The second round began.
Lin Yu's opponent fielded a Level 38 Magneton and a Level 39 Electivire.
After the first round, everyone had formed a clear impression of the competing Trainers.
In this hyper-connected age, finding footage of past matches was effortless.
The moment the opponent saw Lin Yu, his fighting spirit already faded.
He even asked Lin Yu to take it easy.
Lin Yu just smiled and said, "My strikes are fast. It won't hurt, don't worry."
Then he sent out Greninja.
"Gekko…"
It struck its signature cool pose as always —
sleek black body, streamlined frame, massive water shuriken on its back.
The crowd roared in excitement.
Lin Yu had to admit Greninja's charm was undeniable.
Even without any type changes, Greninja easily defeated both Magneton and Electivire with its Rasengan and Water Shuriken.
Its stylish moves captivated the entire audience.
The third round — the top 32 battling for a spot in the top 16.
A Feraligatr faced off against a Noctowl on the field.
From the stands, Lin Yu muttered, "Flying Field is pretty unfair for non-flying types."
The Flying Field was covered in hundreds of floating stone slabs,
held aloft by the psychic power of an Elite Four-level Metagross hovering high above.
The rule was absolute: no Pokémon could touch the ground.
All battles had to take place on the slabs.
This crippled Ground-type Pokémon and heavily favored Flying-types.
Even a Lord-tier Feraligatr couldn't keep its footing against a Gym-tier Noctowl.
Plagued by the anxiety of unstable ground and unfamiliar terrain,
Feraligatr was defeated.
The gap between Gym and Lord was far wider than that between Elite and Gym.
Feraligatr's Trainer was clearly frustrated to have come so far, only to be held back by the field.
"It's my turn. I'll head down, brother!"
Ye Qingxue chirped and skipped toward the battlefield.
The randomly drawn field was once again Flying Field.
But it posed no problem for her at all.
Just like in Shuimu City, her Dragonair was completely in its element here.
[Pokémon: Dragonair]
Ability: Marvel Scale
Gender: Female
Potential: Champion-tier
Level: 46
Moves: Rage, Dragon Dance, Aqua Tail, Leer, Wrap, Thunder Wave, Twister, Rain Dance, Agility…
Description: A Dragonair with extraordinary potential.
"Mid-Lord tier Dragonair… Is this girl gonna reach Master rank before even entering university?"
Lin Yu sighed in amazement.
Her Pokémon never failed to surprise him.
If Dragonair was Level 46, then he might very well end up facing her in the finals.
A faint sense of hesitation washed over him.
"Junior?"
A cold, soft voice pulled him back to reality.
"Hm? What is it, senior?"
Lin Yu looked at the graceful, confident girl on the stage.
Xue Nai murmured quietly, "She's incredibly strong…"
It sounded almost like a dream.
Dragonair weaved elegantly through the opponent's Brave Bird,
dancing a graceful Dragon Dance mid-air.
In one fluid motion, it struck upward with a brilliant Aqua Tail,
knocking out the opponent's Talonflame in a single hit.
The battle was seamless, almost artistic.
The stands erupted in gasps and cheers.
Who had ever seen a battle as beautiful as a Pokémon Contest performance?
Lin Yu thought Xue Nai felt discouraged and comforted her:
"Xiaoxue's Pokémon have natural advantages. And you know her background…"
Xue Nai cut him off. "Can you tell me how you two met?"
"It's nothing to hide. It's actually a little strange… I was only five or six, watching a Pokémon battle in the park…"
Lin Yu spoke nostalgically,
not noticing the faint dimness in the girl's eyes beside him.
They'd known each other that long?
No wonder she acted so unconcernedly.
Once Lin Yu finished the story, Ye Qingxue returned from her match.
Xue Nai's expression calmed, but her gaze hardened with resolve.
She would not give up.
"Next match: Lin Yu versus Xie Bi'an!"
"I'm up. I'll head over."
Lin Yu waved goodbye.
So far, he hadn't seen a single opponent who truly worried him.
Perhaps the stronger Trainers were holding back.
"Dude, you're legendary!"
Xie Bi'an stared at Lin Yu in admiration.
He'd never seen anyone who not only had Ye Qingxue defending him,
but also caught the eye of that stunning silver-haired girl.
What kind of romantic chaos was this?
Lin Yu was confused.
He didn't even know this guy.
But he did recognize his Pokémon:
a Level 39 Doublade and a Level 41 Excadrill.
"Field drawing in progress… Flying Field!"
On this field, Xie Bi'an could only use Doublade.
Lin Yu decided to send Lucario first —
the perfect chance to test Moon Step.
"Both Trainers, release your Pokémon at the same time!"
"Go, Lucario!"
"Go, Doublade!"
Just as Lin Yu expected.
On the Flying Field, a flying-capable Pokémon was the only logical choice.
Both Trainers stood on the highest stone slab, overlooking the battlefield.
"Lucario!"
Through Aura, Lucario immediately understood the rules.
"Lucario?" Xie Bi'an frowned. "Why not Charizard? A flying Charizard would dominate this field!"
"Doublade!"
Doublade hovered in the air, radiating fierce fighting spirit.
[Pokémon: Doublade]
Ability: No Guard
Gender: Male
Potential: Elite Four-tier
Level: 39
Moves: Swords Dance, Autotomize, Fury Cutter, Pursuit, Shadow Sneak, Return, Iron Defense, Trick…
At the call of "Battle begin!", Lucario tensed up.
"Wait, man!" Xie Bi'an suddenly shouted.
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Lin Yu had Lucario stay on guard, confused.
"You're seriously awesome. After the match, add me on WeChat. I love making friends with people who're gods at something."
Lin Yu nodded in agreement.
Then he turned to his Pokémon.
"Weird. Lucario, Bone Rush!"