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"Now that we've explained the tournament format, I'm sure our audience has a clear picture of what's ahead," Audrey said with a bright smile.
"And of course, we must thank our sponsor EeveeTech for their tremendous support in making this year's League Tournament possible!"
Her tone was smooth and practiced as she transitioned seamlessly. Turning to Professor Ashford, she asked:
"Professor, now that the groups have been revealed, are there any Trainers in particular that you're keeping an eye on?"
"Absolutely," Ashford replied. The studio lights reflected off his neatly combed black hair and glasses. "For example, in Group F…"
The commentary faded into background noise as Lanny exhaled, shaking off his daydreams and returning to focus. He listened carefully, mentally noting every detail.
Even though Dark Star had already provided him with files on every competitor, hearing insights from someone as respected as Professor Ashford gave him new perspectives.
The more prepared he was, the better chance he had of reaching his goal: the Top Eight.
When the special broadcast finally ended, the group draws were official, and the tournament's opening matchups had been hyped to perfection.
Lanny switched off the TV, stretched, and rose from the couch.
Silvershore City had spared no expense to host this year's League. Months of advertisements, free travel and accommodations for competitors, and even private rest lounges each outfitted with internet, sofas, and refreshments.
The city wanted to prove itself on the world stage.
Deciding it was time to prepare, Lanny left his room to visit the Trainer Center and give his team a final check-up before the battles tomorrow.
The quiet hallway stretched before him, but faint chatter drifted from further ahead. Curious, he followed the sound until he reached the lobby.
---
There, in the open space, five or six female competitors clustered around someone.
Lanny moved closer, finding a vantage point where he could see.
And then he froze.
A tall young man stood at the center. Platinum-blond hair slicked neatly back, sculpted features that looked almost unreal, and a refined posture that radiated elegance. His tailored clothes were flawless, fitting him like armor crafted for nobility.
Lanny's heart skipped a beat. He recognized him immediately from the dossiers Dark Star had sent.
Nolan.
The direct heir of the prestigious Whiteoak family in the Kalos Region. A prodigy who had demonstrated extraordinary talent from childhood, he was already one of the youngest Trainers in history to achieve certification as an official Elite Breeder.
With his lineage, resources, and brilliance, Nolan was considered one of the absolute favorites to win the entire League.
Even now, surrounded by admirers, he remained composed, his good manners and easy smile only adding to his aura.
And then Nolan glanced his way. Their eyes met briefly, and Nolan offered a polite nod and smile.
Lanny stiffened, forcing himself to return the gesture. A chill ran down his spine.
So this is what real pedigree feels like…
He quickly looked away, replaying everything he'd read about Nolan. The deeper he remembered, the more uneasy he felt.
"Please, not him," he thought. "Not in the knockouts." Facing Nolan in an elimination round would almost certainly mean his journey ending early.
---
Thankfully, the Trainer Center wasn't crowded. Lanny quickly finished the pre-battle treatment for his chosen team:
Trevenant
Noibat
Typhlosion
Yes, his Cyndaquil from Kael's early mission had grown into his strongest battler, Typhlosion. It was now the ace anchoring his squad, the trump card he saved for when the match was on the line.
The other two, though less powerful, were carefully chosen for balance. With Trevenant's disruptive Ghost/Grass abilities and Noibat's speed and versatility, his lineup was designed to carry him safely through the group stage.
The plan was simple: let Trevenant and Noibat wear opponents down, and if anything went wrong, Typhlosion would finish the job. Stability mattered more than flash.
Lanny's goal remained the same: Top Eight. But with Typhlosion's strength, and Dark Star's resources backing him, he believed it was possible to go further.
And if trouble arose, he wasn't afraid to call in favors from his organization. After all, he had already seen how effective their "support" could be during his Water Gym challenge.
As he left the Center, his eyes glimmered with ambition and caution.
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