Located in the Sinnoh Region on Lily of the Valley Island, this island serves as the host of the prestigious Sinnoh Alliance "Lily of the Valley Conference." With a world-class Battle Facility, trainers from all corners of the globe who have participated in the Sinnoh Alliance journey here to vie for the coveted title of Champion.
Once one becomes the Champion of the Lily of the Valley Conference, they earn the right to challenge the formidable Alliance Elite Four and even the reigning Alliance Champion among them. At the pinnacle of the Sinnoh Alliance stands a prominent figure, the fair-haired beauty from Celestic Town, Cynthia.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Sinnoh Alliance Master Team Battle venue!" The commentator's enthusiastic voice resonated throughout the arena. "Today's match features the Psychic Type Elite, Lucian, from the Sinnoh Alliance, challenging for the Alliance Champion title!"
"Whether we will witness the crowning of a new Champion or the successful defense of the reigning Champion's throne, let's eagerly await the outcome!"
With light blue, cascading hair, dressed in a deep wine red suit, and adorned with a pair of brown leather shoes, an elegant gentleman strolled onto the field from the contestant passage. The crowd erupted in cheers, creating a chorus of enthusiastic Growls.
Lucian closed the hardcover book he held with a resounding 'pop' and adjusted his blue-tinted glasses frame while offering a warm smile to the camera. "Mr. Lucian has now made his entrance!" the commentator exclaimed. "This marks his third challenge for the Champion title this year!"
There was no need to emphasize it...
Lucian's cheeks reddened with a touch of embarrassment as he pushed up his blue-tinted spectacles.
During this moment, Lucian's gaze shifted to the slender figure making her way through the passage.
Step by step, high heels gracefully met the ground. Each stride was deliberate, neither too fast nor too slow, coinciding with the crescendo of Growls.
Cheers surged like a tide, intensifying with each passing moment!
"Sinnoh's Champion!"
"Miss Cynthia!!"
As the footsteps halted, it was as if the collective breath of the audience held its pause for an instant.
Golden locks cascaded down like sunbeams, radiating a brilliance akin to the sun itself.
In comparison, her pale surroundings seemed slightly dimmed against her deep, luminous gray eyes.
Clad in a black trench coat and adorned with pointed high heels, Cynthia swept aside the straight, waist-length blonde hair near her ears. A gentle smile graced her delicate and enchanting visage.
"I've been waiting," Cynthia nodded gracefully.
"I'm truly honored that you're willing to accept the challenge," Lucian began, placing his hand over his heart. "I hope to overcome your Garchomp's strength this time."
"Feel free to give it your best shot," Cynthia replied with a subtle smile.
The commentator's voice rang out with excitement: "Both competitors are ready, and the match is about to commence!"
"Lucian's first Pokémon has taken the field, and it's the resilient Bronzong!"
"On Cynthia's side, she's unleashed her indomitable powerhouse, Garchomp!"
Two formidable Elite Pokémon graced the battlefield simultaneously, eliciting gasps of surprise from the onlookers.
With its body covered in sharp scales and spiky protrusions, a tapering Dragon Tail, and menacing fangs jutting out from both sides of its head, Garchomp's blood-red eyes glinted fiercely as it wielded its twin serrated blades. Its mighty presence echoed through a resounding roar that seemed to shake the heavens and earth.
"Kaao——!!!"
Bronzong hovered above the arena, its sonorous and solemn chimes resounding like a clear, resonating bell.
The battle was on the brink of commencing!
"Garchomp, Fire Blast!"
"Bronzong, Intercept!"
Garchomp's jaws opened wide, unleashing a torrent of roaring flames that distorted the air and caused a scorching heatwave. The subsequent detonation echoed like a thunderous blast!
With a resounding impact, Bronzong landed firmly on the battlefield. Though the protective Light Screen it had conjured was obliterated by the fiery inferno, an ominous blue aura emanated from its intricate engravings.
