Early the next morning, Red walked out of his room looking completely refreshed, his eyes bright with energy.
Seeing him like that, Xiao Wen, Gary, and the others all froze.
"Master looks like he had a great night's sleep."
Stretching lazily, Red recalled everything that had happened the previous night. He coughed lightly before saying,
"Alright, it's getting late. Let's head to the stadium."
Just then, however, he looked around at everyone present.
"Where's Paul?"
His question caught everyone off guard.
Finally, Brock raised a hand.
"I think I saw Paul leave really early this morning."
"Looked like he went off to train."
"He went training this early?"
"I think it has something to do with his older brother."
The moment Red realized it involved Reggie, the system in his mind emitted its familiar mechanical notification.
[Disciple Paul Exclusive Mission: The Unknown Path (Special Version)]
The Unknown Path: After suffering a crushing defeat, Paul has decided to devote himself entirely to pursuing victory. But where this road ultimately leads... no one knows.
Option One: Tell Paul that bonds are what truly matter, and that a Trainer's worth isn't defined solely by victory or defeat.
Option Two: Encourage his current mindset—victory is all that matters, while so-called bonds are nothing more than empty illusions.
Comment: Paul now stands at the most critical crossroads of his life. As his master, what path will you guide him toward?
Both choices came with their own rewards and progress bars.
For a moment, Red found himself at a loss.
But before long, he understood the direction Paul needed to take.
Taking a deep breath, he said,
"It's fine. Let him go."
Then he patted Gary on the shoulder.
"Do your best in today's match. Don't go easy on him just because he's your junior fellow disciple."
"Of course not, Master. I told you from the very first day I became your disciple."
"I'm bringing the championship trophy back to you."
Red smiled in satisfaction and patted his shoulder again.
"Let's go. No matter who wins today..."
"...it's a victory for Songzao Gym."
Gary nodded firmly.
That day, the entire Indigo Plateau was alive with excitement.
Because today...
...was the final match of the Kanto League Conference!
Tickets for the stadium had long since sold out, and every seat was packed.
Even the announcer could barely contain his excitement as he raised his microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen! After more than half a month of fierce competition, the League Conference has finally reached its climactic final battle!"
"On one side, we have Gary from Pallet Town! After defeating his own junior fellow disciple, he has fought his way all the way to the championship match!"
As the introduction concluded, Gary stepped onto the battlefield wearing his trademark confident smile.
As the grandson of Professor Oak—a third-generation Trainer from one of Kanto's most prestigious Trainer families—combined with his handsome looks and formidable strength, he naturally had countless female fans cheering for him.
"Gary! Gary! You're the best!"
But when Gary looked toward the somewhat familiar cheerleading squad...
He frowned in annoyance for reasons even he couldn't explain.
Meanwhile, in the League's VIP section, Professor Oak's grin had practically reached his ears.
The other League executives all quietly kept their distance from him.
After all...
None of them could stand Professor Oak suddenly interrupting every conversation with:
"Did you know my grandson Gary made the finals in his very first League Conference?"
"Did you know my grandson Gary—"
Eventually, the League officials discovered the perfect countermeasure.
As long as they stayed within five meters of Elite Four Agatha, Professor Oak would completely lose interest in talking to them—like an NPC that had lost target lock.
The moment he saw Agatha, he'd automatically turn and head in another direction.
"Hmph."
Agatha snorted.
"This old fool wasn't even this happy when he became Champion."
Back on stage, the announcer continued.
"And now..."
"Please welcome our other finalist—Paul!"
"Paul is a competitor from the Sinnoh region and the biggest dark horse of this year's tournament, advancing all the way to the finals with remarkable performances!"
"And just like the earlier match between Ash and Gary..."
"This is another showdown between senior and junior fellow disciples!"
"I have to say, no matter which competitor wins today..."
"Songzao Gym will undoubtedly be the biggest winner of this year's League Conference!"
As he spoke, the announcer signaled for the cameraman to point the broadcast camera toward Red.
In that instant...
Everyone watching the League Conference saw Red's face.
The young Gym Leader of Songzao Gym was firmly etched into countless people's memories.
Many people couldn't help exclaiming inwardly,
"He's way too young!"
And quite a few lovestruck girls thought,
"Gym Leader Red is so handsome!"
The sudden spotlight caught Red completely off guard.
He could only stand up and wave awkwardly at the camera.
After the introductions concluded...
Paul slowly walked onto the battlefield.
His eyes held determination.
A burning desire for victory.
And buried deep within them...
...a trace of confusion that almost no one could detect.
Across the battlefield, Gary nodded to him.
Paul simply remained silent.
"Battle..."
"Begin!"
With the referee's command, Paul made the first move.
"Drapion! Let's battle!"
"Go, Clodsire!"
Gary answered with Clodsire.
"Drapion, Cross Poison!"
Seeing Clodsire prepare to unleash Earthquake, Drapion immediately leapt high into the air, avoiding the attack altogether.
Then...
Still suspended in midair, Drapion demonstrated exactly why it was so terrifying.
Its forearms suddenly shot forward like springs, extending several times their normal length.
Its massive pincers clamped tightly around Clodsire.
The audience gasped.
"That Pokémon—Drapion—is that strong?!"
"Doesn't that put Gary in danger?"
But facing Drapion's grip, Gary remained perfectly calm.
After all...
He was Professor Oak's grandson.
Even though this was the first time Paul had displayed this unusual technique...
Gary had already anticipated it.
"Clodsire. Break free."
Clodsire's body immediately secreted an enormous amount of slick mucus.
Combined with its naturally soft, flexible body, it simply slipped right out of Drapion's pincers with a sliiide.
Seeing that, Paul immediately gave another command.
"Cross Poison again!"
This time, Drapion changed the way it used its extended arms.
Instead of grabbing, it wielded them like two steel whips.
Wham!
One tremendous strike sent Clodsire flying across the battlefield.
The crowd—and even the announcer—became visibly excited.
"As expected of the finals!"
"The battle has already showcased an incredible exchange of offense and defense right from the opening moments!"
"This is absolutely spectacular!"
While the announcer enthusiastically praised the battle...
Red, seated below the arena, quietly shook his head.
"Sigh..."
"Paul was still affected in the end."
"His heart is wavering."
As Paul's master, Red understood him better than anyone.
If Paul had truly abandoned everything else and devoted himself solely to victory...
He would never be fighting like this.
In Red's eyes...
Paul was like a child stuck halfway on a staircase—unable to move either up or down.
The gap in strength between Ash, Gary, and Paul had never been large to begin with.
And now, Paul was hesitating, unable to fight with complete conviction.
As far as Red was concerned...
The outcome of this battle was already decided.
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