"Well fought."
After the match, following tradition, the two trainers approached each other, shook hands, and confined the battle's outcome to the arena.
Extending a polite hand to the downcast, seemingly disheartened Will, Aiden smiled gently.
Though this remark might sound sarcastic, Aiden meant it sincerely.
After all, Will's performance wasn't bad. His Minimize tactic had been genuinely surprising—against weaker opponents, it might've secured his Top 8 spot.
Unfortunately, he'd faced Aiden, plus a serious Mewtwo and Lucario.
Minimize was inherently gimmicky. In high-level battles, counterplays abounded—especially since Aiden pioneered the strategy himself. Even without Mewtwo's raw power, moves like Aura Sphere could've neutralized it.
Losing was only natural.
"Teacher Azure—thank you for the guidance!"
Contrary to Aiden's expectations, Will lifted his head immediately upon hearing the praise. Excitement radiated from behind his mask, though his dramatic "chuuni" battle persona had faded. His tone remained passionate:
"Though I lost disgracefully, I've felt the gap between myself and truly strong trainers. I'll strive to reach your level!"
"Uh… keep it up."
Aiden sighed inwardly, patting Will's shoulder.
"You'll surely become formidable someday."
How could he not? He's a future Johto Elite Four.
Though he already knew several Elite Four-level stream fans…
After exchanging a few more words with the ecstatic Will, Aiden waved goodbye as the next match neared. Amid roaring cheers, he slipped into the player tunnel.
Soon, he appeared in the spectator stands, effortlessly finding Cynthia and Caitlin.
"Mew~"
The first to notice him was Cynthia's "Sylveon," which enthusiastically waved its floating ribbons.
"Thanks to you too, Mew… I mean, Sylveon."
Aiden smiled, taking the little one from Cynthia. He stroked its belly.
As Mew's "top pilot," he recognized its gestures—it was showing off.
After all, the Psychic Terrain and Expanding Force Mewtwo used to great effect? Both taught by this "great teacher" Mew.
"When we return to Paldea after the tournament, I'll have Indeedee give you private 'training sessions' as a reward. Veluza sashimi, crab roe rice bowls, and your favorite ultra-spicy master-level cheese sandwiches."
"Mew!"
Spotting Mew's exact preferences, Aiden's light teasing made the mischievous creature purr in delight.
"Aiden—congratulations on advancing to the Top 8~"
Cynthia's gentle voice came as he played with Mew.
"Next goal—the championship."
"Mm."
Aiden nodded confidently, meeting her gaze.
"Though opponents will grow stronger and battles harder… having partners who trust me completely, who are so dependable—I want to work harder to meet their expectations."
"So I'll walk all the way to the end."
"..."
Hearing this, Caitlin beside Cynthia fell speechless.
Judging by Lucario and Mewtwo alone, Aiden could win the championship—it wasn't mere flattery.
But it was Cynthia saying this—to Aiden, right in front of her, a fellow competitor!
"Hmph!"
Caitlin huffed loudly.
"If you want the championship, defeat me on the battlefield!"
"The Ultra Ball-tier champion isn't as simple as you think. Your previous opponents were just appetizers!"
After "throwing down the gauntlet," Caitlin stood abruptly, heading to the player lounge to prepare her own Top 8 battle.
Though she knew—even against Aiden, whose unknowns remained numerous—her odds likely didn't exceed 50%.
Aiden still hid parts of his main team. Pulling out Mewtwo to surprise Will meant he'd likely repeat the tactic in eliminations.
Knowing this was one thing; countering his near-unbeatable information asymmetry was another.
But this didn't stop Caitlin from psyching herself up pre-match.
'If I can handle that troublesome Mewtwo… victory should be mine!'
...
After Caitlin left, Aiden and Cynthia watched the remaining seven group stage matches.
Most advancing competitors didn't surprise him.
Familiar faces included Sabrina, Caitlin, Lucian (met online several times), Kalos' Psychic Gym Leader Olympia, and Paldea's "true" Psychic Gym Leader Tulip.
The last two slots went to the younger Hoenn twin sibling, and Kalos' Professor Sycamore assistant Dexio.
Hoenn's Psychic Gym Leader was a pair of twins with absurd telepathic synchronization—requiring doubles battles to unleash full power. This singles format disadvantaged them; having one advance was already impressive.
As for Dexio, Aiden vaguely recalled him—an important XY side character, cameoing in Sun/Moon, even gifting the player a Zygarde Cell.
In a way, another "legendary-associated" skilled newcomer.
Including Aiden himself, the average strength was clearly Gym Leader-tier—fitting for an Ultra Ball event.
"This elimination bracket won't be easy either."
After Sabrina's effortless final match victory, Cynthia rested her chin on interlaced fingers, turning to Aiden with a smile.
"Also… because your earlier performance was too good? Everyone played seriously in the last round—3-0 sweeps are far more common now."
"Especially Caitlin—I could see her going all out~"
"So… any good plans against her?"
Facing Cynthia's playful question, Aiden helplessly waved a hand.
"Let's see who I face first. Blindly developing tactics isn't as effective as having a clear opponent."
"Besides, Caitlin's hiding something too. So far, her ace has been Reuniclus, not Gothitelle. Hope she's not saving some weird tactic…"
Here, Aiden's lips twitched violently.
