When a Pokémon's strength reaches its limit, they naturally begin to comprehend new moves and techniques.
The moves that all types of Pokémon can learn are documented in a book called the "Move Pokédex."
The techniques listed in the "Move Pokédex" are collectively referred to as natural moves.
Moves not found in the "Move Pokédex"—whether developed through human training, created from scratch, or evolved from existing moves—are collectively known as custom moves.
Custom moves aren't necessarily better than natural ones.
However, when Pokémon and Trainers develop their own moves, they've undoubtedly forged their own path.
It's not uncommon for professional trainers to have their own custom moves.
But that's at the professional level...
The battle unfolding before them was merely an entrance exam for Pokémon University.
How could a Pokémon and Trainer who had only begun their journey a week ago possibly master custom moves?
"Quick Attack!"
As soon as Roy finished speaking, Riolu shot forward like an arrow.
Mankey's expression changed drastically. It abandoned its 'Focus Energy' stance and quickly tried to move away. But Riolu, with overwhelming speed, wouldn't give his opponent a chance to escape, launching another precise 'Rock Smash.'
Mankey barely raised its hands to block, and the tremendous force caused its feet to sink into the ground, carving out a two-meter-long trench.
In the next second, a pained cry echoed through the arena.
Riolu leaped again, and a 'Metal Claw' slashed across Mankey's face, leaving a terrifying bowl-sized gash.
In the VIP section, Carter gave Roy an appraising look and laughed.
"Principal Finn, your school's history is about to be rewritten."
Principal Finn remained silent. He studied Roy like an antique collector examining an uncut gem, his eyes filled with appreciation and admiration.
Both men knew the battle was over.
With just the boost from 'Agility,' Mankey could still counter using martial arts principles of "using softness to overcome hardness," but after Riolu's Electric-type custom move, its physical capabilities had strengthened further, becoming the final straw that broke the camel's back.
One advantage leads to ten victories—
"His custom move isn't perfect yet. It's merely a prototype with considerable room for development. It seems to be based on the concept of electric conditioning, developing a custom move. I wonder how he overcomes the harmful effects electricity has on the body—that must be his secret."
Elite Carter was speaking when he suddenly looked puzzled.
It wasn't that he couldn't believe geniuses could emerge from ordinary backgrounds. In fact, as a man who had occupied the Elite position for eighteen years and couldn't retire even if he wanted to, Carter greatly hoped to see talent flourishing throughout the region.
A pity.
Over recent years, the region had been in decline.
After Frances, there hadn't been anyone with astonishing talent or flamboyance.
But being born to commoners and developing a prototype custom move in just a week wasn't something that could be described merely as 'genius.'
Prodigy was more like it.
Beside him, Caroline maintained her expressionless face, completely unmoved.
While the VIPs were talking, the match had reached its conclusion.
Mankey clutched the wound on its face in agony, curled up on the spot as Riolu pressed his advantage with another 'Rock Smash.'
"Get out of the way!" Chloe screamed.
But Mankey was in too much pain to hear her voice and took the full brunt of the attack.
After suffering three consecutive hits, Mankey fainted immediately, triggering the near-death protection mechanism.
Three seconds later, the referee raised his flag and blew the whistle.
"—Mankey has lost the ability to battle! Riolu and Roy are the winners!"
"..."
Chloe fell to her knees, her eyes dull with shock.
After a moment, she shook her head, and a few tears spilled down her cheeks.
She took out her Poké Ball to recall Mankey and ran toward the medical cabin, her face a mixture of worry and self-blame.
"She really cares about her Pokémon," Roy murmured.
As he was about to leave the stage, a wave of applause and cheers suddenly erupted, completely engulfing him.
Not only from the audience in the arena but also from viewers watching on television and commenters in the event's livestream, all with the same reaction.
"A recommended student... lost? Unbelievable!"
"For the first time in entrance exam history, we've witnessed the transfer of recommended student qualification!"
"Capital Nova Cup—first non-recommended student to reach the quarter-finals!"
"The player's profile says he was born to an ordinary family, and his parents aren't even trainers... Am I reading this right?"
"Well played, Roy!!"
"What was that Thunder Punch just now? Why did Riolu suddenly get faster?"
Amid the cheers and discussions, someone started chanting Roy's name. It began somewhat chaotically but gradually became uniform, especially among Serena's classmates.
"Roy! Roy! Roy!"
Thousands of people shouted his name in unison. Those who have never experienced such acclaim cannot understand its thrill.
The winner enjoys the cheers and claims everything.
The loser is forgotten and loses all glory.
That's the beauty of Pokémon battles.
Roy took a deep breath, smiled, and waved to the audience.
Seeing their son perform so well and receive such adoration from the crowd, Roy's parents were initially stunned, but soon their faces broke into proud smiles as they beamed with pride for their child.
Roy's mother even took out her phone to take pictures, sending them to a family chat group called "Loving Family," cheerfully showing off her son's achievement.
"When did this kid become so powerful?" Reece was happy but somewhat bewildered by this turn of events.
As for Serena...
She quietly watched Roy on the stage, basking in all the cheers and honors. In the girl's clear eyes, a sense of admiration seemed to shine.
Naomi was initially pleased, but soon her expression shifted to concern.
Seeing that Roy had such incredible potential, she worried whether her daughter could keep him interested.
Power, money, status, beauty...
Talented trainers faced too many temptations, with corporations and officials worldwide offering opportunities.
Becoming a top trainer meant stepping into the highest echelons of influence and power.
Naomi regretted her past 'indulgence' of her daughter's feelings. If only she had arranged a match earlier...