NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: Chapter - 29
Jordan POV –
The roar of the crowd from his match against Nick was still echoing in Jordan's ears as he stepped off the battlefield. The cheers, the flashing lights, and the excitement of the Sinnoh League were electrifying, but as he reached the quiet of the trainers' area, Jordan felt a deep calm wash over him.
He leaned against a wall, looking down at the Poké Balls clipped to his belt. Each of them contained one of his trusted Eeveelutions, their performances still vivid in his mind.
Jordan (thinking): "They gave everything out there today. Umbreon, you were incredible—you didn't just win, you showed everyone the strength of trust and strategy. Espeon, Flareon, Vaporeon, Leafeon, Sylveon... each of you did exactly what I needed. I couldn't have asked for more."
He unclipped Umbreon's Poké Ball, holding it tightly.
"I know you've got more to give, buddy. We're not done yet."
A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought about his next steps. The top 64 had been a statement match, and the attention it brought wasn't lost on him. Trainers were talking about him now—about his team, his strategies, and his strength.
But Jordan wasn't one to let the hype get to his head. He knew the Sinnoh League only got tougher from here.
Jordan Learns About His Next Opponent
As Jordan headed to the Pokémon Center to heal his team, his Mobile buzzed with a notification. A message popped up on the league app:
Next Match: Top 32
Trainer: Jordan Smith (Sinnoh) vs. Veronica Blackwood (Hoenn)
Jordan paused, his eyebrows raising slightly.
"Veronica Blackwood, huh? I've heard that name before."
He tapped the screen to pull up her trainer profile. A picture of a confident young woman with long black hair and piercing green eyes appeared. Veronica was a seasoned trainer from the Hoenn region, known for her strategic battling style and her powerful Dragon-type Pokémon.
Jordan (thinking): "So, she's a Dragon specialist. That's going to be interesting."
Scrolling through her team history, he noted her ace Pokémon—a Salamence with a fearsome reputation for sweeping opponents. Her other known Pokémon included Altaria, Flygon, Kingdra, Druddigon, and Haxorus.
Jordan's eyes lit up with excitement.
"This is going to be a challenge. I've faced strong Dragon-types before, but a team like hers will push me to my limits."
Jordan's Strategic Thoughts
Jordan sat down at a table in the Pokémon Center, his Mobile in hand, reviewing footage of Veronica's previous battles.
Jordan (thinking): "She's aggressive, no doubt about that. Her Salamence opens strong with Dragon Dance, setting the pace for the rest of her team. But she's not reckless—every move is calculated to either sweep or force switches. If I'm going to beat her, I'll need to disrupt that momentum."
He thought about his team. Each of his Eeveelutions brought something unique to the table.
Umbreon: His defensive wall and ace, perfect for stalling and wearing down aggressive opponents.
Espeon: Quick and tactical, capable of countering with precise Psychic-type moves.
Flareon: A powerhouse with fire-based attacks that could pressure her Dragon-types.
Vaporeon: Reliable and versatile, with the durability to handle physical attackers like Salamence or Haxorus.
Leafeon: Swift and sharp, able to exploit weaknesses like Kingdra's Water typing.
Sylveon: His secret weapon against Dragon-types, with Fairy-type moves capable of turning the tide.
And also his other pokemons like Torterra, Agron, Bastiodon, and all his other pokemons.
Veronica Blackwood's POV –
Meanwhile, across the league village, Veronica sat in her room, reviewing footage of Jordan's battle against Nick. She leaned back in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched Jordan's Umbreon dominate the field.
Veronica (thinking): "So, this is the kid everyone's talking about. Eight pillar gym badges in a year, undefeated in the league so far, and a team of Eeveelutions that fight like they've been training for a decade. Impressive."
Her Salamence's Poké Ball sat on the desk beside her, and she reached for it, her fingers brushing its smooth surface.
Veronica (aloud): "You're going to have your work cut out for you, buddy. This kid's no pushover."
She glanced at the rest of her team. They were powerful, no doubt, but Jordan's versatility worried her.
Veronica (thinking): "He's got an answer for everything—defense, offense, speed, and strategy. But if I can take down his Sylveon early, the rest of his team won't stand a chance against us."
She tapped the screen of her tablet, reviewing footage of Sylveon's battles.
"That Moonblast is going to be trouble. I'll need to bait it out and find an opening."
Final Preparations
As the sun set over the Sinnoh League village, both trainers were locked in their worlds of preparation.
Jordan sat on his bed, polishing each of his Pokémon's Poké Balls and speaking to them softly.
"We've got a tough battle ahead, but I know we can do it. Let's show everyone what we're made of."
Veronica, meanwhile, was in the training fields, running last-minute drills with her Salamence.
"This kid's good, but we're better. We'll give the crowd a match they'll never forget."
Both trainers knew the stakes were high. The Top 32 was no small feat, but they weren't here just to make it this far—they were here to win.
The Sinnoh League stadium buzzed with energy as thousands of fans filled the stands, eager for the next match. Jordan Smith, a rising star from Sandgem Town, had already made waves with his flawless victories, defeating powerful trainers with ease. His opponent, Veronica Blackwood, hailed from the Hoenn region and had earned her reputation as a Dragon-type specialist with an aggressive and calculated battling style.
The battlefield shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, with the referee raising the flags to signal the beginning of the battle.
Announcer: "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Top 32 round of the Sinnoh League! On the left, representing the Sinnoh region, we have Jordan Smith! And on the right, from the Hoenn region, give it up for Veronica Blackwood!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as both trainers stepped onto the field.
