"Damn it come back Scyther," Xiao Zhen shouted angrily.
He glared at Raj with resentment. He could not understand how Tentacruel could be this strong.
Reflect had actually been used to trap Scyther in place and completely remove its speed advantage. Once that advantage disappeared, Scyther stood no chance against Tentacruel, especially since it was weak against Poison-type attacks.
"We are both beginner Trainers so why are you so strong compared to me," Xiao Zhen demanded unwillingly.
"Please send out your last Pokémon Xiao Zhen," Apollo said coldly.
"If you really do not want to continue then surrendering is also an option," Apollo added with a sneer.
"Shut up you bastard," Xiao Zhen snapped as he glared at Apollo without holding back.
Then he turned back toward Raj and smiled strangely.
"Do you know this is a Team Rocket base and there is no rule that says we cannot attack Trainers directly."
Raj's eyebrows twitched slightly.
Before he could respond the ground suddenly began to tremble.
"Onix use Dig," Xiao Zhen ordered with a sinister expression as if he intended to eliminate Raj directly.
The ground shook violently as danger approached.
However Raj remained calm.
"Do you think you are the only one who understands Team Rocket's rules," Raj replied with a faint smile. "You underestimate me."
At that moment Tentacruel wrapped its tentacles around Raj protectively.
"Gyarados use Hydro Pump on the ground below," Raj ordered calmly as he threw a Poké Ball.
"Roar," Gyarados appeared immediately and released a powerful Hydro Pump straight toward the ground.
Using the recoil force from the blast Gyarados lifted Raj into the air.
The rocky battlefield below quickly turned into a large pool of water.
"Oh no," Xiao Zhen shouted in panic.
If Onix emerged at that moment it would be struck directly by a Water-type attack that it was doubly weak against.
"Tentacruel do not give him any chance use Water Pulse," Raj ordered.
Tentacruel climbed upward by gripping Gyarados with its tentacles and then released multiple rings of blue energy downward.
A massive explosion followed.
Onix did not even have time to react before being completely defeated.
After the water slowly settled the battlefield returned to view.
Onix lay motionless in the center of the arena and had clearly lost its ability to battle.
"I lost," Xiao Zhen said as he collapsed to the ground with a pale expression.
He had not even managed to defeat a single one of Raj's Pokémon.
He had believed he could at least reach the top four but Raj's strength shattered his confidence completely.
"There is always someone stronger," Xiao Zhen realized bitterly.
"Raj wins this battle the next match will begin immediately," Apollo announced expressionlessly as he signaled Raj to step down while giving him a meaningful glance.
"Come back Gyarados come back Tentacruel," Raj said as he recalled his Pokémon without looking back.
As Raj walked off the battlefield people instinctively moved aside and stared at him with respect.
This was a privilege reserved only for the strong.
And Raj accepted it calmly.
The following battles continued intensely.
Strong Trainers advanced while weaker ones were eliminated one after another.
Raj watched the matches with interest and naturally remained among the strongest participants.
Most Trainers who faced him either surrendered immediately or were defeated quickly by his Pokémon.
Each of Raj's Pokémon possessed strength comparable to mid-level Trainers which made it difficult for opponents at this stage to challenge him properly.
As a result Raj advanced smoothly through the elimination rounds.
Because there were so many participants the elimination stage lasted until noon the next day before the final four were decided.
Raj was naturally among them.
The other three finalists consisted of two men and one woman and all of them were extremely strong.
Raj did not underestimate any of them because even in a one-on-one battle defeating them would not be easy.
Especially the woman whose Charizard displayed overwhelming strength similar to Raj's own battle style.
The remaining two men were slightly less dominant but still dangerous opponents.
"Now that the top four have been decided the champion will be determined this afternoon first I would like to congratulate all of you because the top four will each receive a special reward you will be promoted directly to Team Rocket reserve Executive rank," Apollo announced.
"What," the entire venue erupted in shock.
Even becoming a reserve Executive was an extremely valuable opportunity within Team Rocket.
Reserve Executives received special benefits salaries and promotion opportunities.
Team Rocket's internal structure followed strict ranks.
Below were ordinary members then squad leaders then team leaders then Executives and above them stood even higher-ranking assistants who served directly under the bosses.
A reserve Executive could temporarily replace an Executive during emergencies and was considered the fastest path toward promotion.
Immediately countless looks of envy jealousy and hostility were directed toward the four finalists.
Facing those wolf-like gazes Raj simply smiled calmly.
Team Rocket had always been ruthless.
Every Executive had fought their way up through countless battles.
However Raj had no intention of joining Team Rocket officially.
Especially not as a mere Executive.
His goal in this competition was simple.
First place.
And the Mega Evolution Bracelet together with the Mega Stone.
Nothing else interested him.
...
📢 Author's Note
Part 1 of Pokémon: Rise of the Dark Trainer! is now completed and available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
✅ Part 1 Complete — 100+ Chapters
Join Raj on his journey through the Pokémon world as he gains the mysterious Strongest Villain System, captures terrifying Pokémon, and walks the path toward becoming the most feared villain in history.
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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Thank you all for your continued support and happy reading! 💙