Naranja Academy, viewing platform.
Clavell stood with one hand behind his back, microphone at his lips, his voice carrying clearly through the speakers across the field.
"Just as I've said, besides other prizes for the top students, the champion of this tournament will receive extra credits, a special scholarship, the chance to choose a Pokémon raised by the Academy, and a mysterious reward!"
As soon as he finished, the students began discussing among themselves, curious about the "mysterious reward".
In the crowd, in a clearly defined area separate from others, Ortega—much more relaxed since he stopped attending Lucas's classes—raised his brows and asked the boy beside him, "Hey, what do you think the mystery prize is?"
Aliquis's forehead twitched, replying in a low voice, "How many times do I have to tell you? My name is Aliquis! You should remember it by now!"
"Alright, alright, I get it~"
Ortega brushed him off.
Seemingly used to Ortega's personality, Aliquis sighed, muttering, "Since it's a battle tournament, I'd like a spot in the battle specialty group."
Taking an iced drink from one of his lackeys, Ortega loosened his collar and fanned himself, as if warding off the heat.
"You're persistent, but… makes sense. Even I'd feel frustrated not being chosen."
"Oh, is Giacomo really not joining?"
"Nope, he's busy with student council stuff," Aliquis glanced at Ortega. "Actually, I don't blame Teacher Lucas at all. I understand his choices—those four who went to Naranja Academy for the exchange were the strongest."
"My Floragato hadn't even evolved back then. I'd have just dragged the team down."
"Plus, Teacher Lucas's main job isn't teaching. Unlike other teachers, he's not always in the Academy. Even outside class, if I run into him and ask questions, he'll help."
Ortega asked, "But didn't two newcomers get promoted later?"
"That's different."
Aliquis shook his head.
"Paul and Shizuka were handpicked by Chairwoman Geeta. If only I were a bit better…"
"But now, I really hope the mystery reward is a spot in the battle group. Teacher Dendra is great, but it's not enough—I want to get stronger, strong enough that next time the Academy exchanges with Blueberry, I can go and defeat my brother."
"Suit yourself, but if we meet, don't expect me to go easy on you."
Ortega snorted and stopped talking.
Behind them, his two loyal lackeys exchanged helpless glances.
Young master Ortega was always like this—saying one thing, feeling another.
They knew he'd been secretly training hard and even hired private tutors after hearing about the tournament.
…
Soon after,
The students dispersed to their classes, waiting for the matches to start under the teachers' guidance.
Having said all he needed, Lucas didn't bother gathering Penny's group. He planned to just watch as a bystander and let them do their thing.
After greeting Clavell, Lucas picked up a copy of the tournament bracket, scanning it.
There were fewer participants than he'd expected—only 64.
But this wasn't surprising. Naranja Academy was multi-faceted; not everyone aimed to become a great trainer.
Many had other interests. The thriving clubs on campus were proof enough.
He even spotted a few familiar names, and some former students who hadn't signed up.
"Giacomo isn't competing—probably busy with the student council. Clavell said he's gotten better at the job. If this keeps up, will Nemona even get her position in the original?"
"Aliquis is in, and his Floragato should've evolved into Meowscarada by now. He loves battling, so he's a strong contender."
"There are also a few Starmob boss students in the mix… interesting."
As Lucas muttered to himself, a light footstep sounded.
He looked up to see his nominal subordinate, Dendra, and nurse Miriam approaching.
"Head Teacher! Mind if we sit here?"
Dendra, as energetic as ever, made Lucas's lips twitch, but he nodded helplessly. "This is the teachers' viewing section. Sit wherever you like."
"Haha, that's true!"
Dendra scratched her head, eyes bright and simple.
By contrast, Miriam was more polite.
She nodded to Lucas and asked, "Can I let my Hypno out to watch? He's interested and often watches rental tapes of League matches at home."
"Of course not—I mean, I don't mind! My Mimikyu is here watching too."
Lucas lifted Mimikyu to show her.
Seeing him produce Mimikyu out of nowhere, both Dendra and Miriam were stunned.
Huh, when did Mimikyu get here?
The two, now good friends, exchanged glances, full of admiration.
As expected of a champion-level trainer—his Pokémon appear like ghosts.
With many teachers still in class, the viewing area had plenty of empty seats. Miriam released her Hypno, who sat obediently with his hypnotic ring, waiting for the first match to start.
Soon, under Judge Jacq's whistle, the first match began.
Paul VS a married, middle-aged uncle student.
"Oh! Isn't that Paul? Let's see if he's improved!"
With few people around, Dendra dropped her act and shouted excitedly.
Meanwhile, Lucas covered his eyes.
Damn, no matter how many times I see it, the Academy's summer uniforms on those two are just too much for the eyes.
The uncle, seeing his opponent was barely older than his own son, waved heartily, "Paul, want Uncle to take it easy on you?"
"...No need."
Paul replied with a cold face, throwing out his Poké Ball.
"Garganacl, get ready to battle!"
The huge, three-meter-tall Garganacl appeared in a flash of light, shaking the entire field.
Dendra and Miriam stared, mouths agape in shock.
The uncle's hand, holding his Poké Ball, froze, question marks practically appearing above his balding head.
Wait a second.
Shouldn't a kid Paul's age be using Pikachu or Bidoof? What is this giant beast!?
Cold sweat broke out on his back, but he gritted his teeth and sent out his own Pokémon.
"Quaquaval!"
A Pokémon began dancing energetically, its moves flamboyant and its duck butt perky enough to balance several soda bottles.
A Water/Fighting-type, the final evolution of Quaxly—one of Paldea's recommended starters!
Seeing Quaquaval, Paul's already distant expression grew even colder.
