Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

"It's good that you're confident."

She stopped asking questions and, from beginning to end, trusted her lover by her side.

During numerous downpours, she was the one who held up the large umbrella; through long and arduous journeys, she was the one who stepped forward.

With this sense of security, how could I possibly have any doubts?

"Well, the training plan needs to be adjusted a bit after breakfast."

Her gaze swept over the name on the phone screen again—

Karuni.

The legendary actress Carlos, famous far and wide.

The final and toughest hurdle to the main tournament of the eight masters.

It's right in front of us.

......

The lingering warmth of summer still lingers, and the midday sun shines brightly.

Warmth poured into the courtyard, reflecting shimmering light on the water. The Pumpkin Monster floated in mid-air, while the Sticky Dragon lay on the bluestone, stirring up the water.

A brush applies foundation to the beauty's cheeks, her reflection in the mirror is flawless, her eyelashes long and delicate, and her lip gloss is the season's most popular berry color, making the champion's skin appear even whiter. She is shooting the latest advertisement for the top perfume she endorses, against the backdrop of a huge, holographically simulated Carlos Rose Garden.

"Miss Karuni, please smile and see if your makeup is appropriate."

Karuni turned her head as instructed, revealing a smile that was just right—not seductive, but warm enough.

Just as the photographer shouted "Perfect wrap!", her secretary, a smart and capable young woman dressed smartly, strode through the busy crew, holding up her buzzing Rotom phone, and approached.

“Sister Karuni,” the girl lowered her voice and turned the phone screen towards her, “the preliminary match schedule that the competition organizing committee just sent over.”

As Nan Yin had seen before, the gray-haired beauty was not surprised when she saw the two names in the same frame; she even gave a knowing smile.

It seems that, at his request, the alliance has finally agreed to his previously stated demands.

“Nanyin…” she murmured the name softly, so softly that only she could hear it.

The calmness of their first encounter at the Prism Tower, the perseverance and wisdom they displayed while fighting alongside Vladari, the two disasters they resolved in Desert City and Hammerlocke City, and the gentleness they exuded in the courtyard during their recent visit to Han's small room—a gentleness so different from their formidable strength.

That young junior, that genius trainer whom she had placed high hopes on and regarded as Carlos's future, finally stood on the opposite side.

That's good; her arrangements were worthwhile.

A burning fighting spirit overwhelmed her thoughts, and the veil of propriety that belonged to public figures vanished completely. A flash of light appeared, and an elegant emerald figure appeared beside her.

"Gardedor, our next opponent... is Nan Yin."

Memories seemed to rewind to the day of their first encounter, to that skinny Eevee, whose words of daring to challenge itself and not fall behind were finally fulfilled at that moment.

"Sana—!" A clear, resonant cry rang out, carrying a resolute tone.

Then, as she raised the corners of her lips, her smile was no longer the perfect curve of a movie queen, but the aggressive and confident edge of a champion.

Come on, Nan Yin, prove to me with this battle that you are more suited to be Carlos, the champion in the eyes of the masses.

Chapter 285 Achieving the Champion

Prism Tower, Miare City.

The circular grandstand, large enough to hold ten thousand people, was packed to capacity, the roar like a boiling wave, almost lifting the dome high above. Spotlights slanted down, firmly fixed on the trainers standing silently on either side of the arena.

On the left, Nanyin music.

A simple dress accentuated her posture, and her long, silver-white hair was tied in a ponytail, highlighting her dashing temperament. Her waist was as straight as a pine tree, without any fancy decorations, except for the Poké Ball hanging at her waist, which shimmered with a restrained luster, undisturbed and serene.

The clamor of the crowd could not sway him in the slightest; only his calm gaze pierced through the countless lights, quietly landing on that beautiful figure in the distance.

On the right, Karuni.

Today, she wasn't wearing her signature champion attire, but rather a sharply tailored trench coat and trousers. Her smooth gray hair was styled into an elegant yet capable updo, and looking down, one could see a beautifully curved, fair neck.

She wore her usual friendly smile, but her usually deep and captivating eyes were now sharp as a hawk's, like two burning flames of ice, never leaving the girl.

The elegance of a film queen and the sharpness of a champion are perfectly blended in her, forming a powerful aura that is extremely oppressive.