From the Eject Button Hypnosis to Will's Minimize setup—these "dirty" systems were his teachings!
And Hypnosis/obscure support move usage seemed higher than ever in this tournament…
Even the unfamiliar Tulip had started using these!
Earlier stream chats had warned that the battle environment would eventually be "Aiden-fied"—and it seemed to be happening.
Aiden claimed innocence.
After all, Psychic support moves were inherently "dirty." So many mind games existed—how could it be his fault?!
As for Caitlin watching his streams…
Possible, but expecting her to diligently watch every tactical tutorial like others? Unlikely.
He'd only spotted her in his stream once.
So perhaps she was the most "pure" trainer among them?
When everyone's playing tactics, falling behind means being outdated~
Just as Aiden inwardly grumbled, Cynthia softly reminded him:
"They're about to announce the elimination matchups?"
Aiden snapped back, turning to the big screen opposite the stands.
Commentator Lance began drawing pre-prepared bamboo sticks, announcing results one by one:
"First match: Sabrina vs. Dexio."
"Second match: Olympia vs. Tate."
"Third match: Lucian vs. Tulip."
"Final match… Aiden vs. Caitlin."
As Lance read the Top 8 brackets with a complex expression, Aiden's lips curled into a sly smile.
'Who knew I'd face Caitlin this early in the Top 8?'
Even Cynthia beside him seemed visibly surprised.
For both, this was a critical match.
Caitlin had traveled to Unova to chase an Elite Four seat. A strong Master Tournament ranking would greatly help her challenge.
Aiden was competing in his first international event. Higher rankings meant more points. For Paldea's Elite Four advancement process, international points were crucial bonuses.
Both had reasons they couldn't lose.
"I didn't expect you two to meet so soon."
Cynthia shook her head helplessly, her chronic decision paralysis resurfacing.
"Who should I cheer for then…?"
Aiden only smiled, saying nothing.
Stepping onto the Master Tournament field meant clashing with Caitlin eventually—he'd long prepared for this.
As Aiden silently watched Cynthia's furrowed-brow dilemma with amusement, top host Walnut guided the crowd into cheering for their favorites:
"Go, Teacher Azure! Make it to the end and win the championship—give us viewers some bragging rights!"
"This Master Tournament feels less prestigious than Teacher Azure's Victory Road matches!"
"Teacher Azure, just stay out there competing—don't come back to Paldea~ (nervous chuckle)"
"Caitlin? Pfft. Teacher Azure's Mewtwo can crush her effortlessly!"
"..."
Though only catching fragments, Aiden recognized his stream fans' voices—and could barely contain himself.
'Bro—before the real tournament even starts, why is my back suddenly getting pumped up?!'
"You're quite popular, aren't you?"
Cynthia also heard the nearby cheers, teasing him with a smile.
Then she recalled a group stage dilemma, asking again:
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask…"
"You and Lucario should've mastered Mega Evolution by now, right? Your unused trump cards… won't you unleash them all against Caitlin in eliminations?"
At this, Cynthia's expression turned subtly conflicted.
She wanted to see Caitlin's tearful frustration after losing… but if Aiden went too hard, might he scar the girl psychologically?
"Probably not."
Aiden shook his head.
"After all, the Type Master Tournament is 3v3. Besides Lucario and Mewtwo, another Pokémon deserves its moment."
He meant, of course, Indeedee.
Not fielding her earlier—even after Mewtwo—wasn't because she was "just a supporter."
In truth, if Indeedee had only learned her old moves under Mew's guidance, Aiden would've deployed her sooner.
Support Pokémon were most valuable early—they amplified teammates' strength.
"Mew~"
The Mew in Aiden's arms clearly grasped his meaning, letting out a mischievous giggle.
This Indeedee, under its tutelage, had become a devastating hidden weapon. Combined with Aiden's commands, its debut would surely shock viewers!
Perhaps Indeedee and Aiden's compatibility is absurdly high…
"I see…"
Seeing Aiden and Mew's synchronized smirks, Cynthia understood—dropping the subject.
Caitlin hadn't yet mastered special mechanics like Mega Evolution. Beating her with it might leave her unconvinced of her defeat.
But if Aiden won "orthodoxly"—in a pure Psychic-type duel…
Perhaps Caitlin's negative feelings toward him might soften. Their relationship could even thaw?
As for Aiden losing?
Cynthia hadn't considered it. As both Champion and their closest confidante, her judgment held weight.
One was her childhood friend since youth, the other her longtime best friend. If they could coexist peacefully, it'd make Cynthia happy too.
So she smiled:
"Then I'll look forward to seeing this mysterious Pokémon of yours."
"You'll see soon enough."
Aiden smiled back.
Meanwhile, in the player lounge, Caitlin—who'd just won her match—received the updated bracket.
Unlike Aiden's calmness, Caitlin was already on edge upon seeing her opponent.
"Why face Aiden so early?!!!"
"I wanted to see others' counterplays against that Mewtwo first… Now I'm the lab rat!"
"And that third Pokémon Aiden hasn't shown yet—I can't ignore it!"
"Ugh… the only option is to fight using my own style!"
...
After a day's rest, the Poké Dome's Psychic-type Master Tournament entered its elimination stage.
Day One's schedule: two upper-bracket matches in the morning, followed by Aiden vs. Caitlin's "clash of titans" in the afternoon.
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