Shop System In Pokemon World

Join my p@treon for more chapters

[email protected]/Tempest_29

In the first match, they faced Eastbridge University, another one of the Six Elites, which caught Roy by surprise.

Since the tournament used a point-based system, there was no questionable drawing of lots involved. Every school team had to play against each other once; it was just a matter of determining the order of matches.

However, among hundreds of participating schools, Roy doubted it was mere coincidence that they were matched against Eastbridge University in the opening round.

Sure enough, Elon expressed his frustration: "This is the organizers' doing. Every year for the opening match, they arrange for strong schools to face each other to maximize the program's impact and generate buzz. I was wondering which unlucky team would be selected as the highlight this year, and it turns out it's us again..."

"Again?" Roy raised his eyebrows. "Was it us last year too?"

"That's right," Patrick smiled and winked. "Our two schools make for quite the headline story. Who else would they choose? We represent Capital, and they represent Eastbridge..."

As a local, Roy immediately understood the subtext.

Capital was a municipality directly under the Central Government, while Eastbridge was the capital of Stonecrest Province. However, many from the older generation in Stonecrest would scoff at the mention of 'Eastbridge, the provincial capital,' with a hint of disdain, instead acknowledging Capital's dominant position in the region.

Similarly, among the older generation, those from Southern Stonecrest and Northern Stonecrest looked down on each other.

This was insider knowledge familiar only to those who had lived in Stonecrest Province year-round.

Of course, these were issues carried over from previous generations. Roy, a young trainer, didn't harbor any particular feelings about such regional rivalries.

But the most influential supporters in the audience were undoubtedly these older locals.

The storyline generated plenty of interest.

Philip spoke bluntly: "They used this tactic last year, and they're using it again this year. It's infuriating. Is this event planner trying to sabotage us?"

What a refined yet grumpy elder... Roy smiled to himself.

Nevertheless, he understood his teammates' dissatisfaction.

It wasn't fear of facing Eastbridge University; rather, it was the unpredictability of encountering a formidable opponent right at the start...

A year had passed, neither side knew each other well anymore, and their intelligence gathering was limited to information on paper. Without thorough knowledge of each other's strategies, if they wanted to avoid defeat, they would have to give their all.

Once they used their full strength, Capital University's team capabilities would be completely exposed, leaving them without any tactical advantage...

It was acceptable when it happened last year, after all, it was tradition, and it was Capital University's turn. But no one expected the organizers to pull the same move again this year. It was truly annoying for the sake of ratings.

After voicing their complaints, the bus came to a stop.

They had arrived at the five-star hotel closest to Capital Stadium, which had been booked well in advance.

Other schools from outside the city had arrived one or two days earlier, but Capital University, being a local school, had the luxury of a more relaxed schedule.

After checking into the hotel, Elon printed a stack of documents containing all the available information on the Eastbridge University team and distributed them to everyone, urging them to study the material carefully.

To win the championship, every point mattered.

The night passed without further discussion.

The next morning, Roy woke up early, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of his hotel room after brushing his teeth and taking a shower.

In the sky outside, he could see several helicopters hovering above Capital Stadium, as well as the banner displayed by the leading media outlet's Pokémon from ten heavy helicopters.

The other helicopters likely carried media reporters or VIP guests who had traveled from various regions.

...the entire nation's attention was focused on the event.

No, considering China's global significance today, there were probably many international spectators paying attention as well.

Roy's first thought was that he could earn substantial popularity points. He gently touched Vulpix, who was still lying under the covers, and said with a smile: "Little one, perhaps after this battle is over, your Fire Stone will arrive."

"Vulpix!" The Fox Pokémon rubbed its eyes and gazed sleepily at Roy with its Charm.

Wartortle sat on the rug, fidgeting with his toes somewhat nervously.

Elekid was so excited that he punched the air repeatedly, eager for battle.

Mimikyu... well, hiding in the shadows, remained out of sight.

Lucario approached Roy, standing shoulder to shoulder.

[Roy, are you confident?]

Roy nodded without speaking, responding through Aura.

[Of course.]

[This game is just the beginning...]

[I will accompany you to witness the pinnacle of trainers across the country]

Lucario suddenly clenched his fists and closed his eyes.

Aura, surging through his body.

Inside Capital Stadium.

On the field, a group of staff gathered around a helicopter that had just landed, awaiting its passengers with excitement.

Soon, the helicopter door opened, and two people stepped out.

One of them was Roy's acquaintance, Sebastian.

The other was a white-haired elderly man.

Although the Fighting-type Elite was present, most of the staff members looked enthusiastically at the elderly man, holding their breath, with no one daring to make any noise.

"Cough, cough."

The elderly man coughed several times, waving off Sebastian who had rushed forward to assist him, and said with a smile: "My health is deteriorating each year. Perhaps before long, I'll be joining heaven."

Sebastian smiled wryly: "You shouldn't joke about such things. This isn't something to spread around—China couldn't function without you."

Hearing this, the elderly man's expression turned serious, and he reprimanded angrily: "You youngsters, as long as you strive for excellence like Frances, you shouldn't worry about an old man like me."

"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right!"

Sebastian nodded repeatedly, not daring to argue.

His respect wasn't merely for an elder, but reverence for a pioneer who was over seventy years old.

The elderly man before him was the second-generation Champion of China.

He was seventy-eight this year, and after this winter, he would turn seventy-nine.

He and the first-generation Champion had been schoolmates. After the first Champion's passing, he had taken up the mantle and guided the country through decades of challenges.

Even in retirement, the elderly man hadn't truly rested. He had been scouting exceptional young trainers, providing them with varying degrees of support. Each year, he personally attended the National College League to identify promising talents.

Frances had been one of them, spotted by him during the college league, and had since risen to prominence.

The elderly man's name was Lander.

—A legend from the previous era.

Today, he served as China's representative to the Pokémon League.

Sebastian held immense respect for this senior figure.

However, as is common with advancing age, the elderly tend to become increasingly talkative, often repeating similar topics during each meeting, which Sebastian found somewhat tedious.

Noticing Sebastian's polite but perfunctory responses, Elder Lander frowned and asked, "Will that young trainer you've been praising be competing today?"

"Yes," Sebastian replied with a smile. "He's quite arrogant, but also exceptionally talented."

Observing the elderly man's apparent lack of interest, Sebastian chuckled and added, "I believe that in a year or two, he'll be another Henry or Caroline."

Elder Lander looked at him in surprise; it was the first time he had heard such high praise from Sebastian.

"I'll judge with my own eyes," the elderly man said seriously.

"If he truly lives up to your description, I will add his name to the list."

—It was a list of trainers selected for special development within the Pokémon League.