A fervent atmosphere permeated the air. A mix of tension and excitement filled every corner of the Silver Academy, for today was the Freshmen Tournament, and many competitors were eager to show off their skills.
The competition was held in the Battle Hall, a facility separate from the one used for practical lessons. The Battle Hall was a dome-shaped, red and silver structure, roughly one and a half times the size of a soccer field.
Many Johto Pokémon, including Tyranitar and Ursaring, were painted on the exterior walls, all shown in battle, instilling a desire to compete in those who saw them. This Battle Hall was usually closed, opening only for tournaments.
Inside, there was one main battle arena and eight auxiliary fields. Spectator stands surrounded the fields, capable of holding thousands of people.
All the rules had been explained beforehand by the participants' homeroom teachers.
The Freshmen Tournament used an Elimination System. The 130 contestants would fight using a 1v1 Pokémon format for the first four rounds.
A 2v2 format would then begin once the competition was narrowed down to 17 contestants.
Following the first round, the participants would draw lots, and one lucky winner would receive a bye and advance immediately.
This system of drawing for a bye would continue until the final rounds. For example, if three contestants remained, a draw would take place. The one who drew the bye would go straight to the finals, and the remaining two would battle to determine the second finalist.
Since injuries were inevitable, and quick recovery was essential for the next round, the school provided ample medical personnel. Miss Joylin was called to serve as medical staff, given her connection to the Joy family. Allegedly, members of the Joy and Jenny families also held teaching positions in the breeding and research departments at the Silver Academy.
Eichi's class had all taken their seats in the stands, surrounded by fellow competitors. Four large screens hung from the ceiling. Match information, including opponents and arenas, was displayed on these screens and announced via public broadcast, ensuring nobody missed their match.
The screens currently showed highlights of exciting battles from past Freshmen Tournaments, featuring successful graduates. Under the command of their Trainers, Pokémon exploded with astonishing battle power.
Everyone sat waiting for the announcement, watching the videos. Closer to the front, opposite Eichi, sat Director Yanagi and Teacher Takemoto.
Director Yanagi remarked casually, "It's certainly lively. Honestly, it's been a while since I've come out to watch these youngsters compete. I feel quite nostalgic."
Teacher Takemoto agreed, "I've spent too long in the lab without getting out and stretching my legs. Serving as a teacher this time has actually given me some inspiration."
Director Yanagi then pointed at Eichi. "Eichi is over there. You must pay close attention to his match."
Teacher Takemoto looked toward Eichi, but Eichi seemed to sense their gaze and looked back. Director Yanagi was surprised. That kid's senses are quite sharp! He noticed us.
Eichi nodded toward Director Yanagi and Teacher Takemoto, offering a greeting. They both waved back in return.
After a short while, the competition was set to begin. All four large screens lit up as the broadcast began. Match information immediately appeared. Eichi quickly found his profile. It read: Eichi, Arena 5, Group 3, Opponent: Class 5's Alan.
The public announcement followed: "Attention, all contestants, please proceed to your designated battle arenas and prepare. Attention, all contestants, please proceed to your designated battle arenas and prepare."
After the broadcast had repeated three times, Eichi stood up and addressed his classmates. "Everyone heard the announcement. Head to your arenas and wait. Everyone, give it your all and secure some good wins. During the battles, stay calm and face the challenges with a clear head."
The students replied, "Thank you, Class Representative! We'll do our best!"
The nine classmates stood up and descended from the stands. As they walked, Tetsu asked, "Eichi, I'm on Arena 3. Which one are you on?"
Eichi replied, "I'm on Arena 5. Good luck with your match."
Tetsu responded, "You too."
Eichi arrived at Arena 5. Several contestants were already there. Since Eichi was in Group 3, there would be two matches before his, so he didn't rush, instead he took the opportunity to observe his surroundings.
A teacher was assigned to serve as the referee for each arena. The battlefields were all made of Rock-type terrain, and the entire Freshmen Tournament would be held on this surface.
The initial 1v1 format would heavily test the contestants' competence. If you're lucky enough to encounter an opponent whose Pokémon is weak to your type, that's a huge bonus.
After watching for a moment, the matches officially began with Group 1. Eichi didn't recognize either of the two Trainers. One used a Croconaw, and the other used a Marill.
Eichi activated the Eye of the Bug Emperor: the Croconaw had an Excellent Talent Grade, and the Marill a Good Talent Grade; both were at the Rookie rank. These two students were quite ordinary in skill, reflecting the abilities of most participants, as trainers like Eichi were rare. Croconaw ultimately won.
Then the second match quickly concluded and it was Eichi's turn.
The classmates in the stands, as well as Director Yanagi and Teacher Takemoto, immediately focused on Arena 5.
"Contestants for Group 3, please prepare," announced the speaker.
Eichi walked to one side. On the opposite side, a youth with green hair, Alan, stepped onto the field. The referee announced, "The match between Class 1's Eichi and Class 5's Alan is now starting. Please release your Pokémon."
"Go, Scyther!"
"Battle, Bellsprout!"
Bellsprout, the Flower Pokémon.
Type: Grass/Poison.
Ability: Chlorophyll.
Hidden Ability: Gluttony.
Description: Bellsprout is a plant-like Pokémon. Its yellow head, resembling a bell, has small black eyes and a pink rim that forms its mouth. Small green leaves serve as its hands, brown roots form its feet, and its body is a slightly thicker stem. Bellsprout's Talent Grade is Good, and its rank is Rookie.
"Begin!"
"Bellsprout, use Vine Whip!" The referee's voice had barely faded when Alan commanded the attack. Two Vine Whips shot out from Bellsprout's head.
Seeing the whips coming, Scyther easily dodged, swaying left and right with minimal effort.
"Scyther, use Agility followed by Wing Attack."