The next morning, the massive stadium of the Luminara League Championship was completely packed. Thousands of spectators filled the seats. Millions watched from across the Luminara Region.The League had officially begun.
The announcer's voice echoed throughout the stadium.
"Our next battle is between two incredible trainers! The challenger from Aurora village—ELIOR!"
The crowd cheered.
Elior walked onto the battlefield.
At his side— Infernarx.
The opposite gate opened.
A tall trainer stepped onto the field. Rex Valtor.
Calm.
Confident.
Unshaken.
The kind of trainer who never doubted himself.
The referee raised a flag.
"This is a three-on-three battle! The winner advances to Round Two!"
Rex threw his Poké Ball. Voltfang appeared.
Elior smiled.
"Skyrend, I choose you!"
Skyrend took to the sky.
Both trainers immediately began adapting.Voltfang used the terrain to limit Skyrend's movement.Skyrend used its aerial advantage to strike from above. Neither Pokémon gained a clear advantage.
Rex suddenly smiled.
"Now!"
Voltfang slammed its tail into a stadium pillar.Debris exploded into the air. Skyrend lost sight of its opponent. A perfect opening.
"Thunder Fang!"
Direct hit.
After an intense exchange.Skyrend fell.
"Skyrend is unable to battle!"
Rex gained the first victory.
Elior remained calm.
"Mystveil, your turn!"
🔮 Mystveil entered the battlefield.
Unlike Skyrend—Mystveil relied on intelligence.It used Psychic to predict Voltfang's movement. Every attack became harder to land.
One mistake. That was all Mystveil needed. A perfectly timed Psychic attack sent Voltfang crashing into the battlefield.
"Voltfang is unable to battle!"
The score was tied.
Rex released another Poké Ball.
Ironhorn.
The crowd gasped. A defensive powerhouse. Mystveil fought bravely.
Using speed and precision. But Ironhorn refused to fall.
Eventually—A powerful Metal Charge ended the battle.
"Mystveil is unable to battle!"
The score now stood:
Rex: 1 Pokémon remaining
Elior: 1 Pokémon remaining
The entire stadium knew what came next.
Infernarx entered the battlefield. The crowd erupted. Infernarx immediately attacked. Its newly evolved strength shocked everyone. One powerful Flame Burst overwhelmed Ironhorn.
"Ironhorn is unable to battle!"
The score was tied once more.The stadium became silent.Rex released his final Pokémon.
Nightflare.
Its presence immediately changed the atmosphere. Even Infernarx narrowed its eyes.
Elsewhere...Far away on Aether Isle... Zeff and Kael stood before the ancient gate.
The Third Key's location had finally been revealed. But something was standing in front of it. Something ancient. Something alive.
Back at the League Stadium—
Infernarx and Nightflare stared each other down. Flames flickered. Dark wings spread. The crowd held its breath. The deciding battle of Round One was about to begin. And high above the battlefield... A mysterious figure watched from the VIP section. Their face hidden beneath a hood. Only their eyes were visible.
And those eyes were fixed on Elior.
TO BE CONTINUED...