LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 100: Chapter 99: Hearthome Arena!
"Growing too fast?!"
Uesugi, who had been yawning just moments ago, suddenly snapped to attention. He did a quick mental calculation and realized that Scorbunny hadn't been with Rax for very long.
"All right, teleport it here. The professor still has time to conduct an inspection and make adjustments if necessary."
Without hesitation, Rax followed Uesugi's suggestion. After giving Scorbunny clear instructions, he teleported it to the lab.
Uesugi confirmed the Pokémon's arrival and reassured Rax, "You'll have the results in three days at the latest," before hanging up.
Rax stared at the now-black screen, reflecting on Uesugi's attitude. It was clear that Uesugi didn't treat him as an outsider.
What a great assistant, Rax thought. Uesugi's easy-going demeanor perfectly complemented Professor Rowan's serious nature.
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A Stay in Hearthome City
With Scorbunny in good hands, Rax decided to stay in Hearthome City while awaiting the results.
Hearthome City was unique. Its rich history had created a web of complicated family and political relationships, making it impossible for the Sinnoh Alliance to establish an official Gym.
In the absence of a Gym, Rax turned his attention to the Hearthome Arena, which Uesugi had recommended. It seemed like a good way to pass the time.
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Discovering the Arena
The next morning, after gathering information, Rax learned the history of the Hearthome Arena, officially named the Hearthome City Pokémon Arena.
Originally built for royal nobles to enjoy battles, the arena once hosted brutal, deadly matches where the battles ended only when one Pokémon perished.
Thankfully, the arena no longer allowed such bloody duels. Instead, it hosted a variety of Pokémon battle formats:
Single battles and double battles.
Team battles and wild melees involving up to six Pokémon at a time.
Even unregulated battles where trainers participated directly.
What set the Hearthome Arena apart, however, was its betting system.
Spectators and participants alike could place bets on the outcomes of battles. Bets ranged from a few coins to hundreds of thousands of Pokécoins, making it the only casino-like facility sanctioned by the Sinnoh Alliance.
Reading this, Rax smirked. The Alliance didn't approve of this place—they simply couldn't control it.
After breakfast, he decided to visit the arena.
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Entering the Arena
Within half an hour, Rax reached the towering Hearthome Arena.
From the outside, it was much larger than a typical stadium. Even standing at the entrance, he could hear the deafening cheers from the crowd inside.
Although it was only ten in the morning, a long line had already formed at the entrance.
Fortunately, Rax had received a VIP card from his hotel. Skipping the line, he entered through the VIP channel.
"Welcome, Mr. Rax," a staff member greeted him. "We've arranged a VIP room with the best view for you. Please follow me."
Rax nodded, quietly wondering if he'd be kicked out if he didn't place a bet.
The VIP room was spacious and well-furnished. A large glass wall offered a panoramic view of the arena, while fruits, snacks, and drinks were laid out on a table.
After a quick inspection, Rax confirmed there were no hidden cameras or surveillance. Still, he decided to keep Skiploom by his side for security, leaving the others in their Poké Balls.
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The Battles Begin
The arena floor was divided into multiple battlefields of varying sizes. Smaller fields on the edges hosted senior- and elite-level matches, while two massive battlefields occupied the center.
The left central field featured a Gym-level singles match.
Gym-level trainers, as the name implied, were as strong as official Gym Leaders. They represented the pinnacle of strength for non-Elite trainers, capable of easily defeating challengers below their level.
The match currently underway featured a Luxray facing off against a Drapion.
Luxray's Discharge attack tore through the ground, while Drapion's Cross Poison nearly broke through the barriers surrounding the field.
Each move showcased their immense power, and the crowd's cheers pushed both Pokémon to fight even harder.
Rax watched in awe. He knew he was far from reaching the Gym level, but watching such battles allowed him to learn strategies and techniques he could incorporate into his own training.
In the end, Drapion's superior endurance secured its victory, knocking Luxray out of the match.
As the crowd erupted in cheers, Rax couldn't help but join in, clapping enthusiastically.
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Unregulated Battles
Rax then turned his attention to the right central field, which was entirely enclosed by glass.
Inside, a simulated jungle environment created the setting for an unregulated outdoor battle.
The battle was at the elite level, with trainers and their teams navigating the forest-like arena, hiding, strategizing, and ambushing each other.
Unlike traditional battles, unregulated matches tested not only the strength of individual Pokémon but also the coordination and strategy of an entire team.
Rax watched closely, intrigued by the dynamic strategies at play. He could see how weaker teams could potentially turn the tide against stronger opponents through clever tactics.
This, he realized, was the true appeal of the Hearthome Arena—an unpredictable and thrilling display of skill, power, and strategy.
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As the day went on, Rax found himself deeply engrossed in the matches, already anticipating what he might learn or experience in the days ahead.