"Pfft, ugh."
Moments later, when Alex appeared in a new location, he couldn't help but dry heave, feeling dizzy and nauseous.
This was his first time being teleported by a Pokémon's ability, and he hadn't expected it to be so unpleasant.
He recalled that the Teleport used by the Gym Leader's father at the Psychic Gym hadn't felt like this. Perhaps there was a difference between human Psychic abilities and Pokémon Psychic abilities?
Never mind; this sensation was truly unbearable.
"Oh, it seems another weakling has arrived. He hasn't even started yet, and he's already puking. This won't do." An annoying taunt suddenly rang out, followed by the mocking laughter of those around him.
Alex looked up and around, realizing that he had arrived in an unfamiliar place.
The people surrounding him seemed to be roughly his age, with only a few noticeably older individuals among them. They were gathered in small groups, forming different cliques, and watching Alex with amusement.
However, the common theme among their faces was mockery.
So many people?
Alex instinctively narrowed his eyes and scanned his surroundings, taking stock of everyone present. Although they were gathered in pairs and trios, three individuals stood out, surrounded by even more people. The way others looked at these three suggested a sense of apprehension.
"These three must be the most famous powerhouses here. But I've never heard of them. Still, anyone they are wary of must be quite strong, and there might even be dark horses emerging. It seems I need to be careful."
Thinking this, Alex suppressed the urge to retort, ignored the mocking crowd, and found a less crowded spot to sit down and close his eyes to rest.
What could be more satisfying than making them lose face by taking first place in the competition?
Laugh now; when you meet me in battle, you'll be crying.
As time passed, more and more people entered, making the space gradually more crowded.
After some time, there was a sudden whoosh.
A figure appeared on the high platform, drawing everyone's gaze upwards.
After scanning the crowd of new trainers, Apollo smiled, revealing a cruel smirk.
"Very good! I didn't expect so many of you to make it. It's truly rare. But don't get too ahead of yourselves. Since ancient times, second place has always been just a backdrop for first place. Out of all of you, only one can take the top spot. So, show your strength and fight to your heart's content. I look forward to your battles."
"I am your chief examiner this time; my name is Apollo. I advise you not to try any tricks under my nose. If I catch you, you all know what will happen."
As Apollo finished speaking, he smiled and released a giant Salamence.
"System, check his information."
"Ding! Salamence, Dragon and Flying-type Pokémon. Salamence is violent and loses control in a rage, causing widespread destruction until it is exhausted. After finally obtaining the wings it longed for, Salamence flies around in the sky to express its joy, excitedly unleashing Flamethrower and turning the ground into a burning field. It almost never lands until it is utterly exhausted and needs to sleep.
Combat Power: 4500
Skills mastered: Hyper Beam, Dragon Claw, Dragon Breath, Flamethrower, Fly, Hurricane, Dragon Dance, Psybeam."
This guy is indeed very strong. If I remember correctly, he's also a powerful leader under Giovanni.
Wait, no. If Zaobo's words were true, why would the chief examiner this time be someone under Giovanni? My father is, after all, the true head of Team Rocket. For an event like this, he should have sent his own trusted subordinates, like that uncle I met the first time.
Now… it seems there's something fishy about this.
"Registration and drawing lots begin now. The competition will officially start tomorrow at noon."
After Apollo finished speaking, he clapped his hands. With a click, everyone looked up and saw a box slowly descending.
"Come up one by one to draw lots. Don't cause trouble. Anyone who causes trouble will be disqualified from the competition."
"I'll go first!"
After a moment of silence in the venue, a dashing young man strode out. Under everyone's gaze, he picked up a pen and paper, wrote down his name, and reached into the box to draw a white card.
With the first person stepping up, the rest followed suit. Everyone came forward in an orderly manner, signed, and then drew their lots.
Alex sat calmly until only a few people were left. Only then did he rise, slowly walk to the box, casually write a fake name, and then draw a card.
Yes, a fake name. Alex was already suspicious. Here, he didn't want to trust anyone, including the so-called assistant under his father, Zaobo.
Looking down at the card in his hand, he saw it was Number Six.
"Six-six good fortune; it seems my luck is good," he thought, smiling to himself.
"Tsk, still smiling? You'll probably be eliminated tomorrow. Weaklings should know their place," the person who had mocked him earlier said again, disdain evident on his face.
As that person's words fell, the remaining people in the arena turned their attention to Alex in unison. Even Apollo's face revealed a hint of amusement, as if enjoying the show.
Alex's expression darkened. He turned to see a young man sneering at him.
"Hiss~" A sound rang out. Alex's Haunter had appeared behind the young man, its large claws resting on his neck, scaring him into silence. He didn't dare to move or even breathe loudly.
Alex slowly approached, "You should be grateful that fighting is not allowed here; otherwise, hmph…"
He made a throat-slitting gesture and looked at the young man with a sinister expression.
"If you don't have the skill, don't take on difficult tasks. How dare you mock others when you're such a coward?" Alex sneered and turned to leave.
Seeing this scene, everyone's expressions changed, and they put away their condescending attitudes. This person was definitely a formidable opponent.
"And you all better put away those looks from before; otherwise…" Alex paused, then turned back to say.
His words were unfinished, but everyone understood his meaning, and they looked speechless.
We know you're strong, but you don't have to be so arrogant, do you? Among so many people, is there really no one who can be your opponent?
"Alright, if you want to fight, you'll have plenty of opportunities tomorrow. Now, each of you choose a room to rest. Anyone who stays here and makes noise will be disqualified," Apollo said coldly.
Everyone listened to him and wisely dispersed to find their rooms.
Alex gave Apollo a speechless glance. How boring. Why does this person always threaten disqualification at the drop of a hat?
After saying this, Alex also went to find a room to rest, knowing that a fierce battle awaited him tomorrow.
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