Although he didn't show it in daily life, Nathan was actually quite a dominant man.
"Sorry, I don't really have anything to say to you. Bye-bye~"
With a casual wave to Ada, Nathan closed the elevator doors while holding the little girl's hand.
At this, Ada's already frosty demeanor turned absolutely glacial.
"That man… so petty!"
That was Ada's newest impression of Nathan.
But since she had chosen him, she had no intention of giving up.
Ada wasn't just some typical rich beauty.
The nickname "Dragon Lady of the Capital" wasn't just saying she was a master of Dragon-type Pokémon—
It meant her temper, when triggered, could rival a dragon's Outrage!
Of course, that didn't mean physical violence—it referred to her persistence and methods.
…
The next day, 9 a.m.
Nathan had rarely dressed up, but today was an exception.
Last night, Lily had called and said she wanted to record all of his upcoming matches to treasure them.
So not only did Nathan get dressed up, he even pulled out his latest summer trench coat.
Rumor had it the coat was made from a kind of Pokémon silk—wearing it in summer was cooler than being shirtless.
Nathan gave it a thumbs up—it had been sent by Lily and worked wonderfully.
Upon arriving at the arena, a young woman was already waiting.
She was one of the top seeds and a quarterfinalist— Jenny Lee!
"You're really only 17 or 18 this year?"
Facing Nathan, Jenny eyed him suspiciously.
He looked too young—so young it was hard to believe his accomplishments.
But Jenny was the first to question him face to face.
"That's right, I'm only 17 this year, Auntie~"
With a mischievous smile, Nathan deliberately played innocent.
Jenny's expression instantly darkened, and her gaze turned sharp.
Age—forever a taboo for any woman.
Even if she was still young, being called "Auntie" by a teenager was too much for Jenny to bear.
"That's it. Today I'm going to teach you how to behave like a good boy!"
Clenching her fists, Jenny glared fiercely.
Although her expression was fierce, her refined looks made it less intimidating—maybe even a bit cute.
It just goes to show—humans are visual creatures. Morals follow the face.
"If you think you've got what it takes, then come and try!"
Nathan's smirk deepened, but his eyes remained ice-cold.
He took out a Poké Ball. Surprisingly, his first choice wasn't Zeraora—it was Mimikyu!
After all, Zeraora had already reached the Elite level.
Nathan rarely used it as his opening Pokémon anymore.
…
Starting with an Elite-level Pokémon was just plain bullying.
Jenny, meanwhile, sent out her own partner—Flareon!
A rare sight, but perfectly fitting for Jenny.
In fact, girls like Lily, Evelyn, and Zoe all seemed to raise at least one Eeveelution.
Because, well—they're cute and full of potential.
"Level 46 Flareon. Trained really well, too!"
Looking at Flareon, Nathan couldn't help but praise it.
Among all the Gym-level Pokémon he had seen, this Flareon was one of the best-trained.
"Likewise! Your Pokémon's condition is downright terrifying."
Jenny didn't dare let her guard down as she examined Mimikyu.
Though she had bragged about putting Nathan in his place, she knew full well how strong he was.
He was not someone to take lightly.
Underestimating him would mean certain defeat—this had already been proven by others.
"Let's go, Flareon! We'll start—Fire Blast!"
With a serious expression, Jenny shouted the command.
Even Nathan was surprised by her boldness—starting with Fire Blast, a top-tier Fire-type move!
Keep in mind—Zeraora hadn't even learned Thunderbolt yet!
"Tch. Looks like this'll be a tough battle."
Clicking his tongue, Nathan's eyes gleamed with excitement.
..
On the battlefield, Flareon inhaled deeply.
Nathan recognized this as the pre-cast animation for an attack.
It was also his only window to think up an evasive counter.
"Mimikyu, use Shadow Sneak to disrupt it—then Swords Dance!"
After a brief thought, Nathan issued his command.
By now, Mimikyu's multi-tasking ability was well-honed—almost gifted.
Executing two separate moves simultaneously was no issue at all.
Shadow Sneak was lightning-fast—within a flash, a shadow had already darted toward Flareon.
Gritting her teeth, Jenny countered quickly:
"Flareon, use Flare Blitz, then Quick Attack!"
She had originally wanted to break Mimikyu's Disguise ability, but Nathan reacted too fast.
What shocked her more was that Mimikyu could actually pull off multitasking!
"But can you still manage Swords Dance after dodging Flare Blitz and Quick Attack?"
Jenny smirked inwardly.
Though Nathan's reflexes were impressive, her counter strategy was just as quick.
Not only did Flareon dodge Shadow Sneak, it was already mounting a follow-up attack!
..
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! In just a few seconds, Nathan and Jenny are already going all out!"
"Whether it's Flareon's opening move, Mimikyu's counter, or Flareon's quick retaliation—"
"This is like a Russian nesting doll of tactics, layer upon layer!"
"It's worthy of the quarterfinals—the intensity's far beyond the previous matches!"
The commentators, Lee and Veteran Draven, fired off commentary with blazing speed.
By contrast, the younger Kat couldn't keep up at all—
Clearly, she was still too green to follow the rapid shifts of the battle.
On the field, Nathan remained calm:
"Use Shadow Ball! Don't fear their speed!"
Mimikyu abandoned Swords Dance and immediately formed two glowing orbs of shadow.
The audience gasped as Mimikyu, eyes firm with resolve, hurled them forward.
Then, two more Shadow Balls quickly followed!
Like a turret, Mimikyu launched a barrage.
They didn't hit Flareon, but forced it to continuously dodge—
breaking its Flare Blitz momentum in the process.
After all, this wasn't a turn-based game.
In a game, Flare Blitz + Quick Attack was a classic combo.
But in reality? Not so viable.
Because reality isn't turn-based—and Nathan would never just let his Pokémon stand there and take a hit.
Even wild Pokémon don't follow turn-based rules.
They prefer... gang fights!
…
"Tch. No wonder you've got a perfect win streak—you're like a fortress!"
Biting her thumb, Jenny couldn't help but sigh.
Other trainers might have countered her combo,
but none could dismantle it as cleanly and swiftly as Nathan.
And Nathan was just getting started.
"Mimikyu—Shadow Claw!"
With a snap of his command, Mimikyu summoned twin shadowy claws.
Though they didn't strike directly, one swipe did graze Flareon—leaving a visible scar!
On top of that, Flareon's stamina was visibly draining from the constant evasion.
"You really live up to your name... Thunderflame Saint!"
Jenny muttered softly, her beautiful eyes now razor sharp.
It was only the first exchange, but her Flareon was already being cornered.
Either it got worn down completely... or it gambled everything on one last blow.
There was no third option.
In contrast, Mimikyu just kept attacking.
It was using up energy too, sure—but Nathan fed it Pokéblocks like meals.
The advantage was beyond words.
"Flareon—Flare Blitz, then Fire Fang!"
"Mimikyu—Shadow Sneak, then Shadow Claw!"
The two gave simultaneous commands.
Flareon, cloaked in fire, charged at Mimikyu—its fangs burning with intense flames.
But Mimikyu's shadow struck first, ending the battle before Flareon could even land a hit!
Round One: Mimikyu wins!
(End of Chapter)