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# Chapter 6
The training hall smelled faintly of polished wood and iron. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the floor where students gathered in a restless circle. Their voices buzzed with excitement, the sound swelling like a tide.
Adrian stood at the center with Absol, his back straight and his gaze calm. He could feel the weight of every stare, every whisper. The Liora heir with the Shiny Absol—his very presence stirred both awe and envy. He had known this day would come the moment he first set foot in the Academy.
Headmaster Rowan stood near the edge of the arena, his silver hair catching the light. "Today, we test not just obedience, but resolve," he announced. "A trainer is measured by how they stand in battle—by the bond they share with their partner."
His eyes swept the room, landing on Adrian. "Adrian Liora. Step forward."
Adrian did not hesitate. He placed a hand on Absol's head, feeling the steady thrum of her resolve, and together they walked to the center circle marked on the floor.
"Your opponent," Rowan continued, "will be Elias Vern."
The crowd shifted, a murmur rippling through them. A boy stepped forward, his expression sharp with confidence. Elias was tall for his age, with neatly combed blond hair and eyes like polished steel. His family, though not noble, was wealthy enough to earn respect in Crescent Town. More importantly, he had already made a name for himself as a skilled young trainer.
Elias smirked as he took his place opposite Adrian. "Finally," he said, loud enough for the circle to hear. "Let's see if the heir is anything more than a shiny toy with a rare Pokémon."
A few students snickered, but others leaned in with curiosity. Adrian's jaw tightened, though his face betrayed nothing.
Rowan raised his hand. "This will be a one-on-one match. No switching, no interference. Victory is declared when a Pokémon can no longer continue. Begin."
Elias reached for his Poké Ball with a flourish. "Go, Growlithe!"
The ball burst open in a flash of light, and a fiery-orange Growlithe landed with a bark, its fur bristling with heat. Flames licked faintly at the edges of its mouth as it fixed its gaze on Absol.
Adrian's heart thudded once in his chest, but he placed his hand over Absol's head. "Steady," he whispered.
The system chimed in his mind.
> \[Analysis: Opponent's Growlithe. Type: Fire. Current Level: 6. Known Moves: Ember, Tackle, Leer, Bite. Estimated Threat: Moderate.]
Adrian inhaled slowly. He could do this.
Elias pointed sharply. "Growlithe, Leer!"
The Fire-type's eyes glowed red, its snarl cutting through the hall. Absol stiffened as the wave of intimidation pressed down on her. Adrian felt her unease through their bond.
"Don't let it shake you," Adrian said firmly. "Quick Attack, now!"
Absol blurred into motion, streaking across the floor like silver lightning. She slammed into Growlithe's side before it could brace, knocking the Fire-type back a step. Gasps rippled through the circle.
Elias' smirk faltered, but he recovered quickly. "Growlithe, Ember!"
The puppy Pokémon growled, spitting a burst of flame across the arena. Absol twisted mid-stride, the fire grazing her flank but missing full contact. Adrian's chest clenched at the sight of the singed fur.
"Stay calm," he urged. "Close the distance. Scratch!"
Absol lunged again, claws flashing. She raked across Growlithe's shoulder, sparks flying as the Fire-type yelped.
"Bite!" Elias barked.
Growlithe snapped its jaws, catching Absol's leg mid-strike. She cried out, twisting desperately. Adrian's heart lurched, but he shouted, "Quick Attack—break free!"
Energy surged through Absol's body, her form blurring as she wrenched herself free, leaving Growlithe stumbling. The bite left a mark, but she stood firm, eyes blazing with determination.
The crowd murmured louder now. Some cheered for Elias, others for Adrian, but all were caught in the heat of the battle.
Rowan's gaze gleamed with sharp approval.
Elias' smirk returned, though tighter than before. "Not bad. But can you handle this? Growlithe, Ember—full power!"
The Fire-type drew a deep breath, flames crackling brighter in its throat. It unleashed a burst of fire that roared across the arena.
Adrian's mind raced. If Absol took the hit head-on, she'd be finished. He felt her panic, sharp and hot, but forced himself to steady his voice.
"Absol! Quick Attack—dodge right, then circle behind!"
She moved like silver lightning, darting to the side. The flames licked her tail but missed the core of the strike. She streaked around Growlithe, claws scraping sparks as she skidded into position behind it.
"Now—Scratch!"
Absol slashed at Growlithe's flank. The Fire-type yelped, stumbling forward from the impact. Adrian seized the moment. His instincts screamed at him, guided by the system's faint hum in his mind.
"Finish it! Quick Attack—direct hit!"
Absol became a blur, colliding with Growlithe's chest. The Fire-type toppled backward, rolling across the floor before skidding to a stop. It tried to rise, legs trembling, but then collapsed with a final whine.
Rowan's voice rang through the hall. "Growlithe is unable to battle. Victory—Adrian Liora and Absol!"
The circle erupted. Some clapped, others gasped, a few muttered in disbelief. Elias' face burned red as he recalled his Growlithe, his smirk long gone. He glared at Adrian but said nothing, storming out of the circle with his fists clenched.
Adrian dropped to his knees, arms wrapping around Absol. She panted heavily, her fur damp with sweat and faintly singed, but her crimson eyes glowed with triumph.
"You did it," Adrian whispered, his throat tight. "We did it."
The system chimed again.
> \[Quest Complete: First Official Battle.]
> \[Reward: +200 Points, Skill Book Fragment (2/5).]
> \[Absol gained 120 EXP. Level Up: 7 → 8.]
Adrian's chest swelled with pride as the words faded. This wasn't just training anymore. This was real.
Rowan stepped forward, his voice calm but carrying weight. "Well fought, both of you. Adrian Liora, you displayed control and clarity beyond your years. Remember—true strength lies not in rare Pokémon, but in the bond and trust between trainer and partner. Today, you proved that bond."
Adrian bowed slightly, his hand still resting on Absol's head. "Thank you, Headmaster."
Selene watched from the edge of the hall, her eyes shimmering with quiet pride. Damien stood beside her, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Yet Adrian caught the faintest glimmer of approval in his father's golden eyes.
As the students dispersed, their voices buzzing with talk of the battle, Adrian remained in the center for a moment longer. He could feel it—the shift. He was no longer just the boy with the Shiny Absol. He was a trainer who had won.
That night, lying in his bed with Absol curled beside him, Adrian stared at the ceiling, his heart still racing from the battle.
The system pulsed softly in his mind.
> \[New Quest Unlocked: Path of the Trainer.]
> \[Objective: Win 10 official battles. Reward: Evolution Stone Fragment, +500 Points.]
Adrian clenched his fists. The path was clear now, carved before him by his own choices. He wasn't just chasing destiny anymore—he was shaping it.
He turned to Absol, brushing his hand through her fur. She opened one crimson eye, purring softly as though to reassure him.
"We'll win them all," Adrian whispered. "Every battle. Every challenge. Together."
And in the quiet of the night, with the system's hum steady in his mind and Absol's warmth pressed against his side, Adrian felt it again—that fire in his chest, brighter and fiercer than ever. The world was vast, the journey only beginning, and he was ready to claim it.
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