Witnessing the astonishing scene unfolding on the battlefield, the atmosphere suddenly descended into profound silence.
While collectively stunned by Riolu's remarkable strength, everyone experienced a distinct sensation of... embarrassment.
After all, mere moments ago, most individuals present had expressed contempt toward Roy, with several even engaging in open mockery.
No one had anticipated such an immediate and decisive reversal of expectations.
Fortunately, everyone possessed sufficient maturity to adjust to the awkward situation.
Soon, hushed conversations began circulating throughout the room.
"Yes... he demonstrates considerable strength."
"Beyond merely considerable... the velocity and power exhibited by that Riolu—let's acknowledge honestly, most competitors here would succumb after a single attack."
"Seriously, does Roy genuinely originate from an ordinary family background?"
"I assumed he was merely creating noise to attract attention, but he's genuinely emerged as an unexpected contender."
"Observe Callan's expression—he maintains complete composure. Was he previously aware of Roy's capabilities?"
Students from ordinary backgrounds grew increasingly enthusiastic about this unexpected revelation.
Those possessing keen observational abilities detected something unusual about Callan, the recommended student.
Others simply relished the unfolding drama, retrieving their phones to post updates on the university forums.
Callan maintained an outwardly serene demeanor, but secretly nodded with approval.
'Excellent, that Riolu's performance remains consistent with yesterday's battle, which suggests my prepared strategy should prove effective.'
Yesterday's defeat had kept Callan awake throughout the night, consumed by frustration. From his perspective, the outcome of that encounter had pivoted on a single critical moment.
Their Pokémon's inherent abilities showed minimal disparity, yet he considered himself superior as a Trainer. Callan firmly believed his defeat resulted exclusively from Riolu unexpectedly unleashing its latent potential at a decisive juncture.
He recognized that with Roy's demonstrated skill level, he would inevitably advance from the qualifiers, creating an opportunity for them to encounter each other in the knockout rounds. Consequently, overnight, he had meticulously devised a strategy specifically engineered to counter Roy and Riolu.
He hadn't anticipated they would confront each other during the qualifying stage.
"Perfect, I can achieve redemption sooner than expected."
Callan couldn't suppress an expression of excitement as he rose from his seat.
His turn to battle had arrived.
Walking through the competitor's tunnel, he passed Roy returning from his match. Callan whispered purposefully: "Roy, avoid defeat before confronting me... Otherwise, you'll prove unworthy of being considered my rival."
"..."
Roy glanced back with a perplexed expression.
Had their relationship developed such familiarity?
And this talk of rivalry...
Men and their perpetual competitive obsessions...
Though mildly amusing, Roy simultaneously heightened his vigilance. His opponent possessed deeper connections within the Trainer community and likely concealed strategic advantages. He couldn't risk an unexpected defeat.
Even if qualification wasn't immediately threatened, he remained unwilling to concede a single match.
An unyielding determination to triumph constituted an essential attribute for aspiring elite Trainers.
Roy touched the Poké Ball secured at his waist and formulated a decision.
"This presents an ideal opportunity. I can utilize the confrontation with Callan to evaluate Riolu's diverse capabilities when he removes 'that'..."
After returning to the waiting area, Roy observed as Callan predictably defeated his opponent within seconds.
The qualifiers progressed efficiently, with minimal intervals between consecutive matches.
The injuries sustained by novice Pokémon appeared insignificant compared to what the advanced "recovery machine" technology of this world could effectively address. Healing procedures required mere moments, eliminating concerns regarding Pokémon exhaustion.
This sophisticated recovery technology proved sufficient for battles conducted below the professional level.
According to prevailing rumors, confrontations between professional Trainers produced injuries necessitating days of recuperation, beyond the complete healing capacity of recovery machines. The precise reasons remained ambiguous...
Roy's second match commenced shortly thereafter.
Riolu's opponent was a Psychic-type Drowzee.
Regarding type matchups, Riolu as a Fighting-type confronted a significant disadvantage.
Nevertheless, the battle remained remarkably straightforward. The fundamental essence of Psychic-type moves involved substantive mental energy, but when unable to match an opponent's speed, Psychic attacks became effectively meaningless.
Under Riolu's overwhelming physical superiority, Drowzee endured merely two exchanges before succumbing to defeat.
