When David returned to the training ground, the class monitor's matches had already concluded, while Emma was still on the field, preparing to start her match.
"David, what's that?" Willow asked, slightly puzzled, as she watched David approach carrying a large object.
"This is my second Pokemon—a reward from the final exam. I finished my match and noticed you were still battling, so I went ahead and claimed my reward," David explained to Willow, gently shaking the incubator containing the Pokemon egg.
"What kind of Pokemon is it?" Willow asked curiously, examining the Pokemon egg inside the incubator.
"I don't actually know. This little one is an unidentified Pokemon egg. I felt a strong connection with it, so I chose it."
Of course, David couldn't reveal that he'd chosen a Riolu. It was an unknown Pokemon egg that even professional researchers couldn't identify. If he'd stated it outright, he would've needed to explain how he knew.
He certainly couldn't claim he possessed special abilities surpassing researchers and professional scanning equipment, able to see through Pokemon eggs directly. That would be absurd. After all, if he truly had such power, who would bother examining Pokemon eggs in the first place?
"Enough about that. Class monitor, how did you and Emma do?"
"I've finished. I lost two matches. As for Emma, this is her final match. If she wins, she'll have a perfect record. From the looks of it, you probably also won all ten!"
Speaking of this, Willow couldn't help but feel somewhat dejected, a hint of frustration flashing across her face. They were all friends from the same class, and they hadn't even faced each other, yet she was the only one who'd lost two matches.
Her luck had truly been terrible. Willow's strength wasn't actually weak—in fact, to serve as class monitor, her scores in Pokemon theory knowledge and simulated battles were second only to David's in their class.
Unfortunately, her luck this time had been poor. In the random draw, she'd immediately faced a seeded player from another middle school, losing one match by a narrow margin. Her Pokemon had also sustained injuries. In her final match, she'd encountered an opponent who was not only strong but also had a type advantage, resulting in her two losses.
"It's fine. Making it to the knockout rounds is already good. You can defeat them next time. Emma's match is starting now, so let's watch! Don't overthink it."
David noticed Willow's low spirits, so he offered some comfort and subtly changed the subject.
The two turned their attention to the battle arena, where the match had already begun.
Name: Togepi
Type: Fairy
Energy Level: 14 (Ordinary)
Gender: ♀
Ability: Serene Grace
Potential: Dark Purple
Held Item: Silk Scarf
Moves: Pound, Growl, Sweet Kiss, Life Dew, Charm, Metronome, Present, Yawn, Hidden Power (Rock), Light Screen, Rest
Name: Munchlax
Type: Normal
Energy Level: 11 (Ordinary)
Gender: ♂
Ability: Thick Fat
Held Item: None
Moves: Lick, Counter, Body Slam, Tackle, Defense Curl, Rollout
David observed the two combatants and nodded slightly.
Emma's strength had improved significantly compared to before. It seemed he wasn't the only one working hard—Emma must have put in considerable effort these past few days.
For novice Pokemon, as long as they received sufficient nutrition, their growth rate was naturally fast. However, reaching Level 14 in just half a month certainly required dedication and hard work.
The opponent wasn't easy to deal with, though. While Togepi held a level advantage, Munchlax was a Pokemon with only one evolution stage, meaning its base stats in its initial form were inherently stronger than Togepi's, which had two evolution stages.
Togepi lacked powerful offensive moves, and the opponent's high-defense, high-HP Munchlax was a typical tank. Whether they could win likely depended on the trainer's performance in the moment.
On the field, the two Pokemon had already begun battling. Munchlax used Defense Curl, retracting its body inward to become a large spherical shape, then charged toward Togepi.
A classic Defense Curl plus Rollout combination.
First, it raised its defense with Defense Curl, then used Rollout to approach and attack. Utilizing its weight advantage, this strategy was well-suited for Pokemon like Munchlax—large, slow, and lacking ranged options in the early stages.
"Boom!" The curled-up Munchlax charged fiercely toward Togepi. With Munchlax's weight, if this Rollout landed squarely, Togepi would likely lose its ability to battle, if not immediately then very close to it.
Without any command from Emma, Togepi stepped forward and immediately activated Light Screen.
"Bang!" A barrier of light materialized in front of Munchlax. Crashing directly into the Light Screen, Munchlax stopped immediately, its Rollout momentum interrupted by Togepi.
"Excellent! That's it, Togepi! Use Yawn, then follow up with Return!"
"Munchlax, use Counter!"
The opposing trainer was clearly experienced. With his opening strategy thwarted, he showed no panic and immediately issued his command.
Both commands came almost simultaneously. Togepi's Yawn predictably connected with the opponent, but before falling asleep, Munchlax's body glowed with white light.
Then, an energy sphere radiating white light condensed before Togepi's small hand and flew toward the drowsy Munchlax.
"Bang! Bang!"
The energy sphere struck the sleeping Munchlax, but clearly, a single Return dealing neutral damage wasn't enough to make the thick-skinned Munchlax lose its ability to battle.
"Togepi!"
At this moment, the Counter that Munchlax had successfully executed began to take effect. Double the damage was reflected onto Togepi, causing it to cry out in pain.
"Togepi!"
David, watching from the sidelines, unconsciously shook his head. Still too inexperienced. After seeing Togepi use Light Screen, Emma should have immediately commanded an attack.
The moment Rollout was interrupted, Munchlax's reaction speed would have made dodging very difficult. Following up with Sweet Kiss or Yawn for control could have easily created a combo without Togepi taking any damage.
At this point, the sleeping Munchlax also awakened. Its previous Rollout had brought it very close to Togepi. The pain from its injuries made it roar, and it immediately used Tackle toward the nearby Togepi.
"Togepi, pull yourself together! Face Munchlax and use Sweet Kiss!"
"Quick, dodge!"
Hearing Emma's call, Togepi forced itself to rally, releasing a pink heart toward the charging Munchlax.
The opposing trainer, upon hearing Emma's command, had already reacted, but Munchlax's momentum had built up too much—it was too late to dodge.
The pink heart struck the blue figure charging at full speed. Munchlax, having just woken from sleep, fell into confusion.
"Well done, Togepi!" Seeing Sweet Kiss connect, Emma excitedly waved her hand.
Togepi ultimately lacked strong offensive moves. Seeing that the confused Munchlax was about to recover, Emma decided to take another gamble.
"Togepi, use Metronome!"
Togepi's small hand waved continuously before it, and a light blue sphere slowly condensed.
David, watching from below, was genuinely surprised. What incredible luck! Serene Grace truly made Emma exceptionally fortunate!
David had already recognized the move Togepi had randomly generated—Aura Sphere, a technique that even Fighting-type Pokemon rarely learned, Lucario's signature move.
Needless to say, the match was essentially decided at this point.
The light blue Aura Sphere struck Munchlax, who remained in a confused state. As the only type that resisted Normal-type moves, a single Aura Sphere with super-effective damage immediately rendered Munchlax unable to battle.
"Munchlax!"
"Munchlax is unable to battle. The winner is contestant number 166, Emma."
As the referee's flag descended, the final battle of the preliminary round for David and the two girls concluded.