What exactly went wrong?
That was the only thought running through Wang Xi’s mind.
She took a deep breath before speaking.
“The situation is more serious than I expected.” “I’m a third-year student at Yindu University.
Even if I’m only in the regular program and not one of the monsters from the Special Enrollment Class, I’m still a student of one of the top six universities in Xia Country.” “Every year, only a limited number of students are admitted.” Simply being accepted into Yindu University was proof of her talent.
At just twenty years old, she had already reached Gym Rank, surpassing most Trainers of her generation.
Yet today…
She had been completely overwhelmed.
A newly registered Trainer, Adrian Sterling, had defeated nine of her Pokémon in a row using nothing but a single Beldum.
Yes, it was a Shiny Pseudo-Legendary.
Yes, the first nine Pokémon belonged to the Battle Club.
But none of that changed the outcome.
She had been swept.
Nine to one.
— “For the final battle…” “May I use my own Pokémon?” Wang Xi looked at Adrian seriously.
Technically, this violated the Battle Club’s rules.
However, if both Trainers agreed, exceptions could be made.
There were two reasons behind her request.
First, only her own Pokémon could truly demonstrate her full strength.
Second…
This might be the only opportunity in her life to battle against a Shiny Beldum.
She wasn’t about to let such a rare chance slip away.
“Of course.” Adrian nodded without hesitation.
To be honest, the Pokémon used during the previous nine battles hadn’t impressed him.
Others might have considered them strong.
To Adrian…
They were ordinary at best.
A stronger opponent would make things far more interesting.
As for losing…
Adrian had never believed in the myth of an undefeated Trainer.
No matter how talented someone was—or how powerful their cheats might be—defeat was inevitable at some point.
The only question was when.
Still…
If Wang Xi wanted to defeat him, her Pokémon would need a significant advantage.
— “Piplup!” A small blue penguin stepped confidently onto the battlefield.
— Name: Piplup Type: Water Level: 12 Potential: Quasi-Elite Ability: Torrent Held Item: Water Gem Gender: Male Moves – Pound – Growl – Water Gun – Charm TM Moves – Protect – Chilling Water – Swift Egg Move – Aqua Ring — “This is the Piplup I caught about a month ago.” “It has excellent talent and has already reached Level 12.” Wang Xi couldn’t hide the pride in her voice.
A Pokémon with Quasi-Elite Potential was already considered exceptional.
The difference between potential ranks was enormous.
Especially the gap between Elite Potential and Quasi-Elite Potential.
Throughout Xia Country—and even the rest of the world—Pokémon with Elite Potential were almost exclusively controlled by prestigious families.
They rarely appeared on the open market.
When they did…
They were sold only through high-end auctions.
Even an Elite-Potential Caterpie could fetch an astonishing price simply because of its future potential.
If it happened to be a desirable type such as Water, Fire, Grass, or Fighting, and also possessed a Mega Evolution, its value could easily exceed ₹1,00,00,000 Daxia Coins.
For ordinary Trainers, obtaining a Pokémon with Elite Potential was nearly impossible.
Quasi-Elite Potential was already the highest they could realistically hope for.
Wang Xi’s Piplup possessed exactly that.
Combined with its popular Water typing, it was worth approximately ₹8,00,000 to ₹9,00,000 Daxia Coins.
— Water-type Pokémon had always been among the strongest elemental types.
They enjoyed excellent offensive coverage while having weaknesses to only Grass and Electric.
At the same time, they resisted four different types.
Most Water Pokémon could also learn powerful Ice-type attacks, making them incredibly versatile.
Piplup’s final evolution was Empoleon.
A unique Water/Steel-type Pokémon.
Since both Water and Steel were considered top-tier typings, Empoleon naturally ranked among the strongest Water-type Pokémon in existence.
Its only real drawback was the absence of a known Mega Evolution.
Even so…
Water and Steel formed one of the most powerful type combinations ever discovered.
So far, Empoleon remained the only Pokémon possessing that exact typing.
That alone explained why Piplup commanded a higher market value than Pokémon such as Squirtle or Mudkip, despite both of them having Mega Evolutions.
When Trainers invested in Pokémon…
They didn’t buy for today.
They invested in the future.
— “Piplup!” The little penguin lifted its head proudly, staring fearlessly at Beldum.
Its fighting spirit burned brightly.
“Piplup…” “Our opponent is very strong.” Wang Xi reminded her partner calmly.
The playful Battle Club instructor was gone.
Standing here now…
Was a true Trainer.
Her confidence was completely different.
“Water Gun!” “Pip!” A high-pressure stream of water burst from Piplup’s beak.
Compared to the previous opponents Adrian had faced, this Water Gun launched far more quickly and required almost no charging time.
Using its magnetic levitation, Beldum easily dodged the attack.
But unlike the previous Water Guns…
This one continued.
Piplup immediately turned its head, causing the stream to change direction and pursue Beldum.
— “Zen Headbutt.” Adrian’s voice remained calm.
Beldum stopped retreating.
Psychic energy instantly enveloped its metallic body.
Compared to an ordinary Tackle…
Zen Headbutt possessed vastly superior speed and destructive power.
Boom!
The Psychic-powered charge smashed directly into the incoming Water Gun.
The stream exploded apart instantly.
At the same time, Piplup’s Water Gun reached its limit and dissipated.
Without hesitation, Wang Xi issued another command.
“Piplup!” “Aqua Ring!” Emerald-colored water swirled around Piplup’s body, forming a shimmering protective ring.
Normally, Aqua Ring gradually restored the user’s stamina.
However…
When used creatively, it could also serve as a defensive barrier.
Just like now.
Beldum’s Zen Headbutt slammed into the watery ring.
Water splashed in every direction.
Boom!
The two attacks remained locked together for barely a second.
Then…
The Aqua Ring shattered like fragile glass.
Although weakened by both Water Gun and Aqua Ring, Beldum’s Zen Headbutt still struck Piplup squarely in the abdomen.
The impact sent the little penguin sliding backward nearly nine meters.
Fortunately, the combined defenses had absorbed most of the damage.
Unlike the previous nine opponents…
Piplup remained standing.
The instant it regained its footing, it launched another attack.
“Swift!” Golden stars shot toward Beldum like a meteor shower.
“Zen Headbutt.” Adrian gave another calm order.
Swift was a move that never missed.
Against it, there were only two options.
Block it.
Or overpower it.
There was no third choice.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
The glowing stars collided with Beldum’s Zen Headbutt one after another before exploding into sparkling fragments.
Exactly as Wang Xi had expected.
The moment Swift failed, she issued her next command.
“Protect!” A transparent barrier instantly appeared around Piplup.
Boom!
Beldum’s Zen Headbutt slammed heavily into the protective shield, producing a deep, thunderous impact.
The barrier trembled violently but held firm.
Unlike Beldum, many evolved Pokémon could naturally learn Protect, either through leveling up or Technical Machines.
Beldum itself couldn’t learn the move in its current form.
Only after evolving into Metang would it gain access to it.
Among experienced Trainers, Protect was considered one of the most essential moves any Pokémon could master.
Because in a critical moment…
It could save a life.
Give me more motivation!