Chapter 39: The Preliminaries Begin
Time flew by, and the selection tournament finally arrived, much to everyone's anticipation.
The Seaside County Gymnasium was bustling with people and buzzing with noise. The key issue was that although the organizers had set the location at the gymnasium, the preliminary matches were not held inside the main venue but on the outdoor battlefields. Only after reaching the main tournament would the matches be moved indoors, where there would be an audience and live broadcasts.
This was so frustrating. They clearly have an indoor venue, so why hold the competition outdoors? On top of that, the weather today was especially nice—the sun was shining brightly in a clear blue sky, without a single cloud for cover.
"Is this a test of Pokémon strength, or a test of the trainer's endurance?"
Under the scorching sun, Basalt felt like he was having trouble breathing, and he was cursing inwardly. If this kept up, his fair complexion would be ruined! Although he was on the path of a strength-based trainer and didn't rely on his looks… if he could, he would like to be a handsome, strength-based trainer.
"Good thing I wore a hat, sprayed on sunscreen, and applied sunblock… I'm a genius!" Chloe, holding a parasol, shuffled over, trying to get closer to Basalt.
About ten students from Class 1 of Seaside County Second High had participated in the competition, and they were all gathered together now. That's right, Chloe, the "trainer" who treated her Pokémon like a pet, had also come to compete.
Basalt was at a loss for words. Don't you have any self-awareness about your own skill level? I'm fighting my heart out to bring honor to Second High, can you please not come and make things worse? It's easy to lose face, but it's hard to earn it!
Basalt complained frantically in his mind, but there was nothing he could do. Whether to participate in the competition was a personal right, and he couldn't stop her.
The class president, on the other hand, made Basalt feel very confident. After half a month of training, Pidgey's Sand Attack-to-the-face followed by kiting from a distance strategy had become second nature. The class president no longer agonized over whether the strategy was dirty or not. She had slowly opened her heart and begun to let herself go. Basalt felt that now that she had unlocked her full potential, her future was limitless.
"All contestants, please report to your designated fields. The competition is about to begin!"
The voice of a staff member came over the venue's broadcast system, repeating the message three times. Important things are said three times; the ancients were not lying.
Each contestant had a number, corresponding to a different battlefield. Basalt's number was 8-3, which meant he should go to battlefield number 8 and was contestant number 3 in that group.
"Alright, everyone, let's go to our own battlefields. I hope you all perform well, fight with spirit, and show your style!"
The class president raised her hand, and the others followed suit, cheering each other on. Then they separated, each heading to their own battlefield.
There should be a break after the first match, right? I need to get this first round over with quickly, then go buy a hat. Otherwise, my skin is definitely going to peel from this sunburn.
Basalt hunched his shoulders, using his backpack to shield his head from the sun as he slowly made his way to field number 8.
Seeing him arrive, the referee and staff quickly stood up and announced, "Since everyone is here, let's begin the matches as soon as possible!"
Basalt was stunned for a moment. So I was the last one? How embarrassing.
As the staff member spoke, the 8 contestants in the area instantly perked up, eyeing each other with wariness. According to the rules, only one of these 8 contestants could break through and enter the main tournament. An 8-to-1 elimination format was extremely cruel. A single loss meant elimination, with no second chances.
Someone had calculated that to win the championship of this competition, you had to win 8 consecutive matches. The difficulty was truly immense.
"Contestants number 1 and 2, please enter the field and prepare."
The staff member picked up a clipboard, checked the information against the people present, and nodded at two young men, signaling that it was their turn.
"So, that means my opponent is number 4?" Basalt raised an eyebrow and fixed his gaze on a girl with a high ponytail. On her waist hung the number he was fated to face.
Coincidentally, at that moment, the high-ponytail girl also looked at Basalt, her face flushing slightly, appearing a little shy.
He's so handsome! This was the high-ponytail girl's inner thought.
She looks pretty weak, Basalt thought, crossing his arms, his face expressionless, putting on a profound and unapproachable demeanor. When it came to posturing, Basalt was already a natural. Every frown, every smile, every move—all part of the act.
On the battlefield, the first match had already begun: Spearow VS Paras. In terms of typing, Paras was at a clear disadvantage. Its Bug/Grass typing made it 4-times weak to Flying, which was incredibly painful. Moreover, Spearow had the aerial advantage. With the skill level of the two trainers being roughly equal, the outcome was as expected: Spearow won easily.
The winner was elated, the loser dejected. It's always awkward to lose.
"Contestants number 3 and 4, please enter the field and take your positions."
Under the watchful eyes of the staff, Basalt and the high-ponytail girl began to walk out side by side.
