"So, who's next?"
After receiving Professor Leonard Langford's signal, Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.
In that instant, Ethan also grasped the key point of the situation: if he managed to completely sweep the Pokémon University of Duskwell City, he could gain quite a few benefits.
So, without hesitation, he decided to continue the battle and once again directed a demonic whisper at the students of the Pokémon University of Duskwell City: "Who's next?"
Meanwhile, outside the field, Derek Ashford and the others' faces darkened.
Inviting a lunatic is easy, getting rid of him is the hard part...
Did Ethan really intend to cause a scene?
Did he actually plan to sweep the entire Pokémon University of Duskwell City by himself?
Although Meltan had defeated all three of Dylan Keats' Pokémon in one hit, Dylan only ranked somewhere within the top twenty of the intermediate campus. And while his strength was notable, the difference between him and the top ten was still significant. Even among them, there were those who could defeat him with ease.
So the idea that Ethan alone could wipe out the entire university was simply unrealistic, not to mention the veterans of the advanced campus.
"Heh, interesting."
"That Ethan is way too arrogant. Just because he's the 'Freshman King' he thinks he's above everyone else."
"And who hasn't been one at some point?"
On the roof of the main building, a young man watched the scene with an amused expression.
Of course, unlike his calmness, the students present at the field could not stay composed. Once they processed Ethan's words, anger surged through their heads.
However, despite the collective outrage, no one stepped onto the stage.
Because although they knew Ethan didn't have enough strength to dominate the entire university, they also knew none of them could guarantee a victory against him.
Especially considering that besides the Meltan currently on the field, Ethan still hadn't brought out his Sandslash, Cacturne, or Slowking.
"What's wrong? No one else?"
Ethan, holding the small Charmander in his arms, swept his gaze around, his eyes gleaming.
If no one truly stepped forward, how was this supposed to end?
Would they really surrender so easily?
Hearing his words, the students grew agitated again; all glared at him with fury.
"That Ethan... he's openly provoking us!"
Derek and the others' faces turned grim. They hesitated, staring anxiously at the field.
"Leave it to me."
Suddenly, a deep voice rang out.
A young man in combat attire, arms wrapped in bandages, slowly stepped onto the stage and faced Ethan.
"Huh?"
"It's Senior Logan! Yes!"
"This time we'll definitely win. Logan Pierce is the number one of the intermediate campus!"
The moment he appeared, the students of the Pokémon University of Duskwell City erupted in cheers.
"Phew... it's Logan, the battle maniac."
Derek and the others sighed in relief upon recognizing him.
Logan, over twenty years old, was known for being a true battle addict. He had held the top spot of the intermediate campus for a long time, and not even Derek could match him.
In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Logan specialized in fire-type Pokémon —which didn't go well with rain-team strategies— and because he wasn't interested in team battles, he would have been chosen to participate in the university exchange.
As for his strength, he was already brushing against the Advanced level. His six Pokémon had surpassed the threshold, and he only lacked taking the official exam to advance ranks.
"I'm a trainer specializing in fire types, and the Pokémon I'll be sending out is..." he said calmly as the Pokéball in his hand opened.
A muscular figure wrapped in flames appeared: Blaziken.
"You may switch your Pokémon if you wish."
Logan said it calmly.
"Blaziken, huh?"
Ethan looked at the Meltan on the field.
Against a fire- and fighting-type enemy, Meltan had a clear disadvantage. If he sent out Slowking, victory would be nearly guaranteed. But...
"Forget it. Sweeping the entire university isn't my goal. If I switch now, it'll just look like I'm trying to humiliate them."
"Besides, Meltan needs to learn to face disadvantageous battles too."
After thinking it over, Ethan looked at his Meltan, still swaying like a dancing sword, and decided to keep it in battle.
Of course, he had to give it a small break. After several consecutive battles, its energy consumption was considerable.
So he pulled a dozen vials of metallic liquid from his backpack and tossed them into the air.
"Zzzt!"
Meltan let out a cheerful chirp. Its magnetism activated, making the vials float as they spun around it before slowly merging into its body.
After absorbing them, the metallic particles turned into electrical energy flowing throughout its being —its life energy.
"Alright..."
"Then, let's begin the battle."
When Meltan had recovered its strength, Ethan gave Logan a confident smile.
"Perfect."
Logan nodded, while the flames on Blaziken's wrists flared fiercely.
"Meltan, Headbutt!"
The instant the battle began, Meltan attacked first.
Its silver body vibrated, and under magnetic propulsion, it shot forward like a launched sword.
Blaziken reacted instantly; its eyes narrowed and, without waiting for orders, it stepped back. Flames burst from its legs as it delivered a powerful kick.
BOOM!
A loud explosion echoed, and sparks flew in every direction.
When the view cleared, both Pokémon had already swapped positions on the field.
"What happened?"
"Wasn't it defeated in one hit?"
Remembering the previous battles, the students tensed, staring at the field without blinking.
"Zzzt!"
In midair, Meltan spun rapidly and aimed its blade-like body toward Blaziken again.
Blaziken, in turn, turned around with a roar; the flames on its fists blazing fiercely.
In that first exchange, both Pokémon had dodged each other's attacks —no winner had been decided yet.
(End of chapter)