Jordan's adventure in the Pokémon world

3rd Person POV –

The crowd in the Canalave Gym hummed with excitement as the Gym's imposing iron doors swung open. Jordan stepped in, his eyes gleaming with focus. He had prepared intensely for this match against Byron, Canalave City's Steel-type specialist and a Gym Leader renowned for his endurance and strength. Standing tall in his Gray attire and clutching a pickaxe over his shoulder, Byron awaited with his signature confidence and determination.

Jordan, aware of the immense challenge Byron posed, carefully chose his team: his own Giant Steelix, a towering force of nature; his agile and adaptable Empoleon; his fiery Magmar; his quick-striking Infernape; his powerful Electabuzz; and his resilient Aerodactyl. Each Pokémon was uniquely prepared for this matchup, but it would take everything Jordan had to achieve victory. And as the trainers took their positions, a powerful sense of anticipation filled the air.

Jordan: "Empoleon, you're up first!"

Byron released Bastiodon with a sharp command. The large, shield-faced Pokémon landed with a resonating thud, its iron armor glinting under the gym lights.

Byron: "Bastiodon, we're leading with strong defense! Prepare for Iron Defense!"

Bastiodon's shield-like face became even more imposing as it braced itself, raising its defenses to near-impenetrable levels.

Jordan: "Let's break through that defense, Empoleon! Use Hydro Cannon!"

Empoleon unleashed a massive torrent of water, the blast hitting Bastiodon head-on. Despite Bastiodon's reinforced defenses, the power of Hydro Cannon forced it to skid back, leaving a damp trail across the arena floor.

Byron: "Solid as a rock! Bastiodon, counter with Flash Cannon!"

A bright, concentrated beam shot from Bastiodon, hurtling toward Empoleon. But Jordan anticipated this.

Jordan: "Dodge and close in, Empoleon! Follow up with Drill Peck!"

Empoleon sidestepped the Flash Cannon, closing the distance with surprising speed. Its beak spun into a drill-like attack, landing a direct hit on Bastiodon. The impact sent shockwaves across the field, and Bastiodon faltered, finally succumbing to the combination of powerful hits.

Byron recalled Bastiodon, impressed. "You're a powerful opponent, Jordan. Let's see how you handle this next one!"

Byron sent out his Bronzong, the ancient, floating bell Pokémon with a mysterious aura.

Byron: "Bronzong, Confuse Ray!"

Jordan knew he had to act fast. "Magmar, dodge and use Flamethrower!"

Magmar dodged the confusing rays with quick footwork and unleashed a scorching Flamethrower. The searing flames enveloped Bronzong, who hovered, absorbing the heat but visibly strained by the attack.

Byron: "Now, Bronzong! Use Hypnosis!"

Jordan was prepared. "Magmar, Smokescreen—block its vision!"

A thick cloud of smoke filled the battlefield, obscuring Magmar from Bronzong's sight. Jordan seized the opportunity.

Jordan: "Finish it off, Magmar! Use Fire Blast!"

From within the smoke, a powerful Fire Blast erupted, hitting Bronzong directly. The super-effective attack left Bronzong scorched and defeated, falling to the ground with a metallic clang.

The next round saw Electabuzz facing off against Magnezone, a complex Electric-Steel-type matchup.

Byron: "Magnezone, Magnet Rise!"

Magnezone floated high into the air, using its magnetic energy to avoid ground attacks.

Jordan smirked. "Electabuzz, we're going straight for power. Use Thunderbolt!"

Electabuzz gathered energy and sent a fierce Thunderbolt toward Magnezone. The Electric attack struck with precision, dealing significant damage even to Magnezone's reinforced exterior.

Byron: "Magnezone, use Flash Cannon!"

The powerful steel energy beam shot toward Electabuzz, who narrowly evaded.

Jordan: "Counter with Thunder Punch!"

Electabuzz charged in, its fist crackling with electricity, and landed a direct Thunder Punch on Magnezone. The impact proved too much for Magnezone, who dropped from the air and fainted.

Byron's Scizor appeared next, its red, metallic body gleaming under the lights. Scizor was agile and powerful, with moves that could easily overwhelm its opponents if given the chance.

Jordan: "Infernape, this is your fight! Start with Flamethrower!"

Infernape unleashed a powerful Flamethrower, taking advantage of Scizor's weakness to fire. The flames surged toward Scizor.

Byron: "Scizor, Quick Attack, dodge, and close in!"

