Meanwhile, Apollo's dissatisfaction with Ye Li grew by the day.
The Breeding Plan had indeed been very successful.
But he had always believed that armchair theories were ultimately empty. Only achievements earned through real fighting on the battlefield were truly solid.
Why should Ye Li, a weakling who did not even know how to battle Pokémon, enjoy such a high reputation?
He decided to burst this false bubble.
He would show everyone that this so-called "Strategist" was nothing more than a pushover with no ability in actual combat.
At a meeting of senior officers, when Giovanni once again praised the Breeding Base's results, Apollo suddenly stood up.
"Boss, I believe actual combat is the only standard by which everything should be judged."
His voice was loud and carried a provocative edge, instantly making the atmosphere in the conference room somewhat tense.
"The Breeding Base's results are certainly encouraging, but just how useful these Pokémon will be in actual combat still requires further testing."
His attack was aimed squarely at Ye Li.
"Lord Ye Li, as the person in overall charge of the Breeding Plan, you must have your own unique insights into Pokémon breeding and actual combat."
"I propose that Lord Ye Li and I have a 'friendly' Pokémon battle."
"It would also let us rough types learn something from Lord Ye Li's 'combat expertise' as a breeding specialist."
Apollo's words sounded perfectly high-minded.
But everyone could tell that this was an open scheme.
He wanted to humiliate Ye Li in front of all the officers and leave him unable to save face.
The proposal immediately won the support of many old-guard officers.
Most of them were combat personnel who, like Apollo, had fought their way up from the bottom. They had long resented Ye Li, the rising star who had gained his position through his "brains."
"Exactly! Let's see what he's really made of!"
"What good is knowing how to breed Pokémon? In the end, a Trainer has to prove himself in battle."
For a moment, voices of agreement rose throughout the conference room. Everyone wanted to see Ye Li make a fool of himself.
Giovanni sat at the head of the table, his face expressionless, betraying neither pleasure nor anger.
He neither agreed nor objected, merely watching Ye Li quietly with those deep eyes.
Ye Li felt as though he had been put over a fire to roast.
He was nearly scared out of his wits.
Have me battle Apollo?
Who was Apollo? One of the strongest ace fighters under Giovanni!
His main Pokémon were a battle-hardened Houndoom and Golbat.
And what did I have?
Just one timid Eevee, less than a month old, who tripped even when running.
This wasn't a battle at all. It was a one-sided slaughter!
Inside, Ye Li frantically searched for reasons to refuse.
[No! I absolutely can't agree!]
[I'm just a desk worker, not combat personnel. Battling means nothing for me!]
[My job is logistics and strategy, not fighting people!]
[Besides, my Eevee is still just a baby. Pitting an adult Pokémon against a baby isn't fair!]
He wanted to use every excuse he could to escape this duel he was certain to lose.
Giovanni quietly listened to Ye Li's inner voice, so full of cowardice and panic.
His gaze, however, grew colder little by little.
He could tolerate Ye Li's timidity and his fear of trouble.
But he could not tolerate the "blade" he had personally chosen lacking even the courage to swing when faced with a challenge.
What he wanted was not a strategist who only hid behind the scenes and offered ideas.
What he wanted was an unstoppable weapon that could turn ideas into real power.
Ye Li still needed more honing.
Giovanni spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, yet it drowned out all the noise in the conference room.
"I think Apollo's proposal is excellent."
He did not look at Apollo, but at the deathly pale Ye Li.
He "accepted" the challenge on Ye Li's behalf.
"Ye Li also needs an opportunity to show everyone just what sets the 'perfect Pokémon' he has bred apart."
"This battle will be held publicly at the main training ground in three days."
Giovanni's words struck like a heavy hammer, completely shattering Ye Li's last shred of hope.
He had been forced into a corner.
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