This silenced those who had theorized that Riolu's swift victory against Onix resulted merely from type advantage. They were compelled to acknowledge the emergence of this unexpected contender.
In Group F, Roy and Callan dominated the standings. Hardly any of their opponents survived beyond three consecutive exchanges.
Callan's performance aligned perfectly with expectations established for a recommended student.
However, Roy's performance defied conventional understanding.
Consequently, Roy and his Riolu once again became the central subject of animated discussions across the Capital University forums.
"I'm participating in Roy's group. His strength is remarkable, likely comparable to recommended student caliber."
"I witnessed his battle personally. His Riolu's speed defies normal parameters—his opponents couldn't even formulate responses."
"I'm astounded that Riolu could be developed to this level within a single week. Are we certain he hasn't concealed his background? Was he genuinely born into an ordinary family?"
"Could you refrain from exaggeration? You Trainers from ordinary backgrounds demonstrate such ignorance. Simply because someone achieves victory, you assume they possess extraordinary strength? Truly laughable~~"
"Hey jerk, mind your language!"
A recommended student utilizing the username 'Elite_Trainer' began ridiculing others, instantly igniting a contentious exchange.
Consistent with his username, he posted a screenshot displaying himself leading his group's standings, continuing to antagonize others.
This behavior prompted disapproving reactions even from fellow recommended students.
At that precise moment, a significant figure entered the discussion.
"Which recommended student represents Group F?"
The arrival of this Elite's son immediately redirected everyone's attention toward Group F.
Someone responded promptly:
"Callan, the apprentice of the local Gym Leader."
"Ah, him." Cade responded as if recognizing Callan. "If Roy successfully defeats Callan, then he genuinely exemplifies recommended student caliber..."
If defeating a recommended student establishes equivalence to recommended student level?
Many freshmen found this assertion confusing, comparable to declaring "water possesses wetness"...
Some questioned whether this statement lacked substantive meaning.
However, shortly thereafter, someone intervened to provide clarification:
"Recommended students maintain connections with professional-level Trainers affiliated with the university. With their reputation serving as guarantee, they receive unconditional enrollment and maximum resource allocation—however, professional Trainers remain human, susceptible to occasional misjudgments."
"Certain recommended students merely accumulate resources but demonstrate notable deficiencies in practical skill."
"Recommended students who perform inadequately in the three major examinations—entrance, midterm, and final—face potential elimination. Their recommended status becomes transferable to high-performing rookies, with the poorest performers facing removal."
"Therefore, the 'recommended student level' specifically designates those capable of consistently maintaining their recommended status throughout extended periods."
This explanation provided sufficient detail for comprehensive understanding.
Essentially, Callan represented a firmly established recommended student possessing authentic talent. If Roy could defeat him, it would demonstrate Roy possessed the necessary qualities to maintain recommended student status in subsequent evaluations.
"Wait," interjected a well-known upperclassman, "Has there ever occurred an instance in our university's history where recommended student status transferred following the entrance examination?"
Those possessing insider knowledge momentarily hesitated.
Talented individuals emerged with regularity, and throughout successive years numerous unexpected contenders had appeared during entrance examinations. They had deployed surprising strategies or caught recommended students unprepared, producing occasional upsets.
However, Capital University's entrance examinations had never witnessed a 'transfer of recommended student status.'
In the main tournament, recommended students had consistently prevailed against ordinary students.
The quarterfinals had invariably featured exclusively recommended students.
The explanation remained straightforward.
Resources constituted the paramount factor in a Trainer's developmental journey, particularly for beginners. For novice Trainers, resource accessibility determined approximately 99% of outcomes.
Born into an ordinary family, without financial resources, without specialized knowledge and connections, without a distinguished mentor providing guidance...
How could one realistically compete against second-generation Trainers?
Achieving a single upset during qualifiers already represented an extraordinary accomplishment. No recommended student would exercise restraint during the main tournament.
The university provided the optimal advancement pathway. It offered diverse channels for resource acquisition and provided numerous individuals with opportunities for progression.
...Impossible. This Roy definitely couldn't accomplish such a feat.
...A miracle, could it genuinely materialize?
...Could they witness history's creation unfold before them?
All these considerations ensured that virtually everyone associated with the university directed intense attention toward the final match of Group F.