
If the safety barrier takes attacks, its energy gradually decreases. Once this energy reaches a critical point, the battlefield's sensors emit a warning signal.
This is just like the shattering of the nexus crystal in LoL: it represents the end of the battle.
And of course, if this were to happen in a real wild environment, it would mean the trainer has died, so continuing the battle would be pointless.
"So this is the Pokémon Professional League...?"
After reading the battle rules, Ethan Black's eyes shone with excitement.
To be honest, this type of competition was truly interesting. From the very first stage of strategic Pokémon selection, through the 5v5 skirmish battle, all the way to the method used to determine the battle's end... it was like going through an authentic survival test in the wild!
"Perhaps this kind of battle was created precisely to help trainers adapt to fighting in the wilderness," Ethan Black thought.
And indeed, participating frequently in this type of battle, or even just observing them, can greatly improve trainers' survival skills in wild environments.
Maybe someday, the Secret Kingdoms will fully merge with the human world, and then people will be forced to fight for survival. In that case, the popularization of this kind of competition could save many lives...
"Now, the teams have already locked in their Pokémon!"
"Team Devon's lineup is: Flygon, Electabuzz, Feraligatr, Sneasel, and Charizard."
"Team SkyCrown's lineup is: Walrein, Rhydon, Altaria, Heracross, and Pelipper."
"Now, competitors take your positions! The safety barrier is activated!"
Right after the announcer gave the order, the circles where the trainers were standing began to glow with white light. Immediately afterward, a barrier appeared, rising up within the field, positioned in a quarter of the battlefield on each side, facing one another.
The Pokémon from both teams lined up in front of their respective protective barriers.
After hearing the signal to begin the battle, the Flying-type Pokémon slowly began to ascend into the air, while those on the ground assumed battle stances, ready for any attack.
(End of Chapter)