Pokémon: Starting with a Volcarona

It was like he had suddenly returned to square one!

Of course, that was only true from Nathan's perspective.

In reality, for most ordinary people and trainers, Nathan was still loaded.

One million Pokécoins was more than enough for someone to live comfortably for the rest of their life—even while keeping a few Pokémon!

It's only when Pokémon get involved that money suddenly stops behaving like money.

"The first match… I'll leave it to you! Sandslash!"

Withdrawing his gaze, Griffin immediately sent out his first Pokémon—Sandslash!

A level 52, Elite-tier Sandslash!

Even though Sandslash itself wasn't considered rare, at the Elite level, it still looked incredibly cool.

Of course, that might have something to do with how well it had been trained.

Take Nathan's Zeraora, for example. Its fur was in a whole different league compared to when it was first acquired.

If it was gold buried in the dirt before, now it was pure, 100% shining gold—sparkling, dazzling gold.

"Leading with Sandslash—he's targeting Zeraora, huh?"

Nathan's crimson eye locked onto Sandslash, instantly seeing through the opponent's strategy.

(TN: Please ignore the eye colors, I always forget about them as it change everytime for every mode.)

From the start of the national tournament qualifiers until now, Nathan's Zeraora had consistently stood out!

So much so that even Mega Metagross was overshadowed—people were full-blown Zeraora fanatics.

Now Griffin had sent out a Ground-type like Sandslash—his intentions couldn't be more obvious.

"Well then, our side will go with…"

"Wait—can I go?" a voice interrupted.

…

"You want to take on Sandslash, Mewtwo?"

Nathan, who had originally planned to send out Pangoro, paused mid-action and asked using telepathy.

Mewtwo's condition had only just stabilized, and its current strength was just around the Elite level.

Besides, Mewtwo wasn't exactly the type to seek battle.

That wasn't some inherited trait from its past life—these last few days, Mewtwo really had been… zen.

"Aren't we aiming to become the strongest? And if that's the goal, then battles are a must, right?"

Faced with Nathan's doubt, Mewtwo directly rebutted him.

Nathan was momentarily speechless, then smiled and nodded. He removed a golden Pokéball from the back of his hand.

"Let the world see you… Mewtwo!"

Pointing the Pokéball at the battlefield, Nathan couldn't help but smile.

Far from being troubled by Mewtwo's sudden desire to fight, he was actually thrilled!

After all, what trainer wouldn't want their Pokémon to love battling?

"Leave it to me."

Mewtwo responded telepathically, and in the next moment, its figure appeared on the battlefield.

To be honest, this artificial legendary's first public appearance shocked the crowd. Many people's eyes widened; some even covered their mouths.

"What kind of Pokémon is that? I've never seen it before!"

"Look at that armor… and all those scars—like a warrior who's survived countless battles!"

"Why… why does it give off such an overwhelming sense of danger?!"

…

The reactions from the crowd varied, but one thing was certain: Mewtwo's debut had grabbed everyone's attention!

Even Nathan thought Mewtwo's appearance was a bit too badass.

It already had armor as part of its design.

Now add the numerous scar-like marks all over its body—like medals of war—and the armor itself seemed fused with its flesh in places.

It was cool yet carried a hauntingly beautiful sense of brokenness.

Its looks might not be conventionally handsome, but its presence was a perfect ten.

…

"A dangerous aura… and I've never seen this kind of Pokémon before…"

Even Griffin couldn't help but mutter with a serious expression as he stared at Mewtwo.

The smile had completely disappeared from his face.

Because the feeling Mewtwo gave him was just too dangerous!

Maybe Mewtwo's raw aura wasn't that overwhelming—certainly not as aggressive as Sandslash's.

But this sense of dread… it was more terrifying than any villainous thug!

"No matter. Sandslash, Sandstorm!"

Gritting his teeth, Griffin ordered the first move.

A terrain move!

