A Fated Battle / Their First Match Ends in a Draw

Alisa said suspiciously, "They must be mutual friends, maybe even quite close."

You Zhi pretended not to hear and replied, "Judging from her performance just now, Gym Leader Yu Hong is very good at tactical combinations. She doesn't have any particularly strong Pokémon under her command. To counter this, we only need to use a strong Pokémon as the first Pokémon to suppress her and prevent her from building a tactical system, which will give us the advantage—if she isn't deliberately hiding her strength."

Alisa nodded and said, "That's a very good analysis. So, do you know her?"

You Zhi said, "You have the leisure to gossip about others; it seems I don't need to worry about your preparations."

Even though she knew it was a change of topic, Alisa was still provoked. "Of course, I've been waiting for this day for a long time."

Just then, all three of their phones vibrated with notifications of incoming text messages. Phile took one out, glanced at it, and said, "The duel in the other arena has just ended, and the final eight are all set."

You Zhi unlocked his phone and found the following list: Bruno, Tobias, Yuan Ying Alisa, Elisa, You Zhi, Erika, Wataru, Alain.

He was slightly disappointed. "They were all expected choices; there were no dark horses."

Phile retorted, "No way! From our perspective, this list does seem normal, but from an outsider's point of view, Yuan Ying and Alisa are the dark horses of this year's competition. They weren't famous before participating in this Pokémon League tournament. Alisa only made it onto a low-level B-rank list, probably because of her noble status. Yuan Ying didn't even make the list. You probably haven't been online much lately, have you? Yuan Ying and Alisa have been hailed as shining examples of women online."

Alisa chimed in, "If you hadn't summoned Xyz Spirit in the first round, leaving a deep impression on the audience, you would definitely have been considered a dark horse."

You Zhi thought about it and realized that it was true. Tobias and Alain were already famous players, rated S-class by the Celebrity Ranking, Bruno and Lance were the former Elite Four, and Erika was a Gym Leader. Only the three of them were relatively unknown.

"There's still a lot of controversy online about your performance. Some people say that apart from Xyz Spirit, your strength is mediocre because the opponents you've defeated aren't very strong, and you don't have any impressive achievements." Phile puffed out his cheeks indignantly. "You Zhi, you absolutely have to keep winning, and it would be best if you just won the championship and shut these flies up."

"Hey, I'm a contestant too! What if he wins the championship? What about me?" Alisa protested, Tickle herself. "If you want him to win, you're basically hoping I lose. What kind of best friend is that?"

"Hahaha... Stop tickling me, I was wrong, okay? I wish you two would meet in the finals, either one can win the championship."

"You sound reluctant... No way, I'm going to add to your punishment for forgetting your friends for the sake of a pretty girl!"

Ignoring the two's playful banter, You Zhi reviewed his own performance and realized that his record was indeed rather lackluster.

Of the opponents he defeated, Kao Ping was an unknown academic trainer, Kid was caught cheating on the spot and made a fool of himself, and the only one with some fame was Lihua, who was rated as a dark horse with the potential to become an Elite Four member. In the original story, she did indeed become one of the Elite Four, but since she was eliminated in the second round, she has lost even the dark horse rating. Some people even think that the "Elite Four potential" is a joke and a bunch of blind people who have made up a bunch of empty promises.

HERO by success or failure is a common human failing, regardless of region or ethnicity.

"Actually, it's a good thing. It's better to be looked down upon than to be valued."

You Zhi was hoping everyone would underestimate him and wouldn't bother analyzing his information. If Erika had the same mentality, the next round would be a sure thing.

"It's unlikely. Judging from her demeanor, she doesn't seem like the type to underestimate an opponent based on others' opinions. Let's not get our hopes up... Since Jasmine is friends with her, perhaps we can try to find out some information."

"I'm sorry, I can't betray my friend."

You Zhi is always a man of action; if he thought of something, he would actually ask. Unfortunately, he didn't get enough goodwill and was rejected by Jasmine, whose reason was quite reasonable.

