<h4>Chapter 39: Robert and Baltoy</h4>


    The pace of thepetition was fast, given the young age of the participants and the rtively low levels of their Pokémon. Each match ended quickly, with Surskrit and Poochyena match being the longest so far.


    Although Yuga had registered early, the order of matches and opponents was randomly assigned, causing Yuga match to be scheduledter.


    Rand had been watching every match on stage intently, seemingly enjoying the Pokémon battles.


    As thepetition reached thetter half and it was almost Yuga turn, a particr trainer captured everyone attention.


    This trainer Pokémon was a rare Psychic-type Pokémon, Baltoy. Notably, this Baltoy was the highest-aptitude Pokémon Yuga had seen apart from Mr. Moore Charizard and Typhlosion.


    Among the Yellow-aptitude Pokémon Yuga had seen so far, his own Absol, Mr. Moore Charizard and Typhlosion, and nnery Quva were examples. But there was a clear distinction between Pokémon of the same aptitude.


    Consider Mr. Moore Charizard and Typhlosion; their aptitudes were already at the pinnacle of the Yellow tier, nearly reaching the level of a Blue-aptitude Pokémon. Yuga could discern this through his Insight skill, which allowed him to gauge the depth of their radiant colors.


    Yuga Absol was rtively weaker among the Yellow-aptitude Pokémon, and nnery Quva was far superior in aptitudepared to Absol.


    Yet, the radiance emanating from Baltoy was almost on par with Mr. Moore Charizard and Typhlosion.


    The attention garnered by Baltoy and its trainer wasn''t solely due to its rare aptitude. Theirmanding presence on the battlefield also yed a significant role.


    Baltoy opponent was a Yellow-aptitude Nuzleaf, a Pokémon that had already reached its second evolution, making it quite remarkable in thispetition.


    Evolution of a Pokémon wasn''t a simple matter; it wasn''t guaranteed to ur when a certain level was reached. Otherwise, with so many matches already held in thispetition, there would have been evolved Pokémon by now.


    Given the participants'' young age and the limited number ofpetitors, Nuzleaf was the only second-evolution Pokémon present, with a level of 33.


    However, this Pokémon, with exceptional levels and evolutionary advancements, as well as an absolute advantage in attributes, surprisingly couldn''t hold on for more than five minutes under themand of this Baltoy trainer.


    As soon as Nuzleaf appeared on the stage, it took the initiative by using Leaf de against Baltoy.


    The emerald green des carried a fierce momentum towards Baltoy, but just as they approached, they abruptly stopped in mid-air and then fell to the ground.


    Next, a red beam of light shed across Baltoy, creating a brilliant firework-like disy. Nuzleaf was sent flying.


    Observing the scorched marks on Nuzleaf, everyone recognized it as Baltoy Hidden Power—a Fire-type ability that was effective against Grass-type Pokémon.


    Despite being knocked down, Nuzleaf reacted swiftly. Disregarding its injuries, it got up and immediately charged towards Baltoy to continue its assault.


    It was clear that the previous Leaf de had been blocked by Baltoy Psychic power. Consequently, Nuzleaf trainer decided against using Leaf de again and instead opted for a close-range attack, using Smack Down.


    Being a Dark-type Pokémon, Nuzleaf wasn''t afraid of Baltoy Psychic abilities.


    As the charging Nuzleaf approached Baltoy, its trainermanded it to use Rock Lock.


    Nuzleaf, still in its rapid charge, was instantly surrounded byrge rocks and subjected to their fierce pummeling.


    Speaking of which, Baltoy was at a significant disadvantage in terms of attributes against Nuzleaf.


    Its Ground type was countered by the Grass type of Nuzleaf. Despite their simr levels, the Psychic type of Baltoy was immune to the Dark type of Nuzleaf. However, even with these advantages, Nuzleaf had no chance against Baltoy.


    After struggling for a while to break free from the rock confinement, Nuzleaf was struck by the Hidden Power of Baltoy the moment it emerged, rendering it unable to continue battling.


    It wasn''t until the host announced the victory of Baltoy trainer that Yuga learned the name of this Baltoy trainer—Robert.


    Although the host had mentioned Robert name when he came on stage earlier, Yuga hadn''t paid much attention at the time, so he hadn''t remembered it.


    At this point, Yuga truly began to take notice of this trainer named Robert.


    Robert stature was simr to Yuga, and he appeared to be around the same age. He had short golden hair and a handsome face, exuding a dashing aura.


    Speaking of the name Robert, it sounded familiar to Yuga, but he couldn''t recall who he was exactly.


    Robert splendid performance and formidable strength had attracted a crowd of people around him the moment he stepped down from the stage. He was showered with praises andpliments.


    Interestingly, Robert seemed adept at dealing with people. Hisposed smile, elegant demeanor, and apt choice of words allowed him to gracefully dismiss the crowd attention.


    "This guy is really impressive."


    Rand, observing Robert being surrounded by the crowd, was in awe, his eyes filled with admiration.


    "He certainly is!"


    Yuga pursed his lips, feeling somewhat displeased by the way Rand treated him and Robert differently.


    Rand looked at Yuga incredulously. "Aren''t you supposed to be worried about yourself right now?"


    Yuga looked puzzled. "Worried about myself? What is there to worry about? Why should I be worried?"


    "Your match ising up soon. Aren''t you worried about losing? Even if you win, you might face that Robert. Do you think you can beat him?"


    Rand felt that Yuga was pretty carefree. He had seen Robert match, and Yuga wasn''t even nervous?


    Hearing Rand words, Yuga burst intoughter, patting Rand head. "What''s this? Are you worried about me?"


    Seeing Yuga mischievous expression, Rand swatted his hand away. "Who''s worried about you!"


    Yuga grinned and said, "There''s nothing much to worry about. If I lose, I lose. As long as I do my best, it''s fine.


    Besides, I''ve only been a trainer for a short while. If I can easily defeat others, what''s the point of their years of effort?"


    Rand hadn''t expected Yuga to respond this way. He found his words quite reasonable and merely nced at him before falling silent.


    After Robert match, there was another one, and Yuga heard his name being called out by the host, signaling that it was his turn to go. Without much ado, Yuga said to Rand, "Cheer for me from down here."


    Having said that, Yuga dashed onto the stage without waiting for Rand response.