Julian's solo victory against Modu Academy, by defeating even an Elite-level Salamence, instantly became the number one trending topic in Drakoria. Even the second and third spots on the trending list were related to this event.
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)?
"Julian, you're sixth to go."
After Julian's one-against-eight performance yesterday, Coach Wade didn't dare put him in the first slot. If Julian went first, most of the remaining participants would barely get a chance to battle, effectively becoming bystanders.
But this way, everyone else could gain some much-needed experience instead of Julian hogging all the opportunities.
Julian nodded. Without a specific task, he preferred to avoid standing out so much anyway.
Because of yesterday's battle, his Metagross's combat power had been reassessed by the outside world, which would likely make him a target for more future assassinations.
Previously, potential attackers might not have known how strong Metagross really was, sending a few pseudo-Elite or pseudo-Elite peak-level Trainers to ambush him.
But now that its strength was clear, any attacker would surely start at the Elite level.
The more trump cards he revealed, the greater the danger he would face in the future.
Of course, Julian's greatest trump card was always his system. With it, no one could truly uncover his full capabilities.
At 8:00 AM sharp, the match officially began.
Representing Imperial University, the first to take the field was Simon, a third-year student specializing in Ghost-types.
His Pokémon? A Gengar.
It was a Gengar with a cyan potential, already at Level 70, the peak of pseudo-Elite level.
Having such a strong Pokémon as a third-year made Simon worthy of being the top student of his class.
For Shu University, their first representative was also a third-year student, whose Pokémon was an Alakazam at the peak of pseudo-Elite level.
Gengar and Alakazam were classic examples of powerful Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokémon. Not only were they exceptionally strong, but both had access to Mega Evolution forms.
Ghost- and Psychic-types were notorious for their tricky movesets. While their moves might not always be the most powerful, they often excelled at being downright annoying.
As the battle began, Gengar and Alakazam engaged in a spectacular display of offense and defense.
Gengar, often referred to as the "Universal Ghost King" was known for its ability to learn an incredibly diverse range of moves.
Of course, knowing many moves didn't guarantee mastery, but versatility never hurt—after all, knowledge is power.
"Gengar, use Venoshock!"
Gengar feinted an attack, catching Alakazam off guard. The purple venom hit Alakazam directly, not only poisoning it but also corroding its body.
As the venom's corrosive effects took hold, white smoke rose from Alakazam's body.
"Alakazam, Psychic!"
Before Gengar could revel in its success, its plump body was struck and flung back by the powerful blast.
Unlike its pre-evolutions, Gastly and Haunter—both gas-based Pokémon with negligible weight—Gengar was significantly heavier.
Once it evolved, Gengar's weight skyrocketed from a mere 0.1 kg to 40.5 kg, likely due to its ability to store objects in its body.
A few minutes later, both Gengar and Alakazam collapsed to the ground.
The first match ended in a draw.
"Unlucky. Of all opponents, it had to be a Psychic-type"
Simon muttered as he walked off the stage, clearly dissatisfied with the result.
He hadn't expected to perform like Julian, but at the very least, he wanted to take down two opponents. Yet, the first round ended in a tie.
Thea, who specialized in Psychic-types herself, gave Simon a sharp look.
However, she didn't confront him about it—not because she didn't want to, but because she was up next as Imperial University's second representative.
"Go, Gardevoir!"
Thea's Pokémon was a Gardevoir, affectionately referred to by many Trainers as the "waifu Pokémon." This one was even a rare shiny Gardevoir, with its normally white gown replaced by an elegant black dress.
The black dress gave Gardevoir an air of mystery, though some spectators had less-than-wholesome thoughts about the look.
Shu University's representative was a Fire-type Trainer, who sent out a Houndoom.
Houndoom, a Dark and Fire dual-type Pokémon, was known for its aggressive attack patterns and unwavering loyalty to its Trainer.
"Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"
Houndoom unleashed a wave of sinister energy, but Gardevoir evaded it with Teleport, instantly reappearing to Houndoom's left. It seized the opportunity to counter with a Dazzling Gleam.
