Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
When a school bus from the Pokémon University of Duskwell City entered the campus, it officially marked the start of the friendly exchange between two of the top three ranked universities in the country.
To demonstrate their strength as the second-best university in the nation, the Pokémon University of Duskwell City came all out this time, assembling practically the best students from the entire university.
Their level was so high that even some professors were astonished!
In terms of individual strength, the Pokémon University of Duskwell City was convinced that very few universities could gather students stronger than theirs. So, even though this was a team competition, they were confident they would achieve a crushing victory.
"So this is the Pokémon University of Ironvale City? Just as they say, eternal third place! Not even close to our Pokémon University of Duskwell City!" said one of the students on the bus, smirking as he looked out the window.
The rivalry between the Pokémon University of Duskwell City and the Pokémon University of Ironvale City was not just a matter of a few years.
In the annual national university rankings, Duskwell City University had always placed above Ironvale City University, taking all the attention.
This time, they had originally planned to challenge the Capital University, but the draw matched them against Ironvale City University. What bad luck for them!
Facing the strongest generation of students in the history of Duskwell City University, Ironvale City University would likely suffer a crushing defeat... and that was exactly what Duskwell City University wanted to see!
Therefore, when the Duskwell City University bus entered the Ironvale City University campus, an oppressive atmosphere covered the school, like the calm before a storm.
...
"Professor Thompson, have the exchange students from Duskwell City University arrived?"
In the gym, Marcus Foster approached the professor in charge of the visiting team, excited.
"Yes, they have arrived," nodded Professor Thompson, though his face showed concern.
"What's the matter, Professor Thompson?" asked Lucas Silver, noticing his expression.
"I have good news... and bad news," said Professor Thompson, looking at everyone present. "Which would you like to hear first?"
Everyone remained silent for a moment, exchanging glances.
"Let's start with the good news," said Marcus Foster, taking the initiative. The others nodded.
Professor Thompson also nodded and explained:
"The good news is that the Ironvale City Trainers' Guild sent us a notice: if we manage to defeat Duskwell City University, they will give us an opportunity to enter the Pokémon breeding zone on Greenrock Mountain. You will be able to catch a Pokémon you like."
Hearing this, everyone got excited. Opportunities to catch Pokémon were rare, and the Greenrock Mountain breeding zone was very famous throughout Ironvale City for hosting many rare species.
If they managed to get in, they would surely find an ideal Pokémon!
"Now that's a great reward!" exclaimed even Marcus Foster, who came from a wealthy family. Even though he had the means to buy Pokémon, catching them personally was much more exciting.
"Fools... the better the Guild's reward, the stronger the opponent!" sighed Lucas Silver. "Professor Thompson, what's the bad news?"
"The bad news is precisely about their strength," replied Professor Thompson, handing them some documents. "Although more than ten came, most likely only these five will compete: the strongest ones."
"What is this...?"
"Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Meganium...!"
Reading the Pokémon names, Ethan Black squinted.
He hadn't expected that three of the students would have the Johto starters... and all in their final forms!
It must be remembered that starters have extremely high potential. If trained well, they can even rival pseudo-legendary Pokémon!
Alex Baxter's Charizard had already proven this. Having three final-stage starters on the same team left everyone speechless.
Ethan Black took a deep breath and continued reading... The other two students had a Rhydon and an Ampharos.
"Rhydon!" Seeing that name, Ethan Black felt a headache coming.
Their team was designed for sandstorms, and Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-type Pokémon were precisely the ones that caused them the most trouble.
Although they had a Magneton and a Metang, capable of using Steel-type moves that could damage Rhydon, neither of them mastered those attacks well.
Magneton's Electric-type moves were useless against Rhydon, and Metang's Psychic powers didn't do much against a Pokémon with a sandstorm defense bonus.
In comparison, Ampharos was the easiest to face, but it was still a third-stage final Pokémon, with non-negligible power.
"This battle will be tough..." said Lucas Silver after a moment of silence.
"Yes, and aside from their strength, Feraligatr and Meganium strongly counter many of our Pokémon."
"Especially Jasper's Onix. Both Pokémon deal quadruple damage due to type. His great defense won't help against them."
Jasper Reid's face turned dark. From that point of view, everything looked very bad for them. It was no surprise the Trainers' Guild offered such a big reward... they probably didn't expect them to win!
"It seems we'll have to prepare our strategy well this time."
"Even if Onix can't handle Feraligatr or Meganium, it can face Typhlosion and Ampharos."
"So we must divide the battlefield. It would be best for Onix to face Typhlosion. Ampharos will go against Sandslash, which is Ground-type. Then, Magneton will face Feraligatr, no doubt about it."
"And Meganium... it can only face Shelgon, the only one with a type advantage."
"Finally, Rhydon will be my responsibility. I'll face it with Metang."
Although the battle would be difficult, they had no other choice. So, immediately, they began planning their strategy.
(End of chapter)