Gabriel's fast-paced battle caught everyone's attention, even leaving some of the seed contestants who were spectating in a bit of shock. As fellow seed contestants, they were well aware of the strength of King's Kadabra, but what on earth was happening in this match?
Logically speaking, this should have been a balanced battle, but why did it seem like King's Kadabra had no chance to fight back? The entire match only featured Telekinesis being used as an attack, and aside from that, there was no significant damage dealt. Was this really a seed contestant?
In the stands, James and Pat, who were both familiar to Gabriel, sat together, watching the match in astonishment.
"Big Brother, that person is really strong," Pat remarked, his eyes shining with admiration.
"Indeed," James replied. "The way he controls the pace of the match doesn't seem like something a kid would do. He's a born fighter. You weren't wrong to lose to him."
Upon hearing Pat's comment, James helplessly propped his chin in his hand.
"Why did I have to face such a freak? I wanted to advance to the Top 16 with the status of a seed contestant and join you."
Pat smiled and patted his brother's head, seeing the disappointed look on his face.
"Alright, alright, no need to complain. After I beat him, I'll get revenge for you. You know your big brother is quite strong!"
James grunted, shaking off Pat's hand from his head, still feeling annoyed. How did he end up facing such a monster?
Pat looked at his brother, who wore a face full of complaints, and sighed, shaking his head. Then, he turned his attention back to the arena, thinking, What a strong opponent! I really want to have a match with him!
In the stands, Roland stood up suddenly, his eyes wide, staring intently at Gabriel on the battlefield.
Nearby, Phoebe, seeing Roland's excited reaction, couldn't help but laugh.
"What's going on? Are you upset because your grandson lost?" she teased.
Roland ignored Phoebe's jest, his gaze fixated on Gabriel. That kid is really strong. Jindu Academy needs this kind of genius! I absolutely must recruit him into Jindu Academy!
Roland quietly made a note of Gabriel in his little notebook, his excitement building.
Back on the battlefield, Gabriel awkwardly looked at KING, whose eyes were swollen and red. Did I make him cry?
"You... are you okay?" Gabriel asked.
"I'm fine!" KING retorted, glaring at Gabriel. However, the puffed-up eyes didn't look like someone who was "fine."
KING took out a Pokéblock, recalling his fainted Kadabra, and shot another glare at Gabriel.
"Don't think you've won. I'll definitely beat you next time!"
"Oh." Gabriel casually replied, watching as KING stormed off the battlefield in a huff.
Helpless, Gabriel scratched his head, following the referee off the field.
Although the match was over, Gabriel didn't rush to leave. Instead, he sat in the stands, eager to watch the upcoming battles—Rafael's and Pat's. He was curious to see who would make it to the next round.
Soon, Rafael entered the arena first, facing Kris.
It was impossible not to acknowledge that Kris Nidoran was incredibly strong. Moreover, her battle strategies were very deep. At the start of the match, she had her Nidoran corner Rafael's Growlithe, almost pinning it down completely. However, Rafael's Growlithe had far superior physical strength compared to Nidoran. Despite Kris's numerous attacks, they caused very little damage, and instead, her Nidoran exhausted too much stamina. Eventually, the fatigued Nidoran fell into a trap, and Rafael's Growlithe seized the opportunity for a one-hit knockout.
After the match, Rafael swaggered in front of Kris, showing off his victory with no regard for her pride. If the referee hadn't stepped in, Rafael might have earned a slap in the face.
Next came Pat's match. Pat's battle was as simple as ever, despite facing Thomas, the dark horse who had defeated a seed contestant. Thomas Pokémon was a Charmeleon.
At the start of the match, Pat's Scyther vanished from sight. When it reappeared, its blade struck Charmeleon's neck in one swift motion, knocking it out instantly. Even Gabriel was stunned by the sudden and flawless move.
Thomas's Charmeleon didn't have any chance to retaliate—it was out cold before it even knew what happened.
As Gabriel watched the entire battle, he couldn't help but clench his fists. Can my incomplete Gigantamax really defeat him?
Gabriel wasn't sure, but he had come this far. It wouldn't be right to back down without a fight!
After the match ended, Gabriel left the battlefield. He still had to review Pat's battle footage. He needed to figure out a way to counter Scyther's incredible speed.
Just as Gabriel left the arena, a shady old man watched him leave from the shadows, quietly following him.
Back at the hotel, Gabriel stared at the footage of Pat's battle on his camera. No matter how many times he watched it, it was the same. Scyther's speed was so fast that even its attack couldn't be seen.
"Elle, this guy is seriously a freak. Why is someone with this kind of power here taking the Monster Trainer license exam? The Monster Trainer Association should just give him a license directly. What's the point of having him go through this process?" Gabriel grumbled, lying on his bed, venting his frustration to Elle.
Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation.
"Who could that be?"
Gabriel looked at Elle, puzzled. He hadn't made any plans with anyone.
"I don't know. Let's see who it is," Elle replied, getting up to answer the door.
An elderly man with a kind smile entered the room.
"Are you Gabriel, young one? I hope you don't mind me paying a visit."
"You're Roland, the principal? What brings you here?" Gabriel asked, surprised.
Roland was the person responsible for this tournament and the Monster Trainer license exams. Gabriel had met him before when he was selected as a seed contestant. But why was he here now? Could it be because he saw Gabrielmake KING cry?
Gabriel suddenly felt uneasy. He quietly moved behind Elle.
"Elle, if this old man decides to make a move, you'll have to help me out!"
Roland noticed Gabriel's wariness and smiled, his expression a bit sly.
"Gabriel, my young friend, do you have time to discuss something with me?"
"What's the matter?" Gabriel asked cautiously.
"It's about joining Jindu Academy. Are you interested? Jindu Academy could help your Pokémon grow very quickly!" Roland said with a smile, though it was laced with a hint of scheming.
Before Gabriel could respond, the door suddenly swung open, and a loud voice interrupted.
"I say, old man, why the rush to leave the association after the match? Stealthily trying to poach someone? Why Gabriel of all people? I still need to have a word with you!"
With that, a bold figure entered the room, and Gabriel's eyes widened. That familiar, mighty presence was unmistakable.
"Phoebe Sister!"
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