Chapter 571: Match One — Braveon vs. Blaze

The second-round draw had produced some interesting matchups.

Two of the three battles were between teammates.

Aaron against Dorian.

Kellan against Zane.

But the matchup Aaron found most interesting was Braveon versus Blaze.

Before Aaron entered the Hidden Dragon Tower rankings, those two had occupied the top two spots.

Braveon had been number one.

Blaze had been number two.

They had faced each other several times before, and Braveon had won every single time.

Now the bracket had thrown them together again.

...

"The first match of Round Two is about to begin!"

"Our first Trainer is Braveon of Crown University, currently ranked second in the Hidden Dragon Tower rankings and this generation's Aura Guardian!"

"His opponent is Blaze of the Defense Academy, heir to the Flame Family and currently ranked third!"

Kenny raised his microphone from Pidgeot's back.

"This is one rematch you don't want to miss!"

"Give it up for Braveon and Blaze!"

The arena erupted into thunderous cheers.

"Braveon, my prince! I love you!"

"Braveon's got this! Kick his ass, hubby!"

"I want to have your babies, Braveon!"

"Blaze! Kick Braveon's ass! This is your rematch!"

"Blaze! Blaze! Burn him down!"

"Charizard, burn every hair off his head!"

...

Both fanbases were out in force, especially the screaming girls near the front.

The two sides were already trading hostile looks across the stands.

If they had been sitting any closer, security might have had a problem.

At that moment, Braveon and Blaze entered from opposite sides of the field.

Braveon was dressed entirely in white. With his short blue hair, fair skin, and handsome features, he looked like he had walked straight out of a fantasy novel.

Blaze was the complete opposite.

His bright red hair stood out against his slightly tanned skin, and the confident grin on his face gave him a much rougher edge.

If Braveon looked like the clean-cut prince protagonist, Blaze had serious hotheaded-rival energy.

"Hahaha! Braveon, looks like the bracket finally gave me another shot at you."

Blaze grinned across the field.

"This time, I'm settling the score."

His teeth practically sparkled in the sunlight.

Whatever toothpaste he used deserved an endorsement deal.

Braveon rolled his eyes.

"Nah."

"I think the bracket put you here so everyone can watch me beat you again."

His grin widened.

"I beat you the first two times. I can make it three."

Blaze scowled.

"Hmph! You're really asking for it."

Then his own grin returned.

"Third time's the charm, asshole."

Braveon laughed.

"Been too long since I kicked your ass, huh?"

"Come on."

"I'll remind you how the last two ended."

"You bastard..."

The referee finally cut them off.

"The first match of Round Two is about to begin!"

He raised his flag.

"Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"

Braveon and Blaze exchanged one last competitive glare.

Then both reached for their Poké Balls.

"Aegislash, you're up!"

"I'm counting on you, Arcanine!"

Two flashes of light burst across the field.

Blaze opened with Arcanine.

Braveon chose Aegislash.

The Royal Sword Pokémon floated silently above the battlefield, its eye fixed on the enormous canine across from it.

Aegislash was already unusual by nature.

It could shift between Blade Forme and Shield Forme, trading defense for offense depending on how it fought.

But Aaron knew better than to assume Braveon's was ordinary.

Back in the preparation area, he immediately pulled up its status panel.

[Name: Aegislash]

[Gender: Male]

[Nature: Adamant]

[Type: Steel/Ghost]

[Ability: Sword and Shield — Through intensive training, Aegislash has gained complete control over its two forms and can switch between them freely. In Blade Forme, its Attack rises by 2 stages. In Shield Forme, its Defense and Special Defense rise by 2 stages.]

[Base Stats Total: 500]

[Level: Gym (Late Stage)]

[Potential: Champion]

[Known Moves: King's Sword and Shield (Perfect), Sacred Sword (Perfect), Iron Head (Perfect), Shadow Sneak (Perfect), Night Slash (Master), Aerial Ace (Master), Swords Dance (Master), Iron Defense (Master), Head Smash (Master), Slash (Master), Fury Cutter (Master), Reflect (Master), Shadow Claw (Proficient), Brick Break (Proficient), Pursuit (Proficient)...]

[Description: Aegislash, the Royal Sword Pokémon. Through specialized training, this individual has gained complete mastery over its body and can freely switch between Blade Forme and Shield Forme.]

...

Aaron raised an eyebrow.

Sure enough, this was no ordinary Aegislash.

Braveon had trained it far beyond the norm.

Being able to switch forms freely meant it could go from a heavily fortified defender to a devastating attacker without being limited by the usual timing.

In the hands of a Trainer like Braveon, that kind of flexibility was dangerous.

It would be a nightmare to fight.

"Heh..."

Aaron folded his arms and smiled.

"Blaze is in for a rough one."