Chapter 82: The Grand Finale

Chapter 82: The Final Act

“So fast! Zilian’s Crobat has decisively and cleanly defeated Lanny’s Trevenant.”

Audrey’s voice, tinged with a hint of surprise, echoed through the stadium’s broadcast system.

“Though there’s an elemental advantage at play, the gap in strength between the two is indeed rather large,” Dr. Shuda nodded beside her, his tone deep and measured.

“Lanny suffered a major setback right at the start. Let’s see how he adjusts his strategy going forward,” Audrey clasped her fair hands together before the camera, an expression of anticipation on her face.

…

At the heart of the Silvercrest Stadium’s grandstand, in a luxurious private box—

“Oh!” Damaranchi stroked his long, graying beard with admiration. “If I’m not mistaken, that Crobat must be a descendant of yours, Ayan?”

Ziyang’s usually cold and stern face softened with a faint smile as he watched his daughter end the match so efficiently.

“Haha, the president’s keen eye is as sharp as ever!” he replied with a light-hearted tone. “It is indeed the offspring of my Crobat, though I never expected Xiaoling to train it to such excellence.”

Pride for his daughter filled his words. The atmosphere in the box was relaxed, the two men chatting cheerfully.

…

Time passed swiftly. The match between Zilian and Lanny continued at an intense pace, one round after another. Both trainers sent out their carefully raised Pokémon in succession, each battle more riveting than the last.

One was the daughter of a champion, nurtured from childhood with abundant resources and high expectations. The other, an elite member of a clandestine organization, seasoned with years of experience. The caliber of their battle far exceeded what one would expect at the round of sixteen.

The audience was utterly captivated by the high-level contest—applause and gasps of astonishment echoed without pause.

The air blazed with heat as searing fire raised the temperature sharply; a storm of embers all but engulfed the arena.

Typhlosion’s eyes glowed crimson with rage. The flames around its neck surged wildly, as though ready to ignite the very air.

Waves of blistering heat exploded outward from its body, gathering immense Fire-type energy within.

On the other side, Nidoking’s massive lilac form stood rooted to the spot, held firm by two powerful, pillar-like legs. Its solid muscles bulged beneath armored skin, and its fierce gaze radiated from eyes set in a triangular scowl.

A heavy hum filled the air—brilliant white light amassed in Nidoking’s gaping maw, sending a palpable sense of dread through the hearts of every spectator.

The once-clamorous stadium fell suddenly silent. Everyone knew the battle had reached its climax.

The most spectacular collision of ultimate moves was imminent.

Excitement and tension hung thick in the air, the pressure from the gathering attacks making it almost impossible for the audience to breathe.

And then, as if a single spark had touched a barrel of gunpowder, both Pokémon moved as one.

“Burn Up!”

—

“Hyper Beam!”

—

Scarlet flames exploded, enveloping Typhlosion’s entire body. The heat radiating forth threatened to reduce everything to ash. The force of the blast was titanic—Typhlosion, shrouded in fire, became like a meteor burning through the atmosphere, hurtling straight toward Nidoking.

Nidoking’s muscles bulged and veins stood out as its massive form leaned forward. Its jaws, filled with razor-sharp teeth, opened wide—a thick, blazing white beam shot forth with blinding speed, piercing the swirling embers.

A deathly aura emanated from the beam.

Boom—

Fire energy at its absolute peak collided headlong with a beam that seemed as if it could pierce anything. The impact was like a missile detonation—a flash of searing white light erupted from the arena.

Dust, smoke, roaring gusts, and deafening noise filled the stadium. Between the two mighty Pokémon, an awe-inspiring tempest exploded.

For a long moment, nothing could be seen. Only when the smoke was finally blown away by fierce winds did the referee’s voice arrive at last.

“Nidoking and Typhlosion are both unable to battle! It’s a tie!”

By the battlefield, Zilian’s expression remained composed; her deep violet eyes were filled with seriousness.

The strength of her opponent had exceeded all her expectations. She’d originally thought this match would be as easy as the group stage, yet it had turned into a bitter struggle.

The Nidoking she’d just sent out was her fourth Pokémon.

Typhlosion, on the other hand, was already Lanny’s fifth.

In other words, if Lanny hoped to win, he would have to rely on his final Pokémon to turn the tide—an extreme one-against-two scenario.

Zilian’s tense countenance relaxed ever so slightly. She knew that was impossible.

Her good habits had led her to research her opponent before the match. She knew that Typhlosion was Lanny’s strongest ace; now, it had fallen alongside her Nidoking.

And her own most powerful Pokémon had not even entered the field yet.

This match was hers to win.

…

In the private box, Ziyang swirled the wine in his glass with a relaxed smile, crossing one leg over the other.

Knowing his daughter’s strength, he was already certain of the outcome. Eyes half-closed, he thought to himself that when she won the championship and her reputation soared, he would hand the gym over to her.

Then he could finally retire in peace.

Nearby, Damaranchi was giving instructions to his secretary over the phone.

The match was nearly over. He was well acquainted with Zilian, who belonged to the League’s faction.

But the strength the “grassroots” Lanny had displayed was a pleasant surprise. Damaranchi was already considering reaching out to see if the League could recruit such a talent.

…

At the entrance to the stadium stands, Noren stood quietly, his cap pulled low and a black mask covering his face.

He was the eldest direct heir of the White Oak family. For the honor of his clan, he had to win this year’s League Championship.

In his mind, the only competitor who could threaten his plans for victory was the very Zilian now fighting on the field.

He had come in person to observe her, to better understand her strength.

He sighed softly, a hint of regret in his breath.

Though his focus was not on Lanny, years of family training had given him keen insight. He could see that Lanny’s skills, whether in raising Pokémon or in-the-moment tactics, surpassed the typical contestant.

It was just unfortunate he had to face Zilian. Otherwise, making it to the semifinals or even third place would have been well within reach.

…

Lanny slowly withdrew his defeated Typhlosion, quietly praising it and carefully returning it to his belt.

He exhaled a long breath.

Then, from his waist, he drew a black-and-yellow Poké Ball.