Pokemon : Rewind

After delivering a brief opening remark, Lorelei delved straight into the lecture without unnecessary preamble.

Her teaching wasn't limited to words alone. Recognizing that some concepts couldn't be fully conveyed verbally, Lorelei used pre-recorded battle videos displayed on the large screen in the stadium.

As the videos played, Lorelei analyzed them in real-time, explaining the intricacies of battle strategy. She highlighted details such as predicting the opponent's moves and choosing the optimal response.

The lecture covered crucial topics: how to capitalize on an advantageous position, recover from a disadvantage, and adapt strategies mid-battle. 

Many trainers in the audience found themselves absorbing knowledge that would normally take years of experience to comprehend.

Ash, too, was deeply engrossed. He reflected on his own battles, realizing areas where he could improve. 

Though Lorelei's battle style differed from his, many of her principles resonated with him and were applicable to his journey as a trainer.

---

After an hour of detailed analysis, Lorelei paused to give everyone a ten-minute break before moving to the second part of the lecture. 

The next segment introduced something many trainers eagerly awaited: practical techniques for Pokémon training.

Every year, Lorelei generously shared a few advanced training methods. This time, she focused on teaching how to perfect the Ice Beam move.

For many trainers, such an opportunity was invaluable. Unless they attended prestigious Pokémon academies, most schools only taught the basics of Pokémon care and battles, leaving advanced moves like Ice Beam out of reach.

Ash, grateful for the time he'd spent under Professor Oak's guidance, appreciated the depth of Lorelei's instruction. 

She not only described the mechanics of Ice Beam but also offered step-by-step demonstrations on mastering it.

---

"Alright, that concludes the lecture portion of today's event," Lorelei said with a smile, exhaling slightly after finishing the explanation. She had spoken continuously for over an hour and was visibly fatigued.

"Thank you so much, Master Lorelei, for such an enlightening session!" the Host exclaimed as he returned to the stage. "Let's give her another round of applause for her hard work!"

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, expressing their gratitude for Lorelei's dedication.

"And now," the Host continued, "we'll take a thirty-minute break. Following that, Master Lorelei will conduct a teaching battle to demonstrate the concepts she's discussed today!"

"The participant for this battle will be chosen randomly from the audience. Remember, the numbers on your seats correspond to the lottery system. If your number is selected, please proceed to the preparation area immediately."

Excitement rippled through the stadium. The thought of battling one of the Elite Four thrilled the audience.

"I hope I get chosen!" Misty said, clasping her hands together and closing her eyes tightly in prayer. Togepi perched on her lap, tilting its head curiously. Her seat number was 00022.

"Me too!" Tracey added, though he wasn't a dedicated trainer. The opportunity to experience a battle with Lorelei up close was too good to pass up. His seat number was 00020.

Ash, in contrast, remained calm. Though he would welcome the chance to battle Lorelei, he didn't expect to be selected. 

However, unbeknownst to him, the event organizer, who had noticed Ash's presence earlier, decided to tip the scales in his favor.

---

When the thirty minutes were up, the Host's voice echoed through the stadium.

"Trainers, it's time to select our teaching battle participant! The lottery interface will now appear on the big screen. The numbers will change rapidly, and the final selection will correspond to a seat number in the audience."

On the screen, the numbers began cycling quickly, ranging from 00001 to 19863, corresponding to the nearly 20,000 seats in the stadium.

"Please let it be me," Misty whispered fervently, squeezing her hands together. Tracey and other trainers in the audience shared her sentiment, each hoping for their number to appear.

When the numbers stopped, the screen displayed 00021.

A wave of disappointment swept through the stadium as most trainers realized their numbers hadn't been selected.

"What?!" Misty exclaimed, staring at the screen in disbelief. Her seat number was only one digit off.

Tracey, equally surprised, looked at Ash. "That's your number, Ash!"

"Me?" Ash blinked, startled. The realization hit him, and a wide grin spread across his face. "I've been chosen!"

Though Misty was happy for Ash, she couldn't help feeling envious. "That's so unfair!" she muttered as Ash stood to leave. "Lorelei is my idol!"

The audience, unaware of Ash's identity, buzzed with curiosity. Who was the lucky trainer sitting in seat 00021?

---

In the preparation area, the event staff greeted Ash warmly. Recognizing his achievements as the Indigo Plateau Champion, they treated him with the utmost respect.

"Mr. Ash, you'll be entering the battlefield in two minutes," one of the staff members informed him.

"Got it," Ash replied confidently, glancing at Pikachu perched on his shoulder. "Are you ready for this, buddy?"

"Pika!" Pikachu chirped enthusiastically, its cheeks sparking with excitement.

As Ash stood in the tunnel, awaiting his cue, he felt a surge of adrenaline. Facing Lorelei, one of the strongest trainers in the world, wasn't just an honour—it was an opportunity to test everything he had learned.

"Let's do this," Ash said with determination, stepping forward to the cheers of the crowd.

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