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Major online media outlets and local TV stations were increasingly promoting the National College League.
"The future of the country belongs to young people."
This philosophy explained why China attached great importance to the National College League, giving it treatment and specifications not inferior to the Elite Qualifying Competition that determined Elite Four positions.
The National College League, held during winter and summer vacations each year, was a feast for young trainers.
Fame, money, status... If you could showcase your talents in the national competition, it seemed everything in this world would be within reach.
The North China Division, featuring League University and Central University, was the undisputed powerhouse division nationwide.
League and Central had dominated the championship for more than 20 years.
Supporters called them the 'Twin Kings.'
This nickname began as a casual jest, but last year, the star players from League University and Central University teams far surpassed their peers, firmly establishing the title of 'Twin Kings.'
Throughout major media, discussions flowed endlessly about which team would win the championship this year.
"Do you favor Central or League University?"
"I think Central University's Psychic Queen will lead them to a third consecutive championship."
"Are you living in the past? Caroline has graduated. Can Central even defeat League University first?"
"Without the Psychic Queen participating, only the Dragon King remains. League University will easily win the championship this year."
"That's laughable. Dragon King fans can make such claims? It's true what they say—when there's no tiger in the mountain, the monkey calls itself king."
"What's your problem? Would you prefer Caroline and Henry were in the same grade?"
Supporters of League and Central argued online for their preferred teams and players.
Among them, Twin Kings fans held an overwhelming majority.
This was inevitable—over the past two years, these two trainers had amazed everyone watching the National College League.
The level demonstrated by these two far exceeded students of the same generation. Even in the history of China, they ranked among the elite.
Dragon King, Lewis.
Psychic Queen, Caroline.
Though neither had publicly acknowledged such nicknames, people might choose wrong names, but nicknames rarely missed the mark.
King of Dragon Pokémon.
Psychic Queen.
These titles perfectly captured their characteristics.
For the past two years, both had dominated their peers. In direct confrontations, Caroline maintained an absolute advantage, never losing and winning two consecutive national championships for Central University.
Yet no one believed Lewis's talent was inferior to Caroline's.
This was because Lewis was one year younger than Caroline.
The more gifted the genius, the more capable they were of overcoming time's barriers.
However, when comparing equally talented individuals, the accumulation of time became an insurmountable advantage.
No matter how League and Central supporters argued online, no one suggested a school besides these two could win the championship.
Even supporters of other schools never entertained such thoughts.
This year would be another year without surprises.
On the outskirts of League City stood the Promise Gym.
In the battle room, two identical Pokémon were sparring.
Power-Up Punch—
Lucario took the initiative, attacking Rock.
As his punch missed, Lucario's momentum didn't falter, and he followed up closely.
His strength, speed, movements, rhythm, and fluidity showed a world of difference compared to when he first arrived.
Throughout the battle, Lucario's eyes remained unfocused, as if his consciousness wasn't fully engaged.
Rock dodged all attacks, then suddenly switched from defense to offense. Using the full power of an Elite-level Pokémon, his body vanished instantly, reappearing behind Lucario.
—Rock Smash.
It was an elbow strike aimed at Lucario's blind spot.
Vigorous and swift, the attack arrived in an instant.
For ordinary non-professional Pokémon, this would be impossible to detect.
But at that moment, Lucario planted his foot firmly, jumped upward, and evaded the attack with a beautiful backflip.
"Enough, stop."
From the spectator seats, Sebastian halted the sparring, then smiled with satisfaction.
"After achieving the proper balance of energy and spirit, you mastered Aura Boxing in less than two weeks—truly remarkable... Lucario, I almost regret entrusting you to Capital University."
The unfocused eyes regained their clarity, and Lucario nodded calmly.
"If I hadn't met Roy, I wouldn't be who I am today."
"Thank you very much for your decision."
Telepathy.
After Lucario's Aura power reached 'master level,' he naturally developed this ability.
Now, like Rock, he could communicate without speaking aloud.
However, perhaps influenced by his father, Lucario's mental voice always carried the dignified tone of a martial arts warrior.
Roy smiled and said: "Rock, what did I tell you? You've changed your mind about Lucario."
Rock remained silent for a moment, his Aura surging.
"Indeed."
"His understanding of Aura far exceeds my expectations, even surpassing my own."
Lucario's greatest talent lay in Aura manipulation... This was something Roy had discovered after their Aura fusion.
When Aura powers combined, the resulting force was much greater than simply 1+1=2.
Giving such tremendous power to a Pokémon who had just evolved into Lucario and barely mastered Aura was like handing a sledgehammer to a child—one careless move could cause self-harm.
Yet Lucario, freshly evolved at that time, had controlled it effortlessly and defeated Brian's Steelix.
This demonstrated Lucario's innate talent.
During his Riolu phase, unable to produce Aura power, his strongest talent remained buried. This made him appear mediocre among Rock's descendants, even ranking at the bottom—which was why Sebastian had sent him to Capital University as a gift to his alma mater.
Lucario, finally receiving his father's approval, didn't appear particularly excited.
'Earning father's recognition'—this wish no longer satisfied Lucario.
Such a level of ambition was no longer sufficient to justify his efforts or repay Roy's investment in his development.
After walking back to Roy's side, Lucario looked at Rock again.
"Father, Master Sebastian."
"One day, Roy and I will challenge you both."
"When that time comes, please fight us with your full strength."
"???"
Roy was filled with bewilderment.
Lucario, did we agree to this dramatic declaration?
Why didn't you consult me first?
Seeing Rock and Sebastian's surprised expressions, Roy couldn't let Lucario lose face.
So he displayed a calm, powerful expression and nodded to them.
"I believe that day will arrive sooner than you think."
As these words left his mouth, a breeze conveniently blew into the room, gently stirring the hair on Roy's forehead.
He gazed skyward with a slight smile: "The wind is quite strong today..."
Sebastian: ...
Rock: ...
Lucario: ...
Silence fell, and Roy fidgeted, looking for an excuse to escape the room.
Lucario, why aren't you backing me up? Why are you just watching?
Suddenly, Sebastian waved his hand dismissively:
"Now that you've learned Aura Boxing, you're ready to go your own way."
"Hurry along now, don't stay here eating and drinking at my expense."