"Crunch!"
Houndoom didn't dodge. Energy converged into a large, sharp-toothed mouth, which clamped down hard on Gardevoir's arm.
The sheer biting force made Gardevoir cry out in pain, forcing it to interrupt its Dazzling Gleam.
"Gardevoir, Triple Axel!"
Despite being caught in Houndoom's jaws, Gardevoir imbued its kicks with icy energy, landing three rapid strikes to Houndoom's abdomen.
The abdomen, a weak point for many Pokémon, proved critical. The icy strikes forced Houndoom to release its grip in pain.
But at the same time as it opened its mouth, a Flamethrower burst out.
Houndoom: I will burn you to death.
But a transparent barrier materialized in front of Gardevoir, blocking the flames.
"That's a well-timed Light Screen"
Commented Jose, who was observing the match.
"Timely, yes, but it looks like it's about to shatter," Lisa pointed out.
Though now pursuing a career in acting, Lisa had spent nearly a decade as a professional Trainer, and her insights were still sharp.
Sure enough, just as her words landed, the Light Screen broke apart. The intense Flamethrower struck Gardevoir directly, blasting it backward.
"Gardevoir, Heal Pulse!"
"Not a chance! Houndoom, Flame Charge!"
Encased in searing flames, Houndoom charged at full speed, its body radiating heat and energy. A scorching wave accompanied its fiery assault as it barreled into Gardevoir.
"Boom!"
Gardevoir struggled weakly on the ground a few times before finally collapsing.
The second match ended in a victory for Shu University.
"Yay! Shu wins!"
Lisa cheered excitedly, throwing a triumphant glance at Jose.
Jose, unfazed, replied calmly, "No rush. Julian is going out sixth."
Lisa froze mid-celebration.
'Darn this old man. Can he talk about anything 'other' than Julian? Does he not know how to hold a proper conversation?'
Meanwhile, Thea sat quietly, clearly upset over her loss. Faye, was right by her side, trying to cheer her up.
"If he dares to stay on the field, I'll take him down for you"
Faye declared, patting her chest in a show of loyalty. She was the third to compete and was determined to avenge her friend.
The opposing Trainer, also, showed no intention of stepping off the battlefield.
"Go, Togekiss!"
Faye, a Fairy-type Trainer, sent out a Togekiss.
Its pristine white feathers shimmered as it glided through the air, exuding elegance and beauty.
Watching the graceful Pokémon, Julian suddenly recalled Togepi. Trainers who owned Togekiss were often considered unusually lucky due to the Serene Grace ability, which enhanced the likelihood of beneficial effects during battles.
'Hmm, maybe I should try catching one myself,' Julian mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Nine minutes later, under Faye's stunned gaze, her Togekiss fell to the devastating Shadow Ball of the opponent's Mega Houndoom.
Faye walked back to Thea, head held high and chest puffed out, as if she'd emerged victorious.
"Sister, I shared in your misfortune and lost too. That's true friendship, isn't it?"
Her demeanor showed no trace of defeat, leaving anyone unaware of the results thinking she'd actually won.
Thea: (σ-`д´-) Stop boasting.
Julian, watching from the sidelines, regarded Faye as if seeing her true nature for the first time. He subtly stepped away, wary of catching her seemingly contagious air of foolishness.
Shu University had won two consecutive matches, and against Imperial University no less. This victory sent Shu's supporters into a frenzy of pride and excitement.
The proudest of them all was, of course, their "Queen" representative, Lisa.
"With Mega Houndoom in such peak form, it looks like it could win another match"
After Mega Evolution, Houndoom's strength had risen from a pseudo-Elite level to full Elite-tier.
If Imperial University's fourth Trainer didn't have a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, there was a real chance Mega Houndoom would claim another victory.
"Hey, Thea, doesn't your Gardevoir also have a Mega Evolution? Why didn't you use it earlier?"
Faye, ever tactless, brought up the sore topic.
