Chapter 433: First Appearance: The Nacli Stack in the Intra-School Tournament

Grape Academy, the raised platform by the sports field.

Clavell stood with one hand behind his back, a microphone hanging from the corner of his mouth, his voice clearly blanketing the entire field through the broadcast system.

"Just like the students who secured other rankings as I just mentioned, the champion of this intra-school tournament will not only receive generous academic credits, a special scholarship, and the chance to select one Pokémon raised by the academy for training, but will also receive a mysterious reward!"

As soon as Clavell finished speaking, the students below began discussing among themselves, curious about what the so-called mysterious reward could be.

In a corner where the crowd gathered, within an area that maintained a distinct boundary from those around it, Ortega—who had become much more carefree since no longer having to attend Luo Mu's classes—raised an eyebrow while surrounded by his underlings and asked the boy beside him, "Hey, what do you think the mysterious reward is?"

Several blue veins bulged on Ai Li Qi Si's forehead as he responded in a low voice, "How many times have I said it? My name isn't 'Hey,' it's Ai Li Qi Si; you should have remembered that by now!"

"Alright, alright, I got it~"

Ortega dismissed him perfunctorily.

Seemingly accustomed to Ortega's personality, Ai Li Qi Si sighed and murmured, "After all, regarding the tournament, if possible, I would prefer a spot in the Battle Specialization Group."

Taking an iced drink from an underling's hand, Ai Li Qi Si took a sip, screwed the cap back on, while Ortega loosened the collar of his small suit jacket and fanned himself with his hand as if trying to drive away the heat.

"You're truly persistent, but well... that's right; even for young master Ortega, not being selected would feel somewhat stifling."

"By the way, is that guy Penny really not planning to compete?"

"Yes, he's busy with Student Council matters." Ai Li Qi Si glanced at Ortega and added, "Actually, I don't blame Teacher Luo Mu; on the contrary, I quite understand his choice, because among the students who went to Blueberry Academy for the exchange match, those four were indeed the strongest combination."

"Back then, my Ti Lei Miao hadn't even evolved yet; if I had gone there, I would have just dragged everyone down."

"Furthermore, teaching isn't Teacher Luo Mu's main profession; unlike other teachers who are stationed at the academy every day, if I happen to meet him outside of class hours and have questions, he will answer them for me."

Ortega asked again, "But you've said so much; didn't two newcomers get promoted directly afterward?"

"That's different."

Ai Li Qi Si shook his head.

"Student Shinji and Student Shizuka were excellent prospects personally selected by Director Geeta; if only I were a bit more outstanding."

"However, right now I really hope that mysterious reward is a spot in the Battle Specialization Group... Professor Professor Huangbo teaches very well, but I feel that's not enough; I want to become stronger, strong enough that when Grape Academy and Blueberry Academy hold their next exchange, I can go there openly and defeat my older brother."

"... Suit yourself, but if we meet, don't expect me to go easy on you."

Ortega snorted and stopped talking to Ai Li Qi Si.

Behind him, the two underlings who had always stuck by him exchanged a glance, looking somewhat helpless.

Young Master Ortega was always like this, saying one thing while meaning another.

Clearly, after learning about this competition, he had secretly trained alone and even asked his family to hire extracurricular tutors.

A moment later.

The students began to disperse, positioning themselves in their respective class areas under the direction of the academy teachers, waiting for the competition to begin.

Having said all that needed to be said, Luo Mu did not go out of his way to gather Penny and the other two, which would only draw attention; he fully intended to be a bystander and let them perform freely.

After exchanging a greeting with Clavell, Luo Mu picked up a printed copy of the bracket rankings and fixed his gaze upon it.

The number of participants was slightly fewer than he had imagined, totaling only 64.

However, this was not surprising; Grape Academy was a diversified institution, and not all students aimed to become powerful Trainers.

Countless others had different hobbies and interests, and the interest clubs blooming everywhere across the academy served as powerful evidence of this.

He also spotted several familiar names on the list, along with a few students he had taught for a period who had not entered the competition.

"Penny didn't compete; he's probably busy with his work as Student Council President. Hearing from Clavell that his professional capabilities have improved, at this rate, when Hearing Hearing Nimo returns, will she no longer be able to serve as Student Council President?"

