The registration process for Trainer challenges was straightforward. After signing up, the Ferrum League would arrange battles based on point rankings.
John registered for the Ferrum League challenge in the morning and received a "Battle Arrangement" notification during lunch. His first match was scheduled for 2:30 PM, with registration beginning at 2:00 PM sharp.
"Please register your main battle Pokemon, two support Pokemon, and their movesets," the staff member instructed as John approached the registration desk.
"Main battle Pokemon..." John rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Starting with zero points meant he’d likely face another zero-point opponent or someone with similarly low rankings. Sending powerhouses like Zeraora or Greninja would be overkill and frankly boring.
His second-tier team crossed his mind, Venusaur, Hariyama, Steelix, but even they would demolish most beginner-level opponents.
That left his third-string roster: Pokemon he’d captured recently but hadn’t fully trained, or non-combat specialists like Aerodactyl, Arcanine, Kubfu, and Smeargle.
"Kubfu it is!" John decided.
Kubfu had the lowest level among all his Pokemon, barely in the early forties, since John hadn’t prioritized its training. This tournament would be perfect for gaining experience. Plus, since this was essentially a "fighting game" format, sending a Fighting-type seemed thematically appropriate.
For support Pokemon, he had only two slots, and their moves needed to be predetermined...
After brief consideration, John wrote: Garchomp, Precipice Blades
"All set," John said, sliding the completed form and three Pokeballs across the counter.
The staff member examined the registration form and Pokeballs, then froze completely.
What the hell is this?
Kubfu, Lugia, wasn’t that a legendary Pokemon? And Garchomp knowing Precipice Blades? Wasn’t that Groudon’s exclusive move?
I may not be highly educated, but don’t try to fool me!
More confusing still: why was Kubfu the main battler while Garchomp and Lugia were relegated to support roles?
"Uh... Trainer... Are you certain that Kubfu is your main battle Pokemon, with Garchomp and Lugia as support?" the staff member asked carefully. In his mind, John had obviously mixed up the assignments.
Surely Lugia or Garchomp should be the main fighter, with Kubfu providing support? Even legendary Pokemon aside, Kubfu didn’t seem particularly strong before evolving into Urshifu...
Had the trainer written the wrong Pokemon in the wrong slots?
"That’s correct," John confirmed with a smile.
Using Lugia and Garchomp as support was insurance for Kubfu. If an opponent proved too challenging for the little Fighting-type, his legendary backup could turn the tide.
"But... can Garchomp actually use Precipice Blades? If your Pokemon can’t perform a registered move, it wastes a support slot," the staff member warned.
"No problem, it can," John replied confidently.
"Then... well, I guess you’re registered." The staff member sighed for the third time.
"Perfect." John could sense the staff member’s exasperation.
After a few minutes of processing, the registration was complete. John retrieved his Pokeballs and headed to the waiting lounge.
Shortly after John left, a young woman entered the Ferrum League hall. She seemed familiar with everyone around her.
"Chloe! Long time no see. Where have you been?" An elderly man reading a newspaper greeted the newcomer warmly.
"I failed my championship challenge last time. Felt my strength wasn’t sufficient, so I traveled to other regions for training," Chloe replied with a smile.
"So you’re back to challenge for the championship again?"
"Exactly! I’ve captured some important partners during my journey and significantly improved my abilities. I’m ready for another championship run. After all... becoming the Ferrum Region Champion has been my childhood dream!" Chloe declared firmly. For this dream, she’d spent three years traveling, training, battling, and enduring countless hardships.
"But you haven’t participated in League competitions for three years, haven’t your points and ranking reset to zero?" asked a cleaning lady sweeping the hall. Official source is novｅlfire.net
"It’s fine. Starting over just means I can build momentum quickly," Chloe said confidently. Given her current strength, unless she faced the Champion directly, who could possibly be her rival?
This time, she’d surge through the rankings, dominating every opponent! The championship challenge wouldn’t be far behind!
Chloe could already envision herself as the Ferrum Region Champion. "I have a match starting soon. If you’re free, feel free to watch!"
"Of course! I’ll grab a seat right now," the elderly man said, folding his newspaper and heading toward the spectator area.
Other familiar faces, friends who’d watched Chloe grow up, also made their way to the stands. They hadn’t seen her in three years and were curious about her improved strength.
The Ferrum League celebrated combat prowess, rivaling even the Galar Region’s battle culture.
"Pete, long time no see! I’m here to register my Pokemon," Chloe said, approaching the registration window and sliding her completed form and three Pokeballs to the staff member.
"Long time no see indeed," Pete replied, taking the form and Pokeballs. Instead of immediately processing the registration, he glanced at the paperwork, then at Chloe. "Is your match the one that’s about to start?"
"Yeah, why do you ask?" Chloe inquired curiously.
"Nothing really." Pete shook his head slightly. As staff, he couldn’t reveal information about opposing battlers, but his eyes betrayed a trace of pity and sympathy.
Chloe was taken aback by Pete’s expression.
What does that look mean?
"Pete, after this match, I’ll treat you to dinner! Consider it thanks for your support over the years, and to celebrate my comeback!" Chloe offered.
"Emmmm... let’s see how this match goes first. I have a feeling you won’t be in a celebrating mood," Pete said, quickly completing Chloe’s registration and pushing the three Pokeballs back to her.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Chloe grew more confused by Old Pete’s cryptic words.
"Nothing much. You’ll understand once the battle begins," Old Pete waved dismissively, indicating Chloe could leave.
With the match about to start, Chloe could only collect her Pokeballs and depart, scratching her head in complete bewilderment.