Scizor moved at blinding speed, closing the gap and landing a hit on Infernape.

Jordan: "Don't let it keep the upper hand! Infernape, Mach Punch!"

Infernape struck back with a lightning-fast punch, sending Scizor reeling. The two Pokémon traded blows with fiery intensity.

Jordan: "Let's end this, Infernape! Use Overheat!"

The flames around Infernape intensified, and it released an overwhelming Overheat attack. Scizor tried to shield itself but was ultimately overcome by the super-effective flames. Byron nodded in respect as he recalled his Scizor.

Byron sent out his own Empoleon, an experienced powerhouse with powerful Water and Steel-type moves.

Jordan: "Aerodactyl, let's take to the skies! Start with Rock Slide!"

Aerodactyl launched a barrage of rocks at Empoleon, which struck hard despite Empoleon's defense.

Byron: "Empoleon, Ice Beam!"

Empoleon aimed an Ice Beam at Aerodactyl, who narrowly dodged it with a quick maneuver.

Jordan: "Hit it with Earthquake!"

Aerodactyl dove to the ground and slammed the ground, sending a powerful Earthquake that shook the arena and destabilized Empoleon, leading to its defeat.

Both trainers knew this was the decisive battle. Byron called out his Steelix but with a twist.

Byron: "Steelix, let's show them what we're made of! Mega Evolve!"

Steelix's body transformed, becoming even larger, more armored, and radiating powerful energy. But Jordan's Steelix, a Giant variant, towered over even Mega Steelix, casting a shadow across the arena.

Jordan: "This is your time to shine, Steelix! Use Iron Tail!"

Byron: "Mega Steelix, counter with your own Iron Tail!"

The two Steelix clashed, sending sparks flying and shockwaves through the ground.

Jordan: "Keep up the pressure! Earthquake!"

Jordan's Steelix slammed its massive body onto the ground, unleashing a tremendous Earthquake. Mega Steelix reeled from the impact but retaliated.

Byron: "Steelix, use Stone Edge!"

Sharp stones erupted from the ground toward Jordan's Steelix, but Jordan had anticipated this.

Jordan: "Steelix, dodge and use Iron Head!"

With surprising agility, Jordan's Steelix sidestepped the Stone Edge and delivered a powerful Iron Head, crashing into Mega Steelix with immense force.

Byron: "Hang in there, Steelix! Use Dragon Breath!"

Mega Steelix breathed out a fierce Dragon Breath attack, but Jordan's Steelix withstood it.

Jordan: "Finish it with Crunch!"

Jordan's Steelix lunged forward, its massive jaws clamping down on Mega Steelix, pushing through with overwhelming strength. Byron's Mega Steelix finally collapsed under the pressure, reverting to its original form and conceding defeat.

The crowd roared in excitement as Byron walked across the field, extending a hand to Jordan.

Byron: "You've got true grit, kid. That battle was something special. You earned this win and the Mine Badge."

Jordan took the badge with a grin, giving Byron a respectful nod.

As he left the Canalave Gym, Jordan couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. This battle was another step in his journey, a testament to his strength and the unbreakable bond he shared with his Pokémon.

Following Jordan's victory over Byron at the Canalave Gym, the Pokémon community across Sinnoh—and beyond—buzzed with astonishment and intrigue. News of Jordan's Steelix, a towering giant that dwarfed even Byron's Mega-Evolved Steelix, quickly spread across social media, news channels, and forums dedicated to Pokémon battles.

Televised Highlights and Commentary

Television broadcasts looped scenes of the battle, particularly the intense showdown between the two Steelix. The image of Jordan's Steelix—a colossal, almost mythical figure, with glinting metallic plates that shone like iron mountains in the gym's light—stunned audiences. Comparisons between Jordan's Steelix and Byron's Mega Steelix filled the airwaves.

"Look at that sheer size!" marveled one commentator. "Not only is Jordan's Steelix massive—far larger than any recorded Steelix we've seen in Sinnoh—but it holds itself with a remarkable calm and control. You'd think a Pokémon of this size and power would be harder to handle, but Jordan commands it effortlessly."

"It's not just the Steelix's size, either," another analyst noted. "Jordan has amassed six of Sinnoh's most challenging badges in less than three months. For context, it took Kanto's legendary Champion, Red, about six months to obtain his eight Kanto badges. And here we have Jordan, potentially breaking that record."

