Time slipped by quickly, and after some final adjustments, the Challenger's Tournament finally arrived as scheduled.
The day before the opening match, Paul and Reggie reached Lily of the Valley Island. Under the escort of League officials, they scouted the upcoming battle arenas, then returned to their lodgings where Paul immediately began studying the information provided by staff.
The Champion Challenge Tournament was unlike any standard competition. Its very purpose was to determine whether the Elite Four and the reigning Champion would be replaced. Because of this, its rules were different as well.
Compared to the games where one must defeat the entire Elite Four and the Champion consecutively, this real-world system was far simpler.
The rules were straightforward: Paul's target was the Champion. To get there, he had to defeat all four Elite Four members across four matches within two days, then rest for a day before facing Cynthia in the Championship Match.
Unlike the Elite Four's standard 6-on-6 format, these preliminary matches would be 3-on-3 battles, one in the morning and one in the afternoon—meaning no more than six Pokémon per day.
Only the final showdown against Cynthia would revert to a proper 6-on-6 battle.
Another notable point: except for the Champion's match, the battlefield for each round would be chosen by the respective Elite Four member to favor their specialty.
Inside the challengers' room, Paul sat at his computer, conducting his final round of research.
"Come on, Paul—you've got this. Tomorrow's match, you've got to beat Aaron again."
Reggie clenched his fist in encouragement before leaving the room, giving Paul space to stay focused.
Paul's gaze stayed fixed on his screen.
"In a match this important, there's no way they won't bring their ace Pokémon—unless they've somehow trained a perfect counter. But the chances of abandoning a stronger Pokémon just to tailor a counterpick? Practically impossible."
Indeed, Paul's team might have seemed fairly ordinary if viewed through the lens of the games, where synergy and combination strategies dominate.
But this was the real world. His Pokémon were essentially self-sufficient powerhouses. Countering even one of them was difficult, countering several at once was nearly impossible.
Sure, an opponent might think of a perfect Pokémon to capture and train as a counter, but real Pokémon require growth time. No one could just grind one to level 100 overnight. By the time they were trained, Paul's main force would already be on par with—or even clashing evenly against so-called "Tier 1 Legends".
"Aaron's Vespiquen, Bertha's Hippowdon, Flint's Infernape, Lucian's Bronzong and Medicham—those five are locks for sure."
"So, which ones should I open with against Aaron tomorrow?"
Paul leaned back, deep in thought.
It wasn't arrogance toward his opponent, it was sheer confidence in his own Pokémon.
His first-string lineup had all reached Champion-tier. Aaron was only an Elite Four member; even if some of his Pokémon touched Champion-class, if Paul really wanted to, he could sweep the entire Elite Four without much trouble.
It was just a pity his Monferno had grown rapidly but still hadn't quite matured enough to evolve into Infernape. Otherwise, its Honor-class strength would've been a worthy addition to this tournament.
"…Alright. Let's go with those two."
After a long pause, Paul finally decided on his lineup.
Yes, he had only picked two slots. The third would simply be filled by Electivire as insurance. That alone was more than enough.
"Oh—almost forgot."
Having settled his plan, Paul suddenly remembered something and quickly left his room to find Reggie.
He didn't need to look far—downstairs in the lobby, he spotted Reggie chatting with three familiar faces: Dawn, Lucas, and Barry.
The moment Reggie noticed him, he smiled.
"Paul, look—Dawn, Lucas, and Barry came to cheer you on."
"Do your best, Paul. I've watched your past matches—you've grown so fast. I believe you can defeat Miss Cynthia and take the Champion's title."
Lucas' calm smile carried quiet confidence, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Hahaha! Paul, you're amazing! My idol! You're already up here challenging the Champion. I'll catch up to you one day, get as strong as you—and then I'll take down my old man once and for all!"
Barry's golden hair bobbed as he laughed heartily, eyes shining with visions of defeating his father.
"Good luck, Paul!"
Dawn cheered sweetly, raising a fist in support.
"…Thanks. I will win."
Paul's response carried none of his usual restraint—it was firm, confident, and absolute.
At this stage, confidence was more important than humility.
