(A/N: Bonus Chapter! More will come during this week :)
The fourth match began.
Since John hadn't replaced his Pokémon and Steelix remained undefeated, Koizumi sent out his last contender, Roserade. The elegant Bouquet Pokémon offered no type advantage against Steelix, but it was the best option Koizumi had left against the Mega Obsidian behemoth.
His two remaining unused Pokémon would have fared even worse against Steelix's typing.
This would be the final battle of the match.
Koizumi sent Roserade not for a last desperate struggle, but simply to end this humiliating battle with some shred of dignity. He had cried, but he wasn't foolish enough to forfeit sending out his fourth Pokémon.
If he lacked even that courage, he would not only be considered a disgrace by trainers in Draconia, but even Master Hattori, who had coached him throughout his journey, would likely expel him from the academy.
So Koizumi silently accepted that he was merely granting John his fourth victory.
"Roserade is unable to battle! Steelix wins! Trainer Koizumi has lost all four Pokémon, making Trainer John from Draconia the winner of this duel!" the referee announced.
"Thank you for your hard work. Go back and rest now," John said softly as he retrieved his Pokéball and recalled Steelix, who had already reverted from its Mega Evolution.
Steelix hadn't emerged unscathed from the battle. It had faced several super-effective attacks head-on. Without its extraordinary defensive capabilities, it would have fallen long ago.
John turned and bowed respectfully to the audience, then stepped off the platform.
As for the foreign trainer he had just defeated so thoroughly? John felt no particular sympathy. Adults must take responsibility for their words. Before the match, Emerald had shown John the boastful comments Koizumi had made in his home country about defeating him.
Those without true strength who talk big deserve the face-slapping that follows.
John walked into the contestant tunnel amid thunderous cheers from the audience.
"Boss, your world ranking has been released," Emerald announced, waiting for John in the corridor.
"That fast? I just won," John remarked with surprise.
"It updates in real-time the moment the referee announces the result."
"Really? It seems the World Pokémon Championship Organization took special notice of my battle against the island nation competitor. What's my ranking?"
"632nd," Wei replied, handing her tablet to John.
"That's pretty good," John nodded approvingly, without examining the details too closely.
Ordinary Gym Leaders, even after winning ranking matches, typically placed around 800th or 900th. For him to debut at 632nd meant the Championship committee had evaluated his strength quite favorably.
John suspected this boost came from his impressive display of Mega Gardevoir, Mega Garchomp, and now Mega Steelix. Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution represented a force that couldn't be ignored.
However, ranking 632nd in the World Pokémon Championship wasn't particularly exceptional. This was merely among those officially ranked. Many masters hadn't even entered the Championship yet. Like his senior Damian, a Ghost Type Elite Four and Harrison, The n°1 Gym Leader of Draconia .
When the real sprint toward the Elite Eight Masters began, numerous dark horses would emerge from unexpected places. Those battles would be truly intense.
Being ranked 632nd meant he was in the 600-699 bracket, allowing him to challenge trainers in the 500-599 range. But there was no rush to climb higher.
The higher his current ranking, the more likely he'd become a target for others looking to advance. To truly begin climbing the rankings effectively, he would need to wait until a few months before the Elite Eight tournament began.
"How are preparations for tomorrow's Pokémon sale conference coming along?" John asked, changing the subject.
"Everything's ready," Wei replied, swiping through her tablet to display the list of participants.
Despite raising the entry requirements this time, all spots had filled instantly. Even wealthy individuals seeking special consideration had approached his own mentor, Principal Badman, though John knew nothing of this. His teacher likely hadn't mentioned it to avoid burdening him with such matters.
"Good. You'll host tomorrow, and I'll watch from the audience," John decided. Sooner or later, the Pokémon sales would be handed over to Emerald completely.
Since they were still at the Grassmere Gymnasium, this was the perfect opportunity for her to take over while he remained present to supervise if needed.
"Understood, boss!" Emerald agreed without surprise. She had long anticipated this transition.
"By the way, add two Totem Pokémon to tomorrow's ten Pokémon lineup. Use them as a selling point to excite the trainers before they arrive," John instructed, handing Wei two Pokéballs. The other ten Pokémon had already been prepared in the ranch.
Inside these two Pokéballs were special Totems: One was Gumshoos, obtained for collecting 20 Totem Stickers. The other was Alolan Marowak, awarded for collecting 40 Totem Stickers.
John had visited Professor Oak after gathering his fortieth Totem Sticker on Akala Island. The professor had presented him with three options: Alolan Marowak, Araquanid, or Alolan Dugtrio.
These three Pokémon were stronger than those awarded for 20 Totem Stickers, though not dramatically so. Having little interest in training them himself, John had selected Alolan Marowak for its unique appeal.
It would make a perfect companion to Gumshoos as a special surprise for the sale conference. Though not as rare as Bagon and other premium Pokémon, they were still Totem Pokémon. Some trainers would surely be interested.
"I'm heading back to rest. I'll leave tomorrow's timing to you," John said, waving dismissively as he turned to leave.
"Will you attend the reporter reception?" Emerald inquired.
"Not interested. Handle those reporters yourself," John replied, having always detested such media engagements.
Emerald watched John walk away. "Understood, boss. You can leave it to me with complete confidence."