May 13th, Wednesday.
This was an ordinary day, students attended school as usual, adults went to work normally, as if no different from any other day.
But today marked a momentous event that had captured worldwide attention!
The Shiny Elite, the youngest Elite Four member in the history of Draconia, was about to challenge the Champion!
As one of the world's top powers, Draconia's annual championship battle inevitably drew global scrutiny. Before John and Magnus Vealestrum had even arrived at the National Pokemon Arena, hundreds of domestic and international media cameras were already positioned throughout the auditorium.
Massive crowds filled not only the National Pokemon Arena itself but also the surrounding areas. Dozens of streets were packed to capacity, forcing the government to deploy thousands of security personnel to maintain order.
"Whew, you're all really enthusiastic," John said as he strolled into the VIP entrance.
Though crowds of people blocked the doorway, they remained completely oblivious to John's presence.
"Thank goodness for Zoroark~"
Once Zoroark's Illusion ability activated, John became essentially invisible to everyone around him, unless a Ghost-type Pokemon stronger than Zoroark happened to be nearby.
And Zoroark was currently equipped with the Spooky Plate.
Sorry, but unless top-tier legendaries like Giratina or Arceus showed up in person, no Ghost-type Pokemon in this world could surpass his power!
Zoroark proudly placed his hands on his hips.
The audience members blocking the VIP lane had no idea John had already snuck into the National Pokemon Arena until they heard the battle announcement begin.
Stepping into the dedicated lounge, John settled back onto the sofa with practiced ease.
This wasn't his first time at the National Pokemon Competition Center. His last visit had been for his Elite Four place battle against Damon Drake.
Picking up his phone, he found it filled with messages from teachers, seniors, classmates, and friends offering encouragement.
(Azure: Already lying down, waiting for your performance.)
(Damian: John, give your best! Charge forward! (¯^¯#))
(Harrison: Junior,ypur better win this battle I bet on you!)
(Saul Badman: Play it smart, don't worry about temporary wins or losses. You're still young.)
John replied to each message individually. He'd made all necessary preparations, and with still an hour before battle, he needed to find something to pass the time.
Thirty minutes before the match began, a referee arrived to confirm his participating Pokemon and conduct equipment checks.
After inspection was completed, it was time to take the stage.
Grabbing his six Pokeballs, John walked into the contestant corridor.
The loud, chaotic voices grew even louder as battle time approached, then exploded the moment John and Magnus Vealestrum stepped onto the battlefield simultaneously.
If the tsunami-like sound waves had been more concentrated, they might have shattered glass windows within a 100-meter radius.
John and Magnus couldn't hear what the crowd was shouting at all.
Probably calling me handsome, John thought with amusement.
John stood opposite Magnus Vealestrum, their gazes colliding mid-air with sparks flying.
Fighting spirit had begun rising ahead of schedule.
Draconia's Champion, this had been John's dream since arriving in this world. Magnus Vealestrum was a powerful force he'd long known about, and now he'd finally discover what kind of battle awaited him.
Unlike the excitement of challenging other champions in-game, this feeling arose naturally from within!
Magnus looked at John, the fighting spirit in his eyes burning with pure intensity.
John represented a completely unfamiliar opponent to him.
Before John had declared war that day, Magnus hadn't even known of his existence. His expectations for battling John back then had been more encouragement than anything else.
Who could have predicted that John, having just become the fourth Elite member, would actually stand before him less than a year later challenging his throne!
A complete stranger had become a rival worthy of his championship seat.
This gave Magnus a fresh, pure combat experience he hadn't felt in years.
Neither spoke, there was nothing to say.
Championship challenges were merciless affairs. Winners and losers, only victors earned the right to accept everyone's adoration from the throne.
The referee slowly walked onto the battlefield. The noisy venue quieted as everyone focused their attention, preparing to witness the upcoming battle!
"The championship challenge begins now! Elite Four John will challenge our dear Champion Magnus Vealestrum!" The referee held his microphone and announced the battle rules.
"The rules are four-out-of-six format. When one trainer accumulates four Pokemon defeats, the battle ends!" The rules were simple and straightforward. The referee raised the flags in his hands as signals.
"Now, please send out your starting Pokemon!"
John and Magnus reached toward their waists, fingertips sliding across the six Pokeballs they'd prepared, making their final selections.
The two locked eyes, then almost simultaneously hurled their chosen Pokeballs skyward.
With flashes of silver light, two Pokemon appeared boldly.
KAAAAH!
A roar echoed across the battlefield.
John's starting Pokemon was Garchomp, currently level 88.
Dark blue skin, streamlined body, ferocious and terrifying visage, like a killing machine wearing the costume of a Pokemon. Its overwhelming aura crashed over the battlefield like a tidal wave.
Even with such terrifying strength, Garchomp could only rank at the bottom of John's main team, with several other Pokemon competing for that same bottom position.
Because of this, today's Garchomp was filled with desire for battle!
Compared to the mania before John, the Pokemon facing Magnus was much calmer.
A Dragonite with a plump yellow body and small wings that seemed almost comically inadequate. Facing Garchomp's nearly tangible oppressive presence, it remained completely unfazed, standing with hands on hips.
The audience's emotions stirred with excitement.
John versus Magnus, the first match featured Sky Dragon versus Land Dragon. How thrilling!
The referee cared nothing for dragons of sky or earth. His eyes swept over both opponents, and after confirming they were in position, he immediately brought down the flag in his hand.
"Battle begin!"