With Swellow changing tactics, Sceptile also became more proactive. It continuously used Leaf Blade to clash with Swellow's wing attacks. Both sides went back and forth, evenly matched in momentum.
However, in terms of stamina, Sceptile was clearly at a disadvantage compared to Swellow. After a period of intense battle, Sceptile was already gasping for breath, while Swellow remained calm and composed.
"Sceptile is unable to battle. The winner is Rex!"
With the referee's announcement, the match between Rex and Rina came to an end.
Despite losing the match, Rina did not seem too upset. She remained calm, just as when she had arrived, and followed Rex back to the audience seating.
Sceptile had fought Swellow with all its might, even activating its Overgrow ability in the end. Unfortunately, Swellow's raw power was significantly stronger, and ultimately, Sceptile could only shed tears of defeat under Swellow's Brave Bird assault.
"Rina, are you alright?"
After sitting down in the audience, Rex cautiously asked Rina.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
Rina responded, puzzled.
"As long as you're okay. If anything is bothering you, don't hold it in."
Rex knew how much Rina cared about winning and losing. In the past, she always gave him a hard time and promised to win next time after each defeat. But this time, she showed no reaction at all.
Given this unusual behavior, Rex wondered if he had dealt Rina too harsh a blow, leaving her unable to cope.
To avoid further upsetting Rina, Rex tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
As more matches proceeded, the first round of the final championship came to an end, revealing the top 16 competitors.
Among those Rex knew, Ash, Tyson, and Morrison all advanced successfully. The only one unlucky enough to be eliminated was Rina, due to facing Rex.
Thinking about this, Rex glanced at Rina, whose discomfort was evident under his inexplicable gaze.
With all competitors having completed their matches, the large screen above the battlefield began grouping the remaining 16 contestants for the next round.
Soon, the screen displayed the competitors' portraits, showing Rex's opponent as a young man named Gavin. Rex had met him a few times, but they weren't well acquainted.
Interestingly, Ash and Morrison, the friendly rivals, were grouped together, meaning only the victor would advance to the top eight.
"What's going on with them?"
Rex asked Brock, noticing Ash and Morrison engaged in a heated argument.
"Seems Morrison doesn't want to battle Ash, and Ash is trying to persuade him."
Brock replied, scratching his head, feeling a bit helpless.
"I see. Morrison needs to figure this out himself."
Rex could relate to Morrison's feelings, having just eliminated Rina. Although he knew he had to give his all in the competition, it didn't feel great to eliminate a companion.
Feeling down, Rex returned to his room early. After completing his usual physical training, he planned to rest, but his phone rang.
"Yuli, is something up?"
Seeing the caller ID, Rex greeted with a smile.
Rex thought Yuli was calling to congratulate him on his victory and was eager to share details of the match.
"Boss, first, congratulations on your win. I wouldn't usually disturb you now, but after much thought, I felt I should inform you."
Yuli's voice carried some hesitation and apology.
Yuli didn't want to call her boss now, knowing it might ruin his progress in the championship. However, given the escalating situation, she felt Rex, as the owner of Rex Farm, should make the decision.
"No worries. If it's affecting my upcoming matches, don't stress. Is there a problem at the farm?"
Rex sensed something serious at Rex Farm, causing Yuli to call him at such a crucial time. His expression grew serious as he listened.
Yuli explained the situation. A few days ago, for unknown reasons, large groups of wild Pokémon started emerging from Petalburg Woods, attacking nearby farms and ranches.
Many nearby farms and ranches suffered significant losses, even casualties, leading some farmers to abandon their properties and move to the safer Spring Town.
Rex Farm fared better due to Swellow's group and other Pokémon defending against the wild Pokémon, though some still managed to slip through and cause damage.
With Rex having brought the strongest Pokémon to the championship, the farm's defense wasn't as strong as it seemed.
Yuli had been under increasing pressure, fearing the situation would worsen and cause significant losses at Rex Farm. After much deliberation, she decided to call Rex.
"Yuli, you should have informed me as soon as the issue arose. Your safety is far more important than this championship. I'll fly back tomorrow."
Hearing the situation, Rex immediately decided to forgo the remaining matches and return to his farm.
For Rex, Rex Farm was his foundation in this world, and Yuli and the others were crucial to him. He wouldn't risk everything for a competition.
"I understand, boss!"
Hearing Rex's reply, Yuli felt a sense of calm. She realized her boss was the backbone of Rex Farm.
(Chapter End)