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Luther had never met anyone like Misaki before.
Such an extraordinary resolve! The moment she spoke the words 'sword trial,' the petite girl before him seemed to transform into an incomparably sharp blade in his eyes. Even meeting her gaze filled him with immense pressure.
'Could a girl of her age truly possess such a commanding presence?'
Yet, in the next instant, Misaki's face softened into a gentle smile, causing Luther to wonder if what he had just witnessed had been real.
'Thunder in the heart, calm on the surface like a lake.'
Luther's murmured words drew a curious glance from Misaki.
As if their earlier exchange, charged with martial intent, had never occurred, the two of them gradually relaxed into a casual chat. After learning about Luther's past, Misaki reciprocated by sharing her own story without reservation.
Originally, Misaki had planned to set out on her Pokémon journey at the age of ten, immediately after obtaining her Pokédex. However, after watching battles at the Oreburgh Gym and seeing many rookies fail, she put off travelling and chose to enroll at the academy to further her studies.
She studied for five years.
Life at the academy sharpened her intellect, while her life experiences forged her maturity. Misaki came from humble beginnings, being raised in a single-parent household where her mother cared for four children alone.
Thanks to Oreburgh City's unique geography, Misaki captured a Larvitar at a young age, providing it with ample food and resources for growth.
In her own words, Misaki was "genuinely poor."
Fortunately, obtaining a Pokédex was achievable for those with strength and diligence. Her performance in the Blind Pick battle to claim her Pokédex was exceptional, even surpassing Luther's.
She crushed the Research Lab's Professor with overwhelming force, advancing like a force of nature.
And this was also one of the reasons that Cynthia noticed Misaki, that and her unwavering confidence.
The so-called Blind Pick Battle tested the Pokémon Trainer's strength and mental fortitude.
Even the audience observing the battle was part of the test.
Someone with no prior experience of large-scale events would suddenly be exposed to the scrutiny of a crowd and have to endure their judgement, pointed fingers, and the psychological pressure of fearing failure and ridicule.
Imagine walking onto a stage for the first time in front of hundreds or even thousands of people. Every movement would be scrutinized under their intense gaze.
Losing composure during a match is commonplace, and a Pokémon Trainer who can regain their focus after losing it already possesses remarkable mental resilience.
But Misaki was different.
In Cynthia's eyes, she seemed born for such a spectacle.
She strode onto the Battle Arena with unwavering composure, her every movement fluid and graceful. Her expression remained relaxed and carefree throughout, as if this were just another casual sparring match.
Her confidence was contagious, compelling the audience to cheer wildly. Even Cynthia, watching the recording, found herself applauding Misaki's performance.
"She was born for this stage," Cynthia murmured. "The bigger the stage, the stronger she becomes."
By that point, Cynthia had grown weary of her search, having already sifted through over twenty disappointing candidates. Her continued interest in Luther could be attributed to her faint pity and admiration for the unassuming young man.
But Misaki's arrival struck like a thunderbolt.
Misaki and Luther were polar opposites. One carried a hint of self-doubt and needed to grow in confidence, while the other possessed innate confidence and viewed every grand stage as the perfect arena for self-expression.
Even their Pokémon choices and battle styles were diametrically opposed.
While Luther emphasized teamwork and coordinated strategies, Misaki prioritized overwhelming power, aiming to tear through opponents with sheer force.
Misaki received assistance from Cynthia and was invited to her villa, where she received guidance and sparred with Cynthia's Pokémon. She also observed Cynthia's daily care of her Pokémon firsthand.
Cynthia didn't consider Misaki to be her disciple, and Misaki never regarded Cynthia as her master.
They were rivals. Although Misaki hadn't yet reached Cynthia's level, she understood perfectly what was expected of her.
Despite their polar opposite personalities, the two women clicked instantly. Before leaving, Misaki smiled and asked, "Have you been dying to ask why my ID photo looks nothing like me?"
Luther, his thoughts exposed, nodded sheepishly.
"Travelling's easier with short hair, so I cut it. Cynthia took my photo for my second ID registration."
Luther burst out laughing.
That's definitely her style.
"You'd look stunning with long hair," Luther quickly complimented.
"Thanks, but long hair isn't in the cards for me until after the wedding," Misaki said, waving goodbye. "See you tomorrow. And remember what I said: don't hold back. Cynthia and I will be disappointed if you do."
As he watched Misaki's retreating figure, Luther felt an overwhelming surge of excitement.
Recalling their conversation, he conjured an image of her as a swordswoman in a graceful, long dress, her face adorned with delicate make-up, striding forward with her blade.
With her sword in hand, she could be an unparalleled swordswoman; yet the moment she laid it down, she would transform into a breathtaking beauty, gliding across the stage in a mesmerizing dance.
Luther had never witnessed such duality in a single person, let alone a girl who was barely sixteen or seventeen.
The battle hadn't even begun yet, but Luther's blood was already boiling with anticipation. The nervousness he had felt upon arriving had vanished, replaced by fervent excitement for the following day.
Luther didn't wait for Cynthia and Diantha. Their absence made it clear that they were leaving the stage to him and Misaki.
They only wanted the two of them to meet, nothing more. The rest was up to Luther and Misaki.
Whether they would have a full six-on-six battle or a three-on-three match following the rules was up to them.
Having observed the entire process from afar, Cynthia and Diantha already knew what was going to happen.
Neither of them intended to rigidly adhere to the competition format. Driven by their inner convictions and fuelled by each other's competitive spirit, they would both unleash their full strength.
"Isn't this a bit much for them?" Diantha sighed, a hint of concern in her voice. "Their team lineups are both so weak. Battling like this in the first round... regardless of who advances, the subsequent rounds will be fraught with peril."
Cynthia chewed her gum, blew a small bubble, and said nonchalantly, 'Can we really suppress the indomitable spirit of a Pokémon Trainer with mere words?'
"This is the choice of two young people. All we can do is respect their decision. Though every choice comes with a price, so be it."
'The joy of battle lies in the battle itself. Obsessing over victory only leads to unsightly scenes and timid maneuvering. Now they've cast aside distractions and burned their bridges..."
"Tomorrow's battle... regardless of who wins or loses... will be an extraordinary experience for them, a precious memory to be etched into their hearts."
(End of Chapter)
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