Chapter 119: Challenge Line Up

The Trainer Academy boasts more than 1,000 battlegrounds, both large and small. 

Each class typically has two or three designated battlegrounds. 

As the class with the most resources, the special recruit class had access to ten battlegrounds, including special attribute fields.

As Ashborn led the group toward the battleground, he realized something: he had no idea where it was. 

His confident stride slowed down as he waited for Stephanie to catch up, only to find she was engaged in a lively conversation with someone else.

"Stephanie, over here," he called, clearing his throat.

"What?" she asked, glancing at him.

"Where's the battleground?"

Ashborn felt a little embarrassed. 

He had marched out of the classroom so confidently, but now he was lost.

Stephanie gave him an incredulous look. 

"You stormed out ready to fight and didn't even know where the battlefield is?"

"Just walk straight ahead," she said, rolling her eyes.

Fortunately, Ashborn hadn't gone the wrong way. After walking for about ten minutes, they reached a standard battlefield. 

A sign at the edge read: "2024 Special Recruit Class." 

The field was the size of a football pitch and was a standard, non-attribute field.

Ashborn took his place at one end of the field, while the other end remained empty. 

The six students who had challenged him exchanged glances. 

A bespectacled boy finally stepped forward.

"I'll go first," he said.

Rohan, the head teacher, stepped forward as the referee. 

"Do you want to activate the protective shield? It'll cost 100 credits per match," he asked.

The shield would protect both trainers and spectators from the aftermath of the Pokémon's attacks. 

In major competitions, it was always used, ensuring the trainers could focus on the battle without worrying about getting caught in the crossfire.

"No need," Ashborn said casually. "This will be over quickly."

The boy's face reddened in anger. "Who does he think he is?" he muttered. 

He wasn't just anyone—he was Timothy Blake , the champion of the Central South state High School League.

"Your classmate is way too arrogant," a girl beside Stephanie remarked. 

"Timothy is also a high school league champion."

"Just wait and see," Stephanie replied calmly, with a hint of amusement.

Timothy and Ashborn stood ready. 

"One match will decide the winner. No objections?" Ashborn asked.

With six challengers, Ashborn didn't want to waste time on multiple battles with each of them.

"Agreed," Timothy said, summoning his Pokémon: Blaziken.

Blaziken, a Fire-type Pokémon, was a natural counter to Ashborn's Steel-type Metagross. 

Timothy, a Fire-type specialist, had chosen his moment to strike, hoping to capitalize on this advantage.

Ashborn sent out his Pokémon: a silver-white Metagross. 

The pseudo-legendary Pokémon floated in the air like an imposing mountain. 

The sheer presence of Metagross made it clear that this was no ordinary Pokémon.

"Blaziken, use Flamethrower!" Tong Guan commanded. 

Blaziken rushed forward with incredible speed, covering half the battlefield in a blink, then unleashed a torrent of flames toward Metagross.

"Steel Beam," Ashborn said calmly.

A brilliant silver beam shot from Metagross, meeting Blaziken's Flamethrower mid-air. 

The fire attack was instantly overpowered, and the Steel Beam continued its path, slamming directly into Blaziken.

With a deafening explosion, Blaziken was sent flying dozens of meters. 

The dust settled, revealing Blaziken lying motionless.

"Blaziken is unable to battle. Metagross wins," Rohan announced, casting a brief glance at Ashborn and his Metagross. 

The ease with which Ashborn had defeated Blaziken, known for its speed, surprised even him.

Timothy stood stunned. 

His Blaziken, his pride and joy, had been knocked out in a single move.

"Next," Ashborn called out calmly.

Timothy retrieved his Blaziken, walking off the battlefield in a daze. 

The remaining five challengers now felt uncertain. 

That was not how they had expected this to begin.

"That Central South state-level High School Champion title seems worthless now," someone from the sidelines sneered as they passed Timothy.

Yonche, another challenger, stepped forward. 

He was the top scorer in the national college entrance exams and came from a prestigious family. 

"Walrein," he called, summoning his Pokémon.

A massive Walrein, an Ice-type, appeared on the field. 

At level 58, this was no ordinary opponent. 

The blue aura surrounding Walrein indicated its exceptional aptitude, catching Ashborn's attention.

Yonche glared at Ashborn's Metagross. 

He had ridiculed Timothy earlier, but now, he understood the challenge that lay before him. 

Defeating Timothy didn't make Ashborn invincible, but his Metagross was undoubtedly terrifying.

"Walrein, use Surf!"

A massive wave rose across the battlefield, with Walrein riding atop it. 

The wave threatened to engulf both Metagross and Ashborn in a single sweeping motion.

"This is getting interesting," Rohan murmured from the sidelines. 

Without the protective shield, even if Metagross withstood the attack, Ashborn himself would be caught in the wave's aftermath.

"Metagross, use Confusion."

Metagross's eyes flashed blue, and the enormous wave froze mid-air, held in place by the sheer power of its telekinetic abilities. 

The wave, which should have weighed tons, was now completely under Metagross's control.

---

Adios