novelraw Chapter 198 198: The First Challenger
Chapter 198 198: The First Challenger
After hearing the explanation, the challengers holding the bamboo sticks exchanged uneasy looks.
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"Is Leader Sam really planning to fight all of us?"
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"Obviously, yes," someone replied calmly.
"But honestly, I doubt he'll need to."
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"What do you mean?"
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"Abstaining."
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"Abstaining?"
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"Yeah. Let's be real—how many people here actually think they can beat him?"
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"He's the Champion of the Indigo Plateau Conference."
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"And not just any Champion—people are calling him the strongest in recent years."
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That statement silenced a large portion of the crowd.
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Then—
A voice suddenly rang out:
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"He's here! Leader Sam is here!"
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The Entrance
As Sam stepped into the center of the arena—
The entire Viridian Gym erupted.
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Cheers.
Whispers.
Excitement.
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He raised a hand slightly.
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Yellow immediately understood and brought over the reporter who had been prepared earlier.
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The reporter—
A poised, elegant woman—
Clearly the station's top pick.
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She was excited—
But still professional.
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With a composed smile, she began:
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"Leader Sam, Viridian Gym is incredibly lively today!"
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After a brief greeting—
She went straight to the main question.
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"Do you feel confident about today's challenge?"
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Sam smiled faintly.
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"Confidence?"
He paused.
"That's not a question for me."
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"It's a question for the challengers."
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The reporter's eyes lit up.
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"Oh? What do you mean by that?"
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Sam's voice turned calm—almost cold.
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"The strong don't need confidence when facing the weak."
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"It's the weak who need confidence."
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Silence.
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Then—
A wave of suppressed anger spread through the challengers.
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If not for the staff maintaining order—
Some might have already rushed the stage.
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The reporter, however—
Was thrilled.
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This is gold.
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She pressed further.
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"What do you think about Elite Four member Lorelei calling you the strongest Trainer under twenty in Kanto and Johto?"
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Sam shrugged lightly.
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"It's just a title."
A small smile appeared.
"But it's accurate."
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"…That will be all."
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He gestured for the interview to end.
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Short—
But explosive.
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The reporter stepped down, completely satisfied.
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Establishing Control
"Quiet."
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Sam raised his hand again—
Signaling the crowd.
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But no one listened.
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The chatter continued.
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His expression cooled.
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Two Poké Balls appeared in his hands.
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Boom.
Boom.
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Flames and wind burst forth—
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Charizard
Aerodactyl
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"Keep them quiet."
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"ROAR—!!!"
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The combined roar shook the entire Gym.
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Silence fell instantly.
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No one spoke again.
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"Much better."
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Sam scanned the crowd.
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"I expected a lot of challengers…"
He smirked slightly.
"But even this is more than I thought."
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For a brief moment—
Excitement flickered in his eyes.
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The Rules
He snapped his fingers.
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"Listen carefully."
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"You all have numbered sticks."
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"I'll accept challenges in that order."
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"One chance each."
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"Use your strongest Pokémon."
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"No second attempts."
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"And one more thing—"
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"The challenger attacks first."
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The crowd didn't like it.
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Not one bit.
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From his earlier words—
To these rules—
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Sam made it clear:
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He already saw himself as the winner.
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And them?
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Just stepping stones.
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The First Challenger
"Alright."
Sam smiled.
"Let's begin."
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"Who's number one?"
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A loud voice rang out immediately.
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"I AM!"
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A boy jumped to his feet—
Holding a bamboo stick marked 1.
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"Hahaha—I'm first!"
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Sam almost laughed.
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Being first isn't always a good thing.
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The boy rushed to the battlefield, barely containing his excitement.
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"I'm Aku from Cerulean City! Please teach me!"
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"I'm Sam of Viridian City."
"The Gym Leader of Viridian Gym."
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"Let's begin."
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The audience held their breath.
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Most of them had only seen Sam online—
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This would be their first real look at his strength.
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Even if they weren't first—
Watching now gave them an advantage.
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Battle Start
Yellow stepped forward, holding the referee flag.
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"I'm Yellow, the referee."
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"1v1 battle."
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"Sam of Viridian City vs. Aku of Cerulean City."
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"Both Trainers—send out your Pokémon!"
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Sam gestured calmly.
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"You first."
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Aku took a deep breath.
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"Come out—Venomoth!"
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A purple-winged Pokémon appeared on the field.
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Pokémon: Venomoth
Type: Bug / Poison
Strength: Mid Elite
Potential: Elite
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The battle—
Had officially begun.
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