Veronica (smirking): "You've made a name for yourself, Jordan, but you haven't faced anyone like me. My Dragons will crush you."
Jordan (calmly): "Dragons are tough, but they're not invincible. Let's see if you can back up that talk."
On the Television – Round 1: Glalie vs. Druddigon
Veronica's first Pokémon choice was Druddigon, a powerhouse known for its unrelenting physical attacks.
Veronica: "Druddigon, let's show them how we do things! You're up!"
Jordan responded by sending out his massive Glalie, its icy exterior glinting menacingly in the sunlight.
Jordan: "Glalie, it's your time to shine. Let's go!"
The referee raised the flags.
"Battle start!"
Veronica: "Druddigon, use Dragon Claw!"
The blue and red dragon lunged forward, its claws glowing with green energy, aiming to slash through Glalie.
Jordan: "Dodge it and counter with Ice Beam!"
Glalie swiftly floated to the side, narrowly avoiding the claws, and retaliated with a focused beam of ice. The attack struck Druddigon head-on, frost spreading across its body.
Veronica: "Shake it off! Use Rock Slide!"
Large boulders materialized in the air and came crashing down toward Glalie.
Jordan: "Breakthrough with Explosion!"
Glalie glowed brightly before releasing a massive explosion, blasting away the rocks and leaving the battlefield covered in smoke. As the dust cleared, Druddigon lay unconscious, while Glalie floated back into position, weakened but still standing.
Referee: "Druddigon is unable to battle! Glalie wins!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as Jordan secured the first victory.
On the Television – Round 2: Glalie vs. Kingdra
Veronica's next choice was her water-and-dragon hybrid, Kingdra.
Veronica: "Kingdra, let's cool things down! Hydro Pump!"
A massive jet of water surged toward Glalie.
Jordan: "Use Protect!"
A shimmering barrier formed around Glalie, deflecting the attack.
Jordan: "Follow it up with Freeze-Dry! Let's make it count!"
Glalie launched a chilling beam of energy that was super effective against Kingdra's Water-type. The attack struck true, and despite its resilience, Kingdra staggered, shivering from the icy onslaught.
Veronica: "Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse! Don't let up!"
The draconic energy collided with Glalie, finally knocking it out.
Referee: "Glalie is unable to battle! Kingdra wins!"
Jordan nodded, recalling Glalie.
Jordan: "You did great out there. Time for the next step. Go, Froslass!"
On the Television – Round 3: Froslass vs. Kingdra
The crowd gasped as Jordan's Froslass floated onto the field, exuding an aura of chilling elegance.
Jordan: "Froslass, start with Confuse Ray!"
Kingdra was enveloped in a swirling light, leaving it disoriented.
Veronica: "Snap out of it, Kingdra! Use Ice Beam!"
But Kingdra, confused, ended up hitting itself.
Jordan: "Now's our chance! Shadow Ball!"
A dark sphere of energy formed in Froslass's hands and shot toward Kingdra, landing a critical hit and knocking it out.
Referee: "Kingdra is unable to battle! Froslass wins!"
On the Television – Round 4: Froslass vs. Flygon
Veronica sent out her Flygon, its wings buzzing as it hovered over the field.
Veronica: "Flygon, use Earthquake!"
The ground beneath Froslass erupted, but as a Ghost/Ice type, Froslass floated unaffected.
Jordan: "Nice try. Use Blizzard! Freeze it in its tracks!"
The icy storm engulfed Flygon, slowing its movements and dealing heavy damage.
Veronica: "Flygon, use Stone Edge!"
Jagged stones flew toward Froslass, striking it and knocking it out.
Referee: "Froslass is unable to battle! Flygon wins!"
On the Television – Round 5: Altaria vs. Flygon
Jordan sent out his own Altaria, its fluffy wings giving it an angelic appearance.
Jordan: "Altaria, use Dragon Pulse!"
The energy wave struck Flygon, knocking it out before Veronica could counter.
Referee: "Flygon is unable to battle! Altaria wins!"
On the Television – Round 6: Aerodactyl vs. Salamence
The final round saw Veronica's Salamence, her ace, facing off against Jordan's Aerodactyl, a massive behemoth towering over the battlefield.
Veronica: "Salamence, Dragon Dance!"
Salamence boosted its speed and attack, preparing to sweep.
Jordan: "Aerodactyl, use Rock Slide! Stop it before it gains momentum!"
The barrage of rocks hit Salamence, forcing it to stagger.
Veronica: "Mega Evolve!"
Salamence transformed, its sleek, aerodynamic form radiating power.
Jordan: "We've got this. Aerodactyl, use Sky Attack!"
Aerodactyl glowed brightly before diving down with immense force, colliding with Mega Salamence in an explosive clash. Salamence was unable to recover from the overwhelming attack.
Referee: "Salamence is unable to battle! Aerodactyl wins! The match goes to Jordan Smith!"
Post-Match Reactions
The stadium erupted into cheers, with fans marveling at the sheer power and precision of Jordan's team.
Announcer: "An incredible display of skill and strategy by Jordan Smith! Advancing to the Top 16, this Sinnoh native proves why he's a force to be reckoned with!"
Veronica approached Jordan, shaking his hand.
Veronica: "You earned that win. Your team is incredible."
Jordan (smiling): "You pushed me to my limits. Your Dragons were no joke."
Jordan walked off the battlefield, his eyes set on the Top 16. The road ahead was tough, but he knew his team was ready. With each victory, his dream of becoming the Sinnoh League Champion felt closer than ever.