The day of the championship tournament.
The number of people arriving at the Pyrite Arena had increased once again.
After all, it's an annual grand event where one can watch others battle from the inside, a rarity in the Pyrite Town domain.
Therefore, even though the tickets aren't cheap, it's still as popular as a charity event.
Moreover, the tournament doesn't have the heavy hostility of a charity event, yet the grand spectacle of intense Pokémon battles can only be seen at the tournament, making it suitable for those who dream of powerful Pokémon.
Like other public tournaments, guests from Silicon City, akin to commentators, were invited to this event, primarily to help explain parts that the audience doesn't understand.
Inside the arena.
As the host introduced the guests to the seated audience, the two trainers for the first match also took their positions.
In the contestants' waiting room.
Baimu sat alone, looking up at the large TV screen hanging in the front.
His match was scheduled as the third group, and his opponent was a giant not much shorter than Cang Zhilang. The people in Pyrite Town are extreme in height; they're either 1.9 or 2 meters tall, or around 1.6 to 1.7 meters tall.
People like him, standing at 1.8 meters, are rare.
Surveying the surroundings.
The other dozen or so contestants were also there, either standing or sitting, quietly watching the battle on the television.
They all looked like they weren't easy to deal with... Hmm?
Baimu's gaze fixed on a certain spot, as compared to others who obviously looked like locals of Pyrite Town, weathered by exposure, regardless of wealth.
That person seemed too young and too fair-skinned.
Fair enough to seem devoid of any dust, immediately giving the impression of someone who hasn't lifted a finger for work, from a rather privileged background.
Came from Silicon City?
Baimu glanced at the guests on TV; the vibe didn't quite match.
Rather than saying he's from neighboring Silicon City, it would be more accurate to say he came from outside, from another region.
While browsing through contestant photos before, it was impossible to capture this kind of unique aura in a living person.
Was he here last year?
He remembered the list from Flop didn't have this person.
As he pondered silently, the other seemed to realize he was being watched, suddenly turning and locking eyes with him.
Both were taken aback and smiled, nodding at each other.
"Shanren... is it?"
Baimu withdrew his gaze, knowing deep down that no matter what this person's background, he might not be easy to deal with and could well be a strong competitor for victory!
『*** contestant's Vigoroth has taken down! The outcome is decided!』
The voice from the TV signified that the first match had ended, the second was about to start, and it was time for him to make some preparations for his third match.
——
In the dimly lit passage.
The defeated party left the field.
Approaching to begin, Baimu happened to brush past them, feeling the wave of dejection, causing an indescribable tension in his heart.
Following the filming at the charity event and the onlookers during the territorial capture, this time he would face even more prying eyes, pressure different from before.
The key is whether Chansey and the others can get used to having their battles observed by so many people?
Having the courage to embrace others' attention is also needed.
Immature.
In every aspect, Baimu knew he was still quite immature.
At the end of the passage.
The blinding white light and the thunderous cheers instantly filled his ears as he stepped out, the calls becoming much clearer.
The most prominent were those on either side of the aisle, the spectators with gambling tickets, grimacing, either cheering or jeering, venting their emotions about getting rich overnight.
Under the flashing spotlight.
The new field, overlaid using arena black technology, shimmered brilliantly, with drifting white smoke clearly visible,
The host's voice spread throughout the venue via the broadcast.
"Let's welcome a young player from the Quicksand Team — Baimu!!"
Baimu walked slowly into the arena, looking across at the giant man.
The sneering expression was clear.
The settings for the championship tournament differed in many ways, including a change to the contest mode to three-on-three, and the field expanded from fifty meters to eighty meters, providing more space for Pokémon activity.
But it also increased the range of movement for trainers, significantly testing their stamina.
In the commentators' room.
After the host's introduction, he promptly transferred the speaking role to the guests beside him, "Mr. White Bird, what do you think of this match?"
"I think this match may not be very favorable to Contestant Baimu."
The guest named White Bird candidly stated, "If you look at the selection in the earlier matches, Contestant Baimu's Pokémon — Lairon and Chansey are both weak to Fighting-types, with natural attributes lacking an advantage.
"Furthermore, if I'm not mistaken, his Chansey should be a purely supportive Pokémon."
The host quickly chimed in, "Oh? Could you explain what a supportive Pokémon means?"
"It's a Pokémon meant to establish an advantage for other Pokémon." White Bird spoke eloquently, "Not all Pokémon have the prowess to stand alone; some are more suited for support roles than offensive actions.
"Faced with these Pokémon, the key is not to give them a chance to use transformation techniques; *** contestant clearly won't give such an opportunity."
The host sighed, "Does that mean Contestant Baimu is sure to lose?"
"Not necessarily!"
White Bird waved his hand, confidently stating, "Contestant Baimu also has a Fairy Attribute Mawile, which I would undoubtedly use to turn the tables. Even with him using it, there lies a chance to win, but it's contingent on whether he can seize it or not."
"Hahaha, thank you for your insights, Mr. White Bird. Let us wait and see how Contestant Baimu performs."
The host awkwardly chuckled, his gaze falling on a section of the audience where members of the Quicksand Team were indeed cursing up a storm, causing a trickle of sweat to form on his forehead.
The external guests truly have no regard, their superior attitude would have gotten them mugged outside the arena long ago.
But these remarks directed at Baimu, just might mean they've been bought by his opponent.
The host knew all too well that these so-called guests lacked any real principles.
——
Inside the field.
Baimu could vaguely hear the commentary from Mr. White Bird, aware that his information might already be well-known by his opponent.
But it's the same for everyone.
Flop also provided him with information on all his opponents.
Whether or not the information could be utilized to its fullest potential depended on him.
"A Fighting-type specialist... being disadvantaged is really unpleasant," Baimu muttered under his breath.
The preparatory red light began to flash.
The next second.
The green light lit up.
Baimu and the giant simultaneously ran towards each other, throwing their Pokéballs.
Bam! Bam!
Two beams of white light flashed.
Mawile landed, equipped with Electromagnetic Levitation right off the bat.
Sparks of electricity enveloped it as it floated into the air.
On the opposite side, the Hitmonchan, resembling a human boxer, swung its punch-clad fists while running towards Mawile, surrounded by a dark red aura.
An incredible momentum was gathering around it, muscles visibly bulging and tightening.
Threads tensely arranged like resilient steel cables.
"Bodybuilding!"
Even without the opponent revealing it outright, Baimu recognized the move right away.