Chapter 206: Imperial VS Shu
On platforms like TikTok, countless videos of Metagross battling the Modu Academy were circulating. Almost every video had over half a million likes.
"Julian" and "Metagross" quickly became the most-searched terms in this year's Hundred Schools League.
The fame of Julian's university, Imperial Capital University, skyrocketed, even surpassing that of their long-standing rival, Shu University.
This made the president of Imperial University almost wake up laughing from a dream.
Originally, with Dylan, an Elite-level Trainer, representing them, Modu Academy was poised to secure the championship as long as other schools lacked trainers of the same caliber.
But no one expected Julian, a wildcard with unreasonable strength, to appear and crush their dreams of victory, single-handedly blocking their path to the championship.
Not only that, but they even lost their position among the "Top Five" elite colleges.
The Modu Academy was so frustrated they could practically cough up blood.
The higher their hopes had been, the harder their fall.
By the end of the fifth round of matches that day, five universities advanced to the semifinals:
- Imperial University
- Shu University
- First Military Academy
- Pearl University
- Second Military Academy
The Second Military Academy owed its spot in the semifinals largely to Imperial University's victory against Modu Academy, along with a stroke of good luck, as their group lacked any of the Top Five elite universities.
Thus, this year, the Second Military Academy replaced Modu Academy as one of the Top Five.
Few viewed their inclusion as a fluke, as the Second Military Academy had long been close to breaking into the Top Five.
In fact, in the history of the Hundred Schools League, the Second Military Academy had occasionally claimed a spot among the Top Five.
It's just that compared to long-standing dominators like Imperial, Shu, and the First Military Academy, their appearances were significantly fewer.
The semifinals were determined by drawing lots.
The First Military Academy got lucky and received a bye, advancing directly.
The remaining matchups were:
- Imperial University vs. Shu University
- Pearl University vs. Second Military Academy
Imperial University was set to face their long-time rival, Shu University, as expected.
Thanks to Julian's monstrous performance, most spectators believed Shu University stood little chance against Imperial. Still, given the decades-long rivalry between the two schools, the match retained high anticipation.
The morning matchup would be Imperial vs. Shu.
The afternoon would see Pearl vs. Second Military.
The matches were set to take place at the main arena of the Haitian City Grand Conference Hall.
As the semifinals approached, the event included a host and two special guest commentators.
The host, Ben, hailed from the Haitian City Television Station. While not widely known nationally, he was a household name in Haitian City.
Two special guests were: Jose, the president of the Haitian City Trainers Association and an Elite-level Trainer, and Lisa, a rising star who also hailed from Haitian City.
The morning match was scheduled for 8:00 a.m., and the time was now 7:40.
The spectator stands were already packed, and the live broadcast had begun.
At the main stage, host Ben was chatting with the two guests. Thanks to his excellent moderation, the three shared a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Ben, in his early thirties, was a popular host known for his excellent appearance, which earned him more female fans than male.
"So, Lisa, who are you supporting, Imperial University or Shu University?" Ben asked with a smile.
"Of course, I'm supporting Shu University," Lisa replied cheerfully.
Lisa, in her twenties, was one of the country's most prominent young stars. Known for her acting skills and stunning looks, her following on online platforms had exceeded 200 million.
"Oh? Why not Imperial University?"
Ben raised an eyebrow, surprised by her answer, considering the massive hype surrounding Imperial University as the likely champion.
"Because I graduated from Shu University, of course! I have to support my alma mater"
Lisa said with a playful smile. She clenched her fist and struck an encouraging pose.
"Go, Shu University! Beat Imperial Capital! Only Shu reigns supreme!"
Her spirited words, paired with her endearing gesture, immediately sent her fans in the live chat into a frenzy.
"Beat Imperial Capital! Only Shu reigns supreme!"
"Beat Imperial Capital! Only Shu reigns supreme!"
"Beat Imperial Capital! Only Shu reigns supreme!"
The phrase flooded the chat, showcasing just how terrifyingly popular Lisa was across Drakoria.
"Oh, so you're a Shu alum, Lisa! In that case, I'll support Shu too," Ben said with a wink.
"Huh? Why?"
Lisa blinked, momentarily confused.
"Because I'm your fan. As a fan, I have to support you, don't I?" Ben replied with a grin.
With both the host and a guest openly rooting for Shu, the students from Shu University instantly felt invigorated, casting smug glances at their rivals from Imperial University.
'Sure, you've got Julian, but does that mean you're actually well-liked? Think again!'
'Beat Imperial Capital! Only Shu reigns supreme!'
Imperial University students: 'Seriously? You think having more supporters guarantees a win? Keep dreaming.'
"President Jose, are you also rooting for Shu University like us?"
Lisa, determined to support her alma mater, turned to Jose.
"How could Shu, the eternal runner-up, possibly compete with Imperial University?" Jose smirked.
He paused for a second, then added, "Oh, by the way, I'm an Imperial University graduate, Class of '85. Shu? Heh, they're nothing."
The president of the Haitian City Trainers Association, Jose, wasted no time firing shots at Shu University, showing absolutely no mercy.
"President Jose, it's Imperial Capital that's nothing!" Lisa retorted, angrily.
Jose: "Eternal second place."
"Shu is number one!"
Jose: "Eternal second place."
"Shu is definitely going to beat Imperial Capital this time!"
Jose: "Eternal second place."
Lisa: Shaking with anger and frustration
"Can't you say something else for once?"
"Can you even beat Julian?" Jose replied with a smirk.
Lisa: 'Is it illegal to hit an old man? Wait—he's an Elite-level Trainer... never mind.(╥﹏╥)(╥﹏╥)(╥﹏╥)'
Watching Lisa's teary, bullied expression, the live audience burst out laughing.
At that moment, they realized that whether it was a superstar or a high-and-mighty Elite Trainer, they were just like them—with quirks and tempers.
And honestly, their banter skills? Not even close to what the audience could pull off.
Thanks to the duo's playful jabs, the tense atmosphere in the live chat—where Shu and Imperial supporters had been bickering fiercely—suddenly lightened.
"Alright, you two, let's pause for now; the match is about to start"
Host Ben interjected quickly. He even thoughtfully opened a water bottle for Lisa, handing it to her so she could soothe her throat.
Jose: "Simp. Simp. In the end, you'll have nothing."
Ben: |(￣Д￣)ノ
"It's 'in the end, you'll have everything'"
Lisa quipped, clearly used to bickering with Jose. Without missing a beat, she countered his words.
Ben: 'So, opening a water bottle makes me a simp now?'
"Is that so? Then, little Ben, keep simping—success is just around the corner," Jose said with a grin.
Lisa: "He's not my type, though."
Ben: ?(T﹏T)?
*****
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