"In the quarterfinal match, Trainer Logan once again secures an undeniable victory, completely overwhelming his opponent!"
"Congratulations to Logan for advancing into the semifinals!"
"From his very first qualifying match, to the round of sixteen, and now the quarterfinals, Logan has only relied on a single Garchomp to defeat every opponent! Not only that, but in both the round of sixteen and quarterfinals, Garchomp simultaneously fought against multiple Pokémon at once—an absolutely unimaginable display of strength!"
"Let us all once again congratulate Trainer Logan!"
The commentator's voice rang through the stadium, matched by the deafening roar of the crowd.
Logan stood atop the podium, raising his hand. Before him, a sea of more than two hundred thousand spectators erupted into cheers so loud the air itself seemed to vibrate. Across the regions, TV hosts shouted into microphones with near hysteria, as if only screaming could release the excitement in their hearts.
"You've done well, Garchomp. Rest until the finals."
Garchomp gave a short, satisfied nod. With a flick of his wrist, Logan recalled his mighty dragon back into its Poké Ball.
Though the commentators made his victory sound effortless, Logan knew the truth. His last opponent had not been weak—not at all. Reaching the quarterfinals of the Indigo Conference was already proof of extraordinary talent. The girl he faced had been traveling for three years and commanded five battle-ready Pokémon. Defeating her with just Garchomp had taken no small toll—his dragon was tired, and slightly injured.
"Congratulations. Since you beat me… you'd better win the whole championship."
The opponent, a bright-eyed girl from Celadon City, stepped forward. They shook hands in the center of the battlefield.
Logan regarded her with respect. She was strong—her battle instincts not unlike Green's. Though Green's natural gifts might seem average when compared against Logan or Red, that was only because the scale was so skewed. Against ordinary trainers, Green's talent was extraordinary.
This girl too had potential. Given time, she could achieve great things.
"Of course," Logan replied with quiet confidence. "That's exactly why I fight—to become Champion. With your ability, a year or two more of training, and you could be challenging for a Gym Leader's position."
Her eyes lit up with surprise. "Heh… coming from you, that's quite the compliment. Honestly, when I heard your interviews before, I thought you were arrogant."
Logan chuckled. "Misunderstandings. When faced with mediocrity, if you're too humble, people just climb over your head."
She laughed openly at that, her cheerful spirit shining through. "You're right. Anyway, I'll keep working hard. Even if I can't be Champion yet, my dream is to one day take the Celadon Gym. But Erika is so strong… unless she moves up to the Elite Four, I don't see myself challenging her anytime soon."
Despite her complaint, she quickly straightened and offered her hand again. "Becoming a trainer was my childhood dream. I won't give up. I hope someday I'll face you again on equal ground."
Logan's smile was faint, but sincere. "I'll always be waiting."
Yet in his heart, he knew their paths would likely never cross again. Because while she would continue training step by step, he was chasing something greater—something no one else dared dream of. His goal was to surpass the entire world, even if he had to stand against it alone.
After a few more words, Logan left the field and moved to the spectator stands. He thought about sitting with Sabrina or Erika, but the Gym Leaders had their own reserved section—too public, too conspicuous. Instead, he made his way to the family section.
"HAHAHA! Congratulations, Logan! That was incredible! Now you're in the semifinals! Next, it's Green's match!"
Professor Oak was surrounded by familiar faces—Daisy Oak, Red, and Blue—all cheering Logan on.
Red and Blue were scheduled to fight their own quarterfinal matches the next day, so for now they were here to support Logan and Green.
"Green's opponent isn't weak either," Logan commented as he sat down in the seat Daisy Oak offered him. "But with her skill, as long as she's cautious, she'll make it through."
Unlike Logan's overwhelming one-against-six dominance, Green wasn't at that level. Neither were Red or Blue. Garchomp's sheer power was simply a tier beyond.
Still, this world was vast, with billions of people. There would always be hidden talents, extraordinary trainers waiting to emerge. Logan never underestimated the world.
But among his own generation? Few could stand against him now.
Especially here, in Kanto—the region recognized as the most competitive in the world. Recognition in Kanto was recognition everywhere.
"Hm? And who might this be?"
Logan noticed a stranger sitting beside Red.
"Oh, right! Logan, you haven't met him yet. Let me introduce you. This is Bill—he's a Pokémon researcher and commentator. He also helped invent the Pokémon Storage System!"
Red grinned as he made the introduction.
Bill scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "Haha… it wasn't just me. The system was a collaboration with some friends, and inspired by ancient ruins technology."
"Nice to meet you."
Logan offered his hand. Bill eagerly shook it. "The pleasure's mine! Logan, you're incredible. I've been watching all your matches—"
Logan sighed inwardly at the man's enthusiasm but humored him with polite conversation.
Half an hour later, the crowd roared again as Green's quarterfinal began.
As Logan had predicted, the match wasn't easy. Though not as brutal as her battle against Sabrina, Green still had to push hard, finally eking out a victory. She stood in the center of the arena, smug grin on her face, basking in the cheers.
Logan smirked to himself. Enjoy it while you can… I'll be your next opponent.
"Logan, where are you going?"
Daisy Oak noticed him suddenly stand.
"The tournament registration desk. No matter what, since my next opponent is Green, I'll need to prepare her a very special gift."
Everyone assumed he meant battle tactics and let it be. Such things were private, after all.
But Professor Oak gave him a knowing smile, as if he'd guessed something more.
The registration hall was quiet. Here, competitors officially registered the Pokémon they intended to use in matches—up to six, minimum one. Trainers could adjust their lineup before each round, though most never had enough powerful Pokémon to rotate. Quality over quantity was the golden rule.
In this world, strength gaps were vast. A single Pokémon defeating a hundred wasn't legend—it was reality.
Seeing Logan, now a semifinalist, the registrar quickly rose and bowed. "How may I help you, sir?"
"I had three Pokémon registered before, correct?"
"One moment please…" The staffer typed into a handheld device. "Yes. You've consistently had only three entered since the beginning."
"Good. Update it to six. Add these three as well."
Logan tossed three Poké Balls onto the desk. The registrar glanced down, and his eyes nearly popped from his head at the Pokémon inside.
At that exact moment, Logan felt a presence. He turned sharply.
Behind him, an old man in a wheelchair smiled warmly, flanked by a man and woman standing quietly at his side.
Logan frowned, instantly on guard. Who are these people? And why are they watching me?
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