Early the next morning, the four finished breakfast, fed their Pokémon, and headed straight to the Silver Conference venue. Once inside their lounge, Flannery immediately switched on the display screen, practically vibrating with anticipation for the matchups.
On screen, the host stood atop his trusted Aegislash, with an enormous digital board flashing behind him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the World Championships!"
"After three grueling days of battles, only 32 trainers remain."
"Today, our finalists will be paired via computer draw."
"Let's begin!"
At his cue, the portraits of the 32 competitors spun wildly.
The first matchup to be revealed…
…was Flannery's.
The moment her opponent's portrait appeared—
Flannery froze.
Completely.
Chen Shi took one glance…
Then silently shut his mouth.
Even Steven Stone and Cynthia fell still.
Because Flannery's opponent was—
Cynthia.
Chen Shi sighed dramatically.
"…Well. Guess this is destiny."
"Flannery… it seems you were fated to stop at the Top 32."
Flannery collapsed backward onto the sofa like a marionette with its strings cut.
Fight Cynthia?
Was this a joke?
She'd seen Cynthia's entire team. Forget Lucario, Milotic, Glaceon…
Just her Garchomp, sitting comfortably at mid-Elite, could flatten her AND still have time to sweep the battlefield afterward.
There was no chance.
Not low chance—
ZERO.
Trying would only get her team obliterated for no reason.
Cynthia placed a hand on her hip, completely serious.
"Don't worry. I'll be using my full strength to show proper respect."
Flannery's eyes instantly filled with tears.
Respect???
Sister, I'm BEGGING you NOT to respect me!!
I already can't beat you—
Why are you telling me you'll fight me seriously?!
Give me mercy! Not respect!!
"Pfft—"
Chen Shi finally cracked and burst into laughter.
Flannery looked like a kicked Poochyena, eyes wet, face scrunched in despair—it was priceless.
And honestly…
Cynthia truly had hidden comedian talent.
"YOU'RE LAUGHING?!"
Flannery shot up, furious, stomping so hard the floor creaked.
She pointed at Chen Shi with a shaking finger.
She was already devastated from being forced into Top-32 elimination…
And THIS jerk dared to laugh?
"Cough— I mean, uh… I just remembered something funny."
Chen Shi rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
"Not about you. Completely unrelated. Very unrelated."
"You… you…!!"
Bright red and trembling, Flannery turned to Steven.
"Steven-nii! Look! Those two lovebirds are bullying me!"
Steven glanced at Cynthia and Chen Shi, nodded gravely.
"Then you should keep your distance from them. No need to suffer."
Cynthia's ears went pink.
She shot Chen Shi a sharp glare.
Chen Shi offered his patented "I-wish-I-could-undo-time" smile, then quickly pointed at the screen.
"Look—everyone's matchups are finalized."
Steven scanned for his own.
His opponent: Flint.
A name he didn't recognize.
He frowned slightly. Anyone who made Top 32 deserved caution.
But Chen Shi immediately sat up straighter.
Flint — future Sinnoh Fire-type Elite Four, brother of Volkner.
"Steven, be careful," Chen Shi warned.
"He's a Fire specialist."
Steven nodded.
Fire was a bad matchup for his beloved Steel-types…
But Steven Stone never lacked confidence.
Not arrogance.
Just certainty.
Next, Chen Shi checked his own opponent.
His expression didn't shift much.
Just a faint, strange amusement.
Opponent: Reiji.
And Reiji had a very famous little brother from another world's anime—
A brother who was famous for getting beaten repeatedly.
Paul.
Chen Shi rubbed his temple.
If this was the guy who raised Paul…
He probably wasn't winning any Father of the Year awards.
Perfect.
Chen Shi planned to teach him a lesson.
Steven stood. "Flannery, you and Cynthia are up first. Time to head down."
Flannery's soul visibly left her body as she followed Cynthia toward the tunnel, dragging her feet like a prisoner walking to the gallows.
The First Match of the Day: Cynthia vs. Flannery
"Ladies and gentlemen! First match—Cynthia vs. Flannery!"
As Cynthia stepped into the arena, the crowd detonated.
"CYNTHIAAAAA!!"
"She's gorgeous!"
"MY GODDESS!"
"MY WIFE—"
"Wife your FACE! She's MY wife!"
The roars nearly shook the stadium apart.
Flannery puffed her cheeks.
Fine. Fine!
Everyone loves Cynthia, huh?
Okay then—
You all want a battle?
I'll show you a battle.
She raised her hand.
"Referee! I surrender! I'm not fighting!"
The entire stadium—
Went dead silent.
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