CHAPTER 11

011 Ralts vs. Makuhita

"But Teacher Su, what will I gain if I take first place?"

Hearing Qin Yun's question, Su Leyan rolled her eyes. "If you get first place, forget a month's leave even if you ask for leave until the final exams, I'd approve it."

"Well then, if I win, my leave is secured!"

Qin Yun had already planned for this outcome, but he hadn't expected Su Leyan to state it outright.

"Fine."

She wasn't worried about making this promise because she didn't believe Qin Yun could win.

Although Qin Yun's Ralts was the only Pokémon of medium potential available at the Pokémon Center, it wasn't the only one in this year's graduating class. Luo Qing had secured a medium-potential Pokémon through family connections. Other students with similar backgrounds had likely received high-potential Pokémon as well.

Qin Yun's family background was ordinary, which meant he had no access to resources like specialized training or performance-enhancing Pokémon food, such as EV-boosting Pokéblocks. In contrast, Luo Qing's family had already arranged for Makuhita to train at Jiang Cheng Gym, giving it a head start. In just six days, Pokémon with proper support could reach Entry-Intermediate Level a massive advantage over Qin Yun, who could only rely on talent and rigorous training.

Still, talent in battle tactics was Qin Yun's trump card, and his only chance to make it into the Top 16.

"Teacher Su, can I have a four-day leave for training?"

"Fine, but only after morning classes," Su Leyan replied. Unlike other students, Qin Yun was reliable, making her more lenient with him.

"Understood."

A Stir in the Classroom

As soon as Qin Yun entered his classroom, all eyes turned toward him.

"Qin Yun, you're finally here!"

"Hey, is it true you got the only medium-potential Pokémon at the Pokémon Center? Can we see it?"

"I heard Ralts are notoriously difficult to train, especially for male trainers. How about a deal? I'll trade you a low-potential Pokémon and pay 5 million Pokédollars on top!"

"Qin Yun"

A crowd immediately surrounded him.

Meanwhile, Luo Qing, who sat at his desk, clenched his fists, his face full of jealousy.

"Hmph! What's so great about a shy, fragile Ralts? My family got me a medium-potential Makuhita, and I've been training at Jiang Cheng Gym. It won't be long before I evolve it into a Hariyama and become an elite trainer. Unlike Qin Yun, I'll easily get into Pokémon University."

His voice dripped with arrogance, drawing attention. The shift in focus made him feel smug.

"Qin Yun, from now on, you're just my stepping stone."

"Boring."

Qin Yun wasn't interested in Luo Qing's provocation.

"I challenge you to a battle!" Luo Qing shouted, unable to accept Qin Yun's indifference.

Qin Yun was about to decline until the system's voice echoed in his mind.

[Ding! Challenge detected! Accept?]

[Failure results in 5 Punishment Points. Victory rewards: 1x God-Tier Lucky Card.]

The God-Tier Lucky Card had been crucial in securing Ralts, so there was no reason to refuse.

"Fine. I accept."

"Haha! Qin Yun, prepare to witness Makuhita's power!" Luo Qing sneered. "Come out, Makuhita!"

Opponent Pokémon: Makuhita

Type: Fighting

Ability: Thick Fat (Halves damage from Fire- and Ice-type moves)

Level: Entry-Level, Beginner

Potential: Medium

Moves: Tackle, Take Down, Sand Attack

Pokédex Entry: No matter how many times it gets knocked down, Makuhita always stands back up, gathering energy for evolution each time.

The three offensive moves suggested that Luo Qing's training focused solely on power rather than strategy. Still, considering Jiang Cheng Gym's reputation, this Makuhita had probably undergone intense martial arts-style conditioning, making it a formidable opponent.

"This is the result of my three days of training," Luo Qing boasted.

Two mid-potential Pokémon facing off naturally attracted attention.

"If you're going to battle, I'll be the referee," Su Leyan announced, stepping in. She didn't stop the fight on the contrary, this was a chance to gauge Qin Yun's strength.

"Teacher Su."

"Teacher Su, you're here!"

When the students saw her, they instinctively straightened up.

Serena, one of Qin Yun's classmates, pulled him aside. "Qin Yun, Luo Qing's Makuhita trained at Jiang Cheng Gym for three days. It learned actual combat techniques aren't you worried?"

"It's fine."

His calm tone immediately put Serena at ease.

"Right. It's Qin Yun he must have a plan."

Still, most students weren't optimistic about his chances.

"Luo Qing's Makuhita trained at a gym, and Qin Yun was on his own."

"This might be the end of Qin Yun's undefeated streak."

Even teachers arrived, bringing their students along to watch.

"That's Ralts? It doesn't look as timid as the rumors say."

Qin Yun's Ralts clung to him, contradicting the widespread belief that Ralts dislike men.

"Hmph. Even if Ralts likes him, raw strength is what matters in battles!" Luo Qing scoffed.

"Teacher Su, can we start?" Qin Yun asked impatiently.

"Alright."

Su Leyan's gaze flickered between them.

"This will be a 1v1 Pokémon battle. The match ends when one Pokémon is unable to battle."

She raised her hand.

"Begin!"

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