Compared to the mysterious Ayako, Reima Mizutani was clearly a rich heir.
Like the Kuroda family, the Mizutani family was a large clan. They were involved across trainer industries.
They even had an Elite Rank trainer in their ranks.
The Kuroda family focused on food and Pokéblocks for Fire types. Houndoom was their most famous product.
The Mizutani family, on the other hand, specialized in Electabuzz.
Electivire had not appeared yet.
After his experiences, Gu Yuan no longer felt naive.
Like Fairy types and Mega Evolution, some evolutions might be hidden for profit.
If Electivire became public, Electric Pokémon would gain wide attention.
That would benefit families and companies tied to Electric types, including the Mizutani family.
The same logic applied to Houndoom. If Houndoom could Mega Evolve, the Kuroda family would profit.
This was the real Pokémon world. Behind every Pokémon matter, profit existed.
That is why Pokémon researchers had a high status.
One discovery could lift many families or businesses.
Only researchers could create such a change.
Gu Yuan had no wish to be a researcher. He preferred being a trainer. He did not want to bet his future on chance.
At nine, the elimination round began with random matchups.
Gu Yuan's photo appeared on the big screen first. The crowd grew nervous.
When the screen stopped, a thin boy sighed.
Staff guided Gu Yuan and his opponent to the battlefield.
A transparent dome covered both trainers and the referee.
A host prepared to commentate.
"Hello everyone, I'm your host, Tara. You're watching the Silph Company's elimination tournament, the round of twenty to ten."
"This match is Gu Yuan versus Wendell. Both trainers have shown skill. Let's enjoy a great match."
Tara's sweet voice echoed. The crowd cheered. Some had come to see Tara in person.
The dome kept the trainers free from outside interference.
The referee gave the signal. Both trainers released their Pokémon.
Gu Yuan sent out Charizard. Wendell sent out Hitmonlee.
Hitmonlee is one of Tyrogue's evolutions. Like Eevee, Tyrogue has multiple evolutions.
As a Fighting type, Hitmonlee feared Flying and Psychic types. Charizard, as a partial Flying type had the advantage.
"Hitmonlee, use Fake Out!" Wendell began.
Gu Yuan would not give him the chance. Charizard fired Flamethrower, blocking the charge. Then Charizard rose into the sky.
Wendell watched helplessly. Gu Yuan's Charizard was skilled. With air control, Hitmonlee could not reach it.
Pride matters for young trainers. Wendell chose to keep fighting.
Gu Yuan ordered Charizard to sweep with Flamethrower.
Hitmonlee's legs were flexible, but they had range limits. It could only defend.
Gu Yuan stayed patient. He had Charizard use Flame Charge sometimes to raise speed.
Once Hitmonlee showed a flaw, Gu Yuan would order Air Slash.
Wendell had to watch every move, fearing a falling Air Slash.
Time wore on. Hitmonlee sweated and tired. Eventually, it failed to dodge in time.
"Hitmonlee, use Mega Kick!" Wendell ordered.
Hitmonlee obeyed, but it was too slow. An Air Slash struck its chest first.
After several Flame Charge boosts, Charizard's speed was terrifying. Two more Air Slashes followed.
Pain slowed Hitmonlee further. It shattered one Air Slash, but could not stop the second.
Gu Yuan seized the chance and unleashed more Air Slashes.
Soon, Hitmonlee knelt on the field. It could not fight on.
Wendell conceded defeat.
Gu Yuan recalled Charizard and left the battlefield.
Back in the waiting room, people praised Gu Yuan more. He had a type and power advantage, yet he stayed calm. He waited for the opponent's mistake and finished decisively.
That was a trainer no one wanted to face.