Chapter 54: Start Of Competition

If you have six Pokémon and 10 million in cash, distributing that cash across all six will generally only elevate them to a standard level. 

However, if you invest all 10 million in a single Pokémon, that Pokémon will achieve Advanced status. 

Although Advanced-level Pokémon are only one tier above normal/ordinary-level Pokémon, the difference in their battle capabilities is significant. 

Therefore, with limited resources, it's more advantageous to concentrate your efforts on the best Pokémon to develop them into your trump card. 

While this approach may seem unfair to your other Pokémon, life is inherently unequal, and your primary goal should be to become stronger.

"You have no reason to feel wronged for losing to my Metagross," Julian remarked casually. 

His Metagross boasted outstanding base stats that far exceeded those of a typical Metagross, and not even two Steelix would change that outcome. 

Watching the Metagross hovering serenely behind Julian, Wren nodded in envy, commenting;

"It's incredibly strong."

"Hahaha, I did put a lot of effort into raising it," Julian replied, pleased. 

Metagross is his partner, and Julian feels joy when it receives praise, much like when someone compliments him on his looks. 

Metagross squinted contentedly, not from Wren's praise but from the comforting aura of Julian's massage.

-

Yale Province has twelve cities, including Lake City, with only three teams from each city qualifying for the competition. 

In the Yale Provincial High School League, the structure involves city preliminaries, where each city selects its three best teams. 

Lake City, as the provincial capital, hosts fifteen high schools, which means fifteen teams compete for just three spots in the silver-white high school league. 

The fifteen teams are divided into three groups labeled A, B, and C, with five teams in each group. 

The best teams from each group will represent their respective schools and Lake City in the league.

Lake No. 1 Middle School is in Group A alongside other four. 

The five teams will draw lots to determine their opponents, and those who receive a bye will automatically proceed to the next round. 

"I hope to draw a bye!" Will said enthusiastically. 

Julian remained silent, seemingly uninterested, while Shen, another member of the group, commented, "I hope you get lucky; otherwise, it could get boring."

As the acknowledged top team in Lake City, Lake No. 1 Middle School consistently secures one of the slots. 

This year, with a powerhouse like Julian, they are even more confident. 

Their team is led by head teacher Sam Nott.

"I heard you recently faced off against Wren," Sam remarked.

"Yeah, I played a match at the club," Julian replied.

Sam's expression shifted; he was surprised by what he knew about that match. 

Notably, Julian had used his Advanced-level Metagross to defeat Wren's trump card Pokémon, although he did sustain some minor injuries. 

This remarkable event quickly spread among the upper echelons of Lake City. 

Even Sam watched the video of the encounter.

Despite both being pseudo elite-level trainers, defeating Wren's Steelix wouldn't be difficult for Sam, but he knew defeating Julian's Metagross would be a challenge, no matter the toll on his pride. 

It was evident to anyone with a discerning eye just how well-trained Julian's Metagross was, excelling in speed, defense, and attack compared to others at the same level. 

Sam couldn't help but wonder how Julian had managed to raise such an exceptional Metagross at a young age.

"How do you feel about your performance?" Sam inquired.

"Ordinary," Julian responded.

This answer made Sam's mouth twitch in disbelief. 

He couldn't accuse Julian of being boastful; the video clearly showed Wren being soundly defeated. 

But if a pseudo-elite could be described as ordinary, what did that say about Sam's own standing?

'Never mind, I won't ask questions that might hurt my own feelings,' Sam thought to himself.

"Yeah, my luck really is top-notch," Will cheered, drawing Sam's attention. 

Will had just drawn a table tennis ball marked with the number three.

Number three signified a bye; the remaining matches paired number one against number five and number two against number four. 

The representatives from the other four high schools visibly relaxed upon seeing Lake No. 1's bye.

Despite Lake No. 1 Middle School accounting for 99% chance to get the qualifying spot in Group A, no one wanted to face them in the first round and be eliminated immediately. 

At least securing a second-place finish in Group A would give them some credibility.

Once the fierce battles concluded, the final victors emerged: Lake No. 6 Middle School and Dice Middle School, alongside the automatically advancing Lake No. 1 Middle School, which meant the three teams would have to draw lots again. 

Will took his turn at the stage and, whether by luck or something else, Lake No. 1 Middle School received yet another bye.

In the clash between Lake No. 6 Middle School and Dice Middle School, Lake No. 6 triumphed. 

Ultimately, the showdown would be between Lake No. 1 and Lake No. 6 Middle Schools. 

As their team leader Sam observed, he gained insight into the five main Pokémon that Lake No. 6 had selected: one Electric-type, two Fire-types, one Water-type, and one Grass-type.

The electric Pokémon should be among the strongest in their lineup. 

After two rounds of combat, the Pokémon belonging to the five trainers from Lake No. 6 had sustained varying levels of injury.

However, they still had at least one Pokémon in pristine condition. 

It's uncertain whether this Pokémon would be the primary contender in the battles ahead.

"Chase, Chris, Zack, Han and Julian, you five will compete," Sam announced.

While he initially wanted the three substitute candidates to face Lake No. 6 Middle School, he decided to include Julian as an insurance policy; as long as Julian remained in the mix, they could withstand any losses among the first four.

Chase and the other two candidates were surprised to be called up for this opening match. Aware of their status as substitutes, they understood that unless the main force faltered, their chances to play would be slim.

By allowing the three to participate, Sam aimed not only to train them but also to conceal the true strength of his primary team.

Julian's inclusion had significant implications. 

Following the revelation of his lineage as the heir to the Walker family, his background had become widely known among influential factions, and he decided to no longer hide it.

"Got it!" they replied with enthusiasm.

The respective team leaders began organizing their players, and after more than an hour of action, the match concluded.

Chase managed to defeat one Pokémon from Lake No. 6 Middle School, while the other two candidates faced defeat. 

(TL/n: their will be many fights later so i guess the author just skipped preliminaries.)

However, Han showcased impressive skill by sending Blastoise into the arena, leading to four consecutive victories.

As such, Julian remained on the sidelines.

*****

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