Online Reactions and Pokémon Forums

On Poké-Net, one of the most popular online forums, fans and trainers alike posted reactions and discussions by the second. Comments and threads poured in, focusing on the rare Giant Steelix, Jordan's impressive pace, and how his record was on track to surpass Red's.

User A: "I don't think I've ever seen a Steelix that big outside of books and legends! Jordan's raising the bar for all trainers!"

User B: "Can we talk about how Jordan's almost got a full set of badges in under three months?! Red might finally have his record broken."

User C: "It's one thing to catch a Giant Steelix, but it's another to train it so well. It barely looked fazed under Byron's attacks. Jordan's got real talent."

User D: "He's going to inspire so many trainers out there. You know, most of us don't even see an Alpha Pokémon, let alone one that listens to us as calmly as his Steelix does."

Reactions from Fellow Trainers in Sinnoh

Trainers across Sinnoh couldn't help but talk about Jordan, comparing his achievements to their journeys.

"Three months… I've been working on my second badge for two months!" admitted a young trainer from Jubilife City, shaking his head in amazement. "I can't imagine facing someone like Byron this early on, let alone with a Giant Steelix!"

"I've battled Byron before, and he's no joke," another trainer added. "Jordan didn't just beat him; he dominated. It's intimidating, really—he's setting a standard that's almost… unreachable."

Even seasoned trainers, those who had earned multiple badges, started re-evaluating their journeys in light of Jordan's accomplishments.

"Jordan is on a whole other level," one veteran trainer said. "It's one thing to win battles; it's another to lead a team like that with such confidence and strategy. He's young, but he's not just on the path to greatness—he's blazing a new one."

Meanwhile, Jordan's reputation had reached the ears of prominent figures like Elite Four members and other Gym Leaders.

At a meeting among Sinnoh Gym Leaders, they discussed the impact Jordan's battles were having on the perception of Gym challenges. Roark, the Oreburgh Gym Leader, couldn't help but share his thoughts.

"I remember Jordan's battle with me," Roark said with a chuckle. "I knew he had potential, but he's exceeded everyone's expectations. He's not just strong—he's dedicated. You can see it in the way he trains his Pokémon, especially that Steelix."

Gardenia, the Eterna Gym Leader, nodded in agreement. "He's driven. It's rare to see such a young trainer with so much focus and skill. He's making waves, and it's inspiring a lot of new trainers."

Even Flint, one of the Sinnoh Elite Four, commented on the news reports. "Jordan's the kind of trainer that comes around once in a generation. He's pushing himself, yes, but he's also pushing everyone else to rise."

A Surprising Response from Red's Supporters and Champions from Other Regions

Red's own journey and record had always held legendary status among the younger trainers. To hear that a new trainer was on the verge of surpassing Red's achievements sparked a range of emotions—from admiration to a sense of competition.

Lance, the Champion of Kanto, was quoted saying, "Every region has its heroes, and every generation needs its new challengers. I've always respected Red's record, but if anyone is going to break it, it's going to be someone as determined as Jordan. I think we're all eager to see where his journey will lead him."

Even Steven Stone, Hoenn's former Champion, remarked, "Jordan's pacing and the strength of his team are impressive. Trainers like him don't come around often, and when they do, they inspire everyone else to aim higher."

The rarity of Alpha Pokémon, particularly those with unusual sizes or types, wasn't lost on the community. Trainers and fans alike were fascinated by Jordan's Alpha Pokémon and the Giant Steelix, especially given how challenging it is for most trainers to encounter, let alone capture and train, such Pokémon.

"I haven't even seen an Alpha Pokémon in person," a ghost-type trainer commented on a news segment. "It's not every day you meet someone with even one, let alone a team that includes them. Jordan's Steelix is like something out of a legend."

"Alpha Pokémon are known for being wild, powerful, and temperamental," another expert explained during a televised interview. "The fact that Jordan has two Alphas, each calm and under his command, speaks volumes about his skill as a trainer. It's rare for a Pokémon like that to show such loyalty and trust."

Jordan's story began to resonate particularly with young trainers and aspiring Gym challengers who had grown up idolizing champions like Cynthia and Red. Many saw Jordan as proof that, with enough dedication, they could achieve greatness—even without decades of experience.

A twelve-year-old trainer, inspired by the news, commented, "I've always wanted to be like Red or Cynthia, but now I see Jordan and think, maybe I can be strong like him someday."

Another young girl from Veilstone City said, "He makes me want to try harder, to train longer. If Jordan can accomplish this much in three months, then I can, too!"

