Chapter 172: The Sinnoh Recharge Tournament (Part 1)

After obtaining Rotom, Paul upgraded to a new phone in Sunyshore City to serve as its new habitat.

Once the Rotom Phone transferred all the Pokédex data, Paul tossed the old Pokédex into his backpack.

Barring official registrations or identity verification, he likely wouldn't need the Pokédex anymore.

In the following days, Paul remained in Sunyshore City, training intensively in preparation for the upcoming Sinnoh Recharge Tournament.

Before long, the day of the tournament arrived.

Unlike previous tournaments, this year's event had undergone major rule changes to align with the Pokéathlon.

Instead of the usual battles and power-charging competitions, the format had been completely revamped—now featuring obstacle courses, a triathlon, and an endurance-based energy charge segment.

The Obstacle Course functioned as a qualifier, similar to the water-based challenge shows Paul vaguely remembered from TV. It was designed to filter out casual participants and those lacking sufficient ability before the real competition began.

Additionally, throughout the tournament, each contestant was required to have a bipedal Pokémon accompany them. Flying was strictly prohibited, and attacking other participants was against the rules in line with the Olympic spirit of fair competition.

For his partner, Paul selected Electivire—a clear strategic choice to maximize efficiency during the final energy-charging segment.

The obstacle course qualifier was the most crowded part of the event. Hundreds of trainers gathered at the starting area, eager to compete.

While waiting in the designated area, Paul spotted Lucas, who had chosen Infernape as his Pokémon companion.

"That takes guts."

The two locked eyes, but neither exchanged greetings. Instead, they silently acknowledged each other's resolve.

After all, a key segment of the race required swimming two kilometers. While this wasn't an extreme distance, it was certainly far from ideal for a Fire-type like Infernape, who would struggle significantly in the water.

Moreover, the next phase of the triathlon involved a 40-kilometer cycling segment. Given Electivire's size, riding a bike was out of the question. That meant it would have to run the entire distance, enduring far greater physical strain than smaller Pokémon. Even with its Electric typing giving it an advantage in the final stage, Paul knew the real question was whether Electivire would still have the stamina left to recharge at the finish line.

The Obstacle Course Begins...

"Welcome everyone, to the Sinnoh Recharge Tournament Preliminaries! Due to the overwhelming number of applicants this year, we've added a qualifying obstacle course challenge. Contestants must reach the finish line as quickly as possible in a single attempt to advance."

"The top 100 participants will earn a spot in the main event!"

"Now, let's see how our trainers and their Pokémon perform!"

With the announcer's words, the competitors stepped onto the starting platforms.

Since this was a qualifier, the format was less forgiving—once a contestant was eliminated, the next was immediately sent in.

Standing at the edge of the course, Paul watched without reaction as several trainers plunged into the water after failing the first challenge.

The obstacle course consisted of three major challenges:

The Balance Path – a sequence of narrow beams and rotating logs.

The Sprint Gauntlet – featuring rolling barrels, a reverse treadmill section, and a rope swing over a long gap.

The Climb – a two-meter wall jump, followed by a 20-meter vertical climb.

"Stay close. Watch your footing." Paul instructed.

The Balance Path required contestants to walk across thin beams spanning several dozen meters before transitioning onto rotating logs.

Paul wasn't concerned for himself, but Electivire's larger frame made this part riskier.

"Viree~"

Electivire pounded its chest confidently, signaling that Paul don't need to worry.

The rules only banned flying—using electromagnetism for balance should be fair game, right?

The Race Begins!

At the starting signal, Paul exploded forward like an arrow.

Despite the beam being less than 5 centimeters wide, he glided across effortlessly, clearing the section in under ten seconds.

Electivire followed with equal ease. Without needing to worry about balance, as long as it stepped carefully, it would never fall.

Next came the 20-meter rotating log segment.

Jumping straight across was impossible, so Paul adjusted his stance, took a powerful leap, landed lightly on a log for an instant, then used the momentum to launch himself forward again.

His movements were so precise that the logs didn't even have time to rotate before he cleared them.

"Viree~"

For Electivire, this was even simpler. It charged up, used magnetic propulsion, and effortlessly soared across the gap, landing beside Paul.

The Sprint Gauntlet

The next section was the most difficult:

Contestants had to dodge rolling barrels while sprinting. Survive a reverse treadmill, which forced them to push forward against a moving track. Then finally, swing across a 20-meter gap using a rope.

Paul never slowed down. Within three seconds, he was past the rolling barrels.

The reverse treadmill was no challenge either—it wasn't moving fast enough to pose a real threat. With minimal effort, he sprinted to the edge, grabbed the rope, and swung across with perfect precision.

Behind him, Electivire refused to be outdone. It leaped over the barrels, blitzed through the treadmill section, and instead of using the rope, it simply jumped the entire 20-meter gap in one go.

The Final Climb

The last phase required:

Jumping over a two-meter wall, and scaling a 20-meter rock wall to reach the finish.

Paul sprinted forward, leapt effortlessly over the two-meter barrier, and began his ascent.

But instead of climbing normally, he used a different approach—

A powerful dash. A high-speed leap.

Landing on a protruding ledge, he kicked off again launching several meters higher.

Finally, when he reached an overhanging section, he grabbed a handhold, swung himself up, and landed on the final platform.

Electivire, not to be outdone, charged up energy, vaulted 20 meters into the air in a single bound, and landed beside Paul effortlessly.

"Viree~"

"See? I didn't slow you down, Trainer."

Electivire grinned.

"You did well." Paul nodded. "But tomorrow's the real competition. Don't embarrass yourself."

Paul simply registered his information, and then left the scene and paying no attention to the stunned reactions behind him.

"Who the heck is that guy?"

"That looked way too easy…"

"This was supposed to be an obstacle course, not a speedrun!"

"And that Electivire—it just jumped an entire section in one go!"

Even Lucas was shaken.

"Infernape, we'll just focus on finishing the course."

"Raah!"

Infernape nodded seriously. The course wasn't too difficult for it, but keeping up with Electivire was another story altogether.

Results and the Next Round...

By evening, the results were in.

Unsurprisingly, Paul placed first. Lucas secured a respectable thirty-something.

Some professional athletes had participated, but since this was only a qualifier, most played it safe rather than risking injury. And then there was the Pokémon factor—few could match Electivire's sheer athleticism.

The next day, only 60 contestants remained—far fewer than expected. With no choice, the organizers allowed all 60 to continue.

Now, it was time for the triathlon:

2 kilometers of swimming; 40 kilometers of cycling; 10 kilometers of running.

The first 20 people to reach the finish line will be able to compete in the final competition.

And so, the real challenge has begun.

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