First Clash
Alex noticed Luna and Leon exiting the dungeon as well.
Luna held a Totodile, just like in the canon.
Alex glanced once—and immediately lost interest.
She'll pour her family's resources into it and barely push it to elite level.
Not worth caring about.
As they walked, Alex subtly activated Pokémon Identify on Cornelia's and Euphemia's partners.
Pokémon Scan Results (Hidden):
Bulbasaur – Qualification: Elite Shinx – Qualification: Elite
Alex's eyes narrowed slightly.
So both of them have real potential…
I'll help them later.
Just as Alex, Cornelia, and Euphemia were about to leave—
"Alex!"
Leon's voice rang out.
Alex stopped, slowly turning.
Leon stepped forward, forcing a smile.
"Why don't we have a Pokémon match before leaving?"
Cornelia frowned.
Euphemia's expression cooled.
Alex replied calmly, "I'm not interested."
Leon clenched his teeth.
"What—are you afraid of me?"
The surrounding students quieted.
Alex looked at Leon as if staring at empty air.
"No."
Then he added flatly,
"I don't even see you in my eyes."
Soft chuckles rippled through the crowd.
"And honestly," Alex continued,
"I don't have the energy to play along with your childish tricks."
Leon's face flushed red.
Grinding his teeth, Leon suddenly took out an item.
A green-glowing seed.
"A Miracle Seed," Leon said loudly.
"If I win… it's yours."
The crowd gasped.
Cornelia and Euphemia looked worried.
Alex paused.
Then nodded once.
"Fine."
The Battleground
The five of them moved to the training field.
Leon stood confidently and threw his Poké Ball.
"Come out—Torchic!"
A small Torchic appeared, flames flickering faintly around its feet.
The crowd buzzed.
"Torchic?!"
"That's rare!"
"Leon's luck is insane!"
Cornelia clenched her fists.
Euphemia bit her lip.
Leon smirked.
"Surprised, Alex?"
Alex didn't answer.
Instead, he silently activated System Identify.
Pokémon Scan
Torchic
Qualification: Gym Level Growth Potential: High Status: Underdeveloped
Alex's eyes remained calm.
So the stunted Torchic still went to him.
Doesn't matter.
Alex tossed his Poké Ball.
"Come out—Aron."
A small steel body landed heavily on the ground.
Clang.
The crowd's reaction split instantly.
"That's Aron…"
"It's strong, but expensive to raise."
"If you don't have resources, it's useless."
Leon scoffed.
"Looks like you chose a Pokémon you can't afford."
Alex didn't even look at him.
Resources?
That's the one thing I'll never lack.
The Battle Begins
"Battle—start!"
Leon attacks first
"Torchic! Ember!"
Torchic inhaled sharply and spat out small flames.
Alex's voice was calm.
"Aron—Harden."
Aron's steel body shimmered.
Ember hit — but barely scratched Aron's armor.
The flames fizzled out.
Leon frowned.
"Tch… Torchic, Scratch!"
Torchic rushed forward.
"Aron—Metal Claw."
Aron's claws glowed silver.
CLANG—!
Metal struck flesh.
Torchic was thrown backward, skidding across the ground.
The crowd gasped.
"So strong?!"
Leon panicked.
"Get up! Use Focus Energy!"
Torchic struggled to its feet, eyes sharpening.
Alex raised his hand slightly.
"End it."
"Rock Smash."
Aron stomped forward and slammed its fist into Torchic's chest.
CRACK—!
Torchic flew back and collapsed, unconscious.
Silence
"…Torchic is unable to battle."
"The winner—Alex Runcandel."
The field went quiet.
Then—
Whispers exploded.
"He won… that easily?"
"That Aron is terrifying!"
"Leon didn't even land damage!"
Leon stood frozen.
His fists trembled.
With clenched teeth, he pulled out the Miracle Seed and threw it toward Alex.
"Take it."
Alex caught it effortlessly.
"Thanks."
No gloating.
No insult.
That hurt Leon more than anything.
Alex turned away.
"Let's go."
Cornelia and Euphemia followed, eyes shining.
Leon stood alone—
Watching their backs disappear.
His pride shattered.
His fate—
Slipping further from his grasp.