"By the way, you came down for something?" Reggie asked knowingly. He had seen Paul in deep analysis just moments earlier, so this sudden appearance had to be for a reason.
"Big brother, hold on to these Poké Balls for me."
Paul handed over five Poké Balls, everything except Mewtwo's, without hesitation even in front of the others.
The tournament allowed challengers to carry six Pokémon but only use three per match. Yet Paul had been traveling with twelve Pokémon at once—technically bending the rules. Changing out his roster before each battle was therefore no issue.
"No problem. I'll handle it."
Reggie accepted the Balls with solemn assurance.
"Wow, Paul, your Poké Balls look so unique! They'd be amazing for a Pokémon Contest!"
Dawn's eyes lit up when she saw the Hisuian-style Poké Balls Paul carried. She naturally assumed Paul was just handing them over to Reggie for rotation, she had no idea they could actually hold more than six Pokémon.
Paul glanced at her. "Want one?"
He still had several Hisuian Balls from his journey to Hisui, and with Mewtwo's mastery of craftsmanship, replicating more wasn't difficult. The only uncertainty was whether those replicas could also bypass the six-Pokémon limit.
Handing a few out wasn't a big deal. Still—if word spread, it might invite unwanted trouble.
"…No, no, no, I'm good."
Dawn shivered under Paul's sharp gaze, shaking her head furiously like a rattling drum.
"Alright then. We'll leave you to your prep. Good luck tomorrow!"
"Eh?! Wait, wait—I still want to talk with Paul! Don't drag me off, Lucas—!"
Lucas only chuckled and physically hauled away the protesting blond Barry.
...
The next day—Lily of the Valley Island, Arena No. 1.
The Champion Challenge Tournament was held only once in several years. Each time it did, the stands filled to bursting with spectators from all over the world, eager for the battles to begin.
"Welcome to Lily of the Valley Island! The long-awaited Champion Challenge Tournament is about to commence! The first match will be between Elite Four member Aaron, master of Bug-types, versus the challenger Paul!"
"Today's battlefield will be the Forest Arena, densely covered with trees, granting Bug-type Pokémon the perfect terrain to capitalize on."
"The two Trainers are now in position. The match is about to begin—let's all look forward to an exciting battle!"
The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium, pulling everyone's attention to the stage.
"Man… just my luck, running into you first. I'll give it everything I've got to stop you here!"
From across the tree-filled arena, Aaron called out to Paul, feeling immense pressure.
He'd studied Paul's battles. Just considering Paul's Drapion alone gave him a headache—never mind that terrifying Electivire.
He didn't feel confident. All he could do was give it his all.
Paul's eyes were calm. "I'll be watching closely."
"Trainers—send out your Pokémon!"
At the referee's command, both threw their Poké Balls at the same time.
"Go, Drapion!"
"Metagross, prepare for battle!"
With a flash of light, Drapion and Metagross appeared on the battlefield, locking eyes.
Type-wise, neither side held an obvious advantage, and each had moves capable of countering the other. On paper, this was a battle of equals.
"Battle, begin!"
At the referee's signal, both Trainers shouted out their command at the same time.
"Drapion, Acupressure! Then use Pin Missile!"
"Metagross, use Cosmic Power and then Flash Cannon!"
Though Aaron's Drapion couldn't directly boost its stats at will, multitasking in battle wasn't an issue for it.
And so, both Pokémon began powering up.
As they moved, Drapion's body glowed with strengthening energy while countless Pin Missiles rained down from above. Metagross, its body shining with cosmic light, fired a piercing Flash Cannon in return.
The two attacks didn't directly clash, but the Pokémon wasted no time following up.
With its Dark typing negating Psychic-type effects, Drapion had anticipated this—Acupressure sharply boosted its defenses (+2 Defense), and it twisted its body just in time to narrowly evade the Flash Cannon.
Psychic powers had no effect on Dark-types, but Psychic moves still struck true!
Metagross' eyes glimmered. Suddenly, every Pin Missile hanging in the air froze, turned mid-flight, and stormed back toward Drapion in a relentless barrage.
"Block it—then Roar!"
