"Metagross, use Comet Punch to finish the opponent!"
In the Skyrend Tournament arena, under the watchful eyes of countless spectators, Nathan gave a relaxed command.
"Meta–gross!"
In a flash, the Mega Evolved Metagross launched its move and sent the opposing Pokémon straight to the infirmary.
Victory—effortlessly achieved!
"Did you all see that? Once again, Nathan has defeated his opponent with ease and secured a spot in the tournament's Top 8!"
"That was incredible! No matter how many times I watch him battle, Nathan definitely doesn't seem as young as he looks!"
With the commentator's passionate voice, another match came to an end.
Indeed, a good amount of time had passed since the tournament began.
During this period, Nathan had been enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Not only had no one come looking for trouble, but the League had also delivered the Mega Evolution Stones and Z-Crystals.
Including some other stones, the total came to around three hundred pieces.
And now, the opponent standing before him was Nathan's final obstacle to making the Top 8.
In other words—
Nathan was now officially among the Top 8 of the National Tournament.
While he might not yet be a household name, he was at least a rising star both nationally and abroad.
Moreover, because of the incident involving Aamon, many had begun observing Nathan's Volcarona closely.
Its pure white holy flames had sparked widespread discussion.
And due to this, just yesterday, Nathan was granted a new title:
[Thunderflame Saint]!
Don't underestimate the significance of this title.
Though it may sound a little edgy (and honestly, it kind of is), no one gets a title without the strength to back it up.
A self-proclaimed nickname means nothing if it isn't acknowledged by others.
But in university, having such a title practically guarantees you'll be one of the most talked-about figures on campus.
For example, Nathan's three major rivals in the tournament—Seth, Mira, and Griffin—all had their own titles.
Even Fire-type Elite Guardian member Benedict Li was internationally known by the title: [Violent Angry Flame]!
You don't even need to call them by name—just saying the title is enough to show respect.
After leaving the Skyrend Tournament venue—
"You're seriously way too strong, idol! At your age, you're basically a monster!"
Sitting in her vehicle, Zoe gushed with admiration for what must've been the hundredth time.
To this, Nathan just shrugged, offering no other reaction—knowing full well she'd ignore anything he said anyway.
But before Zoe could even start the engine, a female reporter in a suit came jogging over breathlessly.
"Nathan! I've been trying to catch you for ages. Could I trouble you for a quick interview?"
Since Nathan always left early or made last-minute decisions about watching other matches, reporters rarely got a chance to speak with him.
So for this reporter to have made it here so quickly, she must've gone through quite a lot.
"Alright. Ask away. I'll give you three minutes."
Getting out of the passenger seat, Nathan rubbed his temples and spoke.
By nature, Nathan didn't dislike reporters.
But ever since the incident with the Mist family, he'd developed a wariness toward them—
Afraid they'd ask uncomfortable questions.
The reporter was oblivious to Nathan's emotional state. Seeing him agree, her eyes sparkled, and she nearly shoved the microphone into his mouth.
"S-sorry, sorry."
Realizing she'd overstepped, she apologized, then asked, "Nathan, have you decided which university you'll attend?"
"After all, once the National Tournament ends, it'll be the start of the school year. Are you planning to focus solely on being a trainer and drop out of school?"
It wasn't just reporters who were curious about this.
Universities both domestic and international were practically scrambling.
After all, Nathan had raised a Elite-level Pokémon while still in high school, and now he was one of the top contenders for the national title.
They didn't even care about requirements—Nathan's achievements and popularity alone would bring massive benefits to any school.
Not to mention his excellent college entrance exam scores.
Even if he only had Volcarona, many prestigious universities were fighting to recruit him.
"Cough, cough… I'm definitely not dropping out. As for which school, I'm still considering my options."
"Honestly, aside from training Pokémon and growing together with them, I'm deeply interested in many other aspects of Pokémon research."
"Without proper academic knowledge, any success I have now would be like a rootless duckweed—unstable and fleeting."
Facing the camera, Nathan answered with genuine humility.
