As the matchup brackets were released, the full list of battles for the second round of the Ever Grande Conference was finally confirmed.
Aiden Flint stared at the giant screen, a burning fighting spirit flashing in his eyes.
He knew very well that, in terms of strength, he didn't fear any opponent. But in grand tournaments like this, both Pokémon and Trainers tended to become far more excited than usual, unleashing power beyond their normal limits.
If things continued according to the bracket, then once everyone reached the Top 16, those familiar faces would inevitably clash with each other.
Aiden's match—his battle to advance from the Top 128 to the Top 64—was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, the third match in Arena Five.
When the time arrived, Aiden stepped onto the battlefield without hesitation. His opponent, Sam, was already waiting there.
"So my opponent this year is just a kid?" Sam chuckled confidently. "Looks like I've got a pretty good chance this time."
Hearing that, the referee glanced at the veteran trainer who participated in the Ever Grande Conference year after year and sighed inwardly.
No wonder this guy never made it into the Top 16. He didn't even bother to check his opponent's background and was still talking big.
Clearing his throat, the referee announced,
"Next match: Aiden Flint from Littleroot Town versus Sam from Ever Grande City! Each side may use three Pokémon. The battlefield is the Rock-Type Arena. Sam will move first!"
"When all three Pokémon on one side lose the ability to battle, the match will end. The winner advances to the Top 64! The battle begins!"
The moment Sam heard the name "Aiden Flint," the smile on his face froze.
Wait.
Aiden Flint?
The legendary Trainer mentioned by Champion Wallace in the news—the one who saved the Hoenn region using legendary Pokémon?
The name that had spread throughout Hoenn, even though his identity had never been publicly revealed?
Most people in Hoenn knew of him, even if they couldn't fully believe it.
That the savior of Hoenn… was just an eighteen-year-old boy.
Gulp.
Cold sweat appeared on Sam's forehead.
"Y-You're that famous legendary Pokémon Trainer, Aiden Flint?"
Seeing Sam lose his composure just because of a name, Aiden smiled faintly.
"No, you're overthinking it. Let's just start the match."
Hearing Aiden deny it, Sam finally relaxed a little and regained some confidence.
"Go, Golem!"
With a roar, a massive Golem appeared on the battlefield.
Aiden's gaze shifted slightly, and the familiar status panel appeared before his eyes.
"Ding! Detected Golem. Current data as follows:"
Pokémon: Golem
Level: 42
Ability: Rock Head
Type: Rock / Ground
Potential: Purple
Bond Evolution: Unlocked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Rock Polish, Heavy Slam, Stealth Rock, Rock Blast, Earthquake, Explosion…
"Golem, huh? Then I'll leave this one to you—Serperior."
As Aiden released his first Pokémon, a green, elegant Pokémon with an unmistakable aura of royalty appeared on the field.
"Serperior, Leaf Storm!"
"Golem, Heavy Slam!"
The two Trainers gave their orders almost simultaneously.
Although Sam was displeased that Aiden had sent out a Grass-type Pokémon, he still commanded Golem to attack.
At that moment, Serperior let out a soft cry, and an overwhelming green storm swept across the entire battlefield.
Countless blade-like leaves emerged within the raging vortex, slicing through everything in their path.
Before Golem could even charge forward, it was swallowed by the Leaf Storm.
As the sharp leaves tore through its rocky body, Golem let out a painful roar.
Hearing the cries from within the storm, Sam shouted desperately, calling Golem's name.
But unfortunately for him, this wasn't a story about protagonists and miracles.
When the Leaf Storm finally dissipated, Golem—four times weak to Grass-type moves—had already completely lost its ability to battle, collapsing heavily onto the ground.
Even the jagged rock formations of the battlefield had been shaved down by Serperior's storm.
Normally, Leaf Storm would sharply lower the user's Special Attack.
But Serperior possessed the ability Contrary.
What should have been a drawback instead became the perfect boost.
In other words, not only did Serperior's Special Attack not decrease—it increased by two stages.
"Ding! Serperior defeated Golem. Gained 631 EXP. Level increased. Current level: 42."
"Ding! Serperior's current data as follows:"
Pokémon: Serperior
Level: 42
Ability: Contrary
Type: Grass
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Magical Leaf, Iron Tail, Leaf Storm, Giga Drain, Grass Pledge, Vine Whip…
Friendship: 200
Experience: An outstanding member of the Serperior line, possessing a hidden ability. Slightly arrogant by nature, but after fully evolving, it enjoys curling up beside its Trainer while sleeping.
Preference: Likes sour berries.
Sam stared at Serperior in shock.
"I've never seen a Grass-type Pokémon like this before… How can it be this strong?"
But losing to a teenage Trainer bruised his pride deeply.
Without hesitation, he released his second Pokémon.
"Go, Rhyperior! Crush him!"
Rhyperior appeared with an imposing roar, its level reaching 45—a respectable strength.
But—
It was meaningless.
"Rhyperior, Horn Drill!"
"Serperior, again—Leaf Storm!"
The green storm rose once more, engulfing the battlefield.
When the dust settled, Rhyperior had already collapsed, completely defeated.
Another instant defeat.
"Ding! Serperior defeated Rhyperior. Gained 666 EXP. Level increased. Current level: 43."
Sam's expression finally cracked.
"How is this possible?!"
"Leaf Storm is supposed to lower Special Attack! Your Serperior already used it once—how can it still hit so hard?!"
Aiden didn't bother explaining.
"You still have one Pokémon left."
The battle wasn't over yet.
But everyone watching could already feel it—
This match had long since lost its suspense.
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