"I wanted it to be a fair fight. If the opponent doesn't Mega Evolve, then I won't either," Thea replied.
Her reasoning wasn't just an excuse; it reflected her genuine mindset.
Thea had a strong sense of pride. If her opponent didn't choose to Mega Evolve, she wouldn't either—choosing to Mega Evolve first would feel like admitting inferiority.
This kind of thinking wasn't unique to her; it was a common quirk among the children of aristocratic families.
They believed that Mega Evolution was acceptable only after demonstrating their strength and forcing their opponent to evolve first.
It stemmed from a sense of superiority and pride cultivated by a life of privilege.
Faye, upon hearing this explanation, nodded earnestly, as if it made perfect sense.
The fourth Trainer from Imperial University wasn't just anyone—it was Max, the captain of the school team and a 4th-year student.
Max was renowned at Imperial University. This was his second time competing in the Hundred Schools League, and he played a significant role in Imperial's championship win last year.
He was also the current president of the student council at Imperial University.
"Tyranitar!"
Max, a Dark-type Trainer, sent out the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar.
Tyranitar often played the role of a villain in movies because of its resemblance to a kaiju monster.
"Ty!!"
With a roar, the armored Tyranitar made its entrance. As it let out an earth-shaking cry, its ability activated, and a sandstorm began to sweep across the battlefield.
The pale yellow sand filled the air, turning the arena into a miniature dust storm. From the stands, the field appeared as though it was caught in a desert whirlwind.
The pseudo-Elite peak Tyranitar faced off against the Elite Mega Houndoom without Mega Evolving itself, opting instead to take on the formidable opponent head-on.
Julian, who had been watching casually, suddenly focused his attention on the match.
He didn't know much about Max's true strength. During team training, Max often held back, concealing his capabilities.
Now, against a powerhouse like Mega Houndoom, Julian was curious to see what strategies Max would use to secure victory.
"Mega Houndoom, Flamethrower!"
A blazing stream of fire erupted from Mega Houndoom's maw, heating the air so intensely that it caused visible distortions. Wherever the flames touched, the ground turned scorched red, leaving molten-like trails behind.
"Stone Edge!"
Tyranitar stomped its left foot into the ground, sending tremors rippling across the battlefield. Thick, jagged rocks burst from the earth, intercepting the flames. As the rocks continued to rise, they advanced relentlessly toward Mega Houndoom.
Seeing this, Mega Houndoom dashed swiftly across the ground. Razor-sharp rocks, as jagged as blades, erupted in its path, forcing it to weave and dodge.
Within the sandstorm, Mega Houndoom's speed and vision were significantly hindered.
Just as its pace slowed for a moment, the ground beneath it surged upward. A massive stone spike shot up from below, striking it hard in the abdomen and bending its body into an inverted "U" shape.
With a pained cry, Mega Houndoom collapsed, its body reverting from its Mega Evolution form.
"How is that even possible? Mega Houndoom is an Elite-tier Pokémon!"
Lisa exclaimed, her face full of disbelief.
"There's nothing impossible about it. Level doesn't determine power. While Tyranitar may only be at the peak of pseudo-Elite, its strength can rival that of an Elite-tier Pokémon," Jose explained calmly.
"But why does Tyranitar have Elite-tier strength while still classified as pseudo-Elite? Shouldn't it be considered an Elite-tier already?" asked Ben, clearly perplexed.
This question resonated with the audience, especially after what they had witnessed the previous day. Julian's Metagross, at pseudo-Elite strength, had defeated several Mega-Evolved Pokémon with Elite-tier battle power.
The scene had shattered the conventional beliefs held by many spectators and Trainers alike.
For the longest time, Elite-tier Pokémon were considered untouchable, a realm far above pseudo-Elite Pokémon. Even temporary boosts from Mega Evolution were thought insufficient to truly rival Elite-tier strength.
Under normal circumstances, an early-stage Elite Pokémon defeating a peak pseudo-Elite Pokémon was as easy as a parent disciplining a child—effortless.
