Both Metagross and Steelix were Steel-types.
If Ethan had really captured that Steelix—
How would he distribute resources in the future?
Even with the Opportunity system, resources weren't infinite.
At their level—
The cost of growth was enormous.
Trying to raise three Steel-types equally?
That wasn't Ethan's style.
After dealing with the poachers, Ethan regrouped with Aurore and left the Duanbai Mountain Range.
But the moment they returned to Ha'er City—
They were surrounded.
Completely.
The people Ethan had met earlier had already spread the news.
Ethan was in Ha'er City.
And now—
Countless trainers had gathered.
All for one reason:
To challenge him.
"Battles are fine," Ethan said, raising a hand.
"But tomorrow. At the Ha'er City arena."
"I'm exhausted today. I need rest."
The crowd erupted.
"Come stay at my place tonight! I'll treat you to all the best food in the city!"
"Come to mine! My cat can do backflips!"
"Just be ready tomorrow—we're bringing a gauntlet!"
Ethan barely managed to escape.
By the time he got back to the hotel—
He collapsed onto the bed, completely drained.
Exploring mountains was tiring.
But dealing with enthusiastic fans?
Even worse.
"You people in Donghuang are… interesting," Aurore said with a smile.
"Welcoming someone with challenges like this…"
"And so many at once."
Ethan chuckled.
"Environment shapes people."
"This is the northern edge of the Donghuang Alliance—right next to other regions."
"With three mountain ranges nearby, full of wild Pokémon…"
"And constant threats from poachers."
"People here are used to solving things with strength."
He paused.
"…Honestly, I like it."
"Straightforward."
The next day—
The arena was packed.
Aurore stared at the massive crowd, stunned.
"…Are you sure you can handle this?"
Ethan smirked.
"Never say a man can't handle it."
Truthfully—
Even he hadn't expected this level of popularity.
But—
With this many trainers gathered—
Today's battles would be fun.
"Everyone—look who's here!"
The host's voice rang out.
"ETHAN! ETHAN! ETHAN!"
The crowd roared his name.
"…They even got a host?" Ethan muttered.
This had turned into a full-scale event overnight.
Looking around—
He even spotted security trainers stationed around the arena.
"Ethan," the host said, handing him a microphone,
"any words for the trainers of Ha'er City?"
Ethan sighed inwardly.
Pre-battle trash talk?
Seriously?
But he played along.
"If everyone's this eager…"
"Then do your best to defeat me."
"So I can finally experience what losing feels like."
The moment he finished—
The entire arena exploded.
Dozens—
Hundreds—
Of trainers surged forward, eager to challenge him.
Of course—
There was an order to things.
Soon—
His first challenger stepped forward.
A man in his thirties.
"Kid," the man said, giving Ethan a thumbs-up,
"What you did in the Sky Eagle Alliance—impressive."
"But today…"
"I want to try beating you."
Ethan grinned.
"Then let's begin."
"Go! Scizor!"
A red flash—
And Scizor appeared.
Its massive pincers gleamed with power.
Its aura—
Solid.
Commander-tier Peak.
Among trainers here—
That was already considered strong.
"Your turn!" the man said.
Ethan tossed his Poké Ball.
"Come out—Raging Thunder!"
A surge of electricity crackled—
As Raging Bolt appeared.
Lightning danced across its body.
Its presence—
Dominant.
Its strength—
Also Commander-tier Peak.
"Scizor—attack!" the man shouted.
Scizor moved first.
Its right pincer raised high—
And slammed downward toward Raging Thunder.
Ethan remained calm.
"Raging Thunder—dodge, then Dragon Tail!"
Before he even finished speaking—
Raging Thunder had already moved.
But instead of retreating—
It surged forward.
Closing the distance instantly.
Scizor reacted mid-attack—
Canceling its strike and leaping upward.
Raging Thunder's tail swept through—
Just barely missing.
"…Impressive," Ethan muttered.
That reaction speed—
Was no joke.
Even while attacking—
Scizor had instantly adjusted and evaded.
"Scizor—Quick Attack!"
The man pressed the advantage.
Scizor landed—
Then dashed forward.
Its body blurred—
Shifting left and right in rapid motion.
Unpredictable.
Untrackable.
Even Raging Thunder—
Struggled to lock onto it.
The battle—
Had just begun.
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