"It's appeared again... Ethan's shameless tactic."
Watching the Sandslash darting along the edges of the battlefield, waiting for moments when Feraligatr became paralyzed to strike, Derek Ashford's face darkened. He could do nothing but watch helplessly as his Feraligatr was gradually defeated by Sandslash's hit-and-run assaults.
When the referee announced the final result, Ethan had officially defeated Derek and advanced to the finals of the winners' bracket. Having made it this far, his position among the top three was already guaranteed.
As the match ended, the entire crowd erupted in cheers. Though Ethan's strategy might have seemed somewhat "underhanded," there was a large portion of the audience that absolutely loved it.
Afterward, Rowan Thorne and Ronan Keats took the stage. Following the referee's signal, they both released their Pokémon.
Rowan made the first move, sending out his trump card—Gengar. Ronan responded in kind, summoning his signature Pokémon—Machamp.
But the Fighting-type stood no chance against the Ghost-type. Unable to land any Fighting-type attacks on Gengar, Machamp could only rely on Fire Punch, Ice Punch, and Thunder Punch—yet it still fell in defeat.
Thus, the final match of the winners' bracket was set: Ethan Black vs. Rowan Thorne. The victor would be crowned the absolute champion of the Starter Pokémon Slot Tournament.
...
At the main headquarters of the Pokémon Research Guild—
The meeting hall, usually quiet, was unusually lively today.
In the massive room, seated at the head of the table was Grand President Beckett, accompanied by Professor Harris, Professor Reynolds, and several of the guild's most distinguished researchers.
Even Alex Baxter, a mid-level researcher, had been lucky enough to secure a seat—he was absolutely thrilled.
"President, may I ask why you've called us together?" one of the researchers inquired curiously.
"I've gathered you all for a matter related to Ethan," Grand President Beckett said with a faint smile, getting straight to the point.
"Ethan?"
"The president must be referring to the Starter Pokémon Slot Tournament, right?"
Upon hearing the name, Professor Harris already had a hunch about the purpose of this meeting.
In fact, right after the battle between Ethan and Lucien Foster, the director of Ironvale City's Pokémon University had already reached out to him.
The Starter Pokémon Slot Tournament—also known as the Strongest New Trainer Championship—was not merely an individual competition, but also a symbolic showdown among the top Pokémon universities.
That was why universities treated it with such importance. And when word spread that Ethan had defeated Lucien, from the prestigious Imperial Pokémon University of Daleron, everyone was shocked.
It was Lucien Foster!
A trainer who possessed three pseudo-legendary Dragon-type Pokémon—yet he was defeated by Ethan, who had used only Sandslash, Cacturne, and Meltan.
Although Ethan hadn't won through sheer power, but rather through brilliant tactics, that was precisely what astonished everyone the most.
From another perspective, Ethan's method of victory directly reflected the educational quality of his university.
After all, a Pokémon's raw strength depended on the trainer—but tactics, battle control, and strategic planning were the true markers of a university's level of instruction.
That was why, after Ethan's victory over Lucien, the director of Ironvale Pokémon University immediately contacted Professor Harris, his closest mentor.
"Exactly," said Grand President Beckett with a smile and a nod.
"We're all aware of Ethan's situation."
"To be honest, I still feel guilty that—because of us—he's been unable to use his Slowking."
"At first, I considered assigning him a new Pokémon as compensation... But I never imagined that, with just Sandslash, Cacturne, and Meltan, he'd come this far—defeating Lucien and reaching the finals! Truly remarkable."
At those words, the other researchers nodded in agreement. Had they not witnessed it with their own eyes, none of them would have believed Ethan could progress this far.
"That's why I believe it's time we lend Ethan a hand."
"And of course, by doing so, we'll also be helping ourselves. After all, Ethan is already an official member of our guild."
"If he wins this tournament, his victory will also bring honor to our organization."
Grand President Beckett looked around the room with a smile, not bothering to hide the pride he felt toward Ethan.
"And how exactly should we help him?" one researcher asked.
"Pokémon items are banned in official matches, and with so little time, there's no way to teach him one of our secret techniques."
The researchers exchanged puzzled glances.
"Wait a moment... President Beckett—don't tell me you intend to make that public?"
Professor Harris seemed to recall something and asked in surprise.
"That's right," Beckett replied calmly with a nod.
"I plan to publish Ethan's research paper."
"Ever since the method for Slowking's evolution was confirmed, his thesis has been completely validated."
"I think it's time to restore the glory that has always rightfully belonged to him."
"Besides, we're not the only ones who know of this evolution method—the Dark League, the ones who discovered the ruins, know it too. There's no longer any reason to keep it secret."
"So, I'll take this opportunity to officially release his research. That way, we'll firmly tie Ethan's name to our guild."
"After defeating Lucien, many powerful factions and institutions will start eyeing him. If we don't act quickly and someone else recruits him first... it would be a tremendous loss."
Grand President Beckett calmly laid out the pros and cons, and by the end, revealed his little strategic move with a knowing smile. The other researchers smiled in agreement as well.
"If this becomes public," Professor Harris mused thoughtfully, "Ethan will be able to use his Slowking in battle again. That alone would greatly increase his chances of winning."
His gaze shimmered for a moment, and he couldn't help but feel moved.
Could it be that the young man he had watched grow... was now on the verge of becoming the strongest of his entire generation?
(End of Chapter)