So that was it?
From start to finish, that Kirlia only moved a finger—so simply, it dealt with an entry-level mid-tier Beautifly?
Wasn't that… a little too strong?
For a moment, the entire venue fell silent.
Everyone was still immersed in that shocking scene, and for a long time, no one came back to their senses.
Uesugi Seiki stared at the Beautifly lying unconscious in the center of the field. He was dazed for a while before he finally reacted. He hurried forward and recalled it into its Poké Ball.
Then, he released his second Pokémon.
Dustox.
Also entry-level mid-tier.
And also, in an instant—
It was wrapped up by that inexplicable mass of pink energy.
Then Kirlia drew a finger downward.
The pink energy sphere wrapped around Dustox, and it plunged down like a meteor, smashing into the same crater as before and sinking it several more inches.
When the dust cleared, Dustox ended up just like Beautifly.
A single hit. Battle capability lost.
After being hit with such a strong visual shock again, the 200,000 spectators finally snapped back to reality, all at once sucking in cold breaths.
"My god! What is going on?!"
"Was that all done by that Kirlia?! That's terrifying!"
"What move was that?! I've never seen it, never even heard of it!"
"That Kirlia is insanely strong…"
"..."
The crowd whispered and argued nonstop.
On the other side—
As Himeko-san and Kirlia's opponent—
Cold sweat poured from Uesugi Seiki's forehead.
This was way too terrifying!
How did she wrap his Pokémon in that pink energy without making a sound or giving any warning at all?
Why couldn't his Pokémon break free no matter what?
Questions filled Uesugi Seiki's mind.
After recalling Dustox, Uesugi Seiki prepared to send out his final Pokémon.
His hand gripped the Poké Ball.
But when he lifted his head and met Himeko-san and Kirlia's gaze—
That icy chill hit him all at once, birthing a strong, instinctive fear.
A Trainer and Pokémon this strong…
Was there any point in continuing?
His last one was also a Bug-type Pokémon.
Its level was even lower than Beautifly and Dustox—only just reaching entry-level.
If he sent it out to fight…
Wouldn't that just be handing it over for free?
Uesugi Seiki's expression flickered uncertainly.
After a complicated look passed across his face, he slowly raised his head and forced a bitter smile.
"Himeko-san, you're really strong! There's no need to keep fighting. I forfeit!"
Uesugi Seiki's decision to withdraw immediately caused an uproar.
This kind of situation was extremely rare in the Pokémon Tournament every year.
These rookie Trainers were hot-blooded—no one accepted losing to anyone else—and usually they chose to fight all the way to the end.
A move like Uesugi Seiki's…
Really was unexpected.
But not a single spectator in the crowd looked down on him or mocked him.
Because if you put yourself in his shoes—
If you truly had to face an opponent as terrifying as Himeko-san…
How could it not feel utterly hopeless?
Seen that way, surrendering and forfeiting was understandable.
Some spectators couldn't even help feeling sorry for that unlucky contestant.
How bad did his luck have to be—
To run into an opponent like Himeko-san, at such a crucial turning point in life?
"The match is over! Contestant Himeko wins!"
The referee was stunned for a moment too, before finally reacting.
He raised the flag high and loudly declared the result.
The moment his words fell—
All 200,000 spectators in the plaza erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.
"Himeko!"
"Himeko!"
"Himeko!"
"..."
The crowd shouted Himeko-san's name, the waves of sound rising higher and higher.
This match was spectacular.
The technique and strength Himeko-san displayed were astonishing.
Even complete amateurs could tell she was absolutely a once-in-a-generation prodigy.
Her future achievements would be limitless.
Maybe Wintergreen City…
Before long, would produce another Elite Four-level Trainer famous across the entire Great Axia Alliance!
Inside the waiting room—
Joji sat in his seat, listening to the mountain-and-sea roar coming from outside.
His brows were knit tight, his face so dark it looked ready to drip water.
First Charmeleon.
Then Lopunny.
And now Kirlia.
Every single Pokémon Himeko-san had…
Made Joji feel rattled to the bone.
He asked himself honestly—
If he really did run into Himeko-san…
Even with the three Pokémon in his hands…
Winning against her would be genuinely difficult!
No.
He absolutely could not let these uncertain factors block his path to the championship.
He had already come this far.
For this championship—
No matter how despicable the method—
He could do it.
Joji suddenly lifted his head.
A cold, sinister glint flashed in his eyes.
...
"She's really incredible!"
"That popularity is terrifying!"
"Even now, I still can't figure out how that Kirlia pulled all of that off."
"I don't get it either, but one thing's certain—this Kirlia is absurdly strong!"
"I really don't understand where that little monster found so many talented Pokémon, and raised them so perfectly!"
"That's what genius looks like, got it?"
"..."
The evaluators in the back rows were full of amazement.
Their excitement and shock from the battle still hadn't faded.
In the front row, Miyazato Aisa lowered her head and looked at the score sheet in her hands.
"President Sun really wasn't wrong. This talent and potential… really is S-rank."
She smiled slightly and moved Himeko-san's rating forward one more level.
It had already reached an exaggerated S-rank!
A future Elite Four-level figure, destined!
The evaluators in the back caught Miyazato Aisa's movement.
They fell silent for a long moment.
Then, one by one, they lowered their heads and revised Himeko-san's rating again.
This time—
Every single person, without exception, gave an S-rank evaluation!
Without a doubt.
After two battles, the strength Himeko-san had shown had completely conquered them.
"What a pity. Today we still didn't get to see her Charmeleon take the field."
A trace of regret appeared on Miyazato Aisa's face.
She turned her head, looked at President Sun and Teacher Moo Inoshishe, and curiously asked another question.
"Compared to this Kirlia, is that Charmeleon stronger, or about the same?"
"Much stronger than her."
President Sun and Teacher Moo Inoshishe answered in unison.
(End of Chapter)
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