"Tomorrow is the freshman representative battle."
After six consecutive days of training, Roy examined the date on his calendar, contemplated for a moment, and decided to cancel today's training session.
Every experienced Trainer understands the importance of balancing exertion and recovery.
And moreover...
"Training in isolation won't adequately prepare you for actual battles."
While Pokémon from Trainer School vary in individual characteristics, they all generally meet the standard of being 'young and inexperienced.'
Most Trainers begin their journey with Pokémon at relatively similar starting points.
The resources Roy had invested in Riolu, the intensity of their training regimen, and the specialized "Thunder and Lightning Exercise" training method significantly exceeded what other recommended students had provided to their Pokémon.
Yet there was one critical area where both Roy and Riolu were severely lacking.
"Insufficient battle experience."
It was beyond mere deficiency—Roy and Riolu hadn't participated in a single actual battle thus far.
The situation differed for the recommended students. Many came from families with Trainer backgrounds, giving them ample opportunity to practice battling at home.
Soon, Roy found himself at the counter of the Pokémon Center once again.
"Roy, are you here for more training?" Nurse Joy's eyes brightened upon seeing him, and she offered a warm, gentle smile.
Over the past several days, the two had become well-acquainted.
Roy had learned her name was Nurse Mila.
"No, Nurse Mila, I'm changing my plans today," Roy replied with a shake of his head. "I'd like to reserve a battle room."
"A battle?" Mila looked pleasantly surprised, then clapped her hands together. "That's right, it's about time you engaged in an actual battle."
"Would you like me to explain the battle room regulations?"
"No need, I've already researched them thoroughly."
Roy smiled confidently.
The battle rooms in the Pokémon Center were categorized into several difficulty tiers.
For beginning Trainers, there was the 1v1 tier, commonly referred to as the novice battle room.
More experienced Trainers utilized the 3v3 rooms, while advanced Trainers had access to 6v6 senior battle rooms.
Although these weren't official competitions and victories didn't provide any tangible rewards, Pokémon Centers worldwide still experienced a constant flow of participants daily.
The reason was straightforward.
Competing against rivals of comparable skill level was invariably the most effective method for growth and improvement.
After Mila worked on the computer momentarily, she smiled and said, "All done! I've entered your information into the system. Once you're matched with an opponent, you'll receive a notification on your PokéGear. Be sure to arrive at the designated battle room punctually, or you'll lose reputation points."
Roy nodded respectfully. "Understood, thank you for the reminder, Nurse Mila."
Mila's eyes twinkled with a hint of playfulness. "If you genuinely want to express your gratitude, join me for dinner tonight. My treat!"
"I need to prepare for tomorrow's examination, and I honestly don't have time to spare."
"Really? Another excuse!"
Roy didn't respond further, simply offering a smile and a wave before turning to depart.
He was accustomed to such attention. During his childhood, older women would pinch his cheeks because of his cuteness. Now that he was older, groups of girls would approach him asking for directions while he was merely waiting at a bus stop.
Yeah, right.
Are they actually lost?
Obviously, they're just interested in me.
Roy prepared a cup of coffee in the lounge and sat there for approximately ten minutes before receiving a notification.
"Ding! Trainer ID: 976600, you have been matched with an opponent. Please proceed to battle room 301 within five minutes."
Roy inhaled deeply and held the red and white Poké Ball at his waist.
"This is it, Riolu."
"Ri—!"
The Poké Ball vibrated slightly between his palms, sensing his fighting spirit, and Riolu responded enthusiastically.
...
The Pokémon Center that Roy frequented was the one nearest to Capital University.
The novice Trainers were all students who had been training for less than a year, and those who came to battle in the novice room were predominantly freshmen from several surrounding universities.
Encountering students from the same institution wasn't improbable...
So, Roy experienced an unexpected meeting.
"I didn't anticipate seeing you here."
Callan remarked with a surprised expression.
The battlefield was approximately the size of a basketball court, which was adequate for Rookie-level Trainer battles.
Besides the two competitors, there was only one referee present in the arena.
This was primarily because neither of them had established any notable reputation.
Although they had only met once previously, Callan had formed a strong impression of Roy... Apart from Roy's bold assertions, Callan had to acknowledge that this fellow possessed rather striking features.
Callan, who had never given much consideration to physical appearance, couldn't help feeling a slight twinge of envy at that moment.
'In the world of Pokémon Trainers, power is ultimately what determines success!'
Regardless of who stood before him as an opponent, Callan refused to underestimate them. He gripped his Poké Ball with determination and awaited the referee's signal.
Beyond the initial surprise, neither competitor displayed any excessive courtesy. For battle-oriented Trainers...
—The moment their gazes locked, the battle had essentially commenced!
"The venue: grassland field."
"Weather condition: sunny."
"Rules: 1v1 competition, continuing until one Pokémon loses the ability to battle!"
"Countdown: 3, 2...1!"
The referee announced the rules and countdown, and then, under the watchful eyes of both Trainers, he abruptly lowered the flag in his hand.
"Begin the battle!"
At that precise moment, both Poké Balls were thrown simultaneously, and in brilliant flashes of white light, their Pokémon materialized concurrently.
Bulbasaur and Riolu.
—The countdown concluded with both Pokémon being released simultaneously, which was one of the fundamental protocols of official battles.
Otherwise, the Trainer who deployed their Pokémon second would possess an unfair advantage, being able to select a Pokémon with a type advantage.
Although both were still novices, adherence to proper regulations was essential.
"This Riolu..." Callan's eyes flickered with surprise.
A Trainer's proficiency can initially be assessed through their Pokémon's coat condition, eye clarity, physical build, presence, and numerous other aspects.
Once a Pokémon progresses beyond infancy and enters the growth phase, its development becomes entirely dependent on the Trainer's guidance.
Compared to their brief encounter a week prior, this Riolu's demeanor had undergone a complete transformation.
This realization caused Callan's heart to momentarily falter.
However...
'What purpose do those bracelets on Riolu's wrists serve?'
Callan maintained caution and curiosity.
When confronting an opponent of unknown capabilities, testing from a distance constitutes the optimal strategy!
"Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!"
Bulbasaur's muscles tensed, and the emerald bulb on its back suddenly released several verdant leaves that hovered momentarily in midair.
In the subsequent second, the green foliage transformed into razor-sharp projectiles and launched forward like arrows released from a bow.
To be candid, Roy couldn't clearly discern the trajectory of the flying leaves; he could only perceive blurred shadows traversing through the air.
Being his inaugural battle, the rapid pace caused his reaction to be slightly delayed.
Fortunately, Riolu didn't require instructions for such a fundamental attack.
With a swift lateral movement, Riolu successfully evaded the opponent's opening move.
"Such speed--!!"
Roy was astounded by Razor Leaf's velocity, while Callan was equally impressed by Riolu's remarkable agility.
"Close the distance, Rock Smash," Roy commanded decisively.
"Interfere with Vine Whip," Callan countered strategically.
Both Trainers issued instructions in the most concise manner possible, racing against the clock in this high-stakes encounter.