Chapter 78

The Orient Battle Tower serves as the Battle Facility for the Orient Region, holding a status similar to that of Kalos's Battle Chateau and Alola's Battle Tree. According to official descriptions, this type of Battle Facility is designed for Trainers to challenge and enhance their battle skills, with challengers being extremely formidable. In the animated Frontier Region battle, Brandon even managed to subdue the Regis Trio, illustrating the difficulty of the challenges it presents.

Of course, the Orient Battle Tower also functions as a battleground. This year, the Masters League Tournament match between Cynthia and Dragon Tamer Lance is set to take place at the Orient Battle Tower.

Upon hearing the introduction over the phone, Luke's expression turned strange as he remarked, "The Pearl of the Orient has been transformed like this by the devil..."

"It's normal, I suppose. After all, the Eiffel Tower in Paris has become the Prism Tower in this world."

"What did you say?" Cynthia inquired.

"I mean, just be prepared in case I lose in the next game."

A smile formed on Cynthia's lips, and her eyes sparkled with determination. "I won't lose."

In the Pokémon world, bonds and trust hold genuine significance. Just as Charizard is to Leon and Garchomp is to Cynthia, true love for Pokémon yields a genuine response.

Luke, deep in thought, nodded and mused, "Indeed, it's a bond... But why does it feel like the ones I've raised are all coming back to haunt me?"

To evade reporters, both Luke and Cynthia opted to take the race team's private car this time. To keep a low profile, Cynthia, donning sunglasses, disembarked at the contestant's passage amid the bustling crowd.

"After passing the security check, we need to enter through the front," Cynthia instructed.

"Here's your card... just make sure you don't leave me behind after the match," she added.

Luke's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his composure. "Don't worry, I haven't settled the bill yet."

Cynthia smiled, waved at Luke, and strode confidently towards the player's area.

As if undergoing a transformation, Cynthia exuded a new aura. Even the sound of her footsteps seemed more resolute, her demeanor completely altered from moments before.

Watching her leave, her dazzling blond hair capturing his attention, Luke scratched his head and mumbled, "Well, I should head in too."

He clutched the VIP card adorned with golden insignia, still retaining the fragrance of Cynthia's perfume, and was taken aback by what he discovered.

"Hmm? Coach Zhai, do I still have a ticket?"

...

Coach Zhai had brought the entire varsity team to the event. Apart from Luke, this group could very well comprise the starting lineup for the college league.

"Coach, the game is about to start. Have the assistants not arrived yet?"

"If I'd given him the ticket sooner..." Coach Zhai furrowed his brow before suddenly brightening. "That's it!"

"My apologies, Coach, for being late!" Luke apologized.

"It's alright. Let's head inside," Coach Zhai replied, handing a ticket to Luke.

With a smile, Luke explained, "I came here to tell you this, but I won't be joining everyone in the arena."

"Are you not planning to watch the match?"

Coach Zhai was taken aback. His gaze shifted to the bronze card in Luke's hand, his eyes widening.

Oh, Luke, you can afford VIP tickets worth over a hundred thousand, but you still want to buy tickets for the school team?!

Angela Shen, coming from a wealthy business family, blinked in astonishment and pursed her lips.

This isn't just about having money...

This is a ticket that money can't buy!

Unless Luke had connections with the organizers, obtaining such a ticket would be impossible!

Coach Zhai discreetly nudged Luke, muttering, "Do you know any of the organizers?"

Luke shook his head.

"You probably got invited by one of the participants!" Coach Zhai chuckled heartily.

Luke coughed, "Well, Coach, why don't you take this ticket back? I'll reimburse you. You can take the team inside!"

As Luke walked away, Coach Zhai watched him with a puzzled expression.

Could it be... that this kid actually knows some of the participants?

These two are Champion Trainers – Dragon Tamer Lance from Kanto and Cynthia from Sinnoh!

Being relatives or friends of these two... How remarkable is this kid?

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Coach Zhai muttered, "This new teaching assistant I hired... seems to be quite impressive."

...

After displaying the card provided by Cynthia at the VIP entrance, the hostess escorted Luke to his seat in the guest area.

The private room was serene, offering a panoramic view of the venue from its circular windows. A bowl of fresh fruits sat on the table, glistening with dewdrops.

Luke released Eevee and Haunter from their Poké Balls, and the two little creatures looked around in curiosity.

Cheers from the crowd resonated like mountain cries and sea roars from both sides of the arena, creating a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere.

This match showcased the peak strength of the Master group, making it a popular Pokémon event worldwide and drawing countless foreign spectators.

With enthusiastic shouts echoing throughout the venue, the crowd's excitement reached a climax when the host's voice boomed through the speakers.

"And now, let's welcome the Champion player from Kanto, Dragon Tamer Lance——!!!"

Luke's curiosity piqued, and he turned his gaze towards the player entrance.

In the special chapter, Lance's personality came across as rather arrogant, but as time passed, he seemed to have matured. A red-haired man wearing a deep red cloak and a blue Champion outfit stepped out of the passage. He had a serious expression and waved to the audience on both sides.

A memory of Lance's evaluation in the game resurfaced in Luke's mind: "A man with a strong sense of justice!"

As Luke was lost in thought, a confident voice sounded from the neighboring VIP seat:

"Are you here on his invitation too?"

Though separated by railings, the VIP seats allowed for communication between attendees.

Luke turned his attention to the woman in the adjacent private room and was taken aback. "Claire?"

Her light blue hair and form-fitting outfit accentuated her perfect figure. Claire, the Dragon Type Gym Leader of Johto Region's Blackthorn Gym, was also Lance's cousin.

Claire donned light blue gloves, while her boots and cloak were similarly hued. A dragon trainer's whip lay beside her seat, immediately catching Luke's attention.

"Do you know me?" Claire asked, frowning.

"I've heard of the Dragon Emissary from the Dragon Tamer Clan," Luke replied inwardly.

Regrettably, Lance's reputation often overshadowed Claire's. It seemed that their brotherly bond tied them together, and this bond extended to his cousin Claire as well.

Luke couldn't help but rub his temples. The relationships among characters in the Pokémon world were truly intricate.

Claire's frown deepened. "You haven't answered my question. Were you invited by Lance?"

"No, I'm here with my family... Well, with relatives and friends," Luke answered, lifting his chin and flashing a gentle smile. He then turned his gaze towards the arena, adopting a somewhat triumphant tone. "She's about to enter the stage."

The host's enthusiastic voice reverberated through the stadium. "And now, let us welcome the Champion of the Sinnoh Region, Cynthia!!!"

The cheers that followed Cynthia's graceful entrance were even more fervent than those for Lance. As the elegant blonde beauty graced the stage, the crowd erupted in ecstatic applause.

Cynthia's commanding presence was captivating, exuding a queenly aura as she elegantly and coldly stepped onto the battlefield in her black trench coat.

"I've been looking forward to this," Cynthia acknowledged.

"I've been anticipating this duel... for a long time," Lance replied solemnly.

"I hope I won't disappoint you," Cynthia replied with a slight smile.

As the referee's flag was lowered and a piercing whistle filled the air, the stadium was declared open:

"The match begins!"