A water-type trainer who specializes in dragon-type water.

"stop!!"

The roar still echoed in the air when a black-robed youth approached like lightning.

The object he rode was no ordinary mount—it was a broad, ancient shield.

The shield was engraved with intricate dark gold patterns, its edges sharp as blades, and it was currently surrounded by a faint, ethereal purple energy, steadily supporting his figure as he sped through the low sky.

What's even more striking is that beside him, a gleaming, slender, single-handed flying sword, like a living guardian, hovers and flies in sync, its tip slightly lowered, yet subtly locking onto Zhang Heng's direction.

The young man wore a well-tailored black robe with a smooth drape, and only the cuffs and hem were embroidered with simple flowing cloud patterns in silver thread.

He had a handsome face, and his eyebrows did resemble the ancient-style girl by about five or six points, only his features were more angular. At this moment, he was tense with urgency and anger, and his eyes were sharp and piercing.

His posture as he flew in on his shield was reminiscent of the sword immortals wielding their weapons as described in ancient texts, only lacking some of the elegance and possessing more of a somber, menacing aura.

The system information, displayed on the shield, was projected before Zhang Heng's eyes the moment he appeared:

Pokémon: Aegislash

[Attribute: Ghost/Steel]

[Titanium Quartz Property: Ghost]

【Special Feature: Battle Switch (Unique Feature)】

[Qualification: Near Champion Level]

[Level: 48 (Dojo-level combat power)]

[Item Carried: Rank B Curse Talisman]

"A Shielded Sword Monster? It can be used as a flying vehicle like that?"

A sense of novelty flashed through Zhang Heng's mind.

"But in terms of style, flying on a sword while standing on a single sword sheath is more elegant."

His thoughts even drifted somewhat, not out of arrogance, but after experiencing the life-or-death ordeal of the South China Sea being frozen and the battle against the divine beasts.

The "conflict" before him, though sharp, lacked any real killing intent, making it difficult for him to truly tense up.

When the mind and body are in a relaxed state of alertness, it is easier to notice these interesting details.

Aegislash, the final evolution of the single-scabbard.

Before the appearance of Cypher, the combination of ghost and steel properties was once the only mark of their kind.

It has a huge and thick blade, and the hilt, guard, and central spine are presented in a noble dark gold color.

The original scabbard has evolved into a sturdy round shield. The blade is wider than the center of the sword and has a striking serrated edge.

Two ribbon-like illusory arms extend from either side of the sword guard, with deep purple claws at the ends of the arms.

Its deep purple eyes were watching Zhang Heng warily, especially the giant swamp monster blocking Zhang Heng's way.

"Shh!"

The Shielded Swordsman came to a steady stop, its shield almost touching the ground.

The black-robed youth leaped down nimbly, landing silently, and quickly walked to the side of the girl named Xiao Ning, his face solemn.

"Xiao Ning! How can you be so rude?!"

His voice was filled with suppressed anger, and his gaze first swept sternly over his sister before turning to Emperor Naboo beside him.

"No, brother!"

Xiao Ning stomped her foot in frustration and pointed at Zhang Heng.

"I'm just so angry! What right does he have..."

"Nonsense!" Xiao Gang interrupted her sharply, his eyes as sharp as knives.

"The champion's arrangements have their reasons! How dare you act so arrogantly here? And you, Emperor Nabo!"

He turned his gaze to the composed Water-type starter Pokémon, his tone clearly reproachful.

"How could you go and do something reckless like her?!"

When its name was called, Emperor Naboo let out a low cry and lowered its crown-like horns slightly. A hint of human "helplessness" and "following orders" flashed in its deep blue eyes.

Xiao Ning, like a punctured balloon, instantly deflated her arrogant demeanor, pouting and lowering her head in resentment, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes.

Clearly, the true trainer of this powerful Empoleon is the young man in black robes, Xiao Gang.

Xiao Gang took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his anger at his sister's reckless behavior, and turned to face Zhang Heng.

He walked with a methodical pace, stopping about three steps away from Zhang Heng, clasping his hands in a standard ancient salute, his movements fluid and carrying the unique sense of discipline characteristic of a scion of a noble family.

"I am Xiao Gang from Shanghai University." His voice was clear and his tone sincere.

"The one who spoke rudely and acted rashly towards you just now was my younger sister, Xiao Ning. She is young and impulsive, and her actions were reckless. She has disturbed you, and I apologize on her behalf. I am truly sorry for the trouble she has caused you."

Zhang Heng watched him quietly. Xiao Gang's apology did sound somewhat sincere; at least on the surface, it was impeccable.

But his straight, pine-like back, his arms as steady as a rock when he clasped his hands, and especially his eyes that stared straight at me, as if flames were quietly burning deep within them.

All of this conveys the same message.

The apology was genuine, but so was the trainer's burning desire to clash with the strong.

This apology stemmed more from helplessness regarding his sister's inappropriate behavior and from adherence to "etiquette."

Moreover... Zhang Heng's gaze swept over the Emperor Nabo, who had regained his majestic posture and stood quietly behind Xiao Gang.

He glanced again at the shield-and-sword monster hovering beside Xiao Gang like a loyal guard.

Emerald Pokémon is classified as an "Emperor Pokémon" in the Pokédex.

Aegislash is classified as a "Royal Sword Pokémon".

Even more interestingly, the Pokédex description mentions that Aegislash can tell who has the potential to become king, and it is said that those it approves of will eventually become kings...

A trainer who can simultaneously capture and wield both the "Emperor" and the "Royal Sword".

The arrogance and confidence in his own abilities that he harbors are probably far beyond that of ordinary people.

His apology may just be the calm before the storm.

Zhang Heng looked up and gazed at the sky.

The sun was blazing, the sunlight was still a bit dazzling, and it was just past noon. There was still plenty of time before the operation at midnight tonight, so it wouldn't be affected.

That being the case...

He withdrew his gaze and looked back at Xiao Gang, who remained in a fist-and-palm posture, awaiting his response. He spoke directly, his voice calm and unwavering:

"Do you want to fight me?"

There were no pleasantries, no formalities, and not even a response to the apology; the most crucial question was posed directly.

Xiao Gang was clearly taken aback by Zhang Heng's directness. He paused for a moment, his clasped hands pausing in surprise.

According to his expected script, the other party would either politely accept the apology and let the matter drop, or they would persist and he would argue his case.

This direct and to-the-point challenge completely disrupted his rhythm.

But it was only a moment of astonishment that revealed the fighting spirit that had been suppressed by etiquette in his eyes.

It was then completely ignited with