Fireworks filled the sky, cheers lingered, and the battle between the champion and the king of kings naturally captured the attention of the people of Carlos, not to mention that both of them are the pride of the local area.

Their achievements are known, and their strength is a source of pride.

"Dear viewers!"

Holding the microphone, the host stood tall and greeted the audience with enthusiasm: "Welcome to the World Championship, a high-level match. I'm sure you already know what the biggest focus of this match is."

With arms outstretched and looking back at the screen, the images of a young girl and a beautiful woman are displayed above, with the eye-catching words below: "Final Round of the Qualifiers - Carlos's Pinnacle".

"Renowned for her training, proven by her achievements, she ascended to the throne of Elite Four with her slender figure and youthful age, saving countless people from danger and leading countless young trainers. She is none other than Nan Yin, the training girl from Luna City!"

"And on the other side is our pride, a world-renowned star, whose image shines on countless screens and will never fade! Let us give a round of applause and give a grand welcome to Champion Karuni!"

The venue at night seemed to be swallowed up by a tidal wave of cheers, emotions were boiling, and the crowd was applauding.

In the shadow of the contestants' tunnel, a silver-haired girl leaned against the wall, listening intently to her lover's heartfelt words of comfort.

"Nan Yin, Sister Karuni is no ordinary opponent. Her endless array of tactics, those..."

Worrying leads to confusion; this rhetoric is perfectly apt here.

"I know."

Slowly opening her eyes, she didn't deny it, but instead grasped the former's hand, which was slightly sweaty from nervousness, her fingertips conveying a reassuring warmth.

"She is Karuni, the one who stands at the pinnacle of Carlos, the one we once admired and longed for."

There were no impassioned speeches, no blind declarations of confidence; it was simply a calm statement of a fact.

"Her strength is undeniable, but we—"

Nan Yin raised her other hand and gently tapped Eevee's smooth forehead, prompting the little guy to let out a confused soft cry.

"It also has its own sharpness and confidence."

At the end of the passage, a blinding white light suddenly shone, and the entrance to the main stadium was completely opened. A deafening roar, like a flood bursting its banks, surged in instantly, carrying scorching heat and oppressive pressure, almost drowning this small haven.

"Please welcome our challenger! The rising star from Miare City, the pride of the Carlos Alliance—Nanyin, is here!"

Amidst the interplay of backgrounds, only a swift and refreshing whisper lingers.

"Wait for my triumphant return."

Yes, she has now reached the forefront, how could she not strive for that deep-rooted desire in her heart, to reach the top, as a breeder and as a trainer.

......

Colorful lights brushed their faces, and joyful voices filled their ears. Countless gazes converged, and the young girl and the beautiful woman each stood on one side, diagonally opposite each other.

"I've been looking forward to this match for a long time."

Their eyes met, and they parted their lips almost simultaneously, uttering their words.

Their expressions froze for a moment, but both sides found a smile, nodded, and turned to the side.

Indeed, they are not going to be at odds over a single match. Representing Carlos is an honor to be proud of, and deciding the order of execution is reasonable and justifiable.

As seniors, we should look up to those who come after us; as juniors, we should strive to reach the pinnacle.

Not afraid of defeat, not intimidated by the powerful, shouldering responsibility, and daring to face danger – that's what a trainer should be like!

"The rules are three-on-three singles, and players can bring any items, but duplicates are not allowed."

Riding a Shielded Swordsman, the referee walked to the center of the arena and raised his flag.

"Boys, please take your positions!"

The music begins, the rhythm accompanies the ear, and when the atmosphere reaches its climax, it suddenly falls.

"The battle has officially begun!"

The sphere was launched into the air, and almost the instant the words were spoken, a pair of crimson wings broke through the cold wind and stood tall in the high sky.

It is a dragon, a bolt of lightning.

The crimson moon hung in the sky, and the wings of the Flying Dragon stirred up the air currents, emitting a deep hum. Its dragon might spread out like a tangible tide, pressing down on the entire arena.

Karune's gray eyes narrowed, but her smile deepened. With a flick of her finger, a Poké Ball spun in a graceful arc before activating with a bang.

As the radiance faded, the graceful Gardevoir landed gently.