But yesterday, Julian had overturned this notion, and today, Max had done the same. Both Trainers had achieved the seemingly impossible feat of a pseudo-Elite Pokémon triumphing over an Elite-tier foe.
As anticipation built, the audience fell silent, both in the stadium and online. Even the usually lively livestream chat slowed to a halt, as everyone eagerly awaited President Jose's response.
"To achieve victory as a pseudo-Elite against an Elite-tier opponent, there are two main factors," Jose began, holding up two fingers.
After a brief pause for thought, he continued, "First, as everyone knows, a Pokémon must possess at least a Cyan potential to become an Elite."
"Cyan potential allows a Pokémon to reach Elite-tier. Blue corresponds to pseudo-Champion, and Purple to Champion."
"The higher a Pokémon's potential, the greater its future strength. Often, this also enables it to battle above its level."
Both Ben and Lisa weren't slow to catch on. As Jose explained, they quickly pieced together the implications of what he was saying.
"President Jose, are you saying that Max's Tyranitar was able to defeat an Elite-tier opponent because of its exceptional potential? Could it be Blue-grade?"
"There is a high chance that it's Blue-grade," Jose replied.
In fact, the Tyranitar in question was indeed of Blue potential, and it wasn't just an ordinary Blue—it had nearly a third of its potential bordering on Purple-grade.
Under the Probing Eyes, the details of Tyranitar were laid bare for Julian to analyze.
"And what about the second factor?"
Earlier, Jose had mentioned two key points. Potential was one of them, but the audience was eager to hear the other.
"The second factor is the resources invested"
"As every Trainer knows, if you want your Pokémon's strength to grow quickly, the most effective method is to pour in resources."
"For example, take two Charizards, both at level 50 and with Cyan potential. Now, if I invest one billion into one and ten billion into the other, which one do you think will be stronger?"
"The one with ten billion, obviously," Ben replied instantly.
"Correct. Well done, you're so smart" Jose said with a slight smirk.
Ben: 'What the heck? Why does this feel like an insult?'
"In summary, it's about potential and resources. If your Pokémon has Blue potential and you invest massive resources into it, defeating an Elite-tier Pokémon while still being pseudo-Elite is no big deal."
The crowd: 'Listening to these words feels both enlightening and frustrating.'
Everyone nodded, understanding the concept. But then a collective thought seemed to arise: 'Yeah, we get it... but how are we supposed to afford that?! (T﹏T)'
Hearing Jose's explanation, the crowd was left speechless. All that talk about Blue potential and vast resources—was that even achievable for ordinary people?
Even for the descendants of wealthy families, such feats were incredibly difficult.
Obtaining a Pokémon with Blue potential? Unless you belonged to a top-tier family like the Walkers, it was practically impossible.
Even Cyan potential was something most Trainers could only dream of.
So, while Jose's explanation about why Max's Tyranitar and Julian's Metagross could defeat Elite-tier Pokémon was clear, it was little more than amusing to the crowd.
Before long, Shu University sent out their fourth contestant, a Fighting-type Trainer who used a Machamp.
By now, the battlefield had entirely become Tyranitar's domain. Thanks to its Sand Stream ability, the arena was engulfed in a swirling sandstorm.
On paper, Tyranitar's four-times weakness to Fighting gave Machamp a significant advantage.
Unfortunately, the gap in strength between the two Pokémon was far too wide. Even with the type advantage, Machamp couldn't gain the upper hand.
The flying sand constantly interfered with Machamp's movements, and the fine grains even wrapped around its ankles as it ran.
Tyranitar's mastery over the sand left Julian in awe.
Three minutes later, Machamp was defeated by Tyranitar's Hyper Beam.
"With the state Tyranitar is in, apart from Shu's team captain, none of their other members stand a chance," Jose said with a smile.
In team competitions, the strength of most members might be similar, but the captain always possessed overwhelming power.
If not for Julian's presence on the Imperial University team, Max undoubtedly deserved to be their captain. Of course, Julian had no interest in the title.