Jordan's victory over Byron and his record-breaking pace marked him as a rising star in Sinnoh. With only two badges left before the Sinnoh League, his journey had captivated the entire Pokémon world, from new trainers to Champions and Elite Four members. As Jordan walked out of Canalave City with his sixth badge, he likely had no idea of the waves he was making, but one thing was certain—the road ahead held the promise of even greater challenges, and the world was eagerly watching every step of the way.

Ethan's POV

Ethan trudged down the streets of Veilstone, a glint of his newly-earned Cobble Badge peeking out from his trainer case. He'd managed to defeat Maylene in a regular gym battle after hours of training with his Monferno and Staravia. His Monferno was strong and reliable, but even with that victory, Ethan felt the familiar sting of being second place—again.

His mind kept drifting back to school, where he, Jordan, and Lily had often studied together at the same desks. Jordan always knew more about Pokémon strategies and move sets, even then. While Ethan and Lily had often pored over textbooks and notes, struggling through calculations and type advantages, Jordan seemed to have an instinct for it all. He'd usually finish first and then wander over to help them, that easy-going smile making him look like he barely tried.

Ethan tightened his grip on his Poké Ball, holding his Monferno's gaze as he pulled it out. Monferno was a great partner, always pushing his limits, but he could feel the weight of their shared frustration.

"Feels like we're always chasing him, huh?" Ethan murmured, a determined glint in his eyes as he remembered the gym battle they'd just fought. "But I know we've got it in us. One day, we're gonna go toe-to-toe with Jordan and give him a battle he'll remember."

But even as he spoke, he couldn't shake off the amazement and awe he felt every time he read the news about Jordan. His friend wasn't just beating the Gym Leaders—they were advanced battles, the kind that Gym Leaders usually reserved for the best of the best, trainers who'd been on their journeys for years. The reports went into detail: the Gym Leaders going all-out, Jordan's Pokémon landing precise, powerful moves that broke through even the toughest defenses.

And now, in just under three months, Jordan had earned six badges.

Ethan sighed, brushing his hair back as he sank onto a bench by the Pokémon Center, running a hand over Monferno's head. "We'll just keep training, right, Monferno?" His Monferno responded with an eager chirp, punching the air with resolve.

Lily's POV

Not too far away, Lily sat under the shade of a nearby tree, cradling her Prinplup, who chirped softly as it rested in her arms. She ran her fingers over her badge case, looking at her three shiny badges. Three badges felt like an achievement to her. After all, it was hard work to challenge each Gym Leader, learn new moves, and perfect her team's synchronization.

But then she thought of Jordan.

In only a few months, he'd blasted past her accomplishments with an almost effortless sweep. And it wasn't just that he'd won—it was the way he'd done it. Stories were circulating all over Sinnoh about his recent gym battles, especially his fights with Byron and Fantina. He was battling at a level even seasoned trainers rarely reached. The commentators praised his precision, his strategies, and how his Pokémon fought with a Vigor that was almost unnerving.

"Can you believe it, Prinplup?" Lily whispered, looking at her partner. Prinplup blinked up at her with curious eyes, sensing the mixture of pride and worry in her voice. "We've always known he was strong. But... he's already fighting Gym Leaders' ace Pokémon as if he's been training for years."

A flash of memory hit her then. She thought back to those days in Professor Rowan's lab when they'd been put through intense exams. Jordan had come out on top in every practical test, and every simulation. Rowan had often looked at Jordan with a glint of respect in his eyes, something she'd rarely seen directed at any of them, even her. She remembered watching as Jordan aced the battle simulations, moving with calculated ease, almost like he could see the whole battle unfold before it even started.

Lily ran a hand over her Prinplup's head, sighing. "He's always been like that, hasn't he? Calm, determined, like he knows exactly where he's going."

Prinplup cooed in response, tilting its head as if it shared her admiration but also her worry. Lily wondered if they'd ever be able to close the gap that seemed to be widening between them and Jordan with each passing week.

Later That Evening – A Shared Reflection

At the Pokémon Center, Ethan and Lily crossed paths, both exhausted but still excited from their recent battles with Maylene. They grabbed a table in the corner, sipping on some cool lemonade as they chatted about their victories and struggles.

"Got my third badge," Ethan said with a small grin, his Monferno flexing proudly beside him.

"Me too!" Lily grinned, giving her Piplup an affectionate pat on the head. "Maylene wasn't easy, but we made it through. Still, she mentioned Jordan—said he'd taken her on in an advanced battle."

