The third-round matchups were announced like this:
Hoenn — Tyson vs Hoenn — Aiden Flint
Kanto — Gary Oak vs Hoenn — Harrison
From this round, the two winners would advance to the finals and receive gifts from the Professors.
Even the losers would still be allowed to choose one regional starter Pokémon.
This was the special privilege reserved only for the Top Four.
When Aiden learned his opponent was Tyson, he couldn't help glancing over at him.
Just like Aiden, Tyson had also started with a Treecko, and both had already evolved theirs into Sceptile.
More than that, Tyson possessed that terrifying Meowth with boots—the same one that once defeated Ash's Pikachu. It was a genuinely powerful ace.
As for Harrison and Gary, although Gary's past League results weren't as impressive as Harrison's, their true strength was hard to judge.
Aiden actually leaned slightly toward Gary. After all, being Professor Oak's grandson and Ash's lifelong rival meant something.
After another day of rest, Aiden began wondering what starters he would pick.
According to the Professors' reward rules, Top Four Trainers would receive one starter.
Finalists would receive two.
The champion would receive three.
Should he pick Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle?
Or Torchic, Mudkip, Treecko, Totodile?
Or maybe even Snivy from Unova?
"Ah… this is torture. I want them all."
The next day, Aiden and Tyson stepped onto the battlefield first.
Since this was an all-Hoenn matchup, Professor Birch served as the referee.
"Now beginning the full six-on-six battle between Aiden Flint and Tyson. The winner advances to the finals and earns the right to choose two regional starter Pokémon from the Professors."
"Even the loser will still receive one guaranteed starter. Now… battle begin!"
As Professor Birch finished, Aiden and Tyson locked eyes, Poké Balls flashing in their hands.
The next moment, Shiftry and Glaceon appeared on the field!
Seeing Aiden's Glaceon, Professor Rowan couldn't help clicking his tongue in amazement.
"A Sinnoh-exclusive evolution… and this boy even has one of those. Truly remarkable."
…
"Looks like I have the type advantage," Aiden said calmly.
"Glaceon—Ice Beam!"
"Types don't decide everything. Shiftry, Brick Break!"
Both commands rang out at once.
Glaceon fired a freezing beam that turned the air into ice, but Shiftry's speed was incredible—it dodged easily.
Glaceon instantly adjusted its aim, sweeping the Ice Beam across Shiftry's path.
The ground froze solid.
With friction reduced to nothing, Shiftry's own speed became its downfall.
Thump!
Shiftry slipped violently across the ice, crashing to the ground. The move it had been charging instantly collapsed.
Glaceon didn't miss the opportunity. Ice Beam struck again, completely freezing Shiftry in place.
"Finish it—Iron Tail!"
Glaceon dashed forward.
Crack!
Ice shattered as Iron Tail sent Shiftry flying, followed by a final Icy Wind that knocked it out completely.
"Ding! Glaceon defeated Shiftry, gaining 437 EXP. Level increased—current level: Lv40!"
Tyson wasn't discouraged. He recalled Shiftry and smiled.
"Aiden, you're seriously strong. This year's Ever Grande Conference is going to be incredible. Go, Meowth!"
A red flash—
A Meowth wearing boots and a hat appeared.
Aiden immediately checked its stats.
"Ding! Meowth's current stats:"
Pokémon: Meowth (Special)
Level: 52
Ability: Technician
Type: Normal
Potential: Gold
Bond Evolution: Locked
Mega Evolution: Locked
Moves: Pay Day, Bite, Pursuit, Fury Swipes, Screech, Slash, Thunderbolt…
Level 52. Gold potential. A special designation.
This was clearly one of Tyson's aces. Considering Tyson was the original Hoenn League champion in canon, it wasn't surprising at all.
"Meowth, huh? Then it's your turn. I'm counting on you—Aerodactyl."
Glaceon was no match for this Meowth, so Aiden immediately switched.
He recalled Glaceon and released Aerodactyl.
This ancient predator, revived from a prehistoric fossil, hadn't fought a real battle yet under Aiden.
Today would be its debut.
Seeing Aiden bring out a rare, powerful fossil Pokémon like Aerodactyl, the Professors grew even more amazed.
This boy's Pokémon were absurdly rare and powerful—one after another.
"An Aerodactyl… Meowth, use Pay Day!"
Meowth shouted, tossing a glowing coin with terrifying force.
But Aerodactyl possessed the Rock Head ability—it feared no recoil.
"Aerodactyl! Use Giga Impact!"
Aiden's Aerodactyl was special—its Giga Impact and Hyper Beam had no recoil or recharge time.
It could attack again immediately.
The moment Meowth struck, Aerodactyl dove from the sky like an ancient apex predator descending upon its prey.
The coin was smashed aside as Aerodactyl roared, charging straight through.
Tyson's expression changed.
"Meowth, Iron Tail!"
Giga Impact and Iron Tail collided violently.
The overwhelming force nearly crushed Meowth, forcing it to dodge at the last second.
BOOM!
Aerodactyl smashed a massive crater into the battlefield.
Meowth barely escaped, almost unscathed.
…
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