Her emerald green skirt fluttered without wind, her slender arms were crossed in front of her chest, and the surrounding superpower field collided silently with the violent dragon's might, causing the protective shield at the edge of the field to ripple.

"Is this the child you poured your heart and soul into? It's clear that his proud posture and the exquisite application of his moves are the result of Nan Yin's painstaking nurturing."

Cocoble sat at the front of the audience, chatting and laughing with the old man next to him.

Yes, that figure with graying hair and a hunched back is none other than Master Fu, the only teacher of Nanyin. His closed-door disciple participated in the World Championships and stood on the stage as a local representative. How could he not care or be concerned?

“I know, I can see it. Her excellence, her growth, have lived up to expectations, and even... exceeded my expectations.”

Tears of bitterness streamed down his face. His lifelong wish had finally been fulfilled by his apprentice, Nan Yin, who was almost like a daughter to him.

"Thank you, Nan Yin...you did it."

The scene shifts back to the moment the battlefield was divided; the two opposing figures tacitly raised their hands, their fingertips brushing against the necklaces around their necks, revealing the translucent keystones.

The movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"Mega Evolution!"

Two clear, melodious female voices rang out almost simultaneously, piercing through the noise of the venue.

"Roar—"

The crimson dragon roared to the sky, its body bathed in blinding white light. There were crisp sounds of bones stretching and muffled sounds of armor thickening, all intertwined with the booming of surging energy.

Upon closer inspection, its wings had transformed into a crescent moon that blotted out the sun, and the carapace covering its body was also thick and heavy, its ferocious appearance revealed as the sharp horns on its head rose upwards.

“Sana—”

As they passed by, a dazzling rainbow of light, like lightning, intertwined with the latter's slender figure.

The light-colored sleeves outline the shape of the hands and also serve as armor. The white-trimmed skirt hem extends to the ground, making it even more elegant. The heart-shaped protrusion divides the body in two, accentuating both the chest and waist.

Add a curl to the sideburns, and a half-spoonful of earlobes, and your elegance and slender figure will be on full display.

This is what is known as the Super Queen.

The collision of drastically different energies creates distinct auras.

Without any build-up, the moment they strike, it's a clash of ultimate moves.

"A selfless charge."

The towering dragon spread its wings, its enormous body transforming into a comet falling from the sky, maximizing its downward potential energy, even engulfing the air currents, which became its invisible armor.

The presence of the flying skin gives this move absolute destructive power typical of its type.

"Hold on!"

The Superpowered Queen crossed her hands, erecting a thick, resilient azure light shield in front of her. However, in the next instant, a crimson torrent of destruction engulfed her figure along with the small patch of land.

The earth-shattering roar seemed to rip the dome of the Prism Tower off, and a violent energy shockwave exploded outwards in a ring, causing the entire arena to shake violently as it plummeted down.

The moment they made contact, Gardevoir was overwhelmed and had to retreat repeatedly, and the barrier was immediately covered with spiderweb-like cracks.

The wind pressure propelled the air blades, revealing their sharpness once more through the gaps. The former's slender body was pushed backward by the enormous impact, and a wisp of green hair was shaved off by the airflow. Even though her arms were desperately bracing themselves, the grinding sound of teeth grinding continued to spread.

Fortunately, it held on in the end, its desperate defense stubbornly holding on on the verge of collapse, forcefully blocking that boundless momentum in front of it.

The crimson dragon shadow seemed to be caught in the momentum of the attack, thrown backward by the recoil, its blood-red wings carving deep furrows in the ground before finally halting its trajectory. The backlash from the self-sacrificing charge caused it to let out a painful roar, and tiny cracks appeared on its carapace.

Seeing this flaw, Karune's eyes flashed, and Gardevoir understood immediately, opening her arms and summoning the moon to shower down its radiance.

"The power of the moon!"

However, unexpectedly, the moment its opponent made a slight change in tactics, Salamence reversed its predicament and rose up with renewed strength.

The girl's aura, transmitted through her tendons, transferred signals as soon as the energy began to gather. Moreover, her speed far surpassed that of Gardevoir, which was still accumulating energy. The moment her blood wings fluttered and she looked away, her ferocious horns were already at her front.

Iron head.

How could that be?

In the most elite battles, victory or defeat can be decided in a mere instant, and right now, that moment has already determined the outcome.