Although he felt a trace of unease, the agreement had already been notarized and with so many people watching, backing out now would be a huge blow to his reputation.
Even the family behind him would become a laughingstock.
That was something he absolutely couldn't accept.
"Come out,Flareon!"
Eric threw a Luxury Ball, and a Pokémon with blazing, fiery fur leapt onto the field.
Looking at the Pokémon he had recently purchased, confidence returned to his face.
This Flareon Was his trump card. With a base stat total of 525, comparable to starter Pokémon, he had bought it specifically to show off.
Silas, however, found it… strange.
He genuinely didn't understand where this confidence came from.
This Flareon had clearly evolved too early. Its foundation hadn't been properly developed.
It had been forced to evolve just above level 20, and its body was slightly smaller than a normal Flareon.
Before evolving, that Eevee had definitely not reached its full potential. Its aptitude was already low, Then it was forced to evolve using what was most likely a low-quality Fire Stone.
The result?
Instead of a true power increase,Its potential had actually declined slightly.
Forcing early evolution was essentially burning future potential.
That was why Silas had delayed Murkrow's evolution before Building its foundation to the limit before finally using a Dusk Stone.
Pokémon like this Flareon usually came from shady markets. They were sold cheaply to rich but ignorant buyers ,People who thought they had gotten a great deal.
Eric was exactly that kind of person. Despite being from a family, his status wasn't high.
He had a talented older brother ,Already chosen as the heir.
As for Eric?
At best, he existed to support the family line.
So when he saw a relatively cheap Flareon,He bought it immediately.
In his eyes:
• A Fire Stone alone costs hundreds of thousands
• A fully evolved Flareon at that price = a bargain
Not to mention ,This Flareon was already Level 23.
Meanwhile, his original main Pokémon, a Croconaw, was only Level 21.
After more than three years as a trainer,That alone said everything.
From all this, Silas made his judgment instantly:
A prematurely evolved, half-ruined Flareon
A spoiled trainer with no real knowledge
This combination?
A perfect match.
And to Silas Defeating them would be effortless.
"My Pokémon… Sandile."
Yes.
Silas chose Sandile. Originally, he planned to use Umbreon But now?
That wasn't necessary.
This was a perfect chance to train Sandile ,It was already close to evolution.
Level 28.
"Sandile,use Hone Claws."
"Sandile! Kroo!"
Sandile immediately lowered its body into a battle stance. Its sharp claws scraped together.
Shhk–shhk
Its eyes locked onto Flareon. Despite its experience, it still showed a hint of disdain But it remained alert.
Meanwhile Flareon stood there… waiting.
Waiting for instructions.
Its trainer?
Still standing confidently ,Letting the opponent power up.
In the eyes of most spectators:
• Sandile = basic stage
• Flareon = final evolution
The gap should've been huge.
Even visually ,Flareon was much larger.
Seeing Sandile finish its setup ,Eric didn't interrupt.
Instead, he sneered.
"So that's your Pokémon?"
Then he shouted arrogantly "Flareon! Use Fire Spin,finish it!"
His confidence came from one thing:
While Ground resists Fire ,Sandile isn't immune. To him, Silas was just a civilian trainer relying on type advantage tricks.
Around them, spectators watched.
Sandile was still sharpening its claws ,While Flareon slowly gathered fire.
Some even showed pity. Because to them,Sandile looked like it was about to be overwhelmed But in Silas's eyes ,This Flareon was completely ruined.
No battle awareness.
Slow execution.
It took:
• 3 seconds just to gather fire energy
• 5 secondstotal to launch Fire Spin
Any real battle? It would've been interrupted long ago.
Finally ,Flareon released the attack. A swirling vortex of orange-red flames burst forward ,Spinning toward Sandile.
At that moment Sandile's eyes sharpened. Power surged through its body.
"Sandile ,use Protect."
Instantly A green barrier formed. Timing was Perfect.
The flames slammed directly into it ,Right at the moment of impact.
To everyone watching ,It looked like Sandile hadn't reacted at all.
Fwoooosh
Flames engulfed its figure.
All they could see Was a silhouette standing inside the fire.
Completely still.
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(End of chapter )