Not that he was worried about the type matchup.
He was just glad he hadn't picked Quaxly—such an active and silly Pokémon wasn't for him.
At least his Fuecoco, though slow, could be motivated to train all day with an apple stolen from Lucas's office.
Once both sides were ready, Judge Jacq blew the whistle.
The battle officially began.
The uncle scratched his head, feeling a bit like a bully, but gave his command quickly.
"Quaquaval, show them our thirty years' bond—Aqua Step!"
Quaquaval, dancing with light, springy steps, quickly moved in, its leg surrounded by water as it delivered an elegant kick!
The seemingly gentle kick generated a piercing whistle in the air.
Anyone could see how powerful it was.
Seeing this, Dendra folded her arms, speechless.
"This uncle really isn't holding back."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, waiting for Paul's response. If it were him, he would—
Paul said calmly, "Iron Defense. Next."
Garganacl crossed its arms, and a metallic sheen flashed across its body in the sunlight.
Defense—sharply increased!
Next second—
Bang!
A dull thud rang out as Quaquaval withdrew its leg, and a clear dent appeared on Garganacl's arm where it had been hit!
The students erupted in discussion.
Miriam covered her mouth, gasping softly, "Oh my!"
Dendra, still arms folded, frowned.
"Wait, when did Paul catch a Garganacl?"
"Didn't he only have Turtwig and the Academy's starter?"
Lucas dropped the bomb, "Because Garganacl is from my farm—I lent it to them."
Dendra: "Huh!?"
Miriam: "…Them?"
On the field, the uncle stood hands on hips. Despite a successful hit, he didn't look happy.
The dent was far shallower than he expected!
"A super-effective move, but it barely did anything?"
Seeing the unscathed Garganacl and Paul's calm face, the uncle frowned and gave another order.
"Again! Aqua Step!"
Quaquaval, now faster from Aqua Step, moved even quicker. Paul's "Iron Defense" had barely left his lips before Quaquaval landed another kick.
And after the first, it spun and struck again—its speed rising ever higher!
The uncle figured at this pace, he could easily toy with the heavy Garganacl and switched to even more effective moves.
Soon, Aqua Step, Close Combat, and Aqua Cutter rained down on Garganacl.
Quaquaval was moving so fast it seemed to leave afterimages, pummeling Garganacl and steadily wearing it down.
An ordinary student would panic at this point, but aside from the occasional command to have Garganacl attack the nimble Quaquaval, Paul remained calm—almost eerily so.
He seemed to be waiting for something.
In the director's office, Chairwoman Geeta watched through binoculars, lips curved in a smile.
"Extreme calm means he won't be led by the nose—perhaps this is Paul's talent."
In the viewing area, Dendra, also a Fighting-type specialist, winced in sympathy. "No matter what, this Garganacl's defense is insane."
Miriam agreed, "I lost count of how many kicks Quaquaval's landed."
Dendra nodded, "But Garganacl's stamina is definitely dropping. With that heavy body, catching Quaquaval to turn things around won't be easy."
Nearby, with Mimikyu's help, Lucas jotted notes as he watched the match.
"No, from the moment Garganacl completed three Iron Defenses and Quaquaval failed to take it out, the outcome was more or less settled."
Dendra and Miriam blinked.
Lucas didn't explain further. Just watching would make it clear.
Paul was simply waiting for an opportunity.
Once it came, the battle would be decided.
He was more interested in Paul's command and Garganacl's performance.
So far, Paul's command was solid.
As for Garganacl, the one on the field was the second of the trio.
Compared to the leader's "Purifying Salt" ability and the third's "Sturdy Body", the second's "Sturdy" ability seemed less useful.
But that wasn't the case.
Pokémon abilities still held many mysteries, and different abilities could manifest differently across species.
Just like Gyarados with "Intimidate" looked more imposing, and those with "Moxie" seemed naturally confident.
The "Sturdy" ability made this Garganacl even tougher than the other two!
Meanwhile, on the field—
"Damn, this thing can really take a beating. No wonder the kid's so calm."
The uncle scowled, watching Garganacl still stand after all those hits.
Thankfully, this endless assault was nearly over.
After all, all Garganacl could do was tank.
Seeing Garganacl's stamina drop to a critical point, the uncle let down his guard and ordered Quaquaval to go for a direct knockout.
"Go for it—Sweep it down!"
With Garganacl's weight, if that landed, it'd be done for!
Quaquaval flashed forward, ducked low, and lashed out with a lightning-fast kick.
The form and power were perfect.
But in that critical moment, Paul's lips curled up, as if the wait was finally over.
"Now—Salt Cure!"
At the very moment when escape was impossible, Paul bared his fangs!
A shower of sparkling salt fell, seemingly venting all previous frustration. This time, it completely covered Quaquaval!
Almost instantly, Quaquaval's movements slowed in pain. After knocking down the weakened Garganacl, it staggered away like a startled bird, while Garganacl crashed to the ground!
This time, the shockwave was even stronger.
Seeing this, the uncle assumed Garganacl was finally down for the count and grinned.
Quaquaval eyed the salt all over itself in disgust, thinking it might as well wash off at the fountain later.
Just as the crowd fell silent, thinking the match was over—
Unconcerned, Paul spoke up.
"Recover."
The uncle and Quaquaval were shocked.
Amidst the uproar, Garganacl, bathed in a life-filled green glow, slowly stood back up!
The uncle stared in disbelief as Paul pointed at the still-unaware Quaquaval and said calmly, "From now on, you're the ones who should be worried."
As Paul spoke, Quaquaval suddenly felt burning pain where the salt touched—it was as if the salt was extremely corrosive.
The salt clung to its body, impossible to remove!