"You and Erika are both my friends. It's wrong to favor either of you. Erika asked me for information about you, and I refused. So you should look for someone else."

You Zhi didn't insist. After all, as the gym leader, Erika definitely had far more information about her than him, giving him a natural advantage in intelligence gathering.

Since he had already met the other person, he didn't want to have made a wasted trip, so he simply invited them to join the "Everyone a Sage" program.

After listening to the contents, Jasmine said with some worry, "Once this plan is implemented, all the noble conglomerates will see you as a thorn in their side, and many professional trainers also come from prestigious families. Your situation will become very dangerous."

You Zhi said with righteous indignation, "Some things always have to be done by someone. You should know that the praise of humanity is the praise of courage!"

"The anthem of humanity is the anthem of courage..."

Jasmine murmured repeatedly, then said with admiration, "You're right. If it's the right thing to do, we should strive to promote and implement it. We can't back down just because there's danger. As long as you don't mind, I'm willing to contribute my meager strength!"

She paused, then added, "Oh, and there's Erika too. Don't let her quiet and refined appearance fool you; she's actually quite interested in this kind of thing. I'll invite her after your duel with her."

"Then I'll leave it to you."

Chapter 305 The Battle of Destiny

Soon the day of the quarterfinals arrived, and the stands were packed with people.

Thanks to his status as a player, You Zhi obtained VIP tickets and watched the first match from an excellent vantage point.

Unsurprisingly, former Fighting-type champion Bruno lost to Tobias.

"In terms of command skills alone, Bruno is superior, but unfortunately, the opponent summoned Evil God," You Zhi commented. "The Pokémon's strength makes up for the trainer's shortcomings."

"Yes, Elite Four member Bruno is good at defeating opponents with powerful offensive attacks, but unfortunately, the opponent summoned the 'Source of Fear,' an Evil God that can halve the offensive and defensive capabilities of other Pokémon. Coupled with its resistance equivalent to the Three Egyptian Gods, it's impossible to find a weakness to exploit. The only option is to rely on a war of attrition to accumulate injuries. And to make matters worse, this guy also has more than one god-level Pokémon."

Phile grew angrier as he spoke, puffing out his cheeks as he said, "His skills as a trainer are clearly mediocre; he only achieved his current results thanks to his Pokémon. Yet he acts like he's incredibly powerful. It's infuriating. Letting someone like him win the championship is the greatest mockery of trainers."

You Zhi defended Tobias, saying, "You can't say that. Being able to capture a god-level Pokémon is a testament to your strength. You can't judge a trainer's strength based solely on their performance on the spot."

"Generally speaking, a trainer's abilities include three aspects: capturing Pokémon and summoning Spell Card, training Pokémon and combining Spell Card, and commanding Pokémon and crafting Spell Card. In the arena, we can only see the last one, but that does not mean that the first two are unimportant, just as logistics is an important standard for determining the strength of an army."

"It is said that there is a trainer named Gou in the Kanto Region who is extremely skilled at catching Pokémon. Even a Pokémon at full strength can be caught with a single ordinary Pokémon Card, hence the nickname 'One-Card Superman'. Based on this alone, you have to admit that he is a powerful trainer."

Phile scoffed, "I understand the logic, but I just don't like this Tobias. No matter how strong he is, I don't like him. And that 'One-Card Superman' you mentioned earlier doesn't sound like a likable character either."

"If you don't like him, you don't like him. He's an opponent, not a teammate. Just focus on how to defeat him. Trainers compete based on strength, not popularity. Don't overthink it. The second match is about to begin."

Reminded, Phile turned to look at the arena and saw his two former classmates emerging from their respective player tunnels. He couldn't help but ask, "Who do you think will win?"

"Of course, the stronger person will win."

"So who do you think is stronger?"

You Zhi thought about it carefully. Yuan Ying and Alisa were already quite skilled trainers. After entering the Anomaly and undergoing training, their strength grew rapidly. After all, clearing each Anomaly would give them feedback from the corresponding world, which was also the reason why their reputations were not well-known—their strength grew faster than their fame.