Meanwhile, Zoe looked distraught—
Right! Summer break was ending soon!
If Nathan didn't end up choosing the same school as her, would she never see her idol again?!
The reporter, unaware of Zoe's identity or her expression, continued enthusiastically:
"I see! Your accomplishments must be closely tied to your humility."
"By the way, is your goal in the National Tournament to win the championship?"
"As far as I know, your starter and strongest Pokémon—Volcarona—hasn't even appeared on the battlefield yet."
"Countless people are curious to see just what kind of power your Volcarona can unleash!"
Hearing this, the cameraman perked up, aiming for the best angle he could get on Nathan.
Other than the academic questions, this was the most popular topic right now.
If they managed to get a scoop, both the reporter and cameraman would be handsomely rewarded.
Nathan didn't disappoint.
With a confident smile, filled with absolute trust in his Volcarona, he replied:
"Of course, the goal is to win it all!"
"As for why Volcarona hasn't appeared yet—because there's simply been no need!"
This interview quickly went viral across major media outlets and online platforms.
Reactions were mixed, but considering Nathan's age and looks,
Most people responded positively.
Compared to his past life, this world had far fewer trolls and jealous haters.
Most people followed a simple logic—if you're strong, they'll support you; if you're weak and arrogant, they'll hate you.
…
"Zeraora, use Indra's Arrow!"
"Metagross, Meteor Mash!"
In the hotel's training room, Nathan was currently having Zeraora and Metagross battle each other.
After multiple matches in the main tournament, both Pokémon had successfully reached Elite-level.
Flygon was also catching up fast—now just one level behind Mimikyu,
At level 48 and 49, respectively.
Besides that, Charmander and Treecko were also making remarkable progress.
Even though Nathan wanted them to focus on building a solid foundation first, it probably wouldn't be long before they evolved.
"I wonder… if you evolve while wearing that armor, will you and the armor enter some kind of symbiotic state?"
…
Watching Charmander train hard, Nathan pondered silently.
He vaguely remembered a certain game in his past life that featured an armored Mewtwo.
Of course, this was just an idle thought.
When the time came for evolution, Nathan still planned to remove the armor.
As this kind of daily routine continued, time passed quietly…
Until—a surprise visitor appeared.
It was a woman. Very young, yet strangely mature and cold.
She had the aura of an icy beauty who commanded the room the moment she entered the hotel.
Some men were practically drooling just looking at her,
But none dared to approach.
"Hello, I'm Ada Dame."
The woman walked up to Nathan, who was cooling off with a drink and towel on his shoulders, and offered her hand.
Her skin was pale and soft—no nail polish, but naturally beautiful.
"Ada Dame … The owner of that club?"
Nathan didn't shake her hand. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and set his drink down.
After the incident with Aamon, Nathan had never returned to that club—
Or any other club, for that matter.
These new industries still lacked proper safety measures.
At least in a hotel, something like the Aamon situation would never happen.
"Miss Ada, what brings you here?"
Wiping sweat from his face, Nathan asked calmly.
He didn't know her purpose, but that didn't stop him from being wary.
He'd been mistreated in her establishment—he didn't expect an apology, but he certainly wasn't about to show a friendly face.
Sure, Ada was undeniably attractive.
Her cold, elegant aura could easily draw men in.
But Nathan prided himself on being a strong man—
Not someone to be controlled by hormones or dopamine.
After all, he was a transmigrator—
Two souls in one body. Even if that didn't give him superpowers, it did provide him with exceptional mental fortitude.
Maybe not strong enough to resist drugs by willpower alone,
But if he wanted, he could maintain 90% rationality at all times.
And that was before gaining the dragon force!
Ada wasn't surprised by Nathan's cold reception, nor was she embarrassed.
She simply withdrew her hand and said, "This place isn't ideal. I know a nice teahouse—let's talk there."
However…
Nathan didn't respond at all.
Instead, he picked up Bella—the fluffy white bundle—and walked straight to the elevator.
This kind of self-important woman?
Nathan felt like there was no way they'd ever get along.
(End of Chapter)