"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Kalos Pokémon League! Today, one of the region's finest Trainer is here to test his and his team's strength, resolve, and their bonds. Without further ado… the Kalos Champion Challenge officially begins!"
The host paused briefly as several beams of light converged on the entrance. "Let us welcome our challenger, the young trainer from Vaniville Town, Silas."
A figure appeared at the entrance. Silas had removed his outer coat, leaving only a white shirt. Under Diantha's insistence, his hair was neatly styled upward, and a gentle, refined smile rested on his lips.
He gave off the impression of a graceful gentleman, somewhat similar to Steven in temperament, yet fundamentally different. Silas felt more approachable and warm.
Back in the audience, Diantha, seated beside Serena, nodded in satisfaction. She thought to herself that if he added a pair of glasses, he would have the air of a refined yet dangerous man.
No, no, that side could only be appreciated by her alone.
"It is big brother. He looks so handsome today." Serena stood up in surprise. "Big sister Diantha is amazing to make him look this good."
Serena gazed at Diantha with admiration, planting a small seed deep in her heart.
"Big brother Silas, look over here, we are here." Korrina waved and shouted loudly.
Noticing his family and friends, Silas waved back.
He continued walking forward, greeting each of them one by one.
This Champion Challenge was not only held offline but also broadcast live.
Whether through television or other devices, people could watch it in real time.
Among the viewers were not only people from Kalos, but also from Kanto, Hoenn, Unova, Paldea, and beyond.
People from all regions of the League could witness this challenge. If Silas succeeded, his popularity would undoubtedly become the highest among champions in history.
All of this was made possible by the development of the internet, connecting people across the League.
This was also one of the reasons the League strongly promoted it, gradually and steadily dissolving the concept of regional identity and uniting everyone under the idea of being part of the League.
Only through communication could people truly understand one another and prevent division or fragmentation.
After a three minute introduction, the Champion Challenge officially began.
The Elite Four member who would face him had not yet appeared, but the battlefield beneath them had already begun to change.
Ripples spread along the edges of the arena, eventually gathering into a shimmering body of water at the center. Even the audience could feel a faint chill.
The battlefield transformed into a water terrain, perfectly suited for Water type Pokémon.
This was the default advantage of the defending side, who fought on their home field.
The host's voice rang out again, filled with excitement. "The first opponent in this Champion Challenge is none other than Kalos's Water type Elite Four member, Mr. Siebold. As far as I know, Mr. Siebold and Mr. Silas are also friends…"
As the words fell, Siebold slowly walked out from the opposite entrance. Each step was steady until he stood across from Silas.
"Long time no see."
"Indeed. Now that you are an Elite Four member, you do not even come to your restaurant anymore. Your status keeps rising."
"… "
Siebold's face darkened. He could not be bothered to argue.
When he learned that Silas would challenge for the title, he had been preparing, preparing something special.
Although he knew he could not stop Silas, he at least wanted him to remember that he was not an easy opponent.
Siebold raised his hand and pressed on the Dive Ball at his waist. "Come on. Let me see the gap between us."
Silas raised an eyebrow, his fingers resting on his Poké Ball as a hint of battle intent appeared in his smile. "Since you said that, I will not hold back."
Originally, he had planned to use Noivern, but now it seemed unnecessary.
Siebold had prepared a lot for this challenge. If Silas held back, it would be disrespectful. Going all out was the greatest respect he could show.
Holding a Poké Ball colored in red, purple, and white, Silas waited for the referee to announce the rules before throwing it onto the field.
To show respect, he directly sent out the Steel Titan, Registeel.
"It is here, it is here, the Legendary Steel Titan, Registeel."
The host's voice suddenly rose, trembling with excitement.
Legendary Pokémon were not something one could see casually. With Registeel's appearance, the online viewership surged.
The outside world no longer mattered to the two on the field. Silas loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves.
His entire aura changed completely. His expression turned focused, his gaze sharp like that of a hawk, fully entering battle mode.
His mind raced as he analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of both sides' opening Pokémon.
Clawitzer only had Aura Sphere that could deal effective damage to Registeel, and it would hurt quite a bit.
Considering that he still had three more Elite Four members and the Champion to face afterward, it would be best to avoid taking damage.
In an instant, Silas made his decision, and his command followed the referee's whistle.
"Thunderbolt."
Since he aimed for a flawless run and held a speed advantage, a long charge move like Zap Cannon was not a wise choice. Thunderbolt was more suitable, even if it meant using it multiple times.
"Dodge and fire Aura Sphere."
Under Siebold's command, Clawitzer shot out a stream of water to evade the incoming golden lightning.
After creating distance and landing, it immediately raised its massive claw cannon.
With the Mega Launcher ability boosting Aura Sphere by fifty percent, combined with the Choice Specs it carried, the attack would deal considerable damage to Registeel.
But would Silas allow it to act?
The answer was no.
Clawitzer was not much faster than Registeel, and the difference in levels was enough to compensate.
Registeel might appear slow due to its massive body, but speed affected not only movement but also the time required to execute moves.
Registeel fired two Thunder Waves in quick succession, the electric ripples spreading across the field like waves.
"Zzzt."
Electric current surged through Clawitzer's entire body. It stiffened abruptly, and the Aura Sphere forming at its claw dissipated.
The paralysis effect struck unexpectedly, leaving its body crackling with electricity.
"Finish it with Thunderbolt."
The battle had already reached its conclusion. Unable to move freely, Clawitzer became a stationary target.
An even more intense golden lightning cascaded down like a waterfall, engulfing the immobilized Clawitzer.
Boom!
As the electricity exploded, Clawitzer let out a brief cry. Its body convulsed before going completely limp, charred marks appearing as it floated on the water's surface.
Its eyes were tightly shut, clearly unable to continue battling.
The referee counted down carefully to ten. After confirming that Clawitzer could not continue, he waved the red and green flags.
"Clawitzer is unable to battle. Registeel wins."
In fewer than five turns, Clawitzer had been defeated.
Siebold recalled his Pokémon, feeling immense pressure.
"Ha." Taking a deep breath, he quickly adjusted his state and threw out another Dive Ball.
The multi limbed Pokémon, Barbaracle appeared, its fierce appearance hiding a delicate heart. Before the battle even began, it greeted Silas.
"So it is you."
Silas rubbed his Master Ball thoughtfully. Just as he was about to give his command, he saw Siebold reveal his Keystone.
(End of Chapter)