Time flew by quickly. In the blink of an eye, two weeks had passed, and today was the day of the selection for the ten available spots.
As usual, Eichi washed up, grabbed his backpack, and headed out. The selection would begin at nine o'clock, so he first went to have breakfast, then spent an hour training in the Training Room.
Seeing that there were still about thirty minutes left, he recalled his two Pokémon and walked to the main building.
When Eichi arrived at the battlefield, some people were already there. Three teachers had arrived: Miss Joylin, Teacher Rondo, and the instructor who taught their Flying-type class.
None of the students had shown up yet. When Miss Joylin saw Eichi, she waved and called out, "Eichi, you're here! Why so early?"
Eichi smiled. "It's fine. I'm used to coming early."
He greeted the other two teachers, and both Rondo and the Flying-type teacher nodded and returned the greeting.
Before the other students arrived, Miss Joylin started chatting casually with Eichi.
There were a few tables and chairs set up beside the battlefield.
After taking a seat, Miss Joylin asked, "Eichi, this selection shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"
Eichi nodded. "It shouldn't be."
Miss Joylin continued, "For this Freshmen Tournament, our class will be counting on you and Tetsu."
"Kelly and Hirota are both strong, but compared to the other classes, they're still a bit behind.
Aside from being the homeroom teacher for Class One, I also teach a few of the other classes, so I know a bit about their strengths.
Several students from Classes Two, Three, Six, Eight, and Twelve are quite capable.
Those in the later classes only rank lower because of weaker theory scores. In actual combat, they're all your rivals, Eichi."
Seeing Miss Joylin's worried look, Eichi said with a calm smile, "Don't worry, Miss Joylin. I'll beat them."
Miss Joylin clenched her fist. "Then you'd better do your best!"
Eichi nodded. "Of course. Thank you, Miss Joylin. I will."
***
A while later, the other students arrived one after another. After greeting the teachers and Eichi, most of them found their places, except for Hirota, who came in with his three underlings and stayed in a corner.
When everyone had arrived, Miss Joylin called for attention. The students quickly gathered in front of her as she began roll call.
Once all names were checked, she spoke. "Everyone should already know what we're doing today. In a moment, I'll have the top ten students in practical combat step forward.
If you think you're stronger than any of them, you can challenge them. Alright, let's begin.
When I call your name, step forward: Eichi, Tetsu, Kelly, Hirota…"
Eichi and the other nine students stepped forward, facing the rest of the class.
Miss Joylin said, "Alright, we'll start with Eichi. Anyone who wants to challenge him?"
Eichi scanned the crowd, but no one moved. Their expressions showed clear hesitation, even fear.
For a while, the field was silent. Everyone knew that there wasn't a single person in class who could defeat Eichi.
Especially after he had beaten Hirota last time, and with his performance in the past two weeks' practical lessons, the gap between them had become obvious.
Seeing that no one challenged him, Miss Joylin announced, "Since there are no challengers for Eichi, I hereby confirm that Eichi secures a spot."
"Next is Tetsu. Anyone who wants to challenge him, step forward."
After a pause, still no one came out. Miss Joylin nodded and confirmed that Tetsu also earned a spot.
Then came Hirota's turn, and finally, someone stepped up to challenge him.
Miss Joylin said, "Since Kazuya is challenging Hirota, everyone else please take a seat in the stands to watch."
Eichi helped organize the others into the spectator seats.
Sitting beside Eichi, Tetsu grinned. "Look at Hirota's face. It's priceless."
Hirota's expression darkened. Someone dared to challenge him? He thought angrily, I only lost to Eichi once, and now you all think I'm weak? Fine. I'll show you how wrong you are.
He sent out his Sneasel, while his opponent released a Sandslash.
Hirota's strength was indeed impressive. Besides Eichi and Tetsu, no one in class could confidently say they could beat him.
His Sneasel easily defeated Sandslash, earning him the third spot.
From the fourth rank onward, several challenges took place. If a Pokémon ran out of stamina or got injured, Miss Joylin's Chansey would restore them.
Eichi used the Eye of the Bug Emperor to observe it: Chansey had Outstanding talent and an Elite rank strength.
Not bad at all, quite fitting for Miss Joylin's well-off background.
In the following matches, three challengers managed to win their battles, though all were from the lower ranks, sixth, eighth, and ninth place.
Finally, it was Kelly's turn. She held the tenth position, so of course someone challenged her.
When the match began, Kelly threw her Poké Ball. In a flash of white light, a white-and-green figure appeared.
Kirlia, the Emotion Pokémon.
Type: Psychic, Fairy.
Abilities: Synchronize, Trace.
Hidden Ability: Telepathy.
Kirlia's body was white, its form resembling a ballet dancer in a dress. Its slender green legs supported it gracefully.
Unlike Ralts, its hair didn't fully cover its eyes; instead, it had shoulder-length bangs.
The two red horns had shifted to the sides of its head, now resembling hair clips.
A Kirlia! Eichi was surprised. Kelly had never shown this Pokémon in class battles before, and Kirlia itself was rare even in the Hoenn Region.
Curious, Eichi activated the Eye of the Bug Emperor. Kirlia had Outstanding talent and was at the Experienced rank.
Another rich family, he thought wryly. Kelly's background might not lose to Tetsu's after all. She had hidden it well.
Kirlia's appearance drew everyone's attention. Her opponent, visibly nervous, released a Nidorina.
Its talent was Good, and its rank was experienced. Decent, but nothing extraordinary.
During battle, Kelly's demeanor changed completely from her usual quiet self.
She became fierce; yes, downright fierce, as she commanded Kirlia to unleash a relentless barrage of Psychic-type attacks on Nidorina.
Kirlia quickly overwhelmed its opponent, securing victory.
The students in the stands were stunned. Is that really our vice class representative?
After that display, no one else dared to challenge Kelly.
And with that, the final slot was decided.