108: Wins Again! The Last Battle Before the Final
The teams analyzing Qin Yun's battles had expected to find his weaknesses, but their expectations were quickly dashed.
While his teammates weren't individually overwhelming, their overall synergy was undeniable. In a one-on-one scenario, many of the stronger teams could likely take them down. However, in a team battle, things weren't so simple.
This highlighted a key distinction between elite-level trainers and professional-level trainers. Beyond raw Pokémon strength, professionals excelled in strategy, adaptability, and battlefield awareness traits that Qin Yun's team was beginning to develop.
In the Pokémon world, team battles required coordination similar to Double Battles seen in the Pokémon Adventures manga, where pairs of trainers combined strategies seamlessly, such as Red and Blue's dynamic cooperation against the Elite Four. Qin Yun's team was far from that level, but they were improving at a rapid pace.
"It looks like facing Qin Yun's team requires a new approach," one of the rival captains muttered.
With their second-round victory secured, Qin Yun and his teammates had advanced to the top 12 of the group stage. Two more wins would secure them a spot in the finals.
"Long live the boss!" Ma Tao and the others cheered. Reaching the finals would mean more than just prestige it was an opportunity to gain recognition among the region's strongest trainers.
"Qin Yun, I underestimated you. Your Lurantis is ridiculously strong," Lin Rouyu admitted, impressed.
"Thanks, Teacher Lin," Qin Yun replied with a smile, noting the shift in her attitude.
To her surprise, instead of staying to observe their future opponents, Qin Yun suggested they head back.
"Go back?" Lin Rouyu blinked. Shouldn't they be scouting their rivals' strengths?
However, she quickly reconsidered. Qin Yun had consistently shown that he had his own methods. Perhaps he didn't need to gather intel in the conventional way.
What she didn't realize was that Qin Yun's Observe ability allowed him to analyze his opponents in real time. As long as he faced them in battle, he could grasp their strengths and weaknesses. Given how poorly coordinated most teams were, that was often enough.
Meanwhile, other teams watching Qin Yun leave were left speechless. Who had the guts to skip such a crucial scouting opportunity?
That night, the second round of matches continued until after 10 p.m., pushing players to their limits. Those who had lost still had a chance to fight in the resurrection rounds, making it a grueling test of endurance.
The Next Morning
The third-round matchups were posted. Qin Yun's team would be the third to compete, facing Group 18.
Group 18 consisted of a team that had fought through multiple matches the night before. When Qin Yun saw them in the morning, they looked visibly exhausted.
As expected, Qin Yun's team secured an easy win. With that, they officially advanced.
Clash of the Powerhouses: Teams No. 7 vs. No. 32
A major highlight of the third round was the clash between two of the strongest teams: No. 7 and No. 32.
Both teams had elite-level Pokémon, but their captains were a cut above the rest. The captain of Team No. 32 had a staggering combat power index of 45,000, putting him on the verge of professional-tier combat. His ability to control his Pokémon's moves was reminiscent of trainers like Lance in Pokémon Adventures, who used precise aerial tactics with his Dragonite.
The battle was fierce, but Team No. 32 ultimately edged out the victory. However, Team No. 7 still had a shot in the resurrection rounds.
After the third round, 12 teams remained. Six advanced directly, while the other six had to fight for two remaining spots.
The eight final teams would then battle in a single-elimination format, where every loss meant immediate elimination.
Winning meant earning a spot in the grand finals, which would be broadcasted live.
The Final Eight Are Set
By the end of the resurrection matches, Team No. 7 failed to secure a spot. Their previous battle against No. 32 had drained them too much.
The final eight teams were:
No. 1
No. 4
No. 9
No. 11
No. 16 (Qin Yun's team)
No. 32
No. 10 (resurrected)
No. 34 (resurrected)
With the final bracket set, the tournament reached its most critical phase.
The Draw: Who Faces Whom?
As the lottery began, all teams prayed to avoid facing No. 1, No. 32, or even No. 16—Qin Yun's team was now viewed as a serious threat.
Each team captain stepped forward to draw their match number.
Qin Yun picked his number, unfolded the slip, and saw the number 4.
At that moment, the expressions of Ma Tao and the others shifted. Their smiles faded, replaced by stiff, nervous looks.
Across the room, Qin Yun's gaze met the captain of Team No. 32.
"Did we just draw them?"
The tension in the air was undeniable. The upcoming battle would be their toughest challenge yet.
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