Chapter 531: The Champion

Chapter 531: The Champion Cacturne struggled to get back on its feet, but it was struck by a Flamethrower, causing it to fall once more, this time it not getting up again.

The fall of Cacturne marked the end of the championship match between Yuga and Christine. The commentators on the field excitedly announced Yuga's victory, and the audience outside couldn't help but cheer. Mayor Ishida and Liliana were particularly thrilled, embracing each other in celebration.

Retrieving Cacturne, Christine approached Yuga with a smile and said, "Little brother, you really didn't hold back, did you? You made me lose so miserably."

Yuga helplessly stretched out a hand to her: "Give in."

Christine held Yuga's right hand and said playfully: "No way, you are still giving in to me? Then if you tried your best, how miserable would I be!" Yujia

Yuga couldn't help but find this playful young lady quite mischievous, despite her being slightly older than him. She kept calling him "little brother" with every other sentence.

Although Christine was joking, Yuga had indeed held back. If he had released Volcarona, Christine's Cacturne would have fallen long ago. Sёarch* The NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

However, Yuga's current strength wasn't up to par. Even if he released Volcarona, he lacked the ability to command it and could only let it fight on its own.

Amidst the cheers of the audience, both Yuga and Christine left the arena simultaneously because the next match was between Sora and Roxie.

Sora and Roxie's match lasted even longer than Yuga and Christine's. In the end, Sora emerged victorious, becoming third-place finisher in this competition.

Sora's Shiny Ninetales was truly powerful. If it hadn't encountered pseudo-Elite level Cacturne, it would have made it to the finals.

The emotions of the audience remained high during Sora and Roxie's match. Perhaps it was influenced by Yuga and Christine's previous battle, as the spectators' enthusiasm showed no signs of waning.

After the match concluded, it was time for the closing ceremony of the competition. The first event of the closing ceremony was the award presentation for Yuga, Christine, and Sora.

After all, it was a major competition, and the proper ceremonies needed to be observed.

Each of the three received a medal – gold for the champion, silver for the runner-up, and bronze for the third-place finisher. This made Yuga felt as if he had participated in an Olympic event.

However, what surprised Yuga was that the one presenting their awards was none other than Mr. Alder, the champion of the Unova Region. He had specially come to present the awards to Yuga and the others.

This was the first time Yuga had met a League Champion face to face since he arrived in the Pokémon world.

As Mr. Alder hung the gold medal around Yuga's neck, he smiled warmly and said, "Well done, well done. You are all the future of the League. Keep up the good work."

Mr. Alder had a very amiable and gentle smile, appearing as a kind uncle rather than the lecherous old man rumored in some tales.

However, when he presented the award to Christine, his true nature surfaced. He couldn't help but wear a foolish expression and muttered under his breath, "Well done, well done. In a few more years, you'll be a remarkable beauty."

Although his voice was low, Yuga and Christine, who were close by, heard it clearly. Christine's expression immediately soured, and she gave this lecherous old man a fierce glare.

Mr. Alder didn't react to Christine's glare, but his assistant standing beside him discreetly poked him, signaling him to mind his behavior.

Yuga and Christine rolled their eyes simultaneously.

This Mr. Alder was indeed just as rumored.

After the awards ceremony, it was Mr. Alder's turn to give a speech on stage. During his speech, he appeared quite serious, delivering words of encouragement to the young trainers, portraying a rather normal League Champion.

After everything was concluded, Yuga, Christine, and Sora were preparing to leave the Battle Company Building when they were informed by the staff that Mr. Alder wanted to meet with them.

All three of them were puzzled, unsure of Mr. Alder's purpose in summoning them at this moment.

Guided by the staff, Yuga's group was led into a room.

As they entered, they saw not only Mr. Alder sitting inside but also Elite Four Lorelei, Mr. Prycee, Phoebe, Professor Carolina, Mr. Drayden, and Siebold, all seated in a row.

These six individuals, apart from Professor Carolina, were all Elite Four Member Trainers. Seeing that they were waiting for them, Yuga and his group were truly taken aback.

Upon seeing Yuga's group enter, the seven elders inside all greeted them warmly.

"Come on in, come on in. Why are you all standing by the door?"

Professor Carolina was the happiest among them. She had almost given up, but Christine's determination had earned her some face.

Phoebe also said with a smile, "Come on in and have a seat."

She gestured towards the three chairs placed opposite them.

Phoebe was in a very good mood. Among those present, she represented the Hoenn Region and held the most prestige. Although she didn't care much about these accolades, she still preferred having a good reputation compared to someone like Elite Four Lorelei, who had become infamous for his reckless behavior.

Yuga's group took their seats opposite the elders, and Mr. Alder said, "Do you know why we've called you here?"

"We have no idea," all three of them shook their heads involuntarily.

Mr. Alder chuckled, "Haha, do you think the reward for the top three in the competition is just that useless medal?"

Upon hearing this, Yuga's group felt a sense of joy. Did this mean there were additional rewards?

Seeing their happy expressions, Mr. Alder continued, "This is not only a reward for you but also a test."

Yuga's group was even more puzzled now. Why would a reward also be a test?

Seeing their confusion, Mr. Alder smiled and explained, "Let me explain."

"The reason the League opens up opportunities for ordinary trainers to establish gyms is to nurture talent. Therefore, for the top three in the competition, the League provides a different level of support compared to other participants."

"However, to receive this kind of support, you must first complete the League's pre-set test. If you can't pass the test, you don't deserve the League's strong backing."

"This is a hidden benefit for the top three in the competition, and it's been a tradition for every tournament. It's just that it has never been publicly disclosed, so the public is unaware."

"So, what is this test?" Yuga couldn't help but ask.