“What?! I thought Snivy’s trainer was being unsportsmanlike, but now it looks like he’s actually helping Lapras vent its excess energy!”

  A spectator with some knowledge of Pokémon breeding suddenly lit up with realization.

  “What an ingenious method! This young man used Lapras’ state of pain and confusion, had Snivy deploy Grassy Terrain to obscure its vision, and then induced it to release Water Gun at intervals through Snivy’s movements.

  This minimized the damage caused by its energy leakage to its body. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! This young man’s breeder must be at least advanced level!”

  Someone nearby looked incredulous. “What?! He’s just a high schooler! Are you saying he’s an advanced-level breeder?”

  The informed spectator glanced at the doubter and shook his head.

  “You misunderstood… I said at least advanced level. He might even be more skilled.

  Because, from start to finish, he never issued precise commands to Snivy. This means their bond has reached a level where they can communicate without words!”

  With this explanation, the audience was even more astonished.

  With a shout of, “It’s a success! Lapras has successfully broken through!”

  The entire audience relaxed after the tense atmosphere.

  Then,

  out of nowhere, someone yelled, “Snivy is amazing! Holy crap, how can a Snivy be this strong?!”

  What followed was a wave of cheers.

  “Snivy! Snivy!”

  “Snivy…”

  The roar of the crowd echoed throughout the arena.

  At the same time, the system prompt sounded in Ethan’s mind:

  【Congratulations to the host for increasing Snivy’s happiness level from 60% to 80%. Rewards: 5 bags of Miracle Fertilizer, 1 Rare Candy, and 1 Petaya Berry.】

  【Pokémon: Lapras】

  【Gender: Male】

  【Ability: Water Absorb】

  【Potential: Purple】

  【Level: 22-25】

  【Description: A Lapras that has successfully released its suppressed energy and undergone transformation.】

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  【Congratulations to the host for increasing Lapras’ Happiness Value from -40% to 90%. Rewards: 10 bags of Miracle Fertilizer, 1 Rare Candy, and 1 S-Rank Ocean Crystal (a legendary crystal stored in the Ocean Temple, infused with the power of the sea, greatly beneficial to Water-type Pokémon).】

  “Whew…”

  Listening to the synchronized cheers from the audience, Ethan felt a little conflicted.

  Clearly, this had all been his plan, but in the end, the audience’s admiration was entirely directed at Snivy.

  Frustrating…

  It was almost like being jealous of his own Pokémon.

  Still,the thought of the Ocean Crystal and Petaya Berry he had just earned quickly lifted his mood.

  Hearing Ethan’s words, Snivy didn’t say anything further. It quietly remained within the Grassy Terrain, waiting patiently.

  At that moment, it could feel the energy within its body beginning to stir, as if it were on the brink of something significant—just one more step, and it would evolve...

  That step, perhaps, was now.

  Snivy calmed its emotions, suppressing the restless energy within and preparing itself to evolve in the best possible state.

  Roughly a minute later,

  prompted by a few “gentle reminders” from the audience above, Charlie finally realized he was still in the middle of a match.

  He immediately stood up, glancing toward Ethan, who was still waiting across the field. His expression was a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment.

  After some thought, he solemnly declared, “I concede this match!”

  As soon as he said this,

  the arena fell silent.

  But shortly after,

  the quiet was replaced by a wave of discussion.

  This time, however, the conversations were mostly filled with acknowledgment and approval.

  “Concede, huh? Well, it makes sense. That young man practically saved his Lapras.”

  “I really misjudged him. I thought this chubby boy was suppressing Lapras’ energy just to win the championship, but I didn’t expect this…”

  “But it’s probably for the best. Snivy is no match for Lapras, which has already entered the elite stage.”

  “Huh? The Snivy trainer isn’t accepting the concession? What’s he doing?”

  Ethan’s expression remained calm, but inwardly, he was slightly surprised.

  After all,

  Charlie’s father had likely invested a great deal in this tournament. Conceding now would mean much of that effort had gone to waste.

  Of course, there was also the possibility of gaining something different—an unexpected outcome, as most of the audience now praised Charlie’s decision to concede.

  After a brief moment of thought, Ethan spoke, “If you’re conceding out of gratitude because my Snivy helped your Lapras, then there’s no need. My Snivy genuinely needs a challenging battle right now!”

  Though his voice wasn’t loud,

  the arena’s amplification system carried it clearly across the entire stadium.

  “Snivy!”

  The Grassy Terrain, which had just been deployed, grew even more vibrant. Within it, Snivy’s orange-yellow eyes sparkled with anticipation, ready for action.

  “Wooo!”

  Lapras, as if sensing Snivy’s eagerness, let out a spirited cry, its battle intent ignited.

  “Alright then! Lapras, use Water Gun!”

  Hearing this, Charlie wiped his tears and, with renewed determination, issued the command for Water Gun once more.

  However, unlike the chaotic sprays from earlier, this time the Water Gun was precise and carried an imposing power.

  Snivy’s shadow flitted across the Grassy Terrain.

  The Water Gun landed where Snivy had been moments before, washing away a large patch of grass.

  It was clear to anyone watching—this Lapras had become significantly stronger than it was earlier.

  “Leech Seed!”

  A glint of sharpness flashed in Ethan’s eyes.

  The Leech Seed previously implanted in Lapras wasn’t just there to help it release energy.

  One by one, the seeds began to sprout on Lapras’ body, draining its stamina bit by bit.

  “Lapras, use Ice Beam!”