The junior division competition concluded successfully, with the victorious Scyther clan immersed in a sea of triumph, their cheers echoing to the skies. They excitedly waved their razor-sharp forelimbs, their eyes gleaming with pride like brilliant stars. Clan members embraced tightly, celebrating this hard-earned glory. They shouted loudly, their voices brimming with pride and excitement, as if wanting the whole world to hear their victory.
The Venusaur clan was equally ecstatic, their leaves gently swaying, exuding a joyful aura like green silk dancing in the breeze. The clan gathered together, laughter rising and falling, passionately discussing the highlights of the match and envisioning a bright future, as if they had already seen an even more glorious tomorrow.
In stark contrast stood the Pidgeot family, the Poliwrath family, and the Wenhua siblings. The Pidgeot family members drooped their wings, their eyes filled with disappointment and dejection, like clouds blocking out the sun. They had held high hopes for this competition, but the outcome didn’t go their way. Yet they clearly recognized their shortcomings in battle; though saddened, they understood the need for more training and growth, like saplings in a storm waiting for sunlight and rain.
The Poliwrath family members shook their heads helplessly, their wriggling bodies listless, like machines drained of power. This defeat made them deeply aware that their strength still needed significant improvement, but they didn’t lose heart. Instead, they resolved to train even harder upon returning.
The Wenhua siblings’ two Pidgeys hung their heads, a hint of loneliness in their eyes, like stars obscured by clouds. But they quickly adjusted their mindset, comforting each other, saying that participation mattered most and they would do better next time. Though a bit sad at heart, they sincerely offered blessings to the winning clans, displaying excellent sportsmanship.
As for the awards after the victory, Wen Qi decided to postpone them until all competitions were over.
After the junior division ended, the midday break arrived. Wen Qi arranged for all Pokémon to eat, and the cafeteria instantly buzzed with activity. The cafeteria was just a temporary tent, unimpressive in appearance but spacious enough for many Pokémon to dine together.
The Ivysaurs, Venusaurs, and Scythers who had never tasted Wen Qi’s energy cubes before lit up at the sight of the food, as if beholding rare treasures. They eagerly grabbed the energy cubes and devoured them. The Ivysaurs ate one after another, their cheeks bulging, occasionally letting out satisfied grunts, as if playing a cheerful eating symphony. The Venusaurs were more elegant but couldn’t resist the allure of the energy cubes, eating with gusto, their leaves gently swaying as if cheering for the delicious food. The Scythers moved swiftly, their sharp forelimbs deftly snatching energy cubes, wolfing them down. Soon, empty plates piled up before them, yet they still craved more, continuing to feast as if making up for lost time—their adorable antics were truly endearing.
Time quickly passed to after the break, and the intermediate division matches for levels 21-30 were about to begin. This time, participants included three level-30 Pidgeottos from the Pidgeot family, three level-30 Poliwhirls from the Poliwrath family, three level-30 Ivysaurs from the Venusaur family, and three level-30 Scythers from the Scyther family. Also competing were Wen Qi’s own level-22 Pidgeotto, level-28 Growlithe, level-27 Flaaffy, level-27 Poliwhirl, a family of three Sandslash around level 30, and a level-26 Horsea.
After intense competition, the top four emerged: Wen Qi’s Growlithe and young Sandslash, the Pidgeot family’s Pidgeotto, and the Scyther family’s Scyther.
The semifinals kicked off with a showdown between Growlithe and Scyther. As Growlithe entered the arena, its fur stood on end like porcupine quills, its eyes blazing with fierce determination like burning flames. Scyther brandished its sharp forelimbs, menacing and bold, like a warrior charging into battle. Scyther struck first, using “Fury Cutter,” moving like lightning, its forelimbs slashing swiftly toward Growlithe. Growlithe reacted instantly, sidestepping with a nimble leap, deftly dodging the fierce attack. At the same time, it unleashed “Fire Spin,” a swirling ring of scorching flames rolling toward Scyther. Scyther, agile as a swallow, leaped high to evade the fire vortex. Upon landing, it immediately used “X-Scissor,” its dual scythes crossing as it charged at Growlithe like an arrow. Unfazed, Growlithe stood firm, gathering a powerful “Flamethrower” in its mouth, a massive flame column shooting straight at Scyther. The intense fire slowed Scyther’s momentum. Seizing the opportunity, Growlithe lunged forward, using “Bite” to clamp down hard on Scyther’s forelimb. Scyther struggled free and launched another “Fury Cutter” attack. But Growlithe instantly activated “Flame Wheel,” its body engulfed in flames, spinning like a fireball toward Scyther. Unable to withstand the overwhelming attack, Scyther collapsed from exhaustion, and Growlithe advanced to the finals.
Next came the fierce battle between Pidgeotto and young Sandslash. Pidgeotto circled in the air, its sharp eyes seeking the perfect moment to strike. Young Sandslash quickly burrowed into the ground, ready to dodge attacks flexibly. Pidgeotto seized a chance, using “Gust,” a powerful gust of wind surging toward the ground like a tidal wave. Young Sandslash reacted swiftly, diving into its hole to evade the strong blast. Then, it emerged from another hole, dashing toward Pidgeotto at lightning speed with “Rollout,” spinning like a high-speed ball. Pidgeotto sidestepped nimbly while countering with “Air Slash.” Young Sandslash burrowed again, cleverly avoiding the attack. When it reappeared, it leaped up and used “Rock Slide,” sending stones flying fiercely toward Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto flapped its broad wings forcefully, deflecting the attack. Young Sandslash then used its agility to weave between ground and air, making it hard for Pidgeotto to aim. Finally, during a gap in Pidgeotto’s attack, young Sandslash seized the moment, landing a “Swift” hit on Pidgeotto, securing victory and advancing to face Growlithe in the finals.
The highly anticipated final unfolded spectacularly between Growlithe and young Sandslash.