Combined with Sandslash's natural and hidden abilities, it could maximize its battlefield advantage!

"As expected… Even if they haven't identified its Ability, geniuses and top trainers naturally figure out how to make use of it…"

Watching the battlefield instantly engulfed in a sandstorm, Nathan muttered with calm certainty.

Just like how Serene Lee, the gym leader from Emerald City, didn't understand Abilities in theory, but instinctively knew how to use their effects.

The difference was: Serene only understood it on a basic level, while Griffin had already mastered it and could push it to 200% of its potential!

And to that, Nathan could only say—this is what the national finals are all about!

But unfortunately…

"Mewtwo, apply Pressure! Then use Fire Blast!"

Even as Sandslash dominated the field, Nathan's tone was utterly calm.

In the games from his past life, Pressure was Mewtwo's Ability.

It reduced the opposing Pokémon's move PP whenever they used an attack.

But in this world, while Pressure was still a passive trait, its effects had evolved.

Now, Mewtwo could activate it at will—or not.

And its effects had also changed. Instead of reducing PP, it caused debilitating side effects—such as reduced speed, increased energy consumption, and more…

As soon as Mewtwo unleashed Pressure, Sandslash—whose movement speed had just been boosted—suddenly slowed dramatically!

Even Griffin's pupils contracted, and his heart started pounding out of control!

If Mewtwo previously just seemed dangerous, now it was unleashing undeniable, crushing pressure!

It felt like the very air had grown heavier—as if gravity itself had changed!

As Sandslash faltered, Mewtwo raised its palm.

FWOOSH!

A massive, blazing Fire Blast instantly formed and shot toward Sandslash—fast, direct, and without a single wasted motion!

"Sandslash, dodge—no, use Spinning Defense!"

Griffin shouted at lightning speed.

Spinning Defense—a combo move combining Rapid Spin and Defense Curl.

Not only did it boost defense, but it could also shrug off binding effects.

Thanks to this, Sandslash was blown away by the attack—but emerged without critical injuries.

"Continue! Mewtwo, use Rock Tomb! Then teleport and follow up with Ice Punch!"

"Don't give them even a second to breathe!"

Seeing how easily Sandslash had neutralized the initial blast, Nathan launched an aggressive follow-up command.

No matter how peaceful Mewtwo usually acted, at its core, it was a beast of violence!

Not just because of its Ability—its very origin proved it.

Hearing Nathan's commands, Mewtwo made no verbal response, but internally—it was thrilled.

This trainer really got it.

A battle should be overwhelming—no mercy, no counterattacks, just complete domination!

So, the next moment—

Mewtwo pressed its palm to the ground. Sharp rocks burst out around Sandslash, trapping it!

Then—teleport!

Mewtwo's body flashed and appeared beside Sandslash.

Finally…

A frost-covered crystal formed over its arm, and a bone-chilling Ice Punch smashed straight into Sandslash!

Just as Nathan had said—not even a single second for a counterattack!

Such crisp execution. Such overwhelming coordination and precision.

Not even one second had passed—and Mewtwo had already captivated the entire stadium!

"This unknown Pokémon is way too strong! In just under ten seconds, Griffin's dominating Sandslash is already about to fall!"

"If I weren't seeing it with my own eyes, I'd never believe it!"

Shouted commentator Draven, his face red with excitement like he had just won five million in the lottery.

The two other commentators beside him looked just as thrilled.

"So cool! That Pokémon looks like a warrior straight from the battlefield!"

"With Nathan's commanding, they perfectly demonstrated what fast, fierce, and precise really mean! What it means to strike first and win!"

Commentators Lee and Kat echoed the excitement, acting like fuel thrown on a raging fire.

And in contrast…

Griffin felt an enormous pressure descend upon him.

What on earth was this Pokémon…?

Even after Sandslash had secured the terrain advantage, it was still being crushed by this kind of overwhelming assault!?

(End of Chapter)