After placing the precious Shiny Beldum egg into the highest-grade incubator of the family estate and securing it properly, Shiba's life returned to a brief period of calm.
The silver-white Pokémon egg floated quietly within temperature-regulated nutrient fluid, like a slumbering star. Shiba knew that when it awakened, it would stir up a storm.
But for now, he had rare free time.
On a weekend afternoon, sunlight filtered through the gaps between skyscrapers, casting dappled patterns across the ground.
Shiba and Yūko walked side by side along the busiest commercial street in Magic City, eventually stopping before a massive building that pierced the clouds.
The Battle Tower.
The entire structure, forged from silver-gray alloys and deep-blue reinforced glass, stood like a sword aimed at the heavens—its design full of futuristic strength. This was the holy ground for Magic City's Trainers, a colossal complex combining battling, training, trading, and entertainment. Every day, countless Trainers flooded in, chasing their dreams and longing to prove themselves.
Inside, the tower buzzed with noise.
The grand hall, large enough to hold thousands, had a mirror-like floor reflecting the constantly shifting neon lights above. The air carried a unique mix of sweat, energy drinks, and Pokémon food—a scent full of fighting spirit.
"Wow, it's so lively today!"
Yūko's bright eyes reflected the bustling crowd. Her face overflowed with curiosity and wonder. She unconsciously moved a little closer to Shiba, as if seeking a sense of safety in the noisy environment.
Shiba's gaze drifted past the crowd and landed on the enormous electronic screen dominating the central wall.
The image suddenly changed. Stirring background music rose as bold golden characters appeared:
"'Rising Glory' Rookie Ranking Tournament—Now Open for Registration!"
A sleek promotional video followed. The camera swept across spirited young Trainers, fervent Pokémon, and finally froze on the official League emblem.
"To support Rookie Trainers, the Magic City League Branch, together with major sponsors, announces: The top three finalists in total points will receive rare evolution items from the League Treasury!"
As the announcement ended, images of dazzling prizes scrolled across the screen:
Dragon Scale, Metal Coat, Electirizer…
Each one enough to drive an ordinary Trainer mad with desire.
The crowd erupted in hushed exclamations.
Suddenly, one image enlarged, filling the screen.
It was a peculiar stone engraved with an ornate crown, radiating an air of innate royalty—something destined only for the strong.
"King's Rock!"
Shiba's pupils contracted.
He understood its value perfectly. It could evolve Poliworld into the swamp-ruling Politoed—or transform Slowpoke into the strategic genius Slowking.
This item rarely appeared on the market. Even if one had money, it was nearly impossible to obtain. Its rarity was no less than exclusive items meant for pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
At that moment, a thought surfaced in his mind.
Yūko's father was a powerful Water-type Gym Leader. And within Yūko's starting team was a beloved Slowpoke, one that had never been able to evolve due to lacking this very catalyst.
Shiba turned toward her.
"Yūko, haven't you always wanted your Slowpoke to evolve?"
His voice held a light hint of amusement.
"This King's Rock is the perfect chance."
Yūko's gaze had already been drawn to the stone. Hearing him, she froze—then lowered her head, suddenly uneasy.
"But… there'll be so many contestants. They'll all be strong. I…"
Her voice grew softer, her flicker of desire quickly drowned by her lack of confidence.
She knew she wasn't weak among her peers.
But this was Magic City—one of the strongest cities in the entire Xia Nation. There were too many hidden prodigies here.
"With me here, what are you afraid of?"
Shiba reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
His gesture was natural. His tone calm.
But the absolute confidence behind it was undeniable.
"This championship—I'll win it for you."
It wasn't arrogance.
It was a statement rooted in overwhelming strength.
Yūko lifted her head. She met Shiba's deep, steady gaze—eyes that seemed to calm the storms within her. Her anxiety melted away like snow.
"Mm!" She nodded firmly.
"Let's go."
Shiba said nothing more. He took her wrist and led her through the crowd toward the registration zone at the side hall.
But fate always seemed to enjoy tossing a stone into calm waters.
Just as they reached the self-service registration terminals and prepared to enter their information, an unwelcome, persistent figure appeared again—radiating an arrogant presence that instantly soured the atmosphere.
Kaoru stood at a terminal beside them, wearing a limited-edition designer Trainer uniform, his expression full of smug confidence. His eyes were locked onto the King's Rock on the screen—clearly here for the grand prize as well.
Sensing someone near him, he abruptly turned.
When he saw Shiba—and especially Yūko beside him—his expression froze before twisting into an icy smirk.
"Well, isn't this a narrow world."
Kaoru's voice wasn't loud, but it dripped with provocation. He completely ignored Yūko's look of disgust, aiming all his hostility at Shiba.
"Shiba, last time at the Breeding Center, you just got lucky and stole a bargain."
"This time, in a real battle tournament, I'll show everyone who the true No.1 Rookie Trainer of Magic City is!"
His voice brimmed with the bitterness of losing the Shiny Beldum egg.
Shiba didn't even lift an eyelid.
He fully ignored Kaoru's barking. His fingers danced rapidly across the virtual screen, completing registration for both himself and Yūko in seconds.
This absolute dismissal was far more humiliating than any insult. Kaoru's face turned purple with rage, fists clenching so tightly they cracked.
Registration complete.
Moments later, data surged across the massive hall display as the system generated brackets for Round One.
Names and avatars filled the enormous screen.
Shiba's eyes swept through the list.
His name—Group 1.
Kaoru's—Group 4.
They weren't matched.
Shiba felt the faintest hint of disappointment. He couldn't crush that jumping clown in the first round.
But then, his gaze drifted down Kaoru's matchup.
A second later, the corner of Shiba's mouth curved upward.
Not a kind smile.
A smile full of amusement, surprise… and unrestrained schadenfreude.
Because listed in Group 4… locked tightly together by the system's cold pairing algorithm… were two names:
Takai Yuko VS Sunada Kaoru.
(End of Chapter)
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