"Feng Che, you won't have another chance. Behold the power of Bronzong!"
Starhunt narrowed his eyes, his gaze dripping with murderous intent. "Bronzong, use Gyro Ball!"
The massive bell began to spin with terrifying velocity, creating a localized gravitational pull. Nearby debris was sucked into the vortex and pulverized into dust.
"Arbok, just like we practiced. Counter-attack!"
Feng Che remained unfazed. Arbok-Ditto's tail turned a brilliant silver. It whipped the tail in the exact opposite direction of Bronzong's rotation. Sparks erupted as the metal slammed into metal.
Bronzong didn't stop, but its momentum was slightly disrupted. Arbok didn't give up; it continued to weave through the arena, rhythmically striking the spinning "gyro" at its weak points.
"Fascinating," Giovanni mused from the stands. "Using precision and counter-torque to break a Gyro Ball... this boy has a terrifying gift for battle."
"It's been a long time since we've seen such a performance," Koga added. "He isn't just fighting; he's dissecting his opponent."
Starhunt, however, was losing his cool. His knuckles were white, and his breathing was ragged.
The 'possession' technology still has flaws, Athena thought, watching her protégé from the shadows. He can't control the amplified negative emotions. Even if he wins, Giovanni will see him as a loose cannon.
"Bronzong! Teleport into high altitude! Use Flash Cannon!" Starhunt shrieked.
The bell vanished and reappeared high above, raining down pillars of silver light that plowed through the arena floor like a laser-grid.
While the light show continued, Giovanni checked his communicator. An urgent message had arrived. He stood up abruptly.
"The winner has been decided. Viper, prepare the reward ceremony," Giovanni said. "The Pokémon are already on their way. Let Feng Che choose one of the three."
Without another word, Giovanni, the Executives, and the Generals began to leave. They didn't need to see the end; they already knew how it would go.
When the dust from the Flash Cannon settled, Starhunt looked down, expecting to see a shredded snake. But the arena was empty.
"Where is it?! How can it be gone?!" Starhunt roared, his mask falling off to reveal a gaunt, skeletal face.
"It's over. Arbok, Fire Fang!"
Feng Che's voice came from the edge of the smoke. Suddenly, Arbok-Ditto burst from the ground directly beneath Bronzong. It clamped its flaming jaws onto the bell's rim. With a heavy CLANG, the Bronzong was slammed into the dirt.
Cracks appeared on the bell's surface. It was finished.
"Impossible... I am the best... I cannot lose..." Starhunt clutched his head. Thick clouds of blue psychic energy erupted from his body, but instead of helping him, it seemed to be draining him. He withered like a grape in the sun, eventually collapsing as a hollowed-out husk.
In the Rocket Medical Wing.
The blonde girl, Kanna, gasped as she woke up. "What a fascinating memory... my 'soul-link' technology still has such high feedback. My sister... let her live a bit longer." She giggled, her eyes swirling with psychic power. "A shame Feng Che is being sent to the League as a mole. I'd have loved to play with him."
"Did Starhunt just... kill himself with psychic backlash?" Feng Che wondered, looking at the dried-up remains of his opponent. No, that was just a puppet. The real controller left. Since when does Rocket have 'Possession' tech?
"Feng Che! Congratulations," Instructor Viper said, stepping onto the field. He opened a high-security case. "Boss Giovanni was very impressed. Here is your reward."
Three Luxury Balls rested on a bed of Swanna down.
Chikorita: Level 8. Potential: Cyan (Epic). Evaluation: A support specialist. A healer for the team.
Totodile: Level 8. Potential: Cyan (Epic). Evaluation: Highly aggressive, knows Dragon Dance and Dragon Claw. A true combatant.
Litten: Level 8. Potential: Cyan (Epic). Evaluation: Massive potential, but suffers from 'Flame Overflow.' It can't control its power and is constantly in a self-damaging state.
"I'll take the Litten," Feng Che said.
Viper frowned. "Are you sure? Our researchers labeled that one as 'Incurable.' It will burn itself out eventually."
"I like a challenge," Feng Che replied, stowing the ball.
Fourth Main Pokémon—Get!
"You are now promoted to Elite (Major)," Viper continued. "Your mission is to infiltrate the League. You'll be sent to Celadon City with a forged identity as a rookie trainer. You have three months to get inside the League's good graces and report back via an encrypted server. You report directly to Sabrina."
Viper leaned in. "Don't betray us. The Shadow Unit doesn't take kindly to deserters."
As Feng Che walked out, he met Alice and Tianchen.
"I've been assigned to the Shadow Unit for info-gathering," Tianchen said, now in civilian clothes. "I'm heading back to Unova for a while. I'll get those herbs you wanted."
"I'm on a special assignment too," Alice added, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I'll be gone for at least a year. Stay safe, Feng Che."
They shared a final handshake before parting ways. Feng Che was now alone, a hidden piece on the board of Kanto.
Just then, a tall, black-haired girl appeared in front of him. Sabrina.
......BONUS CHAPTER IS COMING........
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
⭐ Read chapters early on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/Bagga_10 ⭐
BONUS CHAPTER REWARDS
• Every 20 reviews = 1 bonus chapter
• Every 50 Power Stones = 1 bonus chapter
Your support directly unlocks more content and faster releases.