NOVEL WEB Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The First Trial — Race to Victory!
Chapter 14: The First Trial — Race to Victory!
Morning – Green Hill City Tournament Grounds
The sun broke through the misty canopy of Green Hill City as the crowd gathered around the massive open-field stadium, freshly prepared overnight. Dozens of platforms, holographic signs, and camera drones floated above, capturing every moment for the livestream being broadcast across the Shinova Region.
A huge digital screen flared to life above the arena gate:
Round 1: Pokémon Cross-City Running Challenge!
"Only 30 out of 100 trainers will qualify. Bond, strategy, and endurance matter. This is not just about speed—it's about teamwork!"
The city had set up an elaborate obstacle course spanning parks, bridges, greenhouses, and even the botanical riverbank trails. The challenge: Pokémon had to run the full course, guided by their trainers from spectator towers via voice command, hand signals, or pre-established bond.
Naruto stretched his arms as he and Sasuke arrived at the stadium tunnel.
"This is gonna be epic!" Naruto grinned. "Let's see if all that training paid off, Luxio!"
Luxio growled with excitement, electricity sparking through his mane.
Sasuke, quiet and focused, adjusted his glove as Quilava rolled its flames across its back.
Naruto glanced over. "Hey, don't fall behind."
"You should worry about not tripping over your own feet," Sasuke shot back.
Just before the race began, a hush fell over the crowd as a tall, golden-haired boy strutted up to the trainer deck in full confidence.
He wore a sharp white and gold jacket, designer sunglasses, and gloves stitched with gemstone patterns. At his side stood a sleek, razor-fast Jolteon, its fur crackling with static.
"Make way," he said, snapping his fingers as if commanding royalty.
"Ugh, who's this guy?" Naruto muttered.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
The boy flashed a smirk, tossing a rose into the crowd.
"I am Samual—descendant of House Valencourt, heir to the richest estate in Celestia Point, and future Shinova Champion."
He looked down at Naruto. "You must be the mud-stained runt from the backwoods I heard shouting yesterday. Try not to faint when my Jolteon leaves your Pokémon in the dust."
"WHY YOU—!" Naruto growled.
"Enough," Sasuke interrupted, stepping forward calmly. "Your mouth is faster than your Jolteon."
Samual scoffed. "We'll see who's left standing, peasant."
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"Runners, to your marks! Pokémon only—trainers will control from the observation towers! Cameras are locked and broadcasting! STARTING IN: 3… 2… 1…"
BZZZZT! A deafening buzzer rang out.
And 100 Pokémon of every shape and size took off like lightning.
Luxio bounded into the first corner, fangs bared, dodging a pair of rolling Geodude boulders. Naruto, watching from his console, shouted commands.
"Spark through the side! Left, then double kick the barrier!"
Luxio obeyed with fierce energy, smashing through an obstacle gate and leaping across a broken bridge platform.
In another lane, Sasuke's Quilava dashed under fallen logs, bursting into a controlled Flame Wheel to boost across slippery mud terrain.
Meanwhile—
Kabuto stood calmly, tapping on a specialized controller as his Beedrill weaved through the greenhouse section using pinpoint flight control.
And then—there was Samual.
His Jolteon had already broken away from the front pack, sprinting across the river platforms in an electrifying blur.
"Grace. Speed. Perfection," Samual whispered, not even watching the monitor. "And that's why you'll always be second-rate."
---
Obstacles intensified. Wild Pokémon were set loose to block runners—Rattata, Paras, even a few trained Sudowoodo standing guard.
Naruto shouted, "Luxio! Use Thunder Wave to paralyze those Rattata! Then Discharge to clear the path!"
Luxio howled and released a burst of electricity, shocking the enemies just enough to slip past.
But the effort cost him time. Several faster Pokémon shot past him—Floatzel, Dodrio, and Kabuto's Beedrill among them.
Sasuke clenched his fist. "Quilava, Aerial Evasion Plan!"
Quilava leapt over a slippery cliffside, barely catching the ledge with an improvised Smokescreen to hide itself from the Sudowoodo's block. It dropped into the final stretch—its speed waning but persistent.
---
One by one, the Pokémon crossed the finish line at the city center to roaring applause.
1st – Samual (Jolteon) – Time: 1:41.3
14th – Kabuto (Beedrill) – Time: 2:02.7
26th – Naruto (Luxio) – Time: 2:15.9
28th – Sasuke (Quilava) – Time: 2:18.5
The scoreboard buzzed as names began disappearing—those who didn't qualify were marked with a red X.
Naruto collapsed to the ground with relief. "W-We made it!"
Luxio panted beside him, sparks trailing his paws.
Sasuke looked over. "Barely. You were two spots from elimination."
Naruto grinned. "Still ahead of you though!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes.
Samual approached with a gloved clap.
"Hm. Impressive for lowborns. Still, your journey ends soon."
Naruto glared. "You talk too much."
Samual flicked his coat. "And you're not worth my time—yet."
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To be continued...