NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: A League of His Own
The Pakista City Pokémon Center was a haven for travelers and trainers alike. No matter how much this world differed from the one Elliot once knew, one thing remained constant—Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny. It was oddly comforting.
Standing at the counter, Elliot filled out a digital form on a small touchpad.
Trainer Registration: Complete.
Welcome to the Pokémon League, Elliot Kane!
With a confirming beep, his journey as an official Trainer began.
Elliot stared at the remaining Pokédollars in his account. He had just enough for a single purchase.
With a resigned sigh, he tapped the screen at the PokéMart corner of the Center.
Item Purchased: Dragon-Type Pokéblock Box (x10)
Balance: 0 Pokédollars
"That's all of it," he muttered, stuffing the box into his backpack.
Deino sniffed the air curiously, nudging Elliot's leg.
"Alright, alright." Elliot pulled out a Pokéblock and held it out. "Here, try this."
Deino bit into it, munching thoughtfully before letting out a satisfied rumble.
Elliot smirked. "Yeah, I figured you'd like that."
His finances were completely drained, but it was an investment. A strong Pokémon meant better battles. Better battles meant prize money.
And right now, he needed both.
Pakista Stadium was a battleground for up-and-coming trainers.
Elliot strolled into the challenger registration hall, his hands in his pockets. Trainers of varying skill levels gathered in small clusters, either preparing their Pokémon or discussing strategies. Some glanced his way—specifically, at the Deino following closely beside him.
He caught whispers.
"A Deino? Damn, must be nice."
"At least he's got something strong. Not some idiot starting with a Magikarp."
"Still, does he know what he's doing?"
Elliot smirked. They'll find out soon enough he wasn't some rookie.
He approached the battle receptionist.
"I want to enter a Pokéball-Level Challenge—1v1 Type Battle."
The attendant nodded and processed his entry. "You'll be facing Paul, another challenger at your level. Wait in the lobby until your number is called."
The waiting room buzzed with anticipation. Elliot sat on a bench, arms crossed, while Deino rested beside him.
Across from him, Paul, a blonde-haired trainer, leaned against the wall. His expression was neutral, but the way he studied Elliot's Deino made his intentions clear—he wasn't going to underestimate him.
Before long, an announcement rang out:
"Challenger Elliot versus Challenger Paul—please proceed to the battle arena."
Elliot stood up, stretching his arms. "Alright, Deino. Let's go show them what we've got."
Deino let out a confident growl, following closely as they ascended the staircase to the main stadium arena.
The crowd wasn't massive, but it was filled with important spectators.
Among them, high up in a private viewing area, Lance—the Dragon Master—stood, his signature red cape draped over his shoulders.
He had originally planned to leave after a routine check on new talent. Nothing so far had caught his eye.
But as he turned toward the exit, his gaze landed on the arena floor.
Specifically—on the Deino standing beside a young trainer.
Lance's interest piqued.
"A Deino, huh? Interesting. Let's see how this kid handles it."
As the two challengers stepped forward, the **referee raised his flags.**
"Trainers! Release your Pokémon!"
Elliot smirked, gripping his Pokéball.
"Let's do this."