"Tomorrow is the freshman representative battle."
After six consecutive days of training, Roy checked the date, contemplated for a moment, and decided to cancel today's session.
He understood the importance of balancing work and rest.
And besides...
"Training behind closed doors won't prepare you for real battles."
While Pokémon from Trainer School varied individually, they all generally met the standard of being 'young and untrained.'
Every trainer began their journey with Pokémon at relatively similar starting points.
The resources Roy had invested in Riolu—the training regimen, the intensive "Thunder and Lightning Exercise" method—far exceeded what other recommended students received.
Yet there was one critical area where he and Riolu were lacking.
"Insufficient battle experience."
It was more than just a deficiency—Roy and Riolu hadn't participated in a single battle yet.
The situation was different for other recommended students. Many had relatives who were trainers, giving them ample opportunities to practice battling at home.
Soon, Roy found himself at the counter of the Pokémon Center again.
"Roy, are you training again?" Nurse Joy's eyes brightened when she spotted him, offering a warm, gentle smile.
Over the past few days, the two had become well-acquainted.
Roy had learned her name was Nurse Mila.
"No, Nurse Mila. I'm changing my plan today," Roy shook his head. "I'd like to reserve a battle room."
"A battle?" Mila looked surprised, then clapped her hands together. "That's right, it's about time you had an actual battle."
"Do you need me to explain the battle room rules?"
"No, I've already researched them beforehand."
Roy smiled confidently.
The battle rooms in the Pokémon Center were categorized into several levels.
For novice trainers, there was the 1v1 level, known as the novice battle room.
More experienced trainers used the 3v3 rooms, and there were also 6v6 senior battle rooms for advanced trainers.
These weren't official competitions, so victories didn't provide tangible rewards, yet Pokémon Centers worldwide still attracted a steady stream of participants daily.
The reason was simple.
Competing against rivals of similar skill level was always the most effective way to grow stronger.
After Mila worked on the computer for a moment, she smiled and said, "All set! I've entered your information. Once you're matched with a rival, you'll receive a notification on your PokéGear. Make sure to arrive at the designated battle room on time, or you'll lose reputation points."
Roy nodded politely. "Thank you for the reminder, Nurse Mila."
Mila's eyes twinkled with mischief. "If you really want to thank me, let's have dinner together tonight. My treat!"
"I need to prepare for the exam, and I honestly don't have time."
"Huh? Another excuse!"
Roy didn't respond further, simply smiling and waving before turning to leave.
He was accustomed to this kind of attention. When he was younger, aunties would pinch his cheeks because he was cute. Now that he was older, groups of girls would ask for directions even when he was just waiting at a bus stop.
Yeah, right.
Are they lost?
Obviously, they're just interested in me.
Roy made a cup of coffee in the lounge and sat there for about ten minutes before receiving a message.
"Ding! Trainer ID: 976600, you have been matched with a rival. Please proceed to battle room 301 within five minutes."
Roy took a deep breath and held the red and white Poké Ball at his waist.
"Here we go, Riolu."
"Ri—!"
The Poké Ball trembled slightly between his palms, sensing his fighting spirit, and Riolu responded eagerly.
...
The Pokémon Center that Roy visited was the one closest to Capital University.
The novice trainers there were all students who had been training for less than a year, and those who came to battle in the novice room were freshmen from several surrounding universities.
Meeting students from the same school wasn't unlikely...
Which led to Roy's unexpected encounter.
"I didn't expect to meet you here."
Callan said with a surprised expression.
The battlefield was approximately the size of a basketball court, sufficient for Rookie-level trainer battles.
Besides the two of them, there was only one referee in the arena.
This was also because neither of them had established reputations yet.
Although they had only met once, Callan had a strong impression of Roy... Apart from Roy's bold statements, Callan had to admit that this guy was rather handsome.
Callan, who had never paid much attention to appearances, couldn't help feeling a twinge of envy in that moment.
'In the world of trainers, strength is what matters in the end!'
Regardless of who his rival was, Callan didn't underestimate him. He held his Poké Ball with determination and waited for the referee's signal.
Apart from the initial surprise, neither showed any excessive politeness. For battle trainers...
—The moment their eyes met, the battle had already begun!
"Venue: grassland field."
"Weather condition: sunny."
"Rules: 1v1 competition, until one Pokémon loses the ability to battle!"
"Countdown: 3, 2...1!"
The referee announced the rules and countdown, and then, under the watchful eyes of both trainers, he suddenly waved down the flag in his hand.
"Begin the battle!"
As soon as the words were spoken, both Poké Balls were thrown simultaneously, and in flashes of white light, their Pokémon materialized at the same time.
Bulbasaur and Riolu.
—The countdown concluded with both Pokémon being released simultaneously, adhering to the rules of official battles.
Otherwise, the trainer who threw their Poké Ball second would have an unfair advantage, being able to choose a Pokémon with a type advantage.
Though still novices, they understood the importance of following proper protocol.
"This Riolu..." Callan's eyes flashed with surprise.
A trainer's skill can initially be judged by their Pokémon's coat, eyes, physique, presence, and various other aspects.
Once a Pokémon has left infancy and entered the growth stage, its development depends entirely on the trainer.
Compared to a week ago, this Riolu's spirit was completely different.
This made Callan's heart skip a beat.
But...
'What are those bracelets on Riolu's wrists for?'
Callan remained cautious and curious.
When facing an opponent whose capabilities are unknown, testing from a distance is the wisest strategy!
"Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!"
Bulbasaur tensed, and the emerald bulb on its back suddenly released several green leaves that hovered in midair.
In the next second, the green leaves transformed into sharp blades and shot out like arrows leaving a bow.
To be honest, Roy couldn't clearly see the trajectory of the flying leaves; he could only make out blurred shadows cutting through the air.
Being his first battle, the fast pace made his reaction slightly delayed.
Fortunately, Riolu didn't need instructions for such a straightforward attack.
With a quick sidestep, Riolu evaded his opponent's opening move.
"So fast--!!"
Roy was amazed by Razor Leaf's speed, while Callan was equally impressed by Riolu's agility.
"Close the distance, Rock Smash," Roy commanded.
"Interfere with Vine Whip," Callan countered.
Both trainers gave instructions in the most concise language, racing against time.