With the start of the exchange tournament, one after another, exchange students from various universities began arriving at the Pokémon University of Duskwell City.
In an instant, the small university was filled with hundreds of people, and the atmosphere became lively and bustling.
All around the campus, banners could be seen with welcoming messages for the different universities coming to participate.
Although in theory it was a "friendly tournament," with the slogan "exchange first, competition second," the students—at the peak of their competitive years—were far from treating it lightly.
As more and more universities arrived, the atmosphere grew so tense that the air itself seemed to smell of gunpowder.
"Are the exchange rules free battles?" someone asked.
On the bus heading to the Pokémon University of Duskwell City, Professor Leonard Langford was explaining the tournament rules to Ethan and the other four.
Essentially, the event was more about interaction than pure competition, so it wasn't like a formal tournament where winners and losers were strictly determined.
However, despite those words, with such a charged atmosphere, fierce battles were inevitable.
"Even if they're free battles, we won't be able to avoid facing the Pokémon University of Duskwell City," added Professor Langford.
"After all, the last time there was an exchange tournament, Duskwell City University lost miserably. I'm sure they're eager to get revenge this time."
Kyle Miller smiled with a hint of anticipation. He hadn't participated in the previous tournament, but this time, he intended to make an impression.
"Yes, you're right," Professor Langford nodded seriously. "If nothing unexpected happens, the first battle of the morning will be against them."
In the previous tournament, the students from Duskwell City University had already shown great individual strength, but their defeat had come from poor team coordination.
This time, they had come much better prepared. The fight wouldn't be an easy one.
"In the morning? That soon? We'll have to battle as soon as we arrive?" Kyle asked in surprise.
Even though battles were an essential part of the event, starting that fast was a bit unexpected.
"I guess those Duskwell City guys just can't wait any longer," someone said with a laugh.
"Even better!" Marcus Foster grinned, licking his lips. "If it's the first match of the exchange, it's the perfect chance to stand out!"
...
Pokémon University of Duskwell City, training grounds.
Derek Ashford and his five-person team had prepared especially hard for this day. They wanted to ensure victory and had trained intensively on their coordination.
They had full confidence in their individual strength—they knew they weren't inferior to anyone. Last time, they'd lost to Ironvale City Pokémon University only because of their lack of teamwork.
This time, they were determined not to lose to anyone. Not even to the so-called "strongest university," Daleron Imperial Pokémon University.
"Professor Vega, have the Ironvale City team arrived yet?" Derek asked with a confident smile.
"They're already here," Professor Vega replied calmly.
"Ha ha ha! Finally! I was getting impatient waiting for them!" Brandon Hayes laughed, and his Magmar let out an excited roar, spouting a burst of flame.
Professor Vega smiled faintly at his students' enthusiasm.
The rivalry between Ironvale City and Duskwell City wasn't something new—it had gone on for years. And in a place full of competitive young trainers, conflicts were inevitable.
After their defeat in the previous tournament, everyone was burning with the desire to regain their lost pride.
It wasn't just the students who wanted to prove themselves— even the university administrators were eager for the competition to begin as soon as possible!
When the exchange team from Ironvale City arrived, they were greeted with thunderous applause.
The reaction was so over the top that one might have thought celebrities had arrived.
However, sitting on the bus, Ethan and his companions could only feel their eyelids twitch. Because the applause wasn't exactly welcoming... it was filled with anticipation to see them fall.
"What a thrilling feeling..." Marcus laughed. "Being the enemy of an entire university..."
Just thinking about the looks on everyone's faces when Duskwell City University lost again—now that would be satisfying!
"Come on, come on, let's get this started already," Kyle said with a confident grin as he stepped off the bus.
After a brief rest and exchange of greetings, the students from Duskwell City University immediately invited them to the exchange battle.
And of course, Ironvale City Pokémon University accepted without hesitation, officially beginning the tournament.
Moments later, both teams stood face-to-face on the battlefield, waiting for the match to begin.
"Ethan, Lucas, Marcus, Jasper... huh? Where's Alex? Did he get scared and not show up?" Derek mocked with a provoking tone.
The team from Duskwell City University was exactly the same as last time, though this time they seemed a bit more mature and composed.
"Derek," Ethan stepped forward calmly, "wasn't the beating I gave you in the starter Pokémon tournament enough? I see you still dare to boast."
"One-on-one duels are one thing; team battles are another. I'm not afraid of you now," Derek shot back, though seeing Ethan did make him shiver slightly as he recalled his previous defeat.
"Then let's fight," Ethan said coolly.
After the exchange of taunts, the referee stepped onto the field and officially announced the start of the match.
Without any preliminary selection round, both teams threw their Poké Balls at the same time, releasing ten Pokémon that appeared immediately on the battlefield.
Ethan's team sent out Sandslash, Metagross, Salamence, Scizor, and Onix—a lineup clearly focused on a sandstorm-based strategy.
Since Scyther had evolved into Scizor, the team had become even more solid.
But when they saw the opposing lineup, everyone was stunned.
Derek and his group hadn't used their main Pokémon from last time. Instead, they sent out Ludicolo, Golduck, Poliwrath, Magneton, and Ampharos.
"Huh?" Marcus muttered in confusion.
"What kind of weird formation is that?"
Three Water-types clearly countered Sandslash and Aggron... but those Magneton and Ampharos, which were especially weak to Ground-types, made no sense at all!
(End of Chapter)