Chapter 122-123

The colorful flags of various colleges and universities fluttered high in the sky above Mercedes Stadium. A synchronized salute echoed through the air, and major media outlets had sent their representatives to cover the event. This competition, meant for college students, was organized by the Pokémon Association in Magic City and served as a platform for universities to come together and compete.

There were a total of eight venues, each hosting three rounds of 1v1 singles matches. The victors from each venue would earn the right to challenge Gym Leader Tang Hui for a Badge.

Angela Shen, standing beside Luke at the opening ceremony, provided some insights. "That's the delegation from QL Province University... and over there is Jianggan University."

In the East Orient Region, there were eight Gyms located in various places, including Magic City, QL Province, JS Province, BA Province, Luckie Prefecture, and River Perilla. The fact that colleges and universities from all over the region were gathered here demonstrated the allure of Badges.

Luke was a bit surprised and asked, "So many people are competing for the 1 million prize?"

Angela Shen gave Luke a puzzled look and responded, "The 1 million is just an additional reward. Isn't the real attraction the Magic City Badge and the Gym's Secret Records?"

Luke cleared his throat, "Indeed, I think so too."

Luke's tall figure, with Eevee perched on his shoulder, made him quite conspicuous in the crowd. In the distance, a group of girls playfully teased each other and discussed their desire to have a boyfriend with an Eevee.

"So cute... I really want one..."

"Vui~! (╬▔皿▔)╯"

Eevee, with a tic-tac-toe on its forehead, playfully glared at them, and their laughter came to a sudden halt.

Angela Shen whispered to Luke, "You're going to have a lot of fans at this conference."

Luke gazed up at the sky, fully aware of the potential outcome.

He hoped it wouldn't turn into a competition among online fans again.

In the Chairman's booth, Song Pengcheng, the chairman of the Magic City Association, with his white temples, nodded and smiled while observing the enthusiastic young participants. Principal Du Yuanshan of Magic University, an elderly man with a youthful appearance and white hair, stroked his elegant white beard and said with a smile, "We're here too; there's no need to feel sorry."

Song Pengcheng shook his head, "Senior, compared to you, I'm far behind."

Gym Leader Tang Hui, dressed in a suit and leather shoes, felt a bit embarrassed. Despite organizing the open challenge, the guests in attendance were all older than him. Nevertheless, if he could discover exceptional talents and award Badges, it would be a joyous occasion.

Goldhill, the Gym Leader of River Perilla, donning a cheongsam with wrinkles on her face, appeared kind and elegant. She whispered, "Every match features some exceptionally talented young individuals."

Tang Hui chuckled, "Indeed, we have representatives from nearly all the universities in East Orient, and the Rookie Kings from various provinces are quite impressive."

Tang Hui began listing some notable names, such as Sven from River Perilla and Duan Cheng from QL Province. However, as his gaze traveled down the list of players, he suddenly paused.

'Magic City University, Luke.'

At the sight of this name, Tang Hui couldn't help but think of Luke's unique tactical style and coughed abruptly.

Song Pengcheng also wore a puzzled expression. Luke had a close connection with the Sinnoh Champion, and as far as they knew, he had never been defeated. While he had been recommended by Magic City University, there was still something about his participation in this competition that felt odd.

Song Pengcheng cleared his throat and said, "The Luke from Magic City University... the former Principal is surely aware."

Du Yuanshan, stroking his white beard, nodded with a smile. He had heard of this name, thanks to Wu Grandma from Magic University's Breeding House. Luke had earned Grandma Wu's recognition and had even impressed Squirtle, who was "strong but not self-aware." Given Squirtle's innate talent, securing a top position wasn't challenging. Perhaps Squirtle would become Luke's most potent ace!

Du Yuanshan cheerfully added, "Indeed, Luke, a finance student, is quite an outlier!"

Considering the audience consisted mostly of respected seniors, they might not be familiar with Bilibili and its content.

Tang Hui adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and commented, "Being an outlier... the tactical videos you mentioned have garnered acclaim in all the Alliances. Nevertheless, the quality of tactics also depends on the Pokémon species."

Tang Hui's gaze swept through the crowd before settling on the square where Magic City University's team was located. Simultaneously, Li Chunhua observed Luke and pointed to him with a grin, saying, "A young man, certainly extraordinary!"

After the opening ceremony, the Contest Category began its first round of matches according to the draw. Sally Han enthusiastically cheered, "Teacher Luke, go for it!"

Luke yawned, waved to his companions, and walked towards the battlefield, carrying Eevee on his shoulder.

"Will you come out later?" Luke asked Eevee.

"Vui~!" Eevee curled into a ball of fluff, not showing much interest. The opponents here were unappealing to it.

Luke rubbed his chin, wearing a conflicted expression. If Haunter were to participate, its Toxic attack might result in medical expenses for the opponents. After careful consideration, he decided to let Squirtle take the lead.

But Luke still had reservations about Squirtle's performance, especially if it had learned any new moves. Luke mused, "What if it has learned a new move... what will I do? Sister Liu... might still allow me to rent another house..."

After sighing, Luke released Squirtle from its Poké Ball.

"Uirt~?" Squirtle scratched its head, puzzled by the situation.

"The next match... be careful," Luke began but stopped himself.

Luke had initially wanted to caution Squirtle about avoiding damage to the arena. However, he reconsidered and decided that Squirtle's safety was more important. He patted Squirtle's shoulder and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Eevee and Haunter will support you!"

Eevee and Haunter reacted with mixed expressions—Eevee with disappointment and Haunter with mockery.

"Uirt~…" Squirtle was taken aback.

Suddenly, its eyes welled up with tears. Squirtle wiped its eyes, put on sunglasses, and gave Luke an enthusiastic thumbs up.

"Uirt~!ヾ(⌐■_■)"

Squirtle was ready to take on this challenge for Luke's sake!

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first round of Group A!"

The stadium resounded with cheers, filling every seat. The audience, media representatives, and participants all had their attention focused on the center of the arena, where the Rookie Champion from QL Province stood.

Standing at eight feet tall, the formidable competitor had a stern expression and folded arms, indicating his substantial strength. Duan Cheng, the QL Province Rookie Champion, had Onix as his Starter Pokémon and had earned a Badge from QL Province.

As the representative of the QL Province delegation and a contender for the championship, Duan Cheng carried the responsibility of bringing honor to his school. He was considered one of the top challengers for the Magic City Badge since he was one of the few competitors who already possessed a Badge.

"The red side represents Magic City University... uh..."

The commentator paused momentarily.

"What... a finance student?"

But as soon as this unique name was announced, the entire audience erupted in excitement.