August 13, Thursday
The second day of the open challenge tournament!
All eyes were on the central battlefield as the qualifying contestants from the eight divisional venues prepared to challenge Modu Gym Leader Tang Hui, vying for the Best Individual Award.
In the guest section, President Song Pengcheng smiled and remarked, "All three Modu University contestants have advanced. I wonder how many will earn a badge."
Du Yuanshan stroked his white beard, his gaze resting on the sharp-dressed Tang Hui, and fell into thought.
Tang Hui's appointment as Gym Leader in his early thirties spoke volumes about his commanding skill and tactical acumen.
Although this was an open challenge, if the challengers' abilities didn't meet expectations, badges would be difficult to earn.
Du Yuanshan nodded slightly.
"It all depends on Tang Hui's judgment."
Everyone held their breath as the first challenger stepped onto the stage.
Tang Hui adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, composed himself, and gave a slight nod.
"I've heard that the Modu Gym is notoriously difficult," Shen Tingzhi whispered.
"If he goes all out, most of the contestants here might crash and burn."
Lu Ye looked surprised.
"Doesn't he adjust his Pokémon based on the challenger's badge count?"
"Even weaker Pokémon in his rotation are part of the Gym Leader's prepared lineup," Shen Tingzhi explained with a sigh, "and combined with his command prowess..."
"Every year, plenty of challengers leave these tournaments with shattered confidence."
Lu Ye pondered briefly.
In the TV series lore, Gym Leaders were also tasked with teaching challengers.
If a Gym Leader handed out three badges in a row, it could be deemed negligence, possibly leading to their dismissal.
For Tang Hui to hold his position as Modu's Gym Leader, he clearly had exceptional capabilities.
"So," Lu Ye asked, "even in an open challenge, badges aren't guaranteed?"
Shen Tingzhi nodded silently.
Although she had qualified to challenge Tang Hui, she had no confidence in winning a badge.
"Teacher Lu," Shen Tingzhi hesitated, "do you… think you can do it?"
Lu Ye looked to the heavens.
It all sounded very intimidating... But this is 1,000,000 Pokedollars we're talking about!
That's worth ten sleepless nights of gaming!
"I wouldn't say I'm confident," Lu Ye declared righteously.
"But for the glory of Modu University, what's a little hardship?"
Shen Tingzhi blinked, momentarily stunned.
So Teacher Lu isn't in it for the exclusive move guide...
"I was too shallow," she murmured, her cheeks slightly flushed.
Suddenly, the audience erupted.
"Taken out in a flash? That's it?!"
The sleek feathers of a Pidgeot were locked by the blue glow of Kadabra's eyes.
Simultaneously bound by Disable, a sinister beam refracted from Kadabra's spoon, ripping through Pidgeot's wings with Psybeam!
Tang Hui nodded slightly.
"Better luck next time."
The challenger recalled their Pidgeot, dejectedly nodded, and left the field.
"While the offensive options were varied, the commanding was too crude," Tang Hui assessed silently, shaking his head imperceptibly.
In the guest section, Song Pengcheng commented in surprise, "Xiao Tang is taking this seriously?"
"Perhaps," Du Yuanshan replied, stroking his beard, "he hasn't found a promising challenger yet."
After all, the Modu Gym's exclusive guides weren't handed out lightly...
By noon, Tang Hui had easily defeated the first two challengers, using only his reserves: Kadabra, Meowstic, and Swoobat.
Even so, he crushed Lu Guanghai of Fuzhou University, leaving the chubby challenger with a shadow over his psyche.
"This gym is impossible!" Lu Guanghai gritted his teeth.
"If he didn't want to hand out guides, he could've just said so!"
Chen Tingyue of Luzhou City smirked coldly.
"It's just that your skills are lacking. Watch how Teacher Lu breaks through!"
"Pfft, as if. Teacher Lu's just a streamer..." Lu Guanghai sneered.
"I bet Tang Hui will take him out with a clean 3-0!"
Chen Tingyue's reply was a simple, disdainful chuckle.
---
The Third Challenger
"Next challenger! Su Yu, from Jiangyang City, Suhuai Province!"
The audience buzzed with excitement.
"With Su Yu, this should be a cinch!"
"Bug-types have the advantage against Psychic-types!"
"It's in the bag!"
But ten minutes later... The arena fell silent again.
"What the—he really doesn't want to hand out badges!"
"Even Su Yu lost? What's the point of trying anymore?"
Throughout the entire day, the Modu Gym didn't award a single badge.
Although Tang Hui didn't use particularly strong Pokémon, he always brought out new tricks.
This was the hallmark of a Gym Leader's expertise in their chosen type.
---
Late Afternoon
As the sun dipped, Tang Hui looked visibly fatigued. He muttered to himself, "That should be it for today... no more challengers, right?"
"Hmm?"
From the contestants' section, Lu Ye, who had been observing, suddenly raised his head.
When one is tired, their ability to command declines significantly.
If I don't challenge him now, should I wait until he's refreshed tomorrow?
"I'll go," Lu Ye announced.
Though his voice wasn't loud, it rang crystal clear in the tense arena.
Every eye turned to the composed figure of the young Trainer.
"Is that... Modu's contestant?"
"Holy crap, the one who obliterated Duan Cheng!"
"He's here—that man is here!"
"Teacher Lu, go for it!"
The long-quiet arena erupted, cheers and applause echoing throughout.
Even Tang Hui looked momentarily bewildered.
Isn't this my open challenge tournament?
Why does he have more fans than me?!
Chen Tingyue's usually frosty expression flushed slightly as she stood and cheered excitedly, "Teacher Lu, you can do it!"
Lu Ye seemed like the last hope for a badge, his figure towering heroically in the crowd's eyes.
---
At the Arena
Tang Hui pushed up his glasses, a faint smile appearing.
"Teacher Lu, go easy on me."
"Next time," Lu Ye replied with a nod.
Tang Hui paused, sensing an unusual seriousness in Lu Ye's demeanor.
To Lu Ye, Tang Hui was no longer a Gym Leader.
He was a walking, golden 1,000,000 Pokedollars!
Lu Ye pulled out a Poké Ball, his voice firm.
"Go, Haunter!"
"Haunter!"
Red light flashed, and black mist swirled. Haunter emerged, cackling sinisterly.
Its mouth twisted into a wicked grin as its crimson tongue flicked out menacingly.
"Haunter! (ૢ˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
Chen Tingyue turned bright red, clasping her face with both hands.
"So cute!" she squealed.
In the guest section, Du Yuanshan's eyes lit up.
He had thought Lu Ye's Squirtle was impressive...
But this Haunter... was on another level entirely!