Chapter 113: Meeting Expectations, A Highly Anticipated Entrance!

The fervent atmosphere in the arena showed no signs of cooling; the crowd remained immersed in the excitement of the duel that had just concluded.

"I never imagined that the girl who seemed so lacking in stamina would be a regional champion, and one with such formidable strength at that," Marnie murmured from her seat in the audience, clutching Morpeko.

In the VIP lounge:

"That champion is strong, but she likely hasn't revealed her full power yet," Bea said, arms crossed.

Raihan gritted his teeth and muttered, "What is Leon doing? That wasn't clean or decisive at all."

Nearby, Nessa smoothed her hair and remarked, "It’s just an exhibition match. Only someone with no social grace would obsess over winning or losing."

The reactions of everyone watching varied widely.

Outside the arena, Corviknight watched the intense battle, a glimmer of light appearing in its crimson eyes.

"Caw!"

Its flock had gathered around it at some point, watching the battle together. It wasn't until the flock let out sounds of admiration that the mesmerized Corviknight snapped back to reality. Seeing the flock that had always trusted and relied on it, the light in the Corviknight's eyes gradually faded.

"Caw-wah!" The flock immediately circled around the Corviknight, chattering excitedly about the battle. Some of the Rookidee and Corvisquire had a glint in their eyes similar to the Corviknight's. Seeing this, the look in the Corviknight's eyes grew complex.

Inside the arena, a prompt sounded over the PA system, drawing the audience's attention and sparking surprise and curiosity.

"Everyone! Please return to your seats. At the request of the organizers, Ms. Nemona, the Paldea Champion, will randomly select one audience member for a battle!"

"This is a rare opportunity, and the selected audience member will also receive a surprise gift!"

"The battle is not over yet!" the referee announced loudly.

The crowd erupted at the news. In the Galar region, influenced by Leon and the Gym Challenge, almost everyone was passionate about Pokémon battles. Now, hearing they could face a Champion-level trainer, everyone present was filled with anticipation.

"Random? Yeah, right!" When Su Yi heard this and connected it to the meaningful glance Nemona had given him earlier, he instantly understood.

Nemona took the microphone and said, "I am very happy to be here to battle Galar's strongest champion, Leon, and I truly appreciate everyone's support and cheers."

"However, I find myself wanting to share the joy of battling with someone else."

Nemona walked toward the audience seating. "It is a great pity not to be able to enjoy a battle to the fullest."

"So..."

Nemona raised her hand and pointed directly at someone in the stands.

"Let's battle!"

A spotlight immediately swung to where she was pointing. Su Yi stood up with a wry smile, looking at Nemona under the glare of the light.

"Good grief," Su Yi muttered helplessly.

On the giant screen outside the arena, Su Yi’s young face appeared. Corviknight froze, then spread its wings and let out a loud cry, the light in its eyes igniting once more.

"Chirp!"

"Caw-wah!"

Seeing their leader like this, the flock called out, encouraging and expectant. They had noticed long ago that whenever the city became lively, when the street screens began broadcasting arena battles, or when cheers and sounds of combat echoed from the main stadium, their leader would stop to watch, completely absorbed.

"Caw?" Sensing the encouragement of the flock, the Corviknight hesitated.

The Rookidee and Corvisquire responded, pointing at Su Yi, who was standing on the screen.

"Caw!" The Corviknight finally made up its mind, its crimson eyes burning like a raging fire.

Whoosh!

The massive armored raptor soared into the sky, diving into the arena like a black phantom.

"Su Yi?" Bea was taken aback.

Raihan crossed his arms, disgruntled. "Do you know that guy? Damn it, if only it were us up there..."

Nessa said with surprise, "It's him? The trainer with that cute cat Pokémon?"

In Kanto, at Professor Oak’s laboratory, the Professor paused mid-slurp of his instant noodles, pulled out his phone, and brought up Su Yi’s information.

"So this is the young man?" Professor Oak smiled. "Let me see what you and your Pokémon can do."

"Su Yi? Nemona did that on purpose, didn't she? Calling it random... it seems she wants to finish that battle with big brother Su Yi," Marnie whispered.

"Mor-peko!" Morpeko pointed happily at Su Yi. A good person who gives me lots of snacks!

Marnie: ...

"Su Yi?" Allister asked in surprise.

"Ginga?" Gengar looked at the screen—was this the man who was Allister’s new friend?

"It's him?" A girl with two-toned hair and round-rimmed glasses in the corner of the stands said, feeling slightly surprised.

"This is tricky. If I battle you, I’ll have to bring out my Monsties, won't I?" Su Yi felt conflicted. Should he reveal his Monsties to the world? Now? Here? Was it too early?

"Caw!" A piercing cry shattered the air as a figure dove down.

Whoosh! With a sweep of its steel wings, the black-armored raptor flew above Su Yi.

"Corviknight?" Sonia gasped. "Where did that Pokémon come from?"

"Is it his Pokémon?"

"What’s going on?" The referee was startled and signaled for his Aegislash to float over to investigate.

"Corviknight, what are you doing?" Su Yi asked, quite surprised as the bird stared at him.

The Corviknight turned around, silently looking at the vast green field and listening to the cheers of the crowd.

"It seems our invitee is a bit shy," Nemona laughed, her face filled with anticipation as she looked at Su Yi.

"Don't hold back, young man! Come on!"

"Don't be afraid, bravely accept the challenge!"

"Battle! Come on, kid!"

The audience cheered and encouraged him, eager to see the "lucky one" take the stage. Even the Corviknight seemed to be waiting for something.

"Don't hold back? This is the chance!"

"Corviknight, do you want to battle? Under my command?" Su Yi asked.

"Caw-ah!" The Corviknight's response was firm and spirited.

Su Yi took a deep breath and shouted, "Corviknight, take me to the stage!"

As he spoke, Su Yi raised his slinger, the hook instantly catching on the Corviknight’s iron claw. The Corviknight was momentarily surprised, but then gripped the hook tight and took flight, soaring toward the arena. Nemona watched with a smile as Su Yi flew in, hanging from the Corviknight, until he landed with a flourish.

Thud!

A hunter-style entrance!

"Oh! What an unexpected way to make an entrance!"

"Young man, that's how it should be. Besides, those Pokémon were bound to be revealed to the world sooner or later," Professor Magnolia smiled from in front of her television.

"Meow! Su Yi, go for it, meow!" Meowth and the other Pokémon cheered loudly from the stands.

"This audience member, what is your name?" The referee, seeing that the Corviknight wasn't there to cause trouble, breathed a sigh of relief and walked up to ask.

"My name is Su Yi."

"Are you familiar with the battle rules?"

"Perfectly."

"Then is a 3v3 acceptable?" the referee confirmed.

"No problem!"

The referee nodded and announced the combatants and the rules, reigniting the audience's passion.

"Corviknight, can I count on you for the first round?" Su Yi asked.

"Caw!" The Corviknight responded with a sharp cry.