"Yeah," Ethan replied, shaking his head. "It's unreal. He's fighting Gym Leaders at their strongest, and he's not just winning—he's not even losing a single Pokémon."

The table fell silent as both friends reflected on the enormity of that achievement. Maylene was tough, and even her normal battles pushed them to their limits. But to imagine Jordan taking on her full force and winning with ease was staggering.

"He's got Alpha Pokémon now," Lily added, almost in a whisper. "That's not just rare; it's practically unheard of for trainers this early on their journey."

"Right?" Ethan leaned forward, his voice lowered as if they were sharing some incredible secret. "People go their whole lives without encountering one, and he's got two! How does he do it?"

"Maybe it's that internship at Professor Rowan's lab," Lily suggested thoughtfully. "It must've given him an edge. He was always working on special projects, sometimes staying late in the lab even when we were all done for the day."

Ethan chuckled, though a hint of envy lingered in his tone. "Yeah, that sounds like him. I remember he was always ahead of us, even back in school. Guess some things don't change."

Lily smiled at the memory. "He was so focused. I remember once he spent the entire lunch period helping me figure out a strategy I was struggling with. Didn't even touch his lunch."

"Classic Jordan," Ethan murmured, smiling. "Still, it's hard not to feel... I don't know, left behind?"

Lily's smile faded a bit, and she nodded. "Yeah. It's like he's racing ahead, and we're still here trying to keep up. But...he's our friend. And seeing him shine like this... well, it's inspiring, you know?"

Ethan's face softened as he looked at Lily, feeling the same pride she did. "Yeah, it is. Makes you wanna push yourself harder. Who knows? Maybe one day, we'll get to battle him. And we'll be the ones pushing him to his limits."

They both laughed, the idea almost too big to wrap their heads around. But they could feel that sense of rivalry building, an unspoken challenge that made them both more determined.

Late Night Reflections

Later that night, in their separate rooms at the Pokémon Center, both trainers lay awake, thinking about what the future might hold.

In his room, Ethan thought about the days in Professor Rowan's lab, when Jordan had already set himself apart with his knowledge and skills. He felt a pang of frustration that he hadn't pushed himself harder, that he hadn't been able to match Jordan's natural drive and passion. But now, he felt something else too—a spark of determination, a feeling that maybe, just maybe, he could bridge that gap.

Meanwhile, in her room, Lily watched her Piplup sleep beside her, snuggled in its nest of blankets. She thought about Jordan's Alpha Pokémon, about how he'd somehow tamed not just one but two powerful, intimidating creatures. She felt both awe and envy, a desire to prove that she could reach that level too. Her Piplup was small, determined, and brave—just like she was—and she knew they had it in them to grow stronger.

As the clock struck midnight, both trainers made silent vows to themselves. They would work harder, train longer, and push themselves beyond what they'd thought was possible. They would catch up to Jordan, one way or another, and one day, they would be standing on equal footing with their friend, their rival, their inspiration. And when that day came, they knew it would be a battle worth every moment of struggle.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, Ethan and Lily drifted off to sleep, the image of their friend Jordan blazing in their minds like a guiding star.

Sandgem Town

The buzz around Jordan's achievements had spread like wildfire across Sandgem Town, leaving his former classmates in a state of astonishment and, for some, self-doubt. Every few days, a new article or TV broadcast seemed to showcase Jordan's latest victory, his team of incredibly powerful Pokémon, and his unmatched progress.

In one of the local cafés, a group of Jordan's old classmates gathered, sipping on sodas and coffee as they pored over the latest news feed on a tablet. The headline read, "Trainer Jordan Dominates Canalave Gym in Advanced Match, Secures Sixth Badge in Record Time!"

"Six badges," one girl, Ava, said with a stunned expression. She used to be one of the top students in Pokémon studies. "It's been barely three months since we all left Professor Rowan's lab, and he's already at Canalave? How does he do it?"

"He's always been ahead of us," replied another boy, Ryan, scratching his head in disbelief. "Back in school, he just... got it, you know? Whether it was battle strategies or Pokémon care, it was like he was built for this stuff."

Ethan, who had just gotten his third badge, listened in silence, feeling a familiar pang in his chest. He and Jordan had been friends, but no matter how hard he tried, he'd always seemed to be a step behind. He thought he'd catch up once they'd all started on their journeys, but now it seemed like Jordan was blazing down a completely different path.

Ava shook her head. "I study for hours, I practice my battles, and yet... my progress feels so slow compared to his. Sometimes I wonder if we're even on the same journey."