Drapion countered by firing more Pin Missiles to intercept the barrage, then let out a deep roar. A wave of distorted sound surged toward Metagross.
A clever tactic, but Metagross simply raised a shimmering barrier. Protect nullified the attack with ease.
The moment Protect dropped, Metagross blurred out of sight with Agility, then charged in, front legs leading, and rear legs propelling it like a comet. Meteor Mash slammed forward.
At that moment, Drapion's Acupressure triggered again—its Speed rose (+2), barely fast enough to meet Metagross head-on with Fire Fang.
BOOM!
The clash of steel and flame sent Drapion skidding back, grimacing in pain from the sheer force of Meteor Mash.
"Body Slam!"
Seizing the momentum, Metagross halted, twisted, and hurled itself from the air like a spinning gyroscope, crashing down.
Shockwaves erupted as Drapion's eyes widened—but then it smirked.
"Roar!"
The moment Aaron gave the command, Drapion unleashed another deafening roar.
The unique sound waves struck Metagross mid-descent, forcing it to lose control and dissolve into red light, then yanked back into its Poké Ball.
"…"
In silence, Paul's expression hardened as a new Pokémon emerged: Ursaluna.
"Urrhh…"
The massive bear appeared, looking slightly bewildered at being sent out prematurely.
"Paul, every one of your Pokémon excels at stat-boosting." Aaron said with a faint grin. "I can't match you there… so I'll use unconventional methods instead."
His plan was clear: time a Roar correctly to force switches, or prevent Paul's Pokémon from setting up at all. That was the key to victory.
Still, Aaron remained sharp. "Taunt!"
"Draa?!"
Accelerated by its prior boosts, Drapion was lightning fast—its mocking cry struck first.
Ursaluna's confused eyes burned with anger. Taunt succeeded!
"No Belly Drum. No Bulk Up. That cuts its power drastically. Drapion may be at a type disadvantage, but with its boosts and Acupressure… the upper hand is mine!"
Aaron's analysis settled his nerves.
But then, flames surged from Ursaluna's body, and its eyes flashed crimson.
"Ursaah!!"
With a roar, Ursaluna ignited—its aura turned feral, bloodlust spilling forth.
Flame Orb burn + Guts!
Awakened State activated!
Rage-driven Fury engaged!
Even without Belly Drum or Bulk Up, Ursaluna's sheer presence was terrifying—its power beyond reason.
"Earthquake!"
"Ursaah!"
Both fists crashed down. The battlefield shook violently, trees toppling as the ground split apart.
The sheer force rivaled, perhaps exceeded—a Champion-level Ursaluna's Belly Drum–boosted Earthquake.
"Protect!"
Drapion desperately raised a shield, bracing behind Protect while repeatedly triggering Acupressure, hoping to outlast the tremors and strike back later.
But the Earthquake didn't stop. The ground shattered endlessly, the arena collapsing. Cracks spread even through Drapion's protective barrier.
"This… this can't be…"
Aaron's eyes widened. Ursaluna didn't need setup moves. In this state, a single sustained Earthquake was enough to topple Drapion outright.
"Return, Drapion!"
He instantly recalled Drapion—only for a jagged, and crystalline blue pillar of earth to erupt beneath it, knocking it aside and intercepting the Poké Ball's beam.
The recall failed.
"What?!" Aaron gasped.
The moment Drapion hit the ground, the quaking damage hit full force. The scorpion shrieked in agony, unable to resist.
Super effective!
Two seconds later, the tremors stopped—and Drapion collapsed.
"Drapion is unable to battle! Ursaluna wins!"
The referee, legs shaking from the aftershocks, announced the result.
"What a terrifying strength… even this Champion-standard battlefield couldn't contain that Earthquake's effects beyond the arena."
From the sidelines, Lucas was in awe.
Every safeguard—short of Dynamax barriers, had been built into the stadium. Yet Ursaluna's power still overwhelmed them.
"My legs feel so numb…" Dawn clutched the railing, pale.
"No wonder I was never your match." Barry muttered, resolute.
"If Earthquake alone is this devastating, when I build my Battle Tower, I'll never let Paul in. One fight, and the whole place might collapse!"
(End of Chapter)
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