"Allow me to provide a brief overview of the conference rules," announced the referee as he stood on the levitator, gripping the handle. His words spread throughout the entire venue, though the source of this acoustic phenomenon remained unexplained.
"This competition follows the arena and team battle format, with singles involving teams of 2 Pokémon and no restrictions on the number of moves..."
"The list of banned moves includes Explosion, Z-Move, and Mega Evolution..."
Although it was a 2-on-2 rule, Teacher Luke only brought two Pokémon. The likes of Key Stone and Z-Crystal were nowhere to be found in his possession. But such restrictions were fitting for a youth tournament. Mega Evolution and Z-Moves were known for their powerful, sometimes unpredictable effects, and not all trainers had access to these items.
As he shook his head, Luke took his seat on the field and focused his thoughts. He was to be the second participant in the battle, and Coach Zhai had instructed him to gauge the opponent's capabilities before engaging.
Their opponents, the Sandstorm Team, had some interesting choices. Venusaur seemed to be an odd inclusion in their lineup, but Luke considered that there might be a tactical reason behind it.
"Both teams have their first players on the field," the commentator enthusiastically declared. "It's Torkoal versus Hippowdon!"
"The captains are leading from the front," observed Du Yuanshan, stroking his beard. He glanced at Sun Huaian beside him. "But is it wise to put so much on the line so soon?"
Sun Huaian replied coolly, "If they can't hold their own in singles, they won't perform any better in team battles."
"Hmm," Du Yuanshan grinned, "I can't wait to see who comes out victorious."
As the battle was about to commence, Hippowdon unleashed a Sandstorm that spread across the arena, raising a cloud of yellow sand that crackled against the protective barriers.
"Why didn't Torkoal's Drought work? Isn't Hippowdon supposed to be slower?" the audience speculated.
"The difference in power, perhaps?" people pondered.
On the guest seating side, Tu Yong frowned and said, "If this weather continues, it will be tough to deal with the starting Sandstorm."
Ji Shiyin nodded in agreement, and they both watched the match intently.
Several rounds passed, and Torkoal, despite putting up a fierce fight, ended up succumbing to its injuries. It was ultimately defeated, and the referee announced the need for the next Pokémon to be sent out.
Gu Zhong took Torkoal back reluctantly, while Joey withdrew Hippowdon. He gave a respectful nod to his opponent, showing his appreciation for the match.
Gu Zhong, taken aback by the amicable gesture, couldn't help but feel puzzled. It wasn't the kind of intense rivalry he expected.
However, as Joey introduced his second Pokémon, despair filled the Magic University supporters.
The Sandstorm Team's formidable offense had been further bolstered by the addition of Sand Force, and the menacing Excadrill took the stage. Its Sword Dance ability signaled a significant boost in its attack power, potentially making it a fearsome contender to sweep the opposition.
In Magic University's camp, it was clear that Capital University's strategy was to end the game during the singles phase.
Zhai Wenyao was stunned, looking at Coach Tommy Shao from Capital University, who gave a nod in acknowledgment. Zhai Wenyao couldn't help but wipe away the cold sweat that had formed on his brow. He realized that Capital's tactics were incredibly bold, and they were already halfway to their goal.
The cheers that once resonated loudly in the Magic University section had now faded to a mere murmur. It was clear that the Capital team had executed their strategy flawlessly.
Gu Zhong, realizing that he couldn't afford to wait any longer, chose to surrender.
The confident Sun Huaian remarked to Du Yuanshan, "The young ones these days are growing bolder and more audacious."
With a cheerful laugh, Du Yuanshan replied, "I told you, there was no need for the team competition."
However, a glimmer of hope arose when a handsome, well-dressed young man slowly rose from the Magic University team's seats and walked to the front.
All eyes were now on this exceptionally handsome player.
"Is Teacher Luke stepping onto the stage?"
"It won't help... even with a Gym Leader, facing an experienced team is no easy task."
The stadium filled with questions and cheers at the same time.
Zhai Wenyao, however, was lost in thought. "It's my responsibility... I underestimated their tactics."
