"The assessment for becoming a Senior-Rank Trainer is different from the Advanced evaluation," Li Zebing explained. "There are no complicated data tests—only a live battle. To ensure you possess at least three Senior-level Pokémon, you'll need to send out three different Pokémon to battle against mine, one by one."
As he spoke, he picked up three Poké Balls from a raised platform nearby. These Pokémon belonged to the League's public resource pool—they weren't his personal partners.
"Each Pokémon may battle only once. I'll trouble Heavenly King Mu to serve as referee."
"Understood."
Mu Xue stood at the edge of the field, her expression icy and distant—completely different from the warmth she showed only in front of Oliver. It was as though only he could draw out her true self.
Li Zebing thought to himself:
So this genius researcher already has three Senior-level Pokémon at such a young age? The League must have assigned them to him for protection.
But after all, Oliver was primarily a Pokémon researcher. He probably wasn't that skilled at commanding battles. I'll ease up a little. As long as his commands aren't too outrageous, I'll let him pass.
Smiling, Li Zebing asked, "Ready?"
Oliver returned the smile. "Anytime."
Mu Xue raised her hand.
"3… 2… 1… Begin!"
As her final word fell, both trainers threw their Poké Balls simultaneously.
Oliver sent out Gardevoir.
Li Zebing chose Scizor.
Pokémon: Scizor
Level: Senior – Early Stage
Potential: Senior
Li Zebing chuckled. "Gardevoir? Looks like your luck isn't great. Steel-type resists both Psychic and Fairy. This battle won't be easy for you."
Months had passed since Oliver had officially announced the Fairy-type to the world. Trainers had long since adapted to the new typing and fully understood its matchups.
"Scizor, use Bullet Punch and close the distance!"
With Gardevoir's high Special Attack but relatively fragile defense, close combat was clearly the optimal strategy.
But Oliver had no intention of playing along.
"Gardevoir, Psycho Cut."
A pale violet blade formed instantly before Gardevoir and slashed forward at high speed toward the charging Scizor.
Li Zebing's eyes widened. "That fast?! Still—it won't be that simple. Use Double Team!"
Just before Psycho Cut landed, Scizor's body flickered. Instantly, nine identical Scizor rushed forward in unison. Under the arena lights, each clone even cast a shadow—proof of Scizor's mastery of the technique.
"Gardevoir, identify the real one—then use Psychic."
Li Zebing remained calm. "I've worked with this Scizor many times while acting as examiner. Its Double Team is flawless. Even Psychic-types can't easily locate the real body."
But his composure shattered the next second.
Without hesitation, Gardevoir lifted her hand and pointed directly at one of the nine Scizor.
At that moment, the other eight were already less than a meter away.
If she guessed wrong, Gardevoir would be struck at point-blank range—and with her frail frame, that could mean severe injury.
Psychic surged out—
The targeted Scizor cried out as it was blasted backward, while the other eight illusions dissolved instantly.
There was no doubt.
Gardevoir had identified the real body at a glance.
"What incredible perception," Li Zebing praised. "Scizor, are you alright?"
"Sciz—!"
Scizor struggled back to its feet, still resolute.
"Good. Use Agility, then Air Slash!"
Scizor's speed spiked dramatically. Each time its feet struck the ground, its wings vibrated in perfect coordination, sending crescent-shaped blades of compressed air toward Gardevoir, leaving her no room to charge a move.
Oliver remained composed.
"Gardevoir… show him what true Double Team looks like."
Her form flickered—
And in an instant, twenty-four Gardevoir appeared across the battlefield, surrounding Scizor from every direction without blind spots.
"That's impossible!" Li Zebing exclaimed.
Twenty-four perfect clones required unimaginable energy and control. Was that something a Senior-level Gardevoir could accomplish?
Scizor froze. It couldn't distinguish real from fake. Each Gardevoir was identical—even their eyes were vivid and alive, not dull projections.
"Finish it."
At Oliver's command, all twenty-four Gardevoir began casting simultaneously.
What stunned everyone further—
Each clone used a different move.
Dazzling Gleam.
Psycho Cut.
Psybeam.
Moonblast…
Almost none overlapped.
Li Zebing forgot to issue a command altogether—and even if he had, it wouldn't have mattered.
Creating twenty-four flawless clones was already extraordinary.
But having each clone execute a different move?
That was terrifying.
Was this truly the capability of a mere Senior-level Gardevoir?
Boom—
Scizor collapsed unconscious.
Even as it fainted, it never discovered which one was real.
Li Zebing took a deep breath.
"This Gardevoir… you raised her yourself?"
"Of course. The League awarded her to me as an egg."
"As a reward? For publishing the Milotic paper?" Li Zebing probed cautiously.
"Exactly."
Silence.
That meant Gardevoir had been in Oliver's care for less than a year.
Less than a year—
And she had reached this level of control and power.
Li Zebing no longer had anything to say.
He had intended to "go easy."
Now he wasn't even certain whether he was qualified to act as examiner in the first place.
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