For Shu University to stop Max's winning streak, their only option was to send out their own captain.
However, the lineup order couldn't be changed once submitted, so it depended on when Shu's captain was scheduled to enter.
Typically, team captains went last.
Imperial University was confident enough to have Max go out fourth, thanks to Julian's remarkable presence.
Without Julian, Max would likely have been their final contestant as well.
Shu sent out their fifth member.
Two minutes later, the fifth member was defeated.
The sixth contestant entered the field.
Four minutes later, the sixth contestant was defeated.
Then came the seventh.
Three minutes later, the seventh contestant also fell.
Max single-handedly took down five of Shu University's team members, boosting Imperial University's morale to a new high.
In the livestream, supporters of Shu University were so embarrassed they didn't dare to say much, while those cheering for Imperial University were mocking them relentlessly.
As students of Imperial University, they seemed to share one common hobby: taunting Shu University.
Seeing Shu suffer brought them joy; seeing Shu in trouble brought even greater joy.
If Shu supported something, they opposed it; if Shu opposed something, they supported it.
The rivalry between the two universities had been simmering for decades, though no one quite remembered how it began.
In Imperial University's eyes, even a stray dog from Shu University wandering into their territory would deserve a good thrashing before being sent back.
"Hey, hey, this is overkill! Max, don't you know how to go easy on them? Look at Shu—they're about to shut down completely!"
Jose was having the time of his life. As an Imperial University alumnus, despite having graduated nearly three decades ago, he still delighted in seeing Shu University suffer, especially at the hands of Imperial University.
On the other hand, Lisa was visibly frustrated. Ever since Max took the stage, the smug remarks from this old man next to her hadn't stopped.
'Shu is hopeless,' 'Imperial's performance isn't bad at all,' 'Shu, always the eternal runner-up,' 'Why are their students so weak?'
"Hmph! What's there to gloat about? Shu's captain is stepping in now. Let's see how your Max handles that!" Lisa snapped, slapping the table in frustration.
At first, Ben, sitting between the two commentators, claimed to be Lisa's fan for the sake of the show.
But now, as the verbal sparring escalated, and Lisa even looked ready to start a brawl, Ben found himself caught in an increasingly awkward position.
"Do you think Imperial only has Max?" Jose said calmly.
His retort left Lisa momentarily speechless. She glanced at Julian, who was sitting quietly on the Imperial University bench, and muttered in dissatisfaction, "Why didn't Shu recruit Julian?"
Shu University was already regretting it bitterly. If they had known Julian would perform so monstrously after entering university, they would have done anything to steal him away from Imperial University.
But Imperial University's offer at the time had simply been too overwhelming, leaving Shu University no chance to compete.
Finally, Shu sent out their eighth contestant—their captain, Carter.
As captains of their respective teams, Carter and Max were naturally familiar with each other. Outside of competitions, they were both rivals and friends.
"Tyran!!"
Tyranitar, too, recognized Carter. As soon as it saw him, it let out a thunderous roar.
Tyranitar: 'So, you've finally decided to show up, you little runt!'
Not understanding Tyranitar's words, Carter assumed it was simply greeting him and smiled in response before tossing out his Poké Ball.
"Aero!!!"
The roar that followed was ancient and desolate, sending a chilling aura through the arena that made everyone's hair stand on end.
A gray Pokémon soared through the air, seemingly unaffected by the swirling sandstorm.
"An Aerodactyl! That's an Aerodactyl!" Lisa exclaimed in shock.
The audience was just as stunned upon recognizing the Pokémon.
Aerodactyl and other fossil Pokémon like Kabutops were incredibly rare in the modern world. While many fossils had been unearthed, living fossil Pokémon were almost exclusively found in ancient secret realms.
There were only three such ancient secret realms worldwide:
- One was located in international waters, controlled by multiple nations, and only a handful of trainers were allowed access each year.
- The second was in East Africa, under the control of several dangerous organizations.
- The third was in Drakoria.
Even within these ancient secret realms, fossil Pokémon were rare, and their reproduction rates were extremely low. Aerodactyls, for instance, could only lay a few eggs in their lifetime.
This made opportunities to capture one even scarcer.
What was even more astonishing was that this Aerodactyl had Blue potential. Considering the rarity of Aerodactyls, this might very well be the only Blue-tier Aerodactyl in the entire world.
As one of the top predators of the ancient era, Aerodactyl's appearance sent a chill through the battlefield, its very presence intimidating.
Pokémon: Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying)
Level: 70
Potential: Blue
Ability: Rock Head
Held Item: Hard Stone
Gender: Male
Moves: Bite, Supersonic, Ancient Power, Scary Face, Wing Attack, Rock Slide, Crunch, Iron Head, Take Down, Stone Edge, Hyper Beam, Giga Impact
TMs: Protect, Rock Tomb, Earth Power, Stealth Rock, Substitute, Hurricane, Iron Tail, Fire Blast, Flamethrower, Dragon Dance, Dragon Claw, Earthquake
Genetic Moves: Dragon Breath, Roost, Tailwind, Wide Guard, Steel Wing
The Hundred Schools League truly lived up to its reputation, gathering the finest students across Drakoria. Pokémon with Cyan potential, rarely seen in the outside world, were almost a standard here—nearly every participant had one.
Even more astonishingly, Julian had now witnessed three Pokémon with Blue potential.
The first was Dylan's Salamence, the second Max's Tyranitar, and now the third, Carter's Aerodactyl.
Blue-tier Pokémon were so rare that some smaller nations didn't even have a single one.
Yet here, Julian had seen three, and they weren't just ordinary blue-tier Pokémon; each was exceptional in its own right.
The world was never short of those who combined talent, perseverance, lineage, and luck. Their extraordinary existence earned them the label of "monsters," as they far exceeded what could merely be called "genius."
Aerodactyl soared high above, while Tyranitar roared into the sky from the ground.
This wasn't their first battle. Both Pokémon were familiar with each other.
"Aerodactyl, Hurricane!"
Adjusting his rimless glasses, Carter had already calculated Tyranitar's remaining stamina.
He was a data-driven trainer who believed that victory lay in the numbers.
The violent winds swept across the battlefield, scattering the swirling sand in an instant. What was once a hazy, dust-filled arena cleared up as the fine particles were blown away.
Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability was completely overpowered by the Hurricane.
"It's about to start," Carter murmured to himself.
"Tyranitar, Mega Evolve!"
The next moment, Max's voice rang out.
Tyranitar had already fought five battles, leaving its stamina and mental state far from peak condition. To defeat Aerodactyl, Mega Evolution was a necessity.
After the dazzling glow of evolution subsided, a more menacing Mega Tyranitar stood on the battlefield.
Max didn't rush to attack; he was waiting for the right moment.
"Heh, Aerodactyl, Mega Evolve!"
Carter chuckled softly as the rainbow light of Mega Evolution enveloped Aerodactyl.
He wasn't one to take chances. While Tyranitar was known for its ability to battle opponents of higher levels, so was his Aerodactyl. However, Mega Tyranitar reached the level of an Elite Pokémon after evolving.
If he underestimated it and didn't Mega Evolve, the loss would be on him.
Mega Aerodactyl's body was now adorned with sharp, jagged rocks that were harder than diamonds. Many scholars believed that this was Aerodactyl's true form in ancient times.
After Mega Evolution, Aerodactyl's ability shifted from Rock Head to Tough Claws, the same ability as Mega Metagross.
"Stone Edge!" X2
Sharp stones erupted from the ground, constantly colliding and exploding with each other, the explosion sounds drowned out the cheers of the audience.
When the dust settled, neither side had gained the upper hand.
At that moment, Mega Aerodactyl's wings glowed with a silver light. With a rapid beat of its wings, its speed surged to its limit.
In a flash, it struck Mega Tyranitar's abdomen with Steel Wing, producing a resounding 'crack'.
