Embermere City, Dragon Gym arena.

On the battlefield, Archer stood on one side, observing Ryan opposite him with a serious expression.

“In this match, both parties may choose either singles or doubles format,” the referee announced.

“I defer to the host’s preference. Either is fine with me,” Ryan replied indifferently.

In truth, battle format meant nothing to him, as regardless of singles or doubles, he only had Lucario. In life-or-death struggles, concepts like rules and battle formats were meaningless—only winners and losers existed. It had always been Lucario fighting alone.

“Then we’ll use the standard 3v3 singles with no restrictions,” Archer responded, appearing quite generous as he selected the most common and universal format. His demeanor made it difficult to believe he would take hostile actions against the Xia family.

The referee nodded and continued, “This competition will be a 3v3 singles match. Pokémon substitutions are permitted during battle, and any items may be used, including Z-Crystals.”

“The battle has entered preparation stage. Match will commence after countdown!”

“Three, two, one! Begin!”

“Go, Blaziken!”

“Lucario.”

Archer sent out the classic Fire-type Pokémon Blaziken. This choice followed careful consideration, knowing Ryan possessed only one Pokémon. Lucario’s Fighting/Steel typing had just three weaknesses: Ground, Fire, and Fighting.

Blaziken, with its Fire/Fighting typing, naturally countered Lucario. Moreover, Zhao’s Gym Leader Blaziken possessed the Speed Boost ability. With both type advantage and increasing speed, it might have enough strength for a prolonged battle.

Meanwhile, spectators filled the seats, including numerous top-tier Trainers. Some well-informed individuals had heard about this confrontation. Suddenly, commotion erupted in the audience.

“Look, even Water-type King Sawyer is here.”

“Sawyer? I heard he was re-elected as one of the Four Kings of the Southwest Region. This marks his fourth consecutive term—twelve years serving as an Elite.”

“He should challenge for the Championship next time. Sawyer’s strength already approaches Champion level.”

The audience’s excitement didn’t affect Ryan, who sat cross-legged on the ground in meditation, eyes closed, making no move to command Lucario. This behavior provoked dissatisfaction among spectators, triggering waves of boos.

“This guy’s arrogance is unbelievable. His opponent is Archer, a top-level Trainer!”

“Not even commanding your Pokémon? Do you think victory is guaranteed?”

“Who is this person? Even Archer personally accepted the challenge, yet this stranger acts so pretentiously.”

Meanwhile, backstage at the Dragon Gym:

“Begin the live broadcast. Have the West City TV’s Battle Channel broadcast this match,” ordered Dragon Gym Leader Chase.

“Sir, West City TV is currently airing the Gym Leader Qualification Tournament preliminaries. They can’t simply change programming,” a subordinate replied awkwardly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle the contact,” Chase stated firmly.

Chase had his reasons. Others might not recognize the true strength behind Lucario’s Dragon Pulse, but as a Dragon-type Gym Leader, how could he miss it?

This Lucario was unquestionably Champion-level, and likely among the strongest at that. It might cross the threshold into Master level at any moment!

Such power was extraordinary. A Champion-level Lucario meant virtually unchallenged dominance throughout Frosthollow Province. Except for a select few, none could stand against it.

Archer showed considerable courage accepting this challenge. Had he declined, Chase wouldn’t have had the opportunity to arrange this broadcast.

With this in mind, Chase called the director of Embermere City TV: “Hello, director.”

“Chase, what brings you to call?” a deep male voice responded.

“I want to arrange an immediate live broadcast on Embermere City TV’s Battle Channel,” Chase stated directly.

“Who’s fighting whom?” The director remained cautious. Though precedent existed for special broadcasts, both combatants needed exceptional strength. He needed context before deciding.

“Archer against an unknown challenger,” Chase replied. “This person possesses remarkable strength. The Dragon Pulse that recently illuminated Embermere City came from his Pokémon.”

“An unknown?” The TV director didn’t immediately agree, instead asking, “Can you guarantee viewership?”

“I can’t guarantee anything,” Chase admitted. “But here’s a tip: that person’s Lucario is at Champion level. King Sawyer is among the spectators. Even counting just the audience members, ratings should be substantial.”

“Really? Let’s proceed. I’ll start the broadcast immediately.”

Soon, Embermere City TV’s Battle Channel switched from the Gym Leader tournament to this live broadcast.

Viewers who had been watching the tournament initially cursed loudly, but were quickly captivated by the battle on screen. It became immediately apparent that these combatants far exceeded those in the Gym Leader rankings!

At the Dragon Gym, the battle commenced.

Unexpectedly, the first attack came from the seemingly autonomous Lucario. Bursts of energy surged from its body like blue lightning as it lunged toward Blaziken. Everyone witnessed Lucario’s attack, yet none could identify which move it employed.

“Blaziken, use Protect!” Unable to predict his opponent’s strategy, Archer opted for the universally effective Protect to endure one round.

For Blaziken with Speed Boost, this defensive approach was standard. The ability increased Blaziken’s speed each turn, and since protective moves lasted one round, this tactic suited Blaziken perfectly—a common strategy for the species.

Energy surged, rapidly forming an invisible shield before Blaziken to block Lucario’s assault.

Yet surprisingly, the shield seemed ineffective. Blaziken took a direct hit from Lucario’s powerful strike and was sent flying backward.

“That’s… Feint!”

“Lucario’s brilliance is astounding. It preemptively used Feint without any command.”

“No, you missed it. Lucario changed hands mid-attack. Initially raising its left hand, but upon noticing Blaziken’s Protect, it struck with its right.”

While discussion continued, Lucario leaped upward like a cannonball, driving its head toward Blaziken.

Spectators attempted to guess Lucario’s next move.

“BOOM!”

Psychic energy enveloped Lucario’s head. This time, it employed Zen Headbutt—super-effective against Blaziken. The impact created a thunderous noise, driving Blaziken into the wall with such force it left a substantial crater. Blaziken collapsed, unconscious and unable to continue.

Just two moves had defeated a Gym Leader level Blaziken—and this when the opponent had employed a defensive technique.

The enormous power disparity stunned everyone present. All eyes turned to the meditating Ryan, wondering where this extraordinary Trainer had appeared from and how such strength had gone unnoticed in Embermere City.

“Blaziken is unable to battle. Lucario wins the first round,” the referee declared, raising his flag. In truth, announcement was unnecessary—everyone had witnessed Lucario’s overwhelming victory.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep