Chapter 546: Match Two — Asher vs. Blaze

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

The stands erupted in applause, cheers raining down on Grapploct after its overwhelming finish.

"Grapploct, you're incredible!"

"That was amazing! That's the strongest Grapploct I've ever seen!"

"Go, Grapploct!"

"That thing has ridiculous potential. It might actually reach Champion level someday."

"Wait... doesn't that mean it has Champion potential?!"

"That's insane! If I had a Pokémon like that, I'd gladly stay single for the rest of my life."

"Same here!"

The cheering only grew louder. Admiration, envy, and jealousy were written all over the spectators' faces, and more than a few looked like they would happily switch places with Gage if given the chance.

...

Back in League University's preparation area, Edmund laughed with a broad grin.

"Hahaha! I told you we had this one. The kid didn't let me down!"

Aaron nodded as he looked toward the battlefield. "That Grapploct really is something. If Gage had led with it, he might've had a shot at sweeping all six."

It was not much of an exaggeration.

After two Apotheosis-level Power-Up Punches, Grapploct had reached the maximum +6 Attack, putting its physical power at four times its normal level. On top of that, Martial Arts Master boosted its Fighting-type moves by another fifty percent.

Once it got going, very few Pokémon in this tournament could have stopped it from tearing through an entire team.

"Pfft!"

Ivy burst out laughing and gave Aaron a mocking look.

"You seriously think everyone here is some random nobody? No one in the history of the Intercollegiate Freshman Tournament has ever swept an entire six-Pokémon team by themselves."

She folded her arms.

"Anyone who makes it onto this stage is already a genius among geniuses. I'll admit you're strong, Aaron, but even for you, that's getting a little arrogant."

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

"There wasn't a record before."

He gave her a faint smile.

"Doesn't mean there can't be one now. Records exist to be broken."

Braveon nodded beside him. "He's got a point. Aaron already broke the ninth-floor record of the Hidden Dragon Tower, and that one had stood for thousands of years."

Ivy immediately fell silent, her face turning red with embarrassment.

"Fine," she muttered through gritted teeth. "Then do it yourself. If you can actually pull off a six-Pokémon sweep, I'll admit you were right."

Aaron looked at her for a moment.

Then smiled.

"You think I need your approval?"

Ivy's expression stiffened.

From the moment they had met, Ivy had always worn that polite little smile, yet she had barely bothered speaking to either Aaron or Gage. The contempt underneath it was not exactly subtle.

She clearly thought being born into a better family made her better than them.

Aaron had never had much patience for people like that.

Who the hell did she think she was?

If she was that determined to be a stuck-up pain in the ass, maybe she should reincarnate as a thong in her next life.

At least then she'd have an excuse to spend all day up someone's ass.

"You...!"

Ivy's face darkened even further, but she was too angry to come up with a decent response.

"All right, that's enough." Edmund stepped in before the argument could go any further. "Gage is coming back, and the second match is about to start."

Right on cue, Gage returned to the preparation area practically glowing with excitement.

"President! Everyone! I won!"

His grin stretched from ear to ear.

"I didn't let the university down!"

"Hahaha! Good job, kid. You did great."

"Nice work, Gage."

"Good battle."

Edmund, Aaron, and Braveon congratulated him as he rejoined the group.

...

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for our second match!"

Kenny's amplified voice boomed across the arena.

"Please welcome Asher of Imperial Elite Pokémon University and Blaze of Pokémon Elite Defense Academy!"

The crowd immediately stirred.

"On one side, we have a prodigy from the prestigious Cassian Family!"

"And on the other, one of the highest-ranked young talents on the Hidden Dragon Rankings!"

Kenny swept one arm dramatically toward the battlefield.

"When these two collide, what kind of sparks are we going to see?"

He grinned.

"Let's find out!"

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Another round of thunderous applause rolled through the stadium as two figures entered from opposite sides.

Blaze stood out immediately, his flamboyant red hair making him impossible to miss.

Walking toward him from the other side was Asher, a handsome young man from the Cassian Family.

The moment their eyes met, the hostility between them was obvious.

The two had known each other for years. Both came from wealthy families in Crown City, and their circles had overlapped since childhood.

Blaze simply had no interest in attending Imperial University. Otherwise, with his family background and talent, getting admitted there would never have been a problem.

"Blaze. Long time no see."

Asher stopped across the field and fixed him with a sharp stare.

"Heh. Can't say I missed you."

Blaze scratched lazily at one ear and looked him up and down.

"But since we got matched up, I guess I'll just have to beat you again."

Asher's expression immediately darkened.

"Hmph. Still as arrogant as ever."

His eyes narrowed.

"Fine. We settle this today."

There was clearly some old bad blood between them.

Blaze merely sneered.

"Relax. I could kick your ass when we were kids."

His grin widened.

"Nothing's changed."

Asher's jaw tightened.

Before either of them could keep going, the referee stepped between them and raised his flag.

"That's enough! Both contestants, get ready!"

The two finally turned their attention to the battle.

"Send out your first Pokémon!"

The referee brought his flag down.

"Match two begins now!"

The second battle of the Intercollegiate Freshman Tournament was officially underway.

...