The next day, in the gym of the Pokémon University of Ironvale City.
The exchange group from the Pokémon University of Duskwell City was greeted by an assigned professor as soon as they arrived at the university.
After a full day of visits and activities, the most exciting moment had finally arrived: the exchange tournament!
"Phew, the strategy is already set!"
"If we all follow it to the letter, we have a great chance of winning!"
In the competitors' resting area, captain Lucas Silver was cheering on the other four members.
"Don't worry, captain," replied Alex Baxter. "For the evolution stone and the chance to enter the Greenrock Mountain breeding zone, we'll give it our all!"
Alex Baxter clenched his fist, determination on his face.
"If we lose, there won't be a university for us... what a tragedy," Ethan Black sighed inwardly, though his gaze soon sharpened.
At the same time, inside the battlefield, the announcer called in the participants. From both universities, ten trainers exited their respective resting zones and positioned themselves on both sides of the field.
After their entrance, the customary speeches of the professors and administrators leading each team followed. Finally, the official start signal was given.
There was no round of Pokémon introductions. At the referee's order, both teams sent their Pokémon into the field simultaneously. Ten Pokémon positioned themselves at once, and the atmosphere in the stadium exploded!
Since they were on the home turf of Ironvale City University, the audience was almost entirely local, which drew more than one annoyed huff from the Duskwell City University members.
"Go, Typhlosion, use Flamethrower!" shouted Brandon Hayes, an impatient trainer who didn't wait a second after the official start of the match.
On the side of Ironvale City University, Metang immediately responded using Psychic, colliding with Flamethrower in midair, causing a massive explosion and marking the true start of the battle.
"Sandslash, use Sandstorm!"
Sandslash, responsible for the team's weather, began with Rapid Spin combined with Sand Attack. He activated his mysterious power, and within seconds, a sandstorm covered the entire field.
"A weather move?"
The Duskwell City University professor looked surprised at the strategy, but didn't seem worried; he clearly trusted his students.
"Sandstorm, eh? This field is mine. Go, Rhydon!"
As an elite student of Duskwell City University, the Rhydon trainer knew perfectly how to handle that environment. Seeing the storm, he laughed and ordered a powerful attack.
BOOM!
"I'm your opponent! Metang, use Psychic and stop Rhydon!"
Seeing Rhydon separate from his team and advance alone, Lucas Silver smiled and gave the order to block him.
"Rhydon, break free and use Rock Slide against Metang!"
With a roar, Rhydon broke the mental control. He gathered Rock-type energy and formed a massive boulder, which he launched at Metang.
"Psychic!" Lucas Silver ordered precisely.
BOOM!
Metang's Psychic pulverized the rock in midair, scattering a rain of fragments that mixed with the sandstorm.
"Feraligatr, it's our turn!"
Seeing Rhydon in action, Feraligatr's trainer didn't want to be left behind and sent it into the attack, regardless of the storm.
"Idiots!" muttered the Meganium trainer. "Meganium, cover them!"
Seeing her two impulsive teammates rush into combat, she had no choice but to follow. She ordered her Meganium to advance alongside Feraligatr.
"Perfect! Magneton, use Thunderbolt!" shouted Alex Baxter as he saw Feraligatr approaching.
"Pff. Among all their Pokémon, that Magneton is the only one that could defeat Feraligatr. But I won't let that happen," replied the Meganium trainer, her eyes shining behind her glasses.
But just as Meganium tried to intercept the Thunderbolt, a whirlwind of sand rose from the ground, blocking her path.
It was Sandslash again. The combined move Sand Whirl was a key part of his plan, meant to divide the opposing team.
"Meganium, use Razor Leaf!"
Seeing herself blocked by the whirlwind, the trainer reacted quickly. Meganium used Razor Leaf and shattered the whirlwind.
"Well done! Shelgon, use Flamethrower!"
Just as the whirlwind dissipated, a blaze shot out from the dust. The scorching flame struck Meganium head-on, forcing her to retreat.
"We can't just watch! Typhlosion, go!"
The Typhlosion trainer panicked seeing Meganium back away and prepared to provide support.
But before Typhlosion could advance, the ground in front of it suddenly broke!
Onix, which had secretly used Dig, emerged right in front of Typhlosion. It lifted its massive tail and slammed it down with crushing force.
But Typhlosion reacted just in time and narrowly dodged the blow!
"Stone Edge!"
Unfazed by the miss, Onix gathered Rock-type energy. Several stone pillars emerged from the ground, forcing Typhlosion to dodge tirelessly.
"Very well! Use Rock Throw!"
Taking advantage of Typhlosion being trapped, Onix launched a rain of rocks, hitting it one after another.
At the same time, Sandslash used Dig to position itself behind Ampharos. Thanks to its Sand Rush ability, which made it faster under the effect of Sandstorm, Sandslash surprised Ampharos and struck it with Crush Claw, sending it flying.
(End of chapter)