Chapter 161: Every Generation Must Have One That Can Fight
Pokémon competition, in this world, is ultimately different from other traditional sports.
Because in the earliest days, Pokémon were vital assets of the Alliance!
Back when the Everhart family's patriarch was young, many famous trainers in the T1 League were still military personnel.
The World Cup back then was completely a martial contest field for the major Alliances to display their military force and flex their muscles!
Its significance was almost the same as a joint military exercise.
The smell of gunpowder (atmosphere of conflict) was extremely thick!
Therefore, many military personnel of the older generation hold this honor in very high regard; the glory of a champion is no less than achieving merit by going to battle and slaying enemies!
However, later on, with the advancement of weapon technology and the innovation of warfare concepts, the modern military's reliance on Pokémon strength became smaller and smaller.
Only then did Pokémon competition gradually decouple from military contests, transforming into a purer form of sports competition.
For nearly half a century now, whether it's the Champion Cup or the World Cup, the military has long ceased to be involved.
But the military not being involved doesn't mean military personnel don't care.
Old Master Everhart came all the way from that era where the World Cup was treated as a military exercise; even at his advanced age, he still insists on watching the matches every year.
And then he often gets himself half-dead with anger in the middle of the night...
So, it's not hard to understand why he holds such heavy resentment towards the current professional circle.
Arthur found it difficult to answer for a moment.
To be precise, he hadn't even stepped into that circle of professional competition yet.
The youth training camp really didn't count as entry; at most, it was like queuing up.
However, although he didn't pick up the conversation, the Everhart family's patriarch was in high spirits for talking.
"Arthur-kun, you absolutely must not lose yourself in that circle and end up losing all your ambition and spirit!"
"Wait another two years, then come and join the army. When the time comes, as long as you still possess this current spirit and strength, I, this old man, will definitely help pave the road for you!"
This Old Master Everhart was also straightforward and quick-spoken; it was evident he had taken a liking to Arthur's talent, and his intention to promote him was not concealed in the slightest.
It made Levi, accompanying him at the side, unable to help but offer a bitter smile.
Grandpa, your proper grandson is still standing right here. Isn't this favoritism a bit too skewed...
Why didn't I see you paving the road for me when I joined the army back then?
I'm the biological one, ah...
Arthur repeatedly expressed his thanks, his surface etiquette impeccably performed, but he didn't rush to state his position.
His current body was still two years away from adulthood; there was no rush to decide on a future development direction.
As things stood, his interest in the new era of Pokémon competition was still quite strong.
Two hundred years ago, he had been an Elite Four member. Then, two hundred years later, setting his sights on becoming a Champion... that shouldn't be too much to ask, right?
He had not yet walked the Champion Road.
After finishing the relatively serious topic, the old patriarch then chatted with him about daily life. In the middle of it, he inevitably mentioned Monica, causing Raymond, who was at the same table, to prick up his ears on the spot.
However, the topic soon slid over to the Flareon in the Everhart family's backyard that had just given birth to cubs.
Speaking of Eevee, Old Master Everhart suddenly had much to say.
"Speaking of our family's Eevee, didn't many of you previously favor the eldest brother among those quadruplets? I remember there were quite a few people, right? Who are they all? Stand up and let this Old Master me take a look."
As soon as his voice fell, quite a few people from the surrounding tables immediately stood up in agreement.
"Me, Old Master Everhart, count me in."
"Grandpa Everhart, there's me, and me too!"
"I also want to seek an Eevee for a younger member of my family. Old Master, do you see if you could part with one?"
Arthur, mixed in among them, also raised his hand.
Although the number of Pokémon he currently had was already quite considerable, if conditions allowed, he still wanted to claim a descendant of Leafeon.
Even if just as a memento, it would be good.
Old Master Everhart had a straightforward temper. With a grand wave of his hand, he spoke bluntly, "Those of you seeking pets for your younger generation, just don't mention it. Our old Everhart family's Eevee, every generation must produce one that can fight! This Eevee, in my opinion, has great potential. I can't let you guys take it away and waste it."
Saying "waste" was actually a bit offensive, but everyone knew Old Master Everhart's temperament.
This was a stubborn old man who, even at nearly eighty years old, could still get himself into a state of insomnia from anger while watching the World Cup.
Therefore, no one present was truly angry; only quite a few people helplessly lowered their hands.
But even so, there were still quite a few people persisting.
Arthur took a rough look: three competitors remained.
Among them, two were in their twenties, likely seeking a Pokémon for themselves. There was also a middle-aged man in his forties, who looked like he was seeking one for a child in his family.
Old Master Everhart first looked towards the middle-aged uncle.
"Wayne, where's your Max? Why didn't he come himself?"
The middle-aged man addressed as Wayne hurriedly explained, "Isn't he busy with training? You old sir also know, he just broke into the professional scene this year."
"Heh!"
The Everhart family's patriarch already held no good feelings towards the Kubfu Alliance's pro circle. Upon hearing this, he immediately laughed impolitely, "Such an important matter as cultivating an initial bond with a Pokémon, and the person themselves doesn't even come. Then what kind of Pokémon are you seeking?"
"Wait until next time when he comes himself, then we'll talk. This litter this time, your family won't have a share!"
Subsequently, he looked towards the remaining three, including Arthur.
"As for you few, first go and meet the little Eevee, see how the little one fancies you. If the little one dislikes someone, then I, this Old Master, am also helpless."
"If it likes all of you, then the remaining people will compete here in a match. It can be simple, just use amateur competition rules. The winner will be the one who can take away my family's little Eevee."
"Our Everhart family's Eevee, every generation must produce one that can fight! It certainly cannot be entrusted to a mediocre talent!"
This Old Master Everhart, even at eighty, still maintained a straightforward and direct manner, speaking his mind without any reservations.
At this, Arthur immediately noticed: the gazes of the remaining two young men instantly sharpened.
People fight for face and pride!
Those invited to attend the Old Master's birthday banquet were either descendants of military families themselves or young talents from the army. Who would like to be called a mediocre talent for no reason?
Arthur, at this moment, also felt some interest.
The Everhart family's Eevee, every generation must produce one that can fight—this statement rather suited Arthur's taste.
This was indeed a major good strategy for maintaining a clan's legacy. For his Leafeon back then to have encountered such a family was truly a fortunate event.
Inheriting such a philosophy was far more reliable than Leafeon's promiscuous seed-sowing ways back then. If there were no accidents, perhaps it really could allow the clan to be passed down for thousands of hundreds of years.
Since Arthur was fortunate enough to encounter this, he also wanted to contribute his effort.
Just consider it as helping Leafeon realize its ideal.
Subsequently, the little Eevee was invited out, and the three of them went up one by one to try and get friendly with it.
Very regrettably, one person, upon going up, was immediately "ugly-rejected."
Looking at the little Eevee's disgusted expression, that person was exceptionally hurt, feeling a few more points of helplessness towards this world that judges by appearance...
The remaining Arthur and the other person both successfully earned the little Eevee's initial good impression.
Afterward, as dinner was also almost finished, the family servants came over to clear away the dining tables, bowls, and chopsticks in the courtyard. The numerous guests weren't in a hurry to disperse either; they all gathered around the backyard, waiting to watch this duel that would decide the little Eevee's final belonging.
Arthur, versus a young trainer in his twenties, also from a military family background!
(End of Chapter)
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Sorry, I forgot to upload the chapters tomorrow. I will upload the two extra chapters today. Enjoy!