Alisa learned about Xyz Evolution early on from him and began targeted training for her Pokémon at an early age. Meanwhile, Yuan Ying experienced the Orichalcos Rebellion with him and directly faced the pressure of the Egyptian Gods, which was a great test for her spirit.

"They're about the same level; either of them could win or lose."

Phile persisted, asking, "So who do you think has a better chance of winning?"

"Since the skill levels are similar, luck becomes the key factor; whoever has better luck will win." You Zhi didn't give his opponent a chance to ask further questions, reminding him, "Don't get distracted, the duel has begun."

Despite considering each other their destined rivals, the two shook hands without much force, their expressions calm and devoid of excitement, as if they were two strangers meeting.

However, their conversation was not so peaceful.

"You did a good job, actually making it to the quarterfinals without being eliminated. When the competition list was first released, I thought I wouldn't be able to meet you. But considering how much you kept your promise, I'll reluctantly give you a compliment. At least your perseverance is commendable," Alisa said with a forced smile.

"Huh, advancing to the quarterfinals isn't a difficult thing, is there anything to praise?"

Yuan Ying, unusually, put on an acting performance, wiping her forehead and feigning sudden realization. "Oh, sorry, I almost imposed my own feelings on others. That kind of thinking is too arrogant. Although keeping promises is no problem for me, it's quite difficult for you. By the way, do you need me to give you a few words of encouragement?"

Alisa's smile was stiff, her full breasts heaving violently. The aristocratic etiquette she had been taught since childhood helped her control her emotions. "Hehe, no need. The winner doesn't need the loser's encouragement. If you can't help but cry after the competition, I can lend you my bosom to cover your shame. After all, it's a lady's duty."

After saying that, she deliberately puffed out her chest, making the difference between the two obvious.

"This is the first time I've realized that the competition between trainers isn't about Spirit Duel, but about looks and figures. But I can understand it; after all, noble ladies have always been synonymous with pretty faces, so it's understandable that they might be a bit naive."

"Hehehe, I didn't expect you to become so humorous after all these years."

"Hehehe, I admit I'm not as good as you in this area."

"Not at all, you're too modest."

Seeing the atmosphere growing increasingly tense, with veins bulging on their clasped hands, it seemed they were about to have a live battle between trainers before the Pokémon Spirit Duel even began. The referee quickly urged, "Both players, please return to your respective arenas immediately. Don't waste time."

The two snorted coldly, released their reddened hands, turned around and returned to their safe positions, standing still without saying another word.

"Duel!" x2

Both sides had already simulated the duel a thousand times in their minds, so they drew their Pokémon Card from the void without hesitation, exuding a chilling aura.

"HERO from Neo Space, displaying boundless transformative power, tearing through nebulae, descend, Elemental HERO Neos!"

"When the seven-colored rainbows converge, the light that illuminates the world will descend. Unleash your power, Ultimate Crystal God Rainbow Dragon!"

[Ultimate Crystal God Rainbow Dragon (10-Star) Light]

[Lineage: Dragon, Rock-type]

[Level: 45]

[Attack Power: 4000 (3800)]

[Defense: 0 (0)]

[Dragon-Type, Effect: Omitted]

Both sides unanimously chose their ace Pokémon for their starting lineup.

Yuan Ying decided to strike first. "Our side has the advantage in terms of lineage, Elemental HERO Neos, charge in and use Burst Punch!"

"Dream on! Rainbow Dragon uses the Rainbow Bridge Leap!"

[Skill: Rainbow Bridge Leap]

[Genealogy: Rock-type]

[Power: 90]

[Effect: Sprays a blinding rainbow of light, reducing the opponent's accuracy]

Seven rays of light converged in the mouth of the Rainbow Dragon, forming a seven-colored ring, and finally burst forth as a dazzling rainbow of light.