Mega Tyranitar staggered back three steps but showed no signs of injury. Its abdomen was protected by its impenetrable armor, significantly reducing the damage dealt by the Steel Wing.
But before it could recover, another Steel Wing attack came crashing down.
As one of the most formidable aerial predators, Aerodactyl's highest stat was its Speed, and after Mega Evolution, this stat only became more overwhelming.
With this enhanced speed, its Steel Wing wasn't just a single strike—it became a relentless barrage.
Mega Tyranitar attempted to block with Rock Slide, but the falling rocks were easily dodged by the nimble Mega Aerodactyl.
"Bam! Bam! Bam!"
One Steel Wing after another struck Mega Tyranitar, forcing it to retreat step by step. The once-immaculate armor began showing cracks under the continuous onslaught.
It was evident to the spectators that Mega Tyranitar was being outclassed by Mega Aerodactyl's superior speed.
If Max couldn't find a way to turn the tide, the match's outcome would be inevitable.
"Mega Tyranitar it's time to whip up a Sandstorm," Max commanded.
The earlier sandstorm had been dispelled by Mega Aerodactyl's Hurricane, but Tyranitar's Sand Stream ability, when properly trained, could be toggled at will.
After the previous sandstorm dissipated, Mega Tyranitar hadn't reactivated its ability—until now.
Under its trainer's command, the Sand Stream roared to life once more. The fallen sands began to rise, and even the previously scattered rocks disintegrated into fine particles.
A new sandstorm, more ferocious than before, engulfed the battlefield. The swirling sands obscured the arena, leaving the audience with only faint glimpses of two shadowy figures, flickering in and out of view.
Within the sandstorm, Mega Tyranitar's advantages grew, while Mega Aerodactyl's speed was finally curbed by the blinding and abrasive winds.
However, since Mega Aerodactyl had the Rock typing, the sandstorm was not very effective against it, to cause any real damage.
"Mega Aerodactyl, Supersonic!"
"We'll counter with Screech!"
The two sonic waves collided mid-air, canceling each other out.
"Mega Tyranitar, Earth Power!"
Mega Tyranitar channeled its energy into the ground, imbuing it with the power of rock and earth. The battlefield trembled as a massive boulder erupted from beneath Mega Aerodactyl, launching itself high into the air.
But just as the airborne Mega Aerodactyl seemed defenseless, it suddenly vanished from sight.
Mega Tyranitar was stunned for a moment, confused by the sudden disappearance.
Then, a terrifying surge of energy erupted from behind it. Acting on instinct, Mega Tyranitar began to summon a Protect shield.
But it was a fraction too slow.
Hyper Beam struck Mega Tyranitar squarely on its back, sending the colossal Pokémon crashing face-first into the ground.
In battles like this, victory and defeat were often decided in a single moment.
As Mega Tyranitar fell, Mega Aerodactyl's next attack was already incoming.
Giga Impact tore through the sandstorm like a meteor, a blinding white light cutting through the haze.
A deafening boom erupted, accompanied by a powerful shockwave that cleared the arena of the swirling sand in an instant.
When the dust settled, the audience finally saw the scene clearly.
Mega Aerodactyl stood triumphantly atop the now-devolved Tyranitar, its wings spread wide as it let out a series of ferocious roars.
Today, it had hunted down a Tyranitar.
Max withdrew his Tyranitar, while Carter withdrew Mega Aerodactyl from its Mega evolved state.
Their was an opponent even stronger than Max to fight, and Carter knew he needed to conserve both stamina and focus to use Mega Evolution again.
"Aerodactyl, use Roost"
Taking advantage of the brief pause before Imperial University's fifth competitor stepped onto the battlefield, Carter commanded Aerodactyl to recover its energy.
The decisive moment in the previous clash came when Aerodactyl had dodged Mega Tyranitar's Earth Power. Instead of fully evading, it had used Substitute to absorb the brunt of the attack.
This clever tactic was what allowed Aerodactyl to ultimately overcome Tyranitar and secure victory.