SWNOVELXO Chapter 63: The First Duel Begins
The morning air was thick with anticipation. Trainers filed into the Celadon League Arena Complex, each step echoing with nervous energy. Ray Virel stood in the prep zone of Arena C, dressed in a streamlined black-and-silver trainer's jacket provided by the League. His name flashed on the screen above the stadium entrance:
MATCH 19 – RAY VIREL VS. LEO HART
He took a deep breath and checked his Poké Balls. Three were clipped securely to his belt, but only one mattered right now.
Pidgeotto.
Ray's eyes hardened. "This is your time."
He stepped into the arena, greeted by the roar of a small but vocal crowd. It wasn't the main stadium yet, but the stands were packed with early spectators, analysts, and scouts watching every move of potential rising stars.
Across from him, his opponent had already arrived. A boy a few years older, wearing a sleeveless blue vest and spiked red hair, waved lazily. Leo Hart looked confident, bordering on cocky.
"So, you're the youngest one in the tournament, huh?" Leo called across the field. "Let's see if you've got anything beyond hype."
Ray didn't respond with words. He stepped to the designated line and raised his hand.
The referee, a League official in white and green, stood between them and raised a flag. "One Pokémon each. No switching. Standard terrain. Begin when ready."
Leo cracked his neck and flung his Poké Ball forward. "Time to roast, Magmar!"
A flash of red light materialized into a bulky Magmar, flames licking its shoulders, heat radiating from its core.
Ray calmly unclipped his Poké Ball. "I choose you—Pidgeotto!"
With a burst of wind, the majestic bird soared into the air, feathers gleaming under the sun. His wings spread wide, circling above as he cried out with intensity.
Statsight Activated.
PidgeottoAptitude: Deep BlueLevel: 42Trait: Wind Affinity
Ray's gaze sharpened.
Battle Start.
Leo made the first move. "Magmar, Smokescreen!"
The battlefield was instantly consumed in a dark haze of smoke. Visibility plummeted.
"Now! Flamethrower!"
From within the smoke, a roaring inferno surged upward.
"Dodge and rise!" Ray ordered.
Through the haze, Pidgeotto shot straight up, the flames just grazing his tail feathers.
Ray calculated quickly. "Push the air—Gust!"
A sharp tunnel of wind ripped through the smokescreen, clearing it instantly. Magmar was exposed, blinking in surprise.
"Dive—Wing Attack!" Ray commanded.
Pidgeotto tucked his wings and dove like a missile, white energy flaring across his feathers. He struck Magmar directly, sending the Fire-type skidding backward across the arena floor.
Leo grimaced. "Tough bird. But we're not done—Sunny Day!"
The clouds parted above the stadium as Magmar glowed with solar intensity, flames now flaring brighter and faster.
"Fire Punch!"
Magmar rushed forward with a fist engulfed in fire.
"Counter with Air Slash!" Ray called.
Pidgeotto flapped hard, sending a sharp crescent of compressed air toward Magmar. The attacks collided mid-air, causing an explosive burst that sent both Pokémon stumbling.
Smoke curled off both sides. Magmar looked bruised. Pidgeotto hovered, panting—but still sharp-eyed.
Ray clenched his fist. "Time to finish this. Aerial Ace."
Leo's eyes widened. "Block it—Confuse Ray!"
But it was too late. Pidgeotto disappeared in a blur of speed and reappeared behind Magmar, striking true with gleaming precision. The blow knocked Magmar off his feet and onto the ground—unmoving.
The referee raised his flag. "Magmar is unable to battle. Victory goes to Ray Virel!"
The arena erupted in cheers. Scouts leaned forward in their seats. The screens displayed his name with a green mark:
RAY VIREL – 1 WIN
Ray took a deep breath as Pidgeotto landed beside him, wings spread in triumph. He knelt and stroked his feathers gently.
"You were incredible," Ray whispered. "We've come so far."
As he exited the arena, Ray caught Kira waving excitedly from the upper stands. She mouthed 'You did it!' and gave him a double thumbs-up.
Ray smiled. One match down. Four more to go.