Lucian extended his hand and murmured, "Trick Room!"
Strange beams of light illuminated the arena, manifesting an ethereal, cage-like space that linked both Bronzong and Garchomp within its confines.
The commentator exclaimed, "With the Trick Room in effect, Garchomp's speed advantage has been negated!"
Cynthia's smile grew slightly wider as she issued a command, "Garchomp, Dragon Rush!"
In the wide-eyed astonishment of the spectators, Garchomp streaked across the battlefield like a supersonic fighter jet. Its tail generated a wake of white air, while its twin blades sliced through the Trick Room's barrier with sheer force!
—
Luke watched the intense battle between the two Elite Trainers in the video with a mix of fascination and disbelief.
Wait, what?
Dragon Rush can actually break through the Trick Room barrier? This changes everything!
What kind of Trainer have I been? Maybe I should just give up and focus on something else!
Gastly, beside Luke, also stared at the video with a puzzled expression.
Huh? This isn't like the Pokémon battles I'm familiar with.
Luke turned to Gastly, curious about its reaction. "What are your thoughts?"
Gastly let out a faint sound, appearing somewhat confused.
"Sika…"
"Fall?"
"Jie jie~!"
Suddenly, Gastly's body jolted, and its eyes widened with excitement.
Clearly visible in its expression was pure exhilaration. It seemed that this video had opened up a whole new world of possibilities for Gastly.
Luke assumed Gastly might be frightened and patted its head reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'm here. We can still have fun beating up ordinary Trainers together."
As Luke continued watching the video, he felt a sense of resonance deep inside him.
Despite knowing that his own command skills were strong, he also realized the significance of his limitations in terms of raising powerful Pokémon.
Money, resources, contacts… Even with the help of the system, becoming an Elite Trainer wasn't something that could be achieved overnight.
Taking Red as an example, expecting to reach the level of Champion within a year of his debut was just wishful thinking.
However, the excited reaction from Gastly made Luke smile, and he playfully poked the fog around it.
"Well, even if I'm not aiming to be a world champion Trainer, it's worth working hard for your sake!"
Luke realized that his decision not to pursue a career as a Trainer wouldn't conflict with raising Gastly to its fullest potential. After all, Gastly's enthusiasm for battling was palpable, and Luke was eager to fulfill its desires.
"When we lose, you'll come to terms with reality," Luke said teasingly. "You really thought we could become world champions, huh?"
Gastly responded with a series of eerie laughs, almost as if it were saying, "Of course! Why not?"
"Alright, time to get back to streaming. First, let's get you that 'Protect' TM!"
Launching the live streaming software, an influx of devoted fans quickly filled the live chat room.
"Teacher Luke, please do a countdown!"
"It's been nearly a week. You can't be broke, right?"
"Teacher Luke is live, and my youth is revitalized!"
"Can't believe it. Last week of classes was pretty intense. I'm going for that scholarship!"
"Wait, are people seriously thinking that Teacher Luke is a model student?"
"Been a fan for a decade. Teacher Luke is the Magic City University master!"
"???"
"Wait, is this for real? The streamer is so educated?"
"Thanks to [Bulbasaur How Substitute-Toxic-Protect-Paralysis] for the rocket... As long as you send rockets, we're friends!."
"But today we're doing something different."
Luke opened the team editor and added Gengar to his lineup.
"Today, I'm here to teach you the Perish Song Squad strategy!"
"???"
"What kind of sneaky trick is this?"
"Enough chit-chat, let's get started. I can't wait!"
The game interface transitioned, and Luke found an international opponent from the Sinnoh Alliance with the ID [100 kinds Ice Cream].
The opponent's in-game character was an adorable cartoon doll. A three-headed blonde little loli that looked incredibly cute.
"Wow, the opponent is so cute!" Luke exclaimed.
After confirming that he wasn't facing any top-tier Trainers, Luke focused his attention on the upcoming battle and began to strategize seriously.