Chapter 25: Grovyle's Defeat, Xerneas's Life Essence!
Chapter 25: Grovyle's Defeat, Xerneas's Life Essence!
"Using Leaf Blade to counter Charmeleon's Fire Punch?"
Hikaru couldn't help but smirk at the absurdity of Kei's command.
Had Kei not seen the sheer ferocity of Charmeleon's flames? Compared to Growlithe's weak Ember-like fire, Charmeleon's Flamethrower was a veritable inferno.
Despite hesitating, Grovyle charged forward to clash with Charmeleon. The result was almost immediate. Grovyle's other arm, the one wielding the glowing Leaf Blade, went limp after taking a direct hit.
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Meanwhile, Ralts had been toying with Growlithe. As Growlithe made a final effort to charge with Flame Fang, Ralts deftly flung it out of bounds using its precise Confusion.
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The announcer's voice resonated throughout the stadium:
"Brilliant! Ralts used its Confusion to knock Growlithe out of bounds. Meanwhile, Grovyle is completely incapacitated after Charmeleon's Fire Punch!
I hereby declare the winner of this match: Hikaru!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as the announcer continued, his voice brimming with excitement:
"Charmeleon has shown us the true, dazzling power of flames! What an electrifying performance!"
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Kei stood in the arena like a broken puppet, refusing to accept defeat. His muttered protests were almost comical:
"No… I haven't lost… This isn't over…"
Eventually, the event organizers had to drag him off the stage, leaving the audience to laugh at his pitiful display.
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Back at the spectator area, Hikaru joined the Shuimu Third High School group.
The next match was between Yuki and the trainer with the fearsome Butterfree. To everyone's shock, this trainer revealed yet another trump card: a Level 23 Machop.
Despite Yuki's Braixen valiant efforts to counter Butterfree's status moves, Machop's overwhelming strength ultimately proved too much.
Braixen was no match in close combat. With that, Yuki's run in the tournament came to an end.
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This left only one representative from Shuimu Third High School in the semi-finals: Hikaru.
Coach Luo hoshino was both proud and regretful.
"Ah, what a shame," he lamented. "We could have had two or three in the top four, but bad luck drew our players against such strong opponents."
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Yuki, not one to sulk for long, returned from her match with a determined glint in her eye. She approached Hikaru and playfully nudged him.
"Hey, little brother, you'd better win this thing for me. If you do, I'll owe you any favor you want. And for the record, your big sister is single~!"
Hikaru chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.
"I'll do my best."
Despite her loss, Yuki's fiery spirit remained unshaken.
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Hikaru's semi-final opponent turned out to be a trainer with a Pidgey and Pikachu.
The trainer sighed in resignation upon seeing Hikaru's reputation. After a brief skirmish, they forfeited the match, knowing they stood no chance.
This cemented Hikaru's place in the finals and catapulted his name into the limelight.
Whispers filled the stadium:
"Did you hear? That freshman from Shuimu Third High School made it to the finals of the second-year tournament!"
Hikaru's rise to the top became the talk of the town, and the excitement for the final match reached fever pitch.
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However, rumors about his opponent soon surfaced: the trainer of Butterfree and Machop was no ordinary competitor.
Word spread that they were a gifted Aura user.
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That evening, as Hikaru walked home, his mind was filled with thoughts about the upcoming final.
While most believed that his opponent, a known powerhouse with elite Pokémon, would be unbeatable, Hikaru remained optimistic.
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He reviewed his strategies and considered his hidden aces.
Splatter Effect: Charmeleon's trait that could spread fire in a wide radius—a perfect counter to Butterfree's powder attacks.
Aerial Combat: A potential surprise tactic. Could Charmeleon's aerial prowess turn the tide?
As he pondered his options, Hikaru received a notification.
The rewards for the recent secret realm exploration had been finalized. Tomorrow morning, he could visit Shuimu Academy's vault to select his prize.
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Among the listed treasures, one item caught Hikaru's eye:
Xerneas's Life Essence.
This was no ordinary treasure. Legend had it that a drop of this essence could rejuvenate a Pokémon, enhance their vitality, and even accelerate their evolution.
Hikaru couldn't help but smile. If he could secure this treasure, it would be a game-changer for both Charmeleon and Ralts.
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As he walked, however, a sense of unease crept over him.
It felt as though someone—or something—was watching.
Hikaru activated his Detection ability, but the results were inconclusive.
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Elsewhere, Kei Hoshino was not taking his loss lightly.
"Charmeleon was mine…" he muttered repeatedly, pacing like a man possessed.
Back at his family's estate, Kei confronted the family butler, Chen.
"Chen, I know you're with Team Magma. My father's one of their executives, isn't he? Don't deny it. I need your help."
Chen froze, his pruning shears trembling in his hand.
"You… know?"
"Yes, and I want you to deal with someone for me. That Charmeleon belongs to me, and I want it back. Eliminate the trainer if necessary."
"Your father wouldn't approve…" Chen began cautiously.
"I don't care!" Kei barked.
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The next morning, the Shuimu tournament resumed, coinciding with the opening ceremony for the third-year competition.
As Hikaru stood in the crowd, his attention was drawn to a familiar figure on stage.
There she was: Sakura, radiant and confident as ever, flanked by her Dratini and Beldum.
Even among the third-year elites, she stood out like a shining star.
Her gaze found Hikaru in the audience, and she smiled warmly, waving at him.
Yuki, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, little brother, who's that girl? She's looking at you like she knows you…"
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