POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Unsurprisingly, Blake turned out to be an information dealer, making a living by selling player data.

Despite his friendly demeanor, he avoided revealing anything about the trainers' Pokémon directly.

Seeing Rax only show curiosity without saying much, Blake grew uneasy, wondering what kind of competitor this newcomer was.

Finally, he handed Rax his communicator discreetly.

"This is the match list that just came out backstage. See if you can find your name."

Rax's eyes lit up. These lists were temporary assignments he couldn't access the previous night.

It became evident that Blake had connections in the arena.

Rax quickly spotted his opponent: a trainer named Miwako.

After combing through his notes, Rax realized there was no prior mention of her. Likely, as a first-timer, he had been paired with another less-known trainer to keep the betting stakes manageable.

Blake, noticing the name "Miwako," seemed momentarily confused but regained composure and leaned in closer.

"Hey, interested in some intel on her? Give me half an hour, and I'll get you the scoop."

Feigning inexperience, Rax asked, "Where will you get this information?"

Blake waved him off. "Does it matter? The question is, do you want it or not?"

Rax smiled sheepishly. Blake took the opportunity to name his price:

"500 Pokécoins. A steal for first-hand intelligence!"

Feigning shock, Rax exclaimed, "That's still expensive!"

His loud response caught the attention of the waiting room. Blake quickly straightened up and slid on his sunglasses, pretending to be uninvolved.

Among those listening was Hogan, a muscular trainer Blake had mentioned earlier.

Hogan's piercing glare landed on Blake. "Selling my intel cost me my last match. What scam are you pulling today?"

Blake grinned, "Hey, I just provide information. Losing is on you. Don't blame me for your incompetence!"

Hogan's fists clenched, but he didn't make a scene. Meanwhile, others in the room avoided looking directly at Blake, either wary or disapproving.

Rax noted the reactions silently. Blake was a seasoned manipulator, his influence woven deeply into the arena's betting scene.

Finally, Blake turned back to Rax, still smiling. "So, what do you say? Want the info or not?"

Rax shook his head. "I'll pass this time."

Blake's smirk didn't falter. "Well, if you ever want to sell your own data, find me. The commission is worth it!"

After Blake disappeared, Rax reflected. The man was trouble, but understanding his tactics could be useful.

---

Half an hour later, Rax's name was called.

As he entered the arena, Miwako followed quietly behind. The referee explained the simple rules: a doubles match with two Pokémon per side. The battle would end when both Pokémon on one team were unable to continue.

Rax sent out Marowak and Skiploom, their positions carefully placed in the mid and rear field.

Miwako, to Rax's surprise, chose Delcatty and Infernape, both known for their speed and versatility.

Without hesitation, Miwako commanded, "Infernape, Mach Punch! Delcatty, Thunder Wave!"

Rax countered swiftly. "Marowak, use Curse! Skiploom, Tailwind!"

The battlefield erupted into motion. Infernape's Mach Punch landed hard against Marowak, but its thick bone club absorbed the brunt of the attack. Meanwhile, Skiploom's Tailwind doubled its team's speed.

Marowak's Curse activated, boosting its attack and defense at the cost of speed, a sacrifice mitigated by Skiploom's Tailwind.

Delcatty's Thunder Wave shot toward Skiploom, but its boosted speed allowed it to dodge nimbly.

Rax capitalized on the momentum:

"Bone Club strike! Cotton Spore, spread!"

Miwako attempted to adapt. "Infernape, switch targets and use Fire Punch! Delcatty, use Ice Fang!"

Skiploom moved first, scattering Cotton Spore across the battlefield and slowing both Delcatty and Infernape.

Marowak, now faster thanks to the debuffs, unleashed a relentless combo with its Bone Club, pummeling Infernape to the ground with four devastating strikes.

Though not out cold, Infernape struggled to recover. Delcatty, positioned to assist, hesitated as Infernape blocked its path.

Seizing the opportunity, Marowak locked onto Delcatty with a glare, readying another attack.

"Marowak, Bone Club strike again!"

This time, Skiploom stayed back, conserving energy. Marowak dashed forward, its club raised high.

With Infernape still on the ground, Miwako frantically called out, "Stand up, Infernape! Don't give up!"

But as Infernape shakily rose, Marowak's bone club connected with Delcatty, sending it crumpling to the ground.

Infernape roared in anger, activating its Blaze ability. Its fiery body burned brighter, and it lunged at Marowak.

"Blaze Kick!" Miwako shouted.

Rax remained calm. "Bone Club, end it."

Marowak hurled its weapon with precision, striking Infernape squarely on the back of the head.

Bang!

The impact echoed, and Infernape collapsed.

The referee blew the whistle. "Battle over! Victory goes to Rax!"

The crowd, small as it was, erupted into cheers. Rax smiled as Marowak twirled its bone triumphantly.

The match was over, but Rax knew this was only the beginning of his rise in the arena.