As if mustering a great deal of courage, the high-ponytail girl greeted Basalt with a blushing face, "Hello, I'm Zoe from First High. Please, let's have a good match."
"From First High?" Basalt was slightly surprised. His initial underestimation of her vanished in an instant. He was very wary of students from First High and didn't dare to take them lightly.
Looks like my training is still not complete. I actually judged her based on her appearance just now.
While reflecting on this, Basalt smiled and returned the greeting, "I'm Basalt from Second High. Please, let's have a good match."
So his name is Basalt! Zoe nodded, silently committing the name to memory. A handsome, polite, and gentle guy. I'm in love!
"Both contestants, please release your Pokémon."
Just as Zoe was lost in her thoughts, the referee's voice rang out.
"Go, Drilbur!"
"Come on out, Vulpix!"
Zoe also threw out her Poké Ball. After it opened, a small, quadrupedal Pokémon that looked like a fox appeared. It was the Fire-type Pokémon—Vulpix.
Vulpix had reddish-brown fur, brown, pupil-less, amber-like eyes, and large, pointed ears with dark brown inner ears. It had six orange, curly tails. On its head was a tuft of curly orange fur. It had a cream-colored belly, brown paws, and light brown paw pads.
"As expected of First High, starting with a rare Pokémon like Vulpix." Basalt felt even more strongly that his opponent was not to be underestimated. Although a Pokémon like Vulpix wasn't a Psychic-type, it could master many Psychic-type moves. Combined with its fearsome fire and agile body, it had the natural potential of a strong contender.
This plain-looking girl opposite him might just be a master.
Get serious! Treat this with respect!
Basalt patted his fair face, his gaze sharpening.
"Both contestants, take your positions. Let the battle begin!"
As the referee waved down his small flag, the battle officially started.
"Sand Tomb!"
He who strikes first gains the advantage; he who strikes late suffers disaster. Basalt understood this principle.
RUMBLE!
The ground collapsed, turning into rolling quicksand, like a vortex swallowing everything.
Before Zoe could even react, her Vulpix was already trapped in the sand vortex. Half its body was swallowed, and it couldn't move an inch.
"Vulpix~ Vulpix~"
Vulpix let out a painful howl, but… it was crisp and pleasant to the ear.
After such a long period of training, Drilbur's Sand Tomb was on a completely different level than before. Its range was larger, its suction force was stronger. Unless the opponent was also a sandstorm Pokémon, it was almost impossible to escape.
Zoe's face was grim. She was clearly caught off guard by Sand Tomb.
"So… how will you respond?" Basalt's gaze sharpened as he looked at Zoe, his face full of anticipation. Only by fighting against masters could he grow. He hoped this top student from First High would not disappoint him. And as it happened, Basalt was very eager to probe the strength of the other students from First High.
What is their average level?
Just then, Zoe slowly raised her hand, as if she had made some kind of decision, her eyes resolute.
Is it coming? Drilbur, be on your guard! Basalt shouted.
"Chari~"
Drilbur nodded. The elemental energy on its body flickered, ready to use Rapid Spin for defense or Rock Tomb to counter-attack at any moment.
Ever since registering, Basalt had been constantly preparing Drilbur mentally, building up its expectations. In this competition, every opponent would be strong. There would be no slackers like in the class tournament. It had to fight with all its might and couldn't afford to be complacent. Drilbur deeply agreed.
But to everyone's surprise, Zoe only said three words: "I give up!"
Basalt: Σ(O_O;)
Drilbur: !!!∑(Дノ)ノ
"Basalt, you're too strong. I'm no match for you. Please have your Drilbur release the Sand Tomb," Zoe said, looking at Basalt with a pleading expression.
Basalt was completely baffled. He looked at the referee, the referee looked at the staff, the staff looked at Zoe, and Zoe continued to look at Basalt.
Although she was at a disadvantage, this surrender… was a bit too decisive, wasn't it?
After this loop of confusion, the referee finally nodded and made his ruling. "Since contestant number 4 has voluntarily surrendered, the winner is contestant number 3, Basalt!"
"Chari~" [_?]
Drilbur scratched its small head, then dispersed the Sand Tomb. Vulpix was finally free.
"Vulpix~ Vulpix~"
The little Vulpix, with tears in its eyes, leaped into Zoe's arms. She comforted it softly, "There, there. I know you tried your best. The opponent was just too strong…"
Hearing this, the corner of Basalt's mouth twitched. With that little strength, you dare to participate in the Elite Selection Tournament? You're insulting the word 'elite.' Do high school students these days have no shame?
"I can't believe… even First High has slackers!"
Basalt shook his head, laughing sardonically.