Desperate Rivals

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The First Day of the Main Event

Kandor Competitive Sports Stadium.

Oliver sat in the audience, scanning the massive crowd, and sighed. "There's so many people here."

Bin, seated beside him with his arms crossed, nodded. "It's the main event, after all."

Compared to the elimination rounds, where multiple matches were held simultaneously, the main event featured only one battle at a time. The audience seats were packed to capacity.

At this point, the two competitors would battle under the watchful eyes of thousands of spectators and numerous cameras. The psychological pressure was immense.

Additionally, all the original live broadcast channels had been consolidated into one, ensuring the two players on the field were fully exposed in close-up shots.

This was the first hurdle every player needed to overcome.

Some, overwhelmed by nerves, trembled and underperformed; others, born with an unshakable spirit, thrived under the spotlight, delivering exceptional performances.

"Bruce is in the very first match," Oliver said, glancing at the arena with excitement.

Bin's eyes flickered as he replied nonchalantly, "The first battle always needs to set the tone."

"As a championship favorite, Bruce is the perfect choice."

"Though it's his opponent who will have a rough time," Bin added.

Bruce had been waiting in the players' lounge for a while and had already received prior notification of his first opponent's information.

Pyro Claremont, from Uncanny University, owned two Pokemon close to professional level, including an Arcanine, and was known for his relentless training.

This trainer clearly had a penchant for canine Pokemon, as evident from his selection.

Of course, Pyro had demonstrated considerable strength during the elimination rounds, employing a bold, aggressive style.

Yes—boldness was the defining trait of his battles. He often issued commands that seemed reckless and impulsive but somehow achieved effective results.

(Think Ash Ketchum for reference.)

"Arcanine..." Bruce muttered to himself.

Arcanine was one of Bruce's personal favorites—its regal appearance, immense strength, and loyal nature made it an ideal partner. It could even serve as a ride Pokemon.

Unfortunately, wild Arcanine had long since disappeared, and they were only obtainable by joining the police system.

But Bruce was different—his privileged family background gave him more options.

"Speaking of which, it's about time to tame a fourth Pokemon..." Bruce mused.

Currently, Blaziken's strength was nearing the Ace level, while Metang and Gardevoir had firmly established their roles at the professional level.

This was the perfect time to begin training a fourth Pokemon.

"What kind of Pokemon should I catch? I'll think about it after the Freshman Exchange Competition ends."

"Contestant Bruce Bayne, please proceed to the battlefield."

The announcement broke Bruce's train of thought.

Standing up, Bruce ensured his attire was neat, then exited the lounge, heading toward the battlefield.

As he walked down the long player's tunnel, the roar of the crowd grew louder—cheers and chatter filling the air.

Emerging from the tunnel, Bruce stepped into the green grass of the battlefield.

The morning sun illuminated the arena, while numerous cameras immediately focused on him. The audience erupted into enthusiastic applause.

In this world where Pokemon battles were held in the highest regard, being a Trainer carried immense significance.

The deafening cheers reverberated through the air. Bruce took a deep breath, a faint smile spreading across his face as his blood began to pump with excitement. He waved to the crowd, basking in their support.

His image appeared on the giant screen—simple yet stylish attire, exuding the youthful energy of his generation.

With neatly trimmed hair, a bright smile, and a slender figure, Bruce had countless girls swooning.

Yet among the other competitors, expressions of unease were evident as they watched this championship favorite.

Everyone wanted to know more about Bruce, particularly the current strength of his Pokemon.

But Kristin, seated in the audience, had a different thought.

She knew that players like her might never even see Bruce's Blaziken in action.

"A Blaziken capable of competing with Ace-level Pokemon isn't going to appear in a Freshman Exchange match," she muttered with certainty.

On the other side of the arena, Bruce's opponent, Pyro, stood with a bright smile, waving to the crowd and nodding at Bruce.

"Even with this bad luck, this might be my last match in the competition," Pyro thought.

"But I'll give it my all to leave an impression on everyone watching, including my family."

There was no commentator for the main event matches. Both contestants took their positions under the referee's guidance.

The stadium gradually quieted, the audience holding their breath as they sat upright, watching intently.

On the giant screen, Bruce and Pyro's faces appeared, framed by the iconic "VS" logo.

"Send out your Pokemon," the referee declared loudly, raising his flag.

At the signal, both trainers locked eyes and threw their Poke Balls simultaneously.

"Go, Mightyena!"

"Go, Metang!"

With a flash, a gray-furred Mightyena emerged onto the field.

As an evolved form of Poochyena, Mightyena had sleek black fur along its back, tail, and limbs, with crimson eyes glinting dangerously.

[Pokemon: Mightyena (Dark)]

Ability: Intimidate

Qualification: Gym Level

Level: Lv29 (Senior)]

Bruce raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. For someone accustomed to facing Pokemon with Master or even Elite-level qualifications, a Gym-level Mightyena was a rare sight.

Meanwhile, Metang's entrance brought a brief hush to the stadium, followed by an explosive cheer.

Hovering confidently in mid-air, Metang's metallic silver body shimmered in the sunlight, exuding an imposing aura.

"A shiny Metang?"

"First a shiny Gardevoir, now this? Does Bruce have a shiny Pokemon factory or something?"

"As expected from a privileged family..."

"No way, even most elite families can't pull this off."

Bin, watching from the audience, grabbed his phone and snapped a picture of Metang, exclaiming, "The gap between noble families is just too wide."

Oliver glanced sideways, the corner of his mouth twitching.

"You're both carrying pseudo-legendary Pokemon, and you dare to complain about privilege?"

In the player seating area, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Unlike the general audience, the competitors were here to gather critical intel.

"Gardevoir was sent out during the elimination rounds, and now Metang is in the main event. Does this mean Metang is even stronger than Gardevoir?"

"Three professional-level Pokemon? That's insane!"

"If that's true, just give him the championship already. I don't want to face him."

Similar murmurs rippled through the group.

Pyro, meanwhile, felt blindsided. He had planned carefully, expecting to face Gardevoir.

But Bruce had chosen Metang instead.

With both players ready, the referee raised the flag, blew the whistle, and shouted: "Let the battle begin!"

Pyro snapped into focus. No matter the opponent, he resolved to give his all.

Besides, Mightyena had a decent type advantage against Metang.

"Mightyena, use Crunch!"

"Roar!"

Mightyena let out a fierce cry, activating its Intimidate ability to slightly lower Metang's Attack.

With incredible speed, it charged at Metang, fangs gleaming dangerously.

Bruce, however, remained calm. "Brick Break."

Metang's gaze sharpened. Unfazed by Mightyena's approach, its claws glowed a brilliant white as they transformed into chopping blades.

On the big screen, the Pokemon collided.

Mightyena's jaws closed in for a devastating bite, while Metang's glowing claws slashed downward.

Boom!

In an instant, Metang's strike connected first, landing a critical blow to Mightyena's head.

The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves through Mightyena's body, eliciting a pained howl. Its legs buckled, and it collapsed onto the grass, unconscious.

"Mightyena is unable to battle!" the referee announced, his voice trembling slightly.

For a moment, the stadium was silent. Then, a deafening wave of cheers erupted, engulfing Bruce in praise.

"Another professional-level Pokemon?! Please, Bruce, have mercy!"

"Metang's even more brutal than Gardevoir!"

Pyro, staring at his fallen Mightyena, stood frozen in shock.

Who am I?

Where am I?

What just happened?

The referee's voice snapped him back. "Please retrieve your Pokemon."

Pyro hastily recalled Mightyena, gripping his second Poke Ball tightly.

This was his last hope.

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To be Continued

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