Chapter 490: Froslass Queen’s First Battle

The hotel's Pokémon battle arena was open to spectators, so other guests could stop by and watch whenever a match was taking place.

Once word spread that two Trainers were about to battle, people quickly began gathering in the stands. Pokémon battles were one of the most popular forms of entertainment in this world, and most of the guests had just finished eating anyway. A free match was more than enough reason to stick around.

Before long, the spectator seats had begun to fill.

...

Standing on the field, Caleb noticed the growing crowd and smiled with even greater confidence. He could already picture himself winning in front of everyone and walking away to applause and cheers.

He looked across at Aaron. "Hey. You're probably going to remember today for the rest of your life. Getting to battle me might even become something you brag about someday, so enjoy it while it lasts."

Aaron's mouth twitched.

He gave Caleb a strange look. "I feel like that line would make more sense coming from me."

"Pfft!"

Caleb burst out laughing.

"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help it."

From the spectator seats, Maya laughed just as loudly.

"Hahaha! He really thinks he's something special just because he lucked into being the national top scorer. Talk about having no idea where you stand."

Victor and Aaron's mother frowned, but Lily beat them to it.

She pointed straight at Maya. "What the hell do you know about my brother, you ugly bitch? He really is amazing. Your stupid boyfriend isn't even in his league!"

To Lily, Aaron was practically unbeatable. She had already been putting up with Maya's attitude for far too long, and hearing her insult her brother was the last straw.

Maya's face instantly flushed red.

"You... What did you just call me?"

Before she could really get started, David cut in sharply.

"Maya. Shut up or leave."

David was already furious enough with his daughter. If she had not suddenly produced a boyfriend in the middle of all this, the situation might never have become such a mess. In his mind, they might already have been discussing the engagement by now.

One look at her father's expression was enough to make Maya swallow the rest of her argument.

She settled for glaring at Lily.

Lily promptly stuck her tongue out at her.

Maya nearly exploded all over again.

...

A professional referee stood at the center of the battlefield and raised his flag.

"This will be a three-versus-six battle. The red side may use up to three Pokémon, while the blue side may use up to six. The match ends when all Pokémon on either side are unable to continue."

He looked toward both Trainers.

"Begin!"

Caleb, representing the red side, immediately threw a Poké Ball.

"Come on out, sweetheart. Ninetales!"

Light burst across the field, and an elegant Pokémon with pale golden fur and nine flowing tails appeared before him.

"Yip!"

Ninetales raised its head proudly and let out a sharp cry.

At almost the same moment, Aaron released his own Pokémon.

"Come out, Froslass Queen. Your first battle is yours."

Another flash of light filled the arena.

Froslass Queen appeared on the field, nearly six feet tall, an ice-crystal crown resting upon her head. Her unusual height, elegant figure, icy presence, and detached gaze immediately set her apart from any ordinary Froslass.

The reaction from the male Trainers in the stands was immediate.

"Wait... is that actually a Froslass?"

"Holy shit, why is she so tall?"

"That's insane. Where the hell did he find one like that?"

"I'd pay a fortune for a Froslass like her."

"Man, I need a cold shower just looking at her."

"Fuck this guy. Seeing him standing next to her is ruining my whole day."

The increasingly shameless comments spread through the stands as more than a few spectators stared at Aaron with undisguised jealousy. Judging by some of their expressions, they looked about ready to castrate him on principle and take Froslass Queen home themselves.

Caleb was not much better.

His eyes remained fixed on Froslass Queen, envy and desire written all over his face.

How the hell did this brat end up with a Froslass like that?

The more he looked, the more reluctant he became to look away.

Ice and Ghost... a literal snow woman. That's exactly my type.

His imagination immediately began running in directions that had absolutely nothing to do with Pokémon battling, and he swallowed unconsciously.

Aaron noticed.

The grin that appeared on his face was anything but friendly.

"Hey, Caleb. Something wrong?"

Caleb blinked.

Aaron glanced toward Froslass Queen and then back at him.

"You like my Froslass Queen that much?"

"Ahem!"

Caleb coughed several times, quickly trying to hide his embarrassment.

His expression soured. "Quit talking nonsense. I'll let you make the first move."

...