"Blastoise is unable to battle! Siebold, please send out your next Pokémon!"
The referee's cold announcement echoed through the arena.
Siebold stood quietly on his side of the field, eyes fixed on his fallen Blastoise.
A faint flash of regret passed through his expression.
Blastoise had always been one of his most reliable partners—
yet even he couldn't withstand Swampert's overwhelming might.
Around them, the stadium exploded into thunderous cheers.
The audience loved every second of the clash.
Siebold exhaled softly, withdrew Blastoise, and took out another Poké Ball.
"Go—Clawitzer!"
With a bright flash, Clawitzer materialized.
Its massive cannon-like claw gleamed menacingly, disproportionately large for its small shrimp-like frame.
Chen Shi immediately scanned it.
Pokémon Scan — ClawitzerLevel: 60 (Elite – Early)
Potential: Pseudo-Champion
Ability: Mega Launcher
Moves: Crabhammer, Aqua Jet, Water Pulse, Heal Pulse, Dragon Pulse, Dark Pulse, Aura Sphere, Mud Shot, Bounce, Knock Off, Protect, Sludge Wave, Water Gun, Clamp, Endure
Chen Shi finished reading and paused briefly.
Then, without hesitation, he recalled Swampert.
Another ball flew forward.
"Flaar~"
Florges stepped onto the field like a drifting petal, offering Clawitzer a graceful bow.
Clawitzer… did not bow back.
Siebold wasted no time.
"Clawitzer, Dark Pulse!"
A concentrated blast of black energy fired from its cannon-claw.
Chen Shi smiled faintly.
"Florges, Energy Ball."
"Flaar~"
Florges launched a glowing green Energy Ball—
which collided midair with Dark Pulse.
BOOM!
Dark Pulse shredded through the Energy Ball's fragments—
and continued barreling toward Florges.
Chen Shi lifted a brow.
"Dodge it!"
Florges twirled aside with elegant speed; the attack ripped past her skirt of petals.
"Seed Bomb!"
"Flaar!"
Siebold countered sharply.
"Dragon Pulse!"
Dragon Pulse shot forward in a twisting beam—
but Chen Shi narrowed his eyes.
"Take it—then strike back."
Florges remembered his earlier teachings.
She braced—letting the Dragon Pulse hit.
A shimmering burst flared around her as she let out a convincingly pained cry—
But her movements didn't falter.
Her arm flicked—
And Seed Bomb exploded right into Clawitzer's face.
BOOM!!
The blast rocked the entire stadium.
Chen Shi's lips curled.
"Energy Ball—again."
"Flaar!"
The second glowing sphere shot forward.
Siebold's eyes widened.
"Clawitzer, are you alright?!"
But Clawitzer had no time to answer.
The Energy Ball landed squarely in the smoke cloud—
another violent blast.
When the smoke thinned, Clawitzer lay trembling, barely holding on.
Two consecutive Grass-type blows…
Brutal.
Chen Shi raised a hand.
"Finish it. One more Energy Ball."
"Flaar—"
"Wait! I surrender!" Siebold shouted, raising his hand.
"Stop—no more attacks!"
Florges halted immediately, the glowing orb dissolving into harmless sparks.
The referee stepped forward.
"Siebold forfeits this battle. Winner: Florges!
Siebold, please send out your Next Pokémon."
Siebold let out a small, helpless sigh and shook his head.
"No need. I forfeit the match.l.
I only have two Elite partners—there's no chance of winning."
A single misjudgment earlier had flipped the tide instantly.
Clawitzer had barely gotten to fight.
Continuing now would only inflict unnecessary injuries—
and Siebold would never allow that.
The referee asked calmly:
"Do you confirm your forfeit?"
"I confirm."
Siebold's voice was steady.
He wasn't someone who clung to victory or defeat.
What he cherished was the battle itself—
the art of fighting alongside one's partner Pokémon.
And standing on the World Championship stage exchanging blows with extraordinary trainers—
that alone was a reward.
He looked at Chen Shi with genuine admiration.
"Thank you for the battle.
I lost—fair and square."
The referee raised a flag.
"By forfeit, the winner is Chen Shi!!"
The arena roared with awe and applause.
Chen Shi nodded respectfully, returned Florges to her ball, and left the battlefield.
Pokémon Center
After exiting the arena, Chen Shi headed straight to a designated Pokémon Center.
He approached the Nurse Joy on duty.
"Hello—one of my Pokémon needs treatment."
She smiled.
"Of course. Which one?"
"Swampert."
He handed over the Poké Ball with both hands.
"He took some damage—please take care of him."
"Chansey, let's begin."
"Chaaaan-sey!"
A Chansey waddled forward cheerfully, following Joy into the treatment room.
Chen Shi scanned her automatically—
Elite-tier Chansey.
Steven really hadn't been exaggerating.
The League had deployed top-tier Joys and Chanseys specifically for this tournament.
After a short wait, Joy returned with Chansey at her side.
"Your Swampert isn't seriously injured—just exhausted.
Let him rest today. He'll be fully recovered by tomorrow."
Chen Shi nodded gratefully, accepting the Poké Ball.
"Thank you."
And with that, he left the Center, ready for the next challenge.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/lucarioTL