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Chapter 119 - 119. Battle

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The massive stadium, capable of seating 20,000 people, was pitch-black in the audience area without a single empty seat. Individual whispers merged into a roaring sea of voices that filled the air.

On the field, Shaun, a renowned game commentator dressed in a suit and tie, stepped onto the stage.

Known as "Brother Dong," he was famous for his humor and exceptional analytical skills. His personal fan count rivaled that of many second-tier Celebrity Trainers.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Shaun, the Alliance's official commentator, called out loudly. "To all guests present and viewers watching from home, thank you for your patience!"

"I hereby announce that the annual grand event of China, the National High School League winter season, begins now!"

Instantly, thunderous cheers erupted from the audience, soaring to the stadium's roof.

In the player room, Roy could hear the deafening roars through several walls. He flexed his fingers, his gaze slightly distant in thought.

Elon pushed open the door and walked in holding a list. "Let's go, we're up," he said.

"Who from our team will appear first in the individual battles?" someone asked.

The National College League was a competitive tournament organized by 'teams.' Both individual and team battles followed the "elimination battle mechanism."

What was an elimination battle?

It meant that as long as one team member had Pokémon that hadn't been defeated, the battle continued. The match would only end when all Pokémon on one side were eliminated.

For example, if Roy entered as the 3rd position player and competed in singles against the opponent's 3rd position, after winning, he could either continue challenging or choose to leave the field and wait for a second opportunity to battle.

During off-field periods, any healing behavior was prohibited and would be considered a foul, resulting in disqualification.

This "elimination battle" mechanism made it easy for one-sided matches when there was a significant strength gap between players, leading to situations like "one person defeating four" or "one champion carrying four weaker players."

However, in this elite national university arena, it was typically the former scenario that occurred.

One champion carrying four weaker players... That was extremely difficult, too difficult.

The two kings had never accomplished this before. After all, their schools were the nation's top universities. Every member of their school teams would be star players if placed in other schools.

"Does the order really matter?" Philip asked indifferently. "According to usual practice, we start with the 5th position player and end with the 1st. So I'll go first?"

In the elimination battle mechanism, strategic position swapping didn't exist.

If you sent your 1st position player against their 5th position, even if you won, you'd pay a price. Then how would you face their 1st position player?

It truly didn't matter who went first.

Nodding his head, just as he was about to write down position 5 as the starter on the list, Roy suddenly stood up.

"Squad leader..."

"Let me start," Roy said seriously.

Elon smiled, thinking Roy was eager since this was his first time in such a competition.

There was no reason to argue about this. Elon immediately agreed. "Whatever works. You'll go first then."

On the list, Elon wrote position 3 as the starter, followed by 5, 4, 2, 1...

He didn't realize that his rookie team member was harboring bold ideas of "making headlines" at that moment.

"First battle: Eastbridge University team versus Capital University team!"

"Please welcome players from both sides to enter the field!"

As the commentator's announcement ended, five players lined up side by side in the player tunnels on both sides.

On the stadium's massive screen, photos of contestants in their uniforms appeared one after another.

The audience discussed each player—some commenting on appearances, others on strength levels. There was no shortage of "veteran fans" who regularly watched matches and educated newcomers about which Pokémon were the signature partners of various trainers.

After a while, Roy's information appeared on the screen.

In his photo, he had slightly lowered the brim of his baseball cap so only one eye was visible, with the corner of his mouth turned upward in quiet confidence.

His basic information read: Capital University first-year chief recommendation student, Starter Pokémon Riolu, participating for the first time.

At this moment, the discussion in the venue suddenly intensified.

"My, my, this young man is quite handsome. Reminds me of myself when I was younger."

"Isn't he the student who caused such a stir online recently? I heard he's only a freshman?"

"The first time in the history of the Six Elite Schools that a first-year student became an official team member—a true genius."

"Heh, genius or not, he's still too inexperienced and unreliable. Everyone else here has at least two more years of experience."

"Yeah, I watched that match two months ago. His win was just luck. I hope he doesn't hold back the team."

"I've seen it before—it's not uncommon for one person to defeat four opponents."

"Go, Chief Roy! Capital must win!"

The crowd contained casual spectators, pessimistic analysts, and Roy's personal fans...

All the students from Capital University had come to watch, and a group led by Cade and Callan even held up a large support banner with the words, "Go, Chief Roy! Capital University must win!"

Callan said, "I wonder who'll be the starter!"

Axel replied, "I have a feeling that kid will fight first."

Chole exclaimed, "It doesn't matter who starts first—let's crush them!"

Looking at the passionate students, Cade felt a bit awkward as he quietly raised a sign with "Confusion" and "Slack Off" written on it.

Under much anticipation, the starting lineup for both sides appeared on the screen.

—Capital University's No. 3 position: Roy. —Eastbridge University No. 5 position: Mateo.

The Eastbridge University team was taken aback, not expecting their opponents to deviate from conventional strategy.

But no one panicked. They had studied the match from two months ago and believed Roy's win had been mere luck. The 3rd position was just that—a 3rd position. In their eyes, he was beatable.

"So, Mateo, are you confident you'll win?"

"No way, right? No one could possibly lose to a first-year, could they?"

"Hee hee, isn't that embarrassing?"

Facing his teammates' teasing, Mateo smiled confidently and asked, "Ezra, got any wine?"

Contestant No. 4, Ezra, enthusiastically took out a bottle of hot milk tea, handed it over, and said with a smile: "General, drink this 'wine,' then go slay the enemy!"

"I'll save it and drink when I return."

Mateo enacted a scene before departing gracefully.

Capital University's side wasn't so dramatic. Roy and his teammates bumped fists before he headed directly to the challenger's position.

"Sunny conditions," the referee's voice echoed throughout the arena.

"The rule is a 3-on-3 individual competition, continuing until all Pokémon on one side lose their ability to battle."

"Both trainers, please confirm your first Pokémon."

Roy and Mateo each grabbed a Poké Ball and threw it. White light flashed as two Pokémon materialized on the field.

Mateo's first Pokémon was Typhlosion, one of the "Three Starters."

And Roy's first Pokémon was Elekid.

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