"Winning isn't important, but you must be cautious," he warned the rest of the school team, all of whom appeared dejected.
If... Teacher Luke loses...
It could spell the end of their journey in this tournament...
Suddenly, a round of applause broke the silence, as Luke clapped his hands in a cheerful manner.
"Alright, no need to be disheartened," he said with a slight smile. "Guessing the outcome of a coin toss isn't always easy, it's just part of the game."
"But..." Sally Han began, her eyes slightly reddened, "If the tactics don't work..."
Luke interrupted her. The camera focused on this strikingly handsome young man.
"Tactics?" Teacher Luke laughed with the sharpness of a drawn blade, his eyes exuding confidence. "I am the tactic."
"The second player from Magic University has taken the stage!" the commentator exclaimed. "Can Contestant Luke turn the tide? Let's find out!"
Luke looked at Squirtle, still swathed in bandages, and grinned. "Alright, go defeat the opponent. I'll head back and buy ten more potions for you!"
A spark of determination shone in Squirtle's eyes. It shook off the bandages and leaped gracefully onto the battlefield. The battle was about to begin.
Joey observed Luke with a hint of unease. The pressure he felt was comparable to that of a renowned senior trainer.
"Excadrill, use Iron Head!" Joey cautiously commanded.
Excadrill's armored head shone with a white light as it charged towards Squirtle amid the swirling sandstorm. But as it passed through the airborne sand, Squirtle seemed to vanish.
"Is this the guesswork of the 'Baby Cup' competitors?" people in the audience questioned.
Luke looked up at the sky and instructed, "Squirtle, use Rain Dance!"
A resounding boom echoed as heavy rain began to pour down. The dark clouds gathered and released their rain, sweeping away the yellow sand in the sky.
"Rain Dance... it worked!" the commentator cheered. "In a Dig state, can one possess such amazing awareness?" Ji Shiyin marveled.
"It's an innate talent," Tu Yong remarked. "But it comes at quite a cost."
Despite the heavy rain, Squirtle remained elusive. Joey gritted his teeth. "Excadrill, use Bulldoze!"
Excadrill roared towards the heavens, and Bulldoze shattered the ground, creating a violent shockwave. But Squirtle emerged from below, using Headbutt to repel Excadrill.
A thunderous crash followed as Excadrill was left dizzy and its metal claws swung aimlessly before being pushed back several meters by the strong current. The audience was in awe.
The level of strategy exhibited by Luke seemed exceptional, as he seemed to predict Joey's every move.
In the relentless downpour, Squirtle's offense was as unyielding as a fierce storm. "High Horsepower!" Joey ordered.
Excadrill held its head in its hands, ignited a fiery red light, and unleashed a powerful High Horsepower attack.
"Retreat," Luke commanded. Squirtle was sent hurtling upwards, and the pain rushed through its nerves.
In Squirtle's eyes, a brilliant light gleamed. Torrent ability, activate!
Amidst the dark clouds, there was a sense of thunder and lightning. The torrential downpour overwhelmed the Sandstorm strategy of the University of Communications.
"Who's controlling the weather here?"
"Wait a minute, Magic University is actually playing a Rain Dance team strategy!"
In the midst of all this, Squirtle poked its head out, mouth bulging. "Squirtle, use Water Gun!"
A mighty bang echoed as the Water Gun sent a surging column of water crashing into the ground, creating a spray of debris and sending Excadrill flying.
The stadium fell into a shocked silence, and the referee, bewildered, stuttered, "Excadrill... has lost its fighting capacity!"
The audience was astounded. Why was Excadrill sent out second after its earlier dominance?
Joey clenched his teeth, grabbed another Poké Ball, and threw it. "Go, Hippowdon!"
The Sand Stream effect began again, but this time the yellow sand couldn't stand up to the rainstorm. Once more, a Water Gun attack was launched, and Hippowdon cried out in agony.
A thunderous crash resounded. In the span of a single move, the Capital's captain was defeated. In the hushed stadium, the sky slowly cleared up.
Luke stood on the field, fresh from the downpour, his eyes deep, and he said with a slight smile, "Next."