(Zhaizhu: If Zhu Zi had come out earlier, I would definitely have connected the Link Form with the crystallization. Now I can only selectively ignore it. After all, this story is almost over. After the Pokémon League Tournament ends, there will be only one last plot.)

Chapter 306 The First Battle: A Showdown Ends inconclusively

"Get out of the way!"

Yuan Ying issued the divine skill command, but Elemental HERO Neos seemed to have been prepared. The previous Burst Punch was just a feint. He easily withdrew it and dodged to the side, avoiding the rainbow light emitted by his opponent.

Immediately afterwards, Elemental HERO Neos clasped his hands together in front of his chest, and powerful waveguide energy converged, forming a rapidly spinning sphere before being pushed forward—this was the Aura Sphere.

"Use the Dragon Tail to crush it!"

Alisa knew that the Aura Sphere could be altered by thought, thus having a tracking effect and almost guaranteeing a hit. Therefore, she did not let the Rainbow Dragon dodge, but instead used its Dragon Tail to block.

With a sweep of its tail, Rainbow Dragon shattered the Aura Sphere, but Elemental HERO Neos seized the opportunity to close the distance.

Yuan Ying said, "You've fallen for my trap! Now's the time! Elemental HERO Neos, use Close Combat!"

Elemental HERO Neos was about to unleash a torrential attack with both fists, but at that moment, the gems on Rainbow Dragon's body lit up one by one.

Alisa scoffed, "You're the one who fell for the trap! Rainbow Dragon, use Diamond Storm!"

The Rainbow Dragon's body emitted diamond phantoms, forming Storm that swept outwards. At such close range, Elemental HERO Neos had no way to dodge and was hit squarely, trapped in the Diamond Storm and unable to move.

"It's not over yet!"

Rainbow Dragon, transforming into a dazzling rainbow beam that shot out—the very same exclusive skill, Rainbow Bridge Leap, which had just missed its target.

This time, Elemental HERO Neos was unable to dodge and was hit by the rainbow light, flying out like a soccer ball being powerfully shot.

"Oh no!"

Seeing her own Pokémon Yuyu as it got up from the ground, Yuan Ying immediately realized something was wrong.

Rock-type moves deal half damage to Fighting-type, and Elemental HERO Neos's Defense stat isn't weak either, so these two attacks didn't cause much damage. The key was the secondary effect of Rainbow Bridge Leap.

The claim of "reduced hit rate" is merely a theoretical statement; in reality, it manifests as temporary loss of vision due to exposure to strong light.

Alisa showed no mercy and immediately ordered Rainbow Dragon to launch Dragon Rush. Elemental HERO Neos's vision blurred, and he had no time to dodge. He was instantly injured and sent flying far away.

Rainbow Dragon's offensive continued. Taking advantage of its opponent's inability to recover, it unleashed Dragon Pulse, Scale Shot, and other moves, succeeding one after another.

Yuan Ying remained calm, focusing on crafting Spell Card. After completing the first one, she didn't rush to activate it, but continued crafting the second one, watching as Elemental HERO Neos's injuries continued to accumulate.

Only when Elemental HERO Neos's health dropped to the danger line did she calmly play her first Spell Card: "Elemental HERO Neos's true strength lies in its infinite capacity, like the vast universe, which can even absorb the power of darkness. I activate 'Neos Fusion'."

The Elemental HERO Neos Knight was enveloped in colorful light and sucked into a vortex resembling a galaxy nebula. While dodging his opponent's attacks, his aura began to transform and strengthen.

"It's just Fusion Evolution, as if anyone can't do that."

Alisa scoffed, but instead of activating the Fusion Evolution card, she placed a Spell Card face down on the field.

As the nebula vortex dissipated, a brand new figure emerged. It was still based on the Elemental HERO Neos, but its upper body had turned black, and it had a pair of structures resembling demon wings on either side of its head. A huge red eyeball was on its forehead, and its aura had become terrifying and evil.

[Neos Sage (10-star) Light]

[Family: Fighting-type, Poison]

[Level: 45]