In just a few minutes, the incident involving Ethan had spread throughout the entire Duskwell City Pokémon University.
As soon as the news broke, a large crowd of students rushed toward the Beginner Campus stadium.
In the center of the field, Absol stood tall, its white fur swaying gently in the wind. When it came to elegance, Absol was undoubtedly one of the most imposing Pokémon of all.
"Is there no one else who wants to challenge me?"
Ethan calmly counted the thick wad of bills in his hand.
It had been a while since he participated in an arena-style tournament, and he had to admit—it felt pretty good.
He could earn money and train his Pokémon at the same time; to him, it was a perfect deal.
However, after his words, silence continued. No one else dared step onto the field. Absol, disappointed, shook its head.
When Ethan was about to return it to its Poké Ball and call it a day, a female figure in the school uniform slowly stepped onto the stage and stopped in front of him.
"Huh?"
"Great, it's Laura Anderson, the vice president of the student council!"
"If Senpai Laura is fighting, this match is already decided!"
The students watching from the stands burst into excitement.
They could tell Ethan's Absol was strong—very strong—but not invincible. They felt that if someone from the Intermediate Campus showed up, they could take him on without issue.
And Laura already had enough strength to qualify for the Intermediate Campus; some even said she was one of the strongest candidates for the university's representative team.
So when they saw her step forward, everyone thought the same thing: "Now it's over for him."
"Allow me to be your opponent."
"You may switch Pokémon if you want."
Laura spoke calmly, giving a slight bow.
In truth, she didn't want to fight, but the pride of the university was at stake—she had no choice anymore.
"No need."
Ethan smiled and shook his head.
Although Absol wasn't the type to fight without a reason, withdrawing it now would only upset it.
"Very well then."
"This will be the Pokémon I use."
Laura nodded, threw her Poké Ball, and after a flash of light, a humanoid pink-colored Pokémon appeared: Medicham, a Psychic/Fighting type.
"Medicham, huh?"
"Sending it against a Dark-type like Absol... looks like she's planning to rely on Fighting-type offense."
Ethan thought for a moment. Absol had the advantage over Psychic types, but Fighting types were also effective against Dark. In other words, they were evenly matched.
"Alright. Absol, use Night Slash!"
With Ethan's command, the blade on Absol's head glowed with a dark light, and the Pokémon lunged swiftly toward Medicham.
"Dodge and use Force Palm!"
Medicham's eyes lit up with a blue flash; it took half a step back, narrowly dodging Absol's blade, then twisted on one foot. Fighting-type energy gathered in its leg as it unleashed a powerful spinning kick.
Whoosh!
But Absol was just as fast—pressing its paws against the ground, it evaded with remarkable agility.
"What quick reflexes! These two Pokémon fight with such similar styles."
"Medicham, use Meditate!"
Laura's eyes shone as she gave her command.
Medicham dodged another slash from Absol, pressed its palms together, and a blue aura enveloped its body. Its inner energy began flowing, boosting its Attack.
Absol, of course, wasn't going to just stand there and watch its opponent power up. It growled, lunged forward, and used Sucker Punch, accelerating even more.
But this Medicham was exceptional—it managed to maintain Meditate even while dodging!
Though it took a few hits, it never broke its concentration, and an overwhelming energy began bursting from its body.
"Now! Use Detect and then High Jump Kick!"
Laura took the opportunity and issued her finishing command.
Medicham's eyes flashed intensely. It froze for a moment, seeing Absol's movements with absolute clarity.
Then it pressed its left foot into the ground, gathered power in its right knee, and launched itself in a leap toward Absol, wrapped in a devastating aura.
"Absol—Night Slash! Then Punishment!"
Ethan realized this would be the decisive exchange and didn't hesitate.
Swish, swish!
Absol nodded, its eyes glowing with a spectral light.
Night Slash allowed it to pinpoint the exact moment to strike, increasing the chances of a critical hit. In practice, the move also helped it sense the weak point in the opponent's attack.
Suddenly, Absol lunged forward with full force, dark energy gathering across its body, and collided with Medicham.
BOOM!
The impact was brutal. Two powerful auras crashed, unleashing a shockwave that shook the field.
"Now we've got him!"
"Medicham fully powered up with Meditate!"
"Taking it head-on is suicide!"
The students shouted excitedly, convinced Ethan had made a fatal mistake.
But before their voices even faded, Medicham went flying through the air, crashing onto the ground—unable to continue the battle.
"W-what...?"
Everyone's expressions filled with disbelief. How was it possible? Medicham, boosted to its limit, had been defeated!
"Punishment..."
Laura's eyes narrowed in realization.
That move grew stronger the more the opponent powered up. The more strength Medicham accumulated, the stronger Absol's attack became.
And still—being knocked out in just one hit... that was also thanks to Night Slash.
That precise strike had hit the vital point of the incoming attack.
And so, under the stunned gazes of everyone present, the "white assassin" of the field—Absol—stood tall once again amidst the dust, its scythe still dripping with dark energy.
(End of chapter)