"Hello everyone, I'm your host Undella, and on behalf of Capital University, I welcome all our guests..."
No matter which school was hosting an event, the opening ceremony was always tediously long. The more prestigious the institution, the more drawn out it would be, and Capital University was no exception.
After an extensive opening speech, the host continued enthusiastically, announcing a surprise.
"Today, we're honored to have Elite Four member Carter join us to mentor our freshmen. He's delighted to witness the rise of future stars. Let's welcome Elite Carter with a round of applause!"
"Woah—"
A commotion swept through the auditorium as all eyes turned toward the VIP section, where a handsome middle-aged man smiled and waved to the audience.
Thunderous cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
"It's really Elite Carter! An active Psychic-type Elite Four member!"
"Oh my Arceus, it's my first time seeing an Elite Four member in person!"
"Strange, Carter's alma mater isn't Capital University? Why is he here?"
"Capital University is the alma mater of Elite Sebastian from the Fighting-type division. I heard they have a good relationship. Elite Luke went to the Kalos region for a gym tour a few days ago and isn't in the country, so Carter came to help out..."
"That makes sense."
The audience's excitement was palpable, everyone feeling the trip had been worthwhile.
At that moment, the viewership of the Capital Tournament livestream instantly multiplied tenfold.
The #EliteCarter# hashtag for the Capital Tournament rapidly climbed the trending charts.
Indeed, even though Elite Carter wasn't participating in the competition but merely observing, his presence alone caused a sensation.
Such was the influence of an Elite Four Trainer.
If the popularity of famous professional Trainers was equivalent to A-list celebrities in Roy's previous life, then the fame of Elite Four members was at least household-level recognition. They were national heroes who brought glory to the country and served the interests of the people. Spreading negative information about them would be considered a serious offense.
At the VIP table, Carter leaned back in his seat. His tailored suit couldn't completely conceal his middle-aged paunch as he wiped away sweat and smiled wryly. "Just standing for a moment has tired me out. Time is merciless—I'm getting old and should consider retirement..."
"Come now, you're being too modest," The Principal of Capital University, sitting beside him, said with a smile. "Mr. Carter, you've been an Elite Four member for 18 years since you were thirty-five, right? You're our longest-serving Elite, still going strong!"
"Indeed."
Professor Christian, whom Roy had met previously, was also present at the table. He nodded and smiled. "And your son Cade—I've met that young man before. He has a bit of a temper, but he's diligent, studious, and kind-hearted. He'll definitely become a pillar of talent in the future!"
"Not to mention your other outstanding child..."
Everyone at the table glanced simultaneously toward a woman sitting at the corner of the VIP section.
She appeared to be in her early twenties, with delicate, beautiful features, but her expression was so cold it created an emotional chill.
Caroline, twenty-three years old, professional Trainer, and the eldest daughter of the Psychic-type Elite Four member.
Carter laughed happily. As an Elite Four member, he'd heard every kind of flattery imaginable. But in recent years, he particularly enjoyed hearing praise for his two children, especially his daughter, who made even him proud...
"Please don't flatter me," Carter sighed. "I'd be fortunate just to survive this year's Elite Four qualifying tournament... I don't know how many people are eyeing my position. Everyone thinks I'm past my prime."
The annual Elite Four Qualifying Tournament was exclusive to a select number of professional Trainers. It was the highest official professional league in the region.
The top four players in the regular season earned the right to challenge current Elite Four members.
If a challenger won, they would make a true leap forward and become the new Elite Four member.
Before The Principal and Professor Christian could offer more polite reassurances, Caroline spoke in an emotionless voice: "Father, I will challenge you in this year's Elite Four qualifying tournament."
Hearing this, Carter laughed heartily.
"Alright, alright."
"..."
Professor Christian and The Principal exchanged glances.
This was truly a scene of father-daughter affection.
However, both men felt a tremor of anxiety. Caroline was only 23 years old—was she already confident she could qualify to challenge an Elite Four member?
Could those rumors be true?
While the VIP section engaged in conversation, the tournament had already begun.
They couldn't be blamed for not focusing on the matches. The truth was... the Round of 16 matches were rather boring.
The gap between recommended students and ordinary students was simply too vast. Every year, the Round of 16 competitions ended in overwhelming victories.
Dark horses were exceedingly rare. In the past 16 years, the Principal had only witnessed three.
Facing recommended students who displayed their full arsenals and prepared targeted strategies, all three dark horses had narrowly lost in the Round of 16.
Only after the quarterfinals, when recommended students faced each other, would the matches become truly worth watching.
However, when the announcement came, "The next match will be between recommended student Chloe and Roy," Principal Finn perked up.
"Professor Christian, is this the young man?"
"Yes." Professor Christian nodded. "It was he... who connected with Riolu and defeated Callan."
"Riolu?" Carter interjected curiously. "Is it the offspring of Sebastian's Lucario that was left here?"
After Principal Finn confirmed this, the Psychic-type Elite Four member stroked his chin with great interest.
"Born in an ordinary family? Interesting."
Roy had no idea that an Elite Four member had taken an interest in him—otherwise, he would have been even more nervous than he already was.
Roy felt a touch of anxiety stepping onto such a grand stage for the first time.
'So many people.'
Looking out across the auditorium, he estimated at least 2,000 spectators—a massive crowd. Roy had initially hoped to locate his parents, but now he abandoned the effort.
The qualifiers and the Pokémon Center matches had been informal competitions, held in venues merely the size of basketball courts. The main tournament stage at Capital University, however, followed official competition specifications in every aspect.
Large screens surrounded the arena, displaying contestant and Pokémon information while capturing and zooming in on battle scenes in real-time, providing close-ups and slow-motion replays of crucial moments.
Each contestant was equipped with a special earpiece microphone to amplify their voice and shield them from the noise of the venue and audience.
Beyond his nervousness, Roy felt a long-dormant excitement. It wasn't just him—the Poké Ball at his waist had been trembling since the beginning.
The stage was set.
This would be the first platform where Roy announced his arrival to the world!