Ryan nodded in agreement. "It's not just his talent, though. He's got Alpha Pokémon! Do you know how rare it is to even see one, let alone tame it? And he has two! You could go your whole life and never even encounter one."

Ethan chimed in quietly, "It's not just luck. Jordan's always been different. Back in Professor Rowan's lab, he'd stay late, learning about Pokémon care, strategies... things we never thought to ask. While we were just studying for the next exam, he was already thinking about what it meant to be a trainer."

The others nodded, a mix of awe and frustration in their eyes. They had all left Rowan's lab feeling capable, hopeful even, but Jordan's rapid rise made them question their progress. Jordan had seemed to outgrow them almost instantly, while they were still fighting standard gym battles and struggling to keep up.

Meanwhile, Across Town –

Brandon, the son of one of the wealthiest families in Sandgem, was especially bitter about the news. He'd always been regarded as the "best" by his family, expected to outshine everyone in everything he did. He'd aced exams, always showed up in the best clothes, and had the finest Pokémon gear his father's money could buy. And yet, despite all of that, he had never quite surpassed Jordan.

Ever since their days in school, Jordan had been one step ahead, no matter how hard Brandon tried. And now, watching the TV report of Jordan's impressive win against Byron in Canalave, he felt that resentment deepen.

"This isn't right," he muttered, turning off the TV with a huff. "I'm the one who's supposed to be on top. That should be me on the screen, getting six badges and battling Gym Leaders in advanced matches."

Just then, his father walked into the room, a stern look on his face. Mr. Montgomery had heard about Jordan's achievements as well, and it hadn't taken long for him to see the differences between his son and Jordan.

"Brandon, we need to talk," his father began, crossing his arms as he looked down at his son. "You know, Jordan is only a few months into his journey, and look at what he's accomplished. Six badges, advanced matches, Alpha Pokémon..."

Brandon's jaw clenched as his father spoke, each word feeling like salt on an open wound. "I know, Dad. You don't have to rub it in."

Mr. Montgomery sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not trying to rub it in. I'm trying to understand why you, with all the resources you've had, haven't achieved even half of what he has. Maybe it's time you took a page out of his book, and started focusing on your training instead of..." He gestured around at Brandon's designer clothes, his customized Poké Balls, and his array of high-tech gadgets. "Instead of trying to look impressive. Jordan doesn't rely on these things, and that's exactly why he's excelling."

"Dad, you don't understand!" Brandon retorted, his voice rising. "Jordan's just... he's always been lucky. The professors favored him, he got special attention—"

"Jordan worked hard, Brandon," his father interrupted firmly. "I saw it when he was at the lab. That boy spent extra hours, asked questions, and stayed focused. You could stand to learn a thing or two from him. Talent isn't enough; it takes dedication."

Brandon felt a surge of anger, unable to believe what he was hearing. His father was telling him to emulate Jordan, the very person he'd spent years trying to beat. He stormed out of the room, unable to bear his father's words any longer.

A Ripple Effect – Sinnoh's Trainers Watching Jordan

Jordan's rapid success had left a strong impression on the trainer community across Sinnoh. Gyms were tough challenges that required skill, patience, and strategy. Most trainers struggled with their first few badges, but here was Jordan, barely months into his journey, defeating Gym Leaders in advanced battles without losing a single Pokémon.

In one of Sinnoh's Pokémon Centres, a group of trainers gathered around the TV as news of Jordan's victory in Canalave flashed across the screen. Trainers from all backgrounds and experience levels watched with rapt attention, some taking notes, others shaking their heads in awe.

"Did you see his Steelix? It's like three stories tall!" one trainer exclaimed. "I didn't even know they could get that big!"

"I heard he's also got an Empoleon and a shiny Bastiodon," another chimed in. "All his Pokémon are supposed to be exceptionally strong, bigger, and tougher than usual. It's like he's a powerhouse trainer already."

"That's the thing," an older trainer with years of experience murmured, leaning back with a thoughtful expression. "It's rare to see a trainer with that kind of natural bond and power so early on. I think we're seeing the start of something big. This kid's got Champion potential."

The group fell silent at the thought. Trainers all across Sinnoh knew about Jordan's progress and his record-breaking achievements. Even veterans who had been on their journeys for years found themselves comparing their accomplishments to his, wondering how they could even come close to that level of skill.

Some felt inspired as if they'd been given the challenge to push themselves harder, while others were left wondering if they'd ever be able to catch up.