Sky above the Capital Grand Pokémon Competitive Center—
The four-legged dragon with its blood-red wings hovered in the air, causing countless people below to scream and cheer.
Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon.
Its natural habitat was located in the neighboring region to the northeast.
—A pseudo-legendary Pokémon of the Russian Federation Region.
Although the habitats of pseudo-legendary Pokémon were limited, over the years, countries would exchange Pokémon native to their respective regions for various reasons. As long as the offer was attractive enough, even pseudo-legendary Pokémon were no exception...
Therefore, it wasn't uncommon for pseudo-legendary Pokémon from one's own region to be possessed by trainers from other countries.
But concepts like 'Region' were still inherited.
For example, the most popular pseudo-legendary Pokémon in China was definitely Dragonite, whose natural habitat was within its own borders.
People were very enthusiastic about these near-legendary creatures who had the same potential and talent as legendary Pokémon, but lacked their divine authority.
The sharp crescendo of cheers from below made Roy feel a little helpless.
"Believe me, I didn't want to appear this way..."
This was, without a doubt, a forced dramatic entrance.
Roy had planned to return early that morning, but the Dragonite that was supposed to pick him up never arrived because of criminal activity...
The flight was delayed.
Latias couldn't leave the habitat again, and after waiting for a long time, just when Roy thought he wouldn't make it to the school team selection, this Salamence arrived from outside the habitat.
This was the one Roy was riding now.
According to Cole, the roundup of the international poaching gang wasn't carried out by China alone; the Russian Federation had also sent two Elite trainers for international cooperation.
This Salamence belonged to an Elite trainer from the Russian Federation.
Entrusted by Carter, it had come to give Roy a ride.
If it weren't for the limited time, Roy would have wanted to learn more about this poaching gang. They must be significant if it required a Champion and three Elite trainers working together to combat them.
Roy squinted his eyes and scanned the ground but couldn't find a suitable place to land.
The parking lot outside the stadium was full.
With little time left for the trials, Roy could only say: "Salamence, please land directly in the center of the stadium."
This Salamence was much more aggressive than Dragonite, and more masterful. It nodded coldly, descended, and landed in the middle of the battlefield.
The audience erupted in excitement.
"So majestic, that Salamence!"
"If I could have a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, my life would be complete..."
"Who wouldn't want one? But it's unrealistic... I heard that every pseudo-legendary Pokémon requires at least professional-level training skills."
"It's amazing, I envy Roy riding on Salamence's back..."
Hearing the discussions around him and seeing the envious eyes, Roy had to admit he felt a little uncomfortable...
Roy also wanted to raise a pseudo-legendary Pokémon—any one would do. Seeing the reaction of the crowd, a pseudo-legendary Pokémon was simply like a mega superstar born with crowd appeal. As its trainer, he could just relax and enjoy the popularity without needing to employ tricks to gain fame.
'For me, it's possible,' Roy said to himself.
"Thank you, Salamence," Roy jumped off the dragon's back and said with a smile. "See you soon! I'll treat you to something delicious next time."
Salamence growled softly, said goodbye to Roy, and flew away.
Just then, a voice called out.
"Roy certainly knows how to make an entrance."
The visitor was a handsome young man wearing glasses, with a scholarly demeanor.
He looked more like a Pokémon Breeder than a Trainer.
Roy knew him, or rather, everyone at Capital University knew him.
This was the student council president of Capital University, Elon.
Roy not only knew him but also his grandfather, Principal Finn.
Of course, Elon hadn't risen to his position through nepotism but through his own merit. He had maintained the position of principal's recommended student since entering the university and had become the captain of the Capital University team.
"Long time no see," Elon showed a gentle smile. "How is Squirtle doing?"
Because of the relationship between Squirtle and Principal Finn, he had met Roy several times and could be considered an acquaintance.
"He's doing well—eats everything in sight," Roy smiled, and added, "I apologize for the unexpected entrance. I had to enter the venue this way and caused quite a commotion."
"It's just a minor issue."
Elon didn't seem bothered, saying:
"With the rare expansion of the school team, I thought you wouldn't come. I'm curious to see how much Squirtle has grown..."
"So, have you decided which main team candidate you'll challenge using your Chief student privilege?"
"I can provide some basic information about them."
"Of course..." Elon shrugged and joked, "If you want to challenge me, I'll provide information about myself too."
This was clearly just a joke.
In Elon's view, regardless of who Roy challenged, he couldn't win. Roy was just here to gain experience through a coaching battle.
If Roy could use three Pokémon to defeat one Pokémon selected by the school team, that would be considered impressive.
And challenging him, the strongest player on the school team, would be the most thankless task because the gap was too wide.
Coaching battles were only meaningful if the strengths of both sides were similar; otherwise, it was just one-sided domination with nothing to learn.
"No need. On my way here, I already checked the forums for information about the seniors."
Roy smiled slightly.
He knew to pick his battles wisely.
Among the school team, there was a player with whom he didn't get along very well.
"I want to challenge the No. 3 player of the school team, Senior Brian!"
"Brian?" Elon thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "He specializes in Ground and Rock-type Pokémon, which are indeed weak against your Riolu and Squirtle. A good choice."
With the type advantage, the match would be a little more interesting and not too one-sided. Brian wouldn't win easily.
Elon immediately began arranging the competition.
The privilege of the Chief recommended student had high priority, and the competition that should have been held was directly queued to follow this one.
Soon, Roy once again took his place in the player's seat at the Capital Pokémon Arena.
Two months ago, he had shocked the entire school here. Coming from an ordinary family background, he had successively defeated genius recommended students including the disciple of the Gym Leader and the son of an Elite trainer, winning the qualification of principal's recommended student and breaking Capital University's records since its founding.
Now, after two months, he was back.
It was another match where no one expected him to win, another attempt to break a record that had never been broken.
'Such a familiar scene...'
Listening to the indistinct buzzing from the audience, smelling the fresh scent of grass on the field, and looking at his opponent standing hundreds of meters away, Roy felt strangely nostalgic.
He gripped the Poké Ball tightly, waiting for the first 3v3 Pokémon battle of his life.
"Beep--!!"
At the end of the countdown, the referee's whistle cut through the air, and the flag in his hand dropped.
"Battle start!"
Two red and white Poké Balls were thrown high, and the Pokémon inside transformed into beams of white light, materializing on the field within the same second.
At that very moment, high above in the sky, the clouds darkened.
The power of ice and snow gathered within them.
Roy released his Pokémon: Vulpix!