April 25th.
The tournament proceeded in an orderly fashion. By the end of the day, the finalists for the Individual Tournament were officially decided.
Jean, representing Aurelia University High, decisively defeated the Captain of Wujin No. 1 to advance. On the other side of the bracket, Owen was equally dominant, crushing the Captain of Phoenix City High.
Just as predicted by the Aurelia Trainer Association's power rankings, the number one and number two seeds would now face off in the grand finale to claim the championship.
Evening.
The Team Tournament concluded. Based on point accumulation, the Association released the final rankings for the twenty key high schools of Azure Province.
Owen didn't dwell on the rankings. His focus was entirely on the following day.
Wednesday, April 26th.
The Azure Province High School Pokémon League officially reached its climax. The massive Aurelia Arena was packed to the rafters. Today wasn't just the individual finals; it was the final day of the entire event.
On the main stage, the commentator presided over the opening ceremony with even more energy than usual.
"The players haven't even entered the field yet, and I can already hear the audience's roar!" He scanned the stadium and smiled. "Good day, everyone. "
"I know you've all been waiting for this match for a long time—as have I. Jean or Owen? Who will be crowned the strongest rookie in Su Province? We are about to find out."
As the commentator introduced the two finalists, the crowd barely needed the explanation. Both names were household words by now.
Interestingly, both finalists came from "ordinary" families. Neither had parents or relatives who were trainers. Jean, in particular, came from a single-parent household. This underdog narrative was part of why she had such a massive following.
"She's not as simple as she looks," Zoe remarked.
Breaking her usual routine, Zoe hadn't returned to the guest platform for Professional Trainers. Instead, she stayed in the Fairview lounge to witness the battle alongside her students and colleagues.
"Zoe? What do you mean?" Leo asked, confused.
"You'll see in a moment." Zoe took a deep breath. The tournament's progression had gone exactly as she expected, but the news she had received this morning was a shock even to a Professional Trainer like herself.
"Among our esteemed guests today, we have..." The commentator continued.
Representatives from the Trainer Association, the Department of Education, the business world, and the police... all the big names of Azure Province were in attendance.
However, everyone noticed that a young man sitting in the most prominent seat on the guest platform had yet to be introduced.
"This league is a first for Azure Province—a trial and a challenge. Beyond the support of our provincial leaders, we are honored to welcome a very special guest today."
"I'm sure he needs no introduction... A Professional Trainer at 21, and the Elite Four Champion at 27. He has represented China in the World Pokémon League, winning countless honors for our nation. That's right—Master Jiang has joined us at the arena today!!"
Flash!
The spotlight swung onto the young man on the guest platform. His face appeared on the giant screens, and the audience finally saw him clearly.
As Jiang stood up with a smile and a wave, the stadium erupted into a frenzy.
If you asked who the most popular trainer in China was, Jiang was the undisputed answer.
In the prep room, Owen listened to the roar of the crowd with a look of daze.
The Champion, Jiang?
Why would a national superstar appear at a high school event? It wasn't impossible, but the timing was too perfect.
Jiang Li. Jiang Jean.
The connection was becoming obvious. Professional Trainers had already noted that Jean followed the "Spirit Realm" inheritance.
Jiang Li himself was a master of the Spirit Realm. Owen had speculated about Jean's background before, but Jiang Li's presence confirmed it: Jean was anything but "ordinary."
No wonder Zoe had told him this morning to "keep a level head" and "stay calm."
Outside, the world was in an uproar. Inside, Owen's heart was as still as water. It didn't matter who Jean was. He was here to win. He had hidden his best cards during the Team Tournament specifically for this victory.
The sudden appearance of the Champion changed the gravity of the event. In the press area, reporters smelled a massive story but didn't dare act without approval.
To offend a figure like Jiang Li was to risk being blacklisted from the industry.
"Champion Jiang Li..." Selina, the reporter from Platform, swallowed hard as she looked at Jean's photo on the screen, then at Owen's. "Owen, Eevee... you guys better win. My career depends on you!"
The Professional Trainers from around the province weren't surprised. It was an open secret they chose not to discuss out of respect.
Regardless of his background, the young Champion's strength was in a league of its own.
"Master Jiang Li, what are your thoughts on our two finalists?" Wang Lin asked.
Jiang Li laughed. "Both are incredibly talented rookies. I wouldn't be surprised no matter who wins. They are both rising stars for the future of Chinese training.
Does that sound too 'official'? Anyway, good luck to both sides."
His brief words earned him a thunderous round of applause. At that moment, Jean and Owen began their walk toward the center of the field from opposite sides.
Jean looked toward the guest platform, her eyes meeting Jiang Li's for a brief second before she looked away, maintaining a calm pace.
Owen's expression was equally composed. But his heart was racing for a different reason. Not only were his schoolmates and teachers here, but his parents were in the stands as well. Though he couldn't see them, he knew they were watching.
Because of the team's loss to Aurelia High, the internet didn't favor him. If his parents were following the news, they were probably worried.
Well, Owen thought, glancing at Eevee. We'll just have to give them a surprise.
Match Start.
The referee took his place. The stadium fell silent in anticipation.
"The final match of the Su Province High School Individual Tournament! Start!!"
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