"Ai Li Qi Si has also entered; his Ti Lei Miao should have evolved into Meowscarada, and coupled with his passion for Pokémon battles, he appears to be a strong contender for the championship."

"There are also a few students from Team Star whose origins were altered by the butterfly effect participating... interesting."

Just as Luo Mu was murmuring to himself, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly approached.

He looked up and discovered the arrivals were his nominal subordinate, Professor Professor Huangbo, and Nurse Nurse Mimosha from the infirmary.

"Director! May we sit here?"

Professor Professor Huangbo remained full of vitality in every movement; although her form of address made the corner of Luo Mu's mouth twitch for an instant, he still nodded helplessly and said, "These are spectator seats for teachers; feel free to sit wherever you like; it wouldn't matter even if I objected."

"Hahaha, it seems that's the case."

Professor Professor Huangbo scratched her head, her eyes shimmering with clarity and foolishness.

Compared to her, Nurse Nurse Mimosha was much more polite.

She gave Luo Mu a slight nod and then asked for permission, "May I send out my Hypno to watch the matches? That child is quite interested in this and often plays back borrowed battle recordings from various League Conferences at home."

"Why would I mind? My Mimikyu is also watching."

Luo Mu lifted up Mimikyu to show Nurse Nurse Mimosha.

Seeing Mimikyu being held up by Luo Mu, Professor Professor Huangbo and Nurse Nurse Mimosha, who had just taken out a Poké Ball, froze in surprise.

Huh? When did Mimikyu appear?

The two, who had already become quite good friends, exchanged a glance, their faces filled with admiration.

As expected of a Champion-level Trainer's Pokémon; it was simply elusive and unpredictable.

Since many teachers were still conducting classes for students in other courses, numerous spots in the teacher spectator area remained vacant; Nurse Nurse Mimosha released her Hypno, which had a long nose and eyes that looked just a little bit "lecherous," and holding the ring it used for hypnosis, it sat obediently on a chair, waiting for the first pair of competitors to take the field.

Soon, under the whistle of Teacher Ginnia, who was serving as a part-time referee, the two students for the first match made their entrance.

Shinji versus a 40-year-old married middle-aged uncle who was a student.

"Oh oh, isn't that young man Shinji? Let me see if he has improved recently!"

Since there weren't many people around, Professor Professor Huangbo let her true nature loose, excitedly shouting and jumping about.

Meanwhile, Luo Mu covered his eyes.

Damn it; even though he had seen it many times before, the Grape Academy summer uniforms worn by those two were truly too painful to look at.

Seeing that his opponent was only a few years older than his own son, the passerby uncle waved his large hand and said quite generously, "Student Shinji, does Uncle need to go easy on you?"

"... There is no need for that."

With a cold expression, Shinji threw out his Poké Ball directly.

"Garganacl, prepare for battle!"

Light flashed, and the moment the three-meter-tall Garganacl appeared, the entire battlefield trembled.

Professor Professor Huangbo and Nurse Nurse Mimosha widened their eyes, their mouths agape in shock wide enough to stuff an egg inside.

Meanwhile, the passerby uncle froze mid-motion while reaching for his Poké Ball, several question marks popping up above his head, which was already showing the early signs of a middle-aged balding crisis.

No way.

Shouldn't a student of Paul's age send out something like a Pikachu or a Pawmi? What the hell is this big lump!?

Cold sweat unconsciously seeped down his back; gritting his teeth, the uncle sent out his Pokémon.

"Quaquaval!"

A Pokémon appeared, dancing an exotic hot dance with slightly seductive movements, its perked-up duck butt even capable of balancing several bottles of soda.

A dual Water and Fighting type, one of the Paldea region's officially recommended starter trio, and the evolved form of Quaxly!

Seeing Quaquaval, Paul's already unwelcoming demeanor grew several degrees colder.

It wasn't that he worried about his type being completely countered.

He was merely glad he hadn't chosen Quaxly back then; such an overly active and scatterbrained Pokémon didn't suit him.

At least that dummy Fuecoco, though stupid, could be coaxed into training willingly all day long just by luring it with an apple swiped from Teacher Luo Mu's office.

