Chapter 78: Lance and Clair
The Eastern Battle Tower is a battle facility in the Donghuang Region. Its status is comparable to the Battle Chateau in the Kalos Region and the Battle Tree in Alola. According to official introductions, these facilities are places where Trainers can challenge and hone their battle skills, and challengers are often formidable. In the anime's Battle Frontier, even Brandon managed to capture the Regi trio, demonstrating the difficulty of these challenges.
Of course, the Eastern Battle Tower also serves as a venue for high-level matches. This year's World Master Championship match between Cynthia and Lance is being held at the Eastern Battle Tower.
Lu Ye looked at the description on his phone, his expression odd: "The Oriental Pearl Tower has been modified into something like this?"
"Not surprising. After all, the Eiffel Tower in Paris probably became the Prism Tower in this world."
"What did you say?" Cynthia asked.
"I said, good luck in the match later. I'll be sad if you lose."
The corners of Cynthia's mouth lifted, her gaze resolute: "I won't lose."
In the Pokémon World, bonds and trust are real. Just like Leon's Charizard or Cynthia's Garchomp… If you truly love your Pokémon, they'll respond in kind.
Lu Ye nodded thoughtfully and muttered: "Bonds, huh… Then why do I feel like my team is always out to backstab me?"
To avoid the reporters, Lu Ye and Cynthia took the official event car this time. Arriving at the crowded Eastern Battle Tower, Cynthia, wearing sunglasses, stopped at the player entrance.
"You'll need to go through security up ahead," Cynthia frowned. "Take this card… Don't leave me behind after the match."
Lu Ye's heart skipped a beat, but he replied calmly: "Don't worry, the bill hasn't been reimbursed yet."
Cynthia smiled, waved to Lu Ye, and walked towards the player entrance in her high heels. As if transformed, her aura shifted instantly, even her footsteps became sharper.
Watching her striking golden hair, Lu Ye scratched his head: "Well… Let's head inside."
Playing with the VIP card, adorned with gold patterns and a lingering scent, Lu Ye suddenly paused.
"Wait, didn't Coach Zhai still have a ticket for me?"
…
Coach Zhai had brought the entire school team for this event. Adding Lu Ye, this was arguably the starting lineup for the upcoming university league.
"Coach, the match is starting soon. Has the assistant coach arrived yet?"
"I should've given him the ticket earlier…" Zhai Wenyao frowned, then his eyes lit up, "He's here!"
"Sorry for being late, Coach!" Lu Ye apologized.
"It's fine, just get in." Zhai Wenyao handed him the ticket.
Lu Ye grinned sheepishly: "I wanted to explain something… I won't be entering with everyone."
"You're not watching the match?" Zhai Wenyao blinked, his eyes falling on the gilded VIP card in Lu Ye's hand, widening in shock.
This kid could afford a VIP ticket worth over a hundred thousand, yet still wanted a freebie from the school team?
Shen Tingzhi, whose family dealt in luxury goods, was also surprised, pressing her lips together.
This wasn't about money… This was something money couldn't buy.
Unless Lu Ye had connections with the organizers, getting such an invitation was impossible!
Coach Zhai nudged Lu Ye discreetly: "You know someone on the event staff?"
Lu Ye shook his head.
"It's not like a contestant invited you, right?" Zhai Wenyao laughed.
Lu Ye coughed: "Uh… Coach, I'll reimburse you for the ticket later. You go ahead!"
Watching Lu Ye dash off, Zhai Wenyao's expression grew strange.
This kid… Could he really know the contestants?!
They were Champion-level Trainers: Lance from Kanto and Cynthia from Sinnoh!
To be friends with those two… How amazing was this kid?
Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Zhai Wenyao muttered: "Looks like the new assistant coach I picked… is quite remarkable…"
…
In the VIP section, after showing Cynthia's card, an usher led Lu Ye to a private suite. The box was quiet, with a panoramic view of the arena, and a table set with dewy fruit.
Lu Ye took out two Poké Balls, releasing Eevee and Haunter. The two little Pokémon looked around curiously.
Cheers erupted from the circular arena, the atmosphere electric. This was a Master-level battle, the pinnacle of skill. Everyone screamed in excitement, and the announcer's voice pushed the crowd to a frenzy.
"Next, let's welcome the Champion from Kanto, Lance—!!"
Lu Ye looked curiously towards the player tunnel. In the special manga, Lance was quite arrogant, but time had tempered him. Wearing a crimson cape and blue Champion attire, the stern red-haired man walked out, waving to the crowd.
Lu Ye recalled the game's description of Lance: "A man with a strong sense of justice!"
Lost in thought, a cold, sharp voice came from the adjacent box: "Were you invited by him too?"
The VIP suites were separated by railings, allowing communication.
Lu Ye turned and was surprised: "Clair?"
Her light blue hair and form-fitting outfit accentuated her figure. Clair, the Dragon-type Gym Leader from Blackthorn City in Johto, and Lance's cousin. She wore light blue gloves, boots, and a matching cape. A dragon-taming whip sat beside her, making Lu Ye's eyebrow twitch.
"You know me?" Clair frowned.
"I've heard of the Dragon Clan's envoy," Lu Ye thought.
Unfortunately, she was overshadowed by her cousin, and was known to be a bro-con.
Lu Ye rubbed his temples.
The relationships in the Pokémon World really were complicated!
Clair pressed: "So, were you invited by Lance?"
"No, I'm here to cheer for my… uh, my friend."
Lu Ye's gaze softened as he looked at the arena, smiling proudly: "She's up now."
The announcer's enthusiastic voice echoed: "Next, let's welcome the Champion from Sinnoh, Cynthia!!"
The cheers were even louder than before. When the elegant, golden-haired beauty appeared, the audience erupted in applause. Cynthia's presence was commanding, like a queen above all. She walked gracefully in her black coat, exuding an icy elegance.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Cynthia nodded.
"I've been looking forward to this battle," Lance said gravely.
"Let's hope I don't disappoint you," Cynthia smiled slightly.
The referee's flag swung down, and the sharp whistle sounded: "Let the battle begin!"