It was two o'clock in the afternoon when the semi-finals officially began.
The top four competitors made their way to the stage one by one. Cade, son of an Elite Four mber, and Roy, the strongest dark horse of the tournant, received the most enthusiastic cheers from the audience when they appeared. Their popularity was evenly matched among the spectators.
In contrast, the other two semi-finalists faced a sowhat embarrassing situation. Their popularity remained at the level of normal recomnded students. But who could bla the audience? This year happened to feature both the son of an Elite and a rare dark horse competitor. All eyes were on Roy and Cade, reducing the other two to re supporting characters in the spectacle.
However, low popularity didn't an these trainers were weak. Having advanced to the semi-finals, both demonstrated skill levels well above the average recomnded student.
Roy examined his semi-final opponent—a harmless-looking plump boy nad Jordan. Gathering information on rivals was sothing every trainer did, and Roy had carefully watched Jordan's previous two matches. Unlike Callan and Axel whom Roy had fought before, Jordan didn't rely on special tactics. Instead, he advanced through the tournant on the raw strength and quality of his Pokémon.
A trainer of the sa type as , Roy thought.
This realization both delighted and worried him. The good news was he wouldn't have to face soone like Chloe again, sparing him the trouble of deciphering complex battle strategies. His Riolu excelled at straightforward fights.
The reason for Roy's concern was imdiately explained by the on-site comntator.
"The opening match of the semi-finals will feature our high-profile competitors Roy and Jordan. It's worth noting that this matchup is particularly unfavorable for Roy and his Riolu," the comntator announced.
"Jordan's Pokémon is a Scyther."
"Viewers who regularly follow the league will imdiately understand what I an."
"Type disadvantage."
"Scyther is a Bug and Flying-type, which grants it quadruple resistance against Fighting-type moves. Conversely, Flying-type moves deal double damage to Riolu..."
That was exactly it.
Roy had finally found another trainer who relied on pure power, but the type matchup put Riolu at a severe disadvantage.
Riolu's specialty was Fighting-type moves, which would only inflict a quarter of their normal damage against Scyther. anwhile, Scyther's Flying-type attacks would deal double damage to Riolu.
Despite how easily type disadvantages seed to be overco in the ani—type advantages were no joke in real battles.
What did a type advantage with double damage really an? It ant that if your opponent could normally knock out 50% of your health, you'd be completely defeated. Even the mighty Dragon-type boost only pushed that threshold to 20%.
Fortunately, one of the few moves Riolu had mastered was Thunder Punch, which dealt double damage to Scyther. If Riolu only knew Fighting-type moves, like Chloe's Mankey, it would barely scratch the opponent with only a quarter of normal damage output.
One week of training was simply too short. Chloe's Mankey hadn't managed to learn moves of other types, leaving its attack options severely limited.
Before the match began, while the host was still addressing the audience, Jordan approached Roy with a smile and muttered, "You're really unlucky. My Pokémon completely counters yours. Honestly, even if you sohow win, you'll just lose in the finals. Cade's Abra also has a type advantage over Riolu. Tough break..."
He shook his head dramatically, appearing to pity Roy, and sighed.
"It would be different if I reached the finals. Bug-types have an advantage against Psychic..."
"I really admire you though. Coming from an ordinary family and getting this far. If you had my family background, winning the championship would be a breeze. Sotis luck matters more than strength, you know?"
Roy raised his eyebrows, imdiately recognizing what Jordan was trying to do.
Trash talk to ss with my ntal state, huh?
Unfortunately for Jordan, his attempt at psychological warfare was too amateur. Roy, who had been a "part-ti keyboard warrior" in his previous life, wasn't angered—he was amused.
You can try trash talking, but you can't handle what cos back, young man.
Roy's expression suddenly darkened, and he shouted loudly enough for others to hear:
"I WILL win!"
His outburst imdiately drew attention from everyone nearby.
Roy slipped into performance mode, his face resolute with a hint of defiance as he continued shouting:
"What does type disadvantage matter?"
"What does coming from an ordinary family matter?"
"I'll prove that even ordinary people can rise up! Even with a type disadvantage, I can win!"
"The tides always turn! Don't look down on those who start with less!"
Jordan's eyes widened in shock as he noticed the surprised and disdainful glances from spectators around them. Despite the warm day, cold sweat broke out on his palms and feet. He wanted to yell at Roy: "Why are you shouting so loudly?!"
Sensing the awkward atmosphere, the host quickly intervened. "Haha, seems like we have a small disagreent between our competitors. But that's fine! Competitive tournants need so fire to be entertaining. It would be boring if friendship always ca before competition."
The host made a few more jokes to lighten the mood, eventually calming the situation, but discussions among the audience continued.
"Looks like that recomnded student was looking down on others!"
"So disgusting. Typical entitled second-generation trainer behavior."
"Hahaha, this Roy must read too many web novels. I can sll the underdog hero trope from here."
"Roy the Entei? Jordan the villain? Is this a three-year revenge plot?"
"Pfft, he's just showing off. Don't make laugh."
"The three-year period is over! Behold the young master Roy returning to claim his Elite position!"
In a corner of the auditorium sat Callan and Chloe, with a lonely figure beside them—Axel.
The three quietly listened to the discussions around them and inwardly smirked.
Brilliant move!
Jordan's going to regret this!
Under the referee's urging, Jordan walked to his position with a forced nonchalant attitude, but his hand holding the Poké Ball trembled slightly.
He had tried to use trash talk to pressure Roy, but now the psychological pressure had doubled on himself. If he lost, he would genuinely be treated like a villain from an internet story.
Roy, on the other hand, would look good whether he won or lost.
"Scyther!" Jordan clutched his Poké Ball tightly, his expression pained as he whispered: "You absolutely cannot lose! If you win, I'll give you extra food tonight! I'll share all my snacks! I'll even spend all my pocket money on you!"
Inside the Poké Ball, Scyther didn't understand what was happening, but felt the pressure nonetheless.
The referee waved his flag, and both Roy and Jordan threw their Poké Balls simultaneously.
Scyther erged—a magnificent green Pokémon with a lizard-like head, a pair of razor-sharp scythes for arms, and blade-like wings. It exuded an aura of power and ferocity.
Motivated by its trainer's desperate promises, Scyther was brimming with fighting spirit. As soon as it materialized on the battlefield, it launched into action without waiting for Jordan's command!
Quick Attack!
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