During the match, Asen's strength proved significantly greater than Mumu's. Given his skill, he could have easily defeated her, but he chose not to. Instead, he forced his Pokémon to torment hers, bit by agonizing bit.
Finally, seeing that Mumu's Pokémon could no longer hold on, he delivered ruthless blows to leave them severely injured. It was only when the audience began to voice their discomfort that Asen finally stopped.
Eichi heard the details from Ryuichi. Simply hearing about it was brutal enough, let alone being the victim. The incident was a massive blow to Mumu, and her Pokémon were still recovering in the Pokémon Center's medical ward.
Eichi and the others made a point to visit Mumu and offer her some comfort. Beyond this incident, the most significant news was that after four rounds of competition, the Top 16 had finally been decided.
The Top 16 photos appeared on the television, featuring Eichi, Ryuichi, and Buliangren. Asen and a plain-looking man were also there, though Eichi didn't recognize the others.
However, after several days of observation, Eichi had a rough idea of who belonged to which school. Among the Top 16, there were three from the Indigo Academy and three from the Silver Academy. Together with Eichi's group of three and Asen, the rest were unknown individuals.
The Silver Academy had sent two senior boys and one senior girl. Eichi had met and chatted with them; they seemed quite friendly.
Suddenly, the television began the lottery to determine the next set of opponents. Ninety percent of the people in the Pokémon Center fixed their eyes on the screen.
After a few seconds, the page transitioned, and the sixteen portraits were assigned. Eichi found his image instantly. When he saw his opponent, a strange smile played across his lips.
The others soon saw Eichi's opponent as well.
"Eichi, your next opponent is that bastard Asen!" Ryuichi said with a joyful tone.
"That's right, Eichi! We're counting on you to avenge Mumu in tomorrow's match. Don't you dare lose!"
As it happened, Asen was also in the Pokémon Center, not far from them. He looked at Eichi with a provocative sneer, cold-laughing every now and then. Seeing that expression, everyone's blood boiled with anger.
"Don't worry," Eichi said as cold light flashed in his eyes. "If I don't win, I won't be able to forgive myself."
Those close to Eichi knew he was truly angry. The people nearby felt the surrounding temperature suddenly drop several degrees. One person looked around in confusion, wondering why it felt so cold in the middle of summer.
The next day, at the Indigo Athletic Field.
Starting from the fifth round, every match was held at the Indigo Athletic Field. As the main venue, it was more than twice as large as the other four stadiums. The stands were a sea of people, and the roaring cheers rose in wave after wave.
Furthermore, the Elite Four would be appearing in the spectator area. Since Eichi was in the second match, Ryuichi in the fourth, and Buliangren in the seventh, the other two came to watch Eichi's battle. Kadokawa and Mumu were also there in the stands.
Eichi didn't stay backstage; he went to the stands specifically to see the Elite Four. Across from him was a row of prominent seats, some of which were occupied.
Eichi finally saw Lorelei and Bruno of the Elite Four. They looked just like they did in the anime. Lorelei wore glasses and sat with her legs crossed, appearing as cold and elegant as ever. Bruno had a massive, muscular build, bronze skin, and narrow eyes.
Sitting there, they radiated a powerful aura. Eichi felt the trip was worth it just for this. His only regret was not seeing their Pokémon.
He glanced at the first match. Both sides were down to their last Pokémon, and it was nearly over. Eichi headed to the backstage area to prepare. He was up next.
As he reached the back, Ryuichi and Buliangren walked over.
"Eichi, good luck!"
"You have to win!"
The three seniors from the Silver Academy also came over to cheer him on. Time passed in anticipation.
Following the commentator's announcement of the first winner, Eichi stood up. It was his turn. He stepped out into the sunlight, facing a crowd twice the size of the previous venues.
Two members of the Elite Four were watching, as was his opponent, the Celadon City expert, Asen.
"Now, please welcome the contestant from Celadon City, Asen, and his opponent from Viridian City, Eichi!"
"Let's give them a warm round of applause as they take the stage!"
"Eichi!"
"Eichi!"
Most of the audience was cheering for Eichi. After all, during the previous days of competition, Eichi had cleared every round using only a single Ninjask. Combined with his handsome looks, he had naturally gained a large following.
Asen also had a few fanatical supporters, despite his poor character.
"Hey, kid. I'm going to show you how powerful I am in a moment," Asen called out provocatively.
Eichi ignored him. He took out a Poké Ball and prepared for the match. Anyone can talk big; he would let his actions speak for him.
Seeing that both were ready, the referee raised both flags.
"Asen versus Eichi, begin!"
"Go, my precious!"
"Go, Heracross!"
Asen tossed his Poké Ball. It opened in mid-air, and a burst of white light transformed into a massive rat on the ground. Eichi opened his Eye of the Bug Emperor.
Raticate, the Mouse Pokémon.
Types: Normal
Abilities: Run Away / Guts (Standard), Hustle (Hidden)
Talent Grade: Excellent
Trainer Rank: Gym Leader (Level 51)
Description: A large, rodent-like Pokémon with tawny fur and a cream-colored underside. It has long, sharp incisors that grow constantly.
Although Eichi loathed Asen, he was slightly surprised that the man had managed to train a Raticate to the Gym Leader level. It must have taken an incredible amount of time and money.
On the giant electronic screen behind the referee, Raticate's icon appeared in Asen's first slot, while Heracross's appeared in Eichi's.
"We can see that Asen has sent out Raticate, while Eichi has chosen Heracross!"
The Top 16 matches were still three-on-three; the full six-on-six battles wouldn't begin until the Top 8. The match officially started.
"Raticate, Crunch!"
"Ra-da!"
Raticate showed a hint of disdain, then kicked off the ground and charged rapidly toward Heracross.
"Heracross, Horn Attack!"
"Ya-kulu!"
Heracross buzzed its wings, its brow furrowing as its entire body tensed with power. It lunged forward, aiming its massive horn at Raticate. Eichi had already told it what happened to Mumu.
Though Heracross was usually lazy and cared little for anything other than eating and sleeping, it held Mumu's kindness in its heart. It wanted to avenge her and vent its anger.
Energy surged through its body. Its speed was incredible—even slightly faster than Raticate's. They collided violently in the center. Raticate tried to leap over the horn to bite another area, but it found no opening.