Seeing both sides ready, Teacher Ginia blew the whistle again.

This signaled that the battle had officially begun.

The uncle scratched his head, feeling somewhat like he was bullying a child, yet his speed in issuing commands was quite fast.

"Quaquaval, let them witness the bond we've built over thirty years! Aqua Step!"

As soon as the uncle finished speaking.

Quaquaval stepped forward with light, dripping steps, quickly closing the distance to Garganacl, then elegantly kicked with its leg wrapped in a water ring!

Though the kick looked soft and powerless, its force brought a shrill whistling sound to the air.

Anyone watching would know just how fierce this strike was.

Seeing this scene, Professor Professor Huangbo crossed her arms, looking utterly speechless.

"This uncle really has no intention of holding back at all."

Luo Mu raised an eyebrow, waiting for Paul's response; if it were him at this moment, he would—

Paul said indifferently, "Iron Defense, then take it."

Garganacl crossed its arms in front, and its entire body immediately glowed with a metallic layer that was somewhat dazzling under the sunlight.

Defense—sharply increased!

The next instant.

Boom!

After a dull sound of flesh colliding with a hard object, Quaquaval calmly retracted its right foot, while on Garganacl's arm, exactly where Quaquaval had kicked, a very obvious dent had suddenly appeared!

The students erupted into noisy discussions.

Nurse Nurse Mimosha covered her mouth, exclaiming in a small voice, "Oh my!"

Professor Professor Huangbo maintained her previous posture, her face full of confusion.

"Wait, when did Paul catch a Garganacl?"

"Isn't his Pokémon only Turtwig and the starter Pokémon provided by the academy afterwards?"

Luo Mu made a shocking statement: "Because Garganacl is a Pokémon from my farm; I lent it to them to use."

Professor Professor Huangbo: "Huh!?"

Nurse Nurse Mimosha: "... Them?"

On the battlefield, the uncle placed his hands on his hips; although the hit landed and seemed quite effective, his expression revealed no joy.

Because the depth of the dent was completely different from what he had anticipated!

"An attack that was super effective, yet it seems to have caused no major trouble?"

Looking at the unperturbed Garganacl and Paul, the uncle frowned slightly and issued another command.

"Again, Aqua Step!"

Having gained a speed boost from the first Aqua Step, Quaquaval moved even faster this time; just as Paul's command "Iron Defense" left his lips, Quaquaval kicked again.

Furthermore, after the first kick, just as Garganacl raised its Iron Defense, Quaquaval turned around with lightning speed to deliver a second kick!

Speed surged once more!

The uncle felt that at this speed, he could easily toy with this clumsy and heavy big lump of a Garganacl, so he stopped having Quaquaval use Aqua Step and instead chose more effective moves.

In an instant, Quaquaval's close-combat moves, Liquidation, and other attacks continuously exploded upon Garganacl's body.

Quaquaval's movements were so fast that afterimages appeared, continuously inflicting damage on Garganacl and causing its stamina to decline steadily.

If it were an ordinary student, they would surely be panicking by now, yet apart from symbolically ordering the fully Iron Defended Garganacl to attack the nearly untouchable Quaquaval, Paul made no other move.

He remained terrifyingly calm, as if waiting for a certain opportunity.

In the Chairman's office, Geeta, holding a telescope, watched the movements on the playground, the corners of her mouth rising slightly.

"Extreme calmness means one won't be led by the nose by the opponent; perhaps, this is this student Paul's talent."

In the teacher viewing area, Professor Professor Huangbo, who also specialized in Fighting types, felt a sourness in her teeth and empathized, "No matter how you look at it, this Garganacl's defense is far too strong."

Nurse Nurse Mimosha nodded in full agreement, "I've already lost count of how many kicks Quaquaval has used."

Professor Professor Huangbo nodded, "However, the fact that Garganacl's stamina is declining is undeniable, but with its clumsy and heavy body, catching Quaquaval to reverse the situation will be difficult."

Nearby, with the help of Mimikyu, Luo Mu looked up from writing and drawing in a notebook held up by Mimikyu's Shadow Claw, glanced at the situation on the battlefield, and spoke:

"No, from the moment Garganacl completed its third Iron Defense boost and Quaquaval hadn't yet gone all-in for a one-hit knockout, the outcome of the battle was almost certain."

Professor Professor Huangbo and Nurse Nurse Mimosha instantly froze.

Luo Mu had no intention of explaining things to them; they would naturally understand his meaning if they kept watching.

All Paul was waiting for now was simply an opportunity.

Once that opportunity arrived, there would be no suspense regarding the outcome of the battle.

What he was focused on, instead, was Paul's command and the Garganacl's performance.

So far, Paul's commanding style could be described as standard and proper, without any major flaws.

As for the Garganacl, the one currently on the battlefield was the second eldest among the three Garganacl.

Compared to the eldest's Ability "Purifying Salt" and the youngest's Ability "Clear Body," the second eldest's Ability "Sturdy" seemed to offer little significant use.

But the reality was not so.

There were still many unsolved mysteries regarding Pokémon Abilities, and at the same time, different Abilities would manifest differently across individual Pokémon.

Just as a Gyarados with the Ability "Intimidate" possessed a countenance and aura far more imposing than ordinary members of its species, a Gyarados with the Ability "Moxie" naturally exuded a confidence that influenced every aspect of its being.

And the "Sturdy" Ability granted the second eldest Garganacl something beyond its eldest and youngest siblings: durability surpassing them both!

Meanwhile, on the battlefield.

"Damn, this thing is way too tough to beat; no wonder this kid isn't rushing at all."

The uncle's expression turned ugly as he watched the Garganacl still holding out under the Quaquaval's fierce assault.

Fortunately, this seemingly endless offensive was about to end.

After all, the Garganacl could only endure hits.

Seeing that the Garganacl's stamina had reached a dangerous threshold, the uncle's vigilance diminished somewhat; he even ordered the Quaquaval to abandon speed and seek a direct, frontal victory over the Garganacl.

"Charge in, Low Kick!"

Given the Garganacl's weight, if this strike landed, it would inevitably lose the ability to battle!

Receiving the command, the Quaquaval flashed before the Garganacl like a phantom, bent low at the waist, and whipped out its long legs like lightning!

Whether in terms of power generation or angle, the Quaquaval's execution was nothing short of perfect.

Yet, in this situation that appeared to be a fatal crisis, the corner of Paul's mouth curled upward slightly, as if the opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

"Seize the chance, Salt Cure!"

At the moment when escape was absolutely impossible for the Quaquaval and success was guaranteed, Paul bared his fangs!

A sky-covering shower of crystal-clear white salt rained down; as if venting previous frustration, this volume was even enough to completely bury the Quaquaval!

Almost instantly, feeling a burning pain, the Quaquaval subconsciously slowed its force; just as it executed "Low Kick" on the stamina-depleted Garganacl and retreated like a startled bird, the off-balance Garganacl crashed heavily to the ground!

This time, the entire battlefield shook with even greater intensity.

Seeing this scene, the uncle, believing the durable Garganacl had finally been knocked down, couldn't help but show a look of joy.

The Quaquaval, meanwhile, looked disdainfully at the pristine white salt spraying all over its body, considering whether it should just head to the fountain afterward to give itself a fresh bath.

Just as the entire arena fell silent, believing the battle's outcome was decided.

Paul, who did not believe the Garganacl had lost its ability to battle, suddenly spoke.

"Recall."

The uncle and the Quaquaval were instantly startled in their hearts.

【153】 Amidst a wave of uproar, the Garganacl, emitting a crystal-clear emerald glow filled with the breath of life, slowly rose to its feet!

Amidst a chorus of shocked uproar, the Salt Stone Giant, whose body radiated a crystalline emerald glow brimming with the breath of life, slowly rose to its feet!

Under the uncle's incredulous expression, Paul pointed at the still-unaware Quaquaval and stated calmly, "From now on, it is you who should be panicking."

The instant Paul's words fell, as if experiencing a delayed reaction, the Quaquaval suddenly realized that the areas sprayed with salt were beginning to generate intense pain, as though those salts possessed extreme corrosive power.

These salt grains were firmly embedded in its body, impossible to remove!

Isn't Black Myth launching tomorrow at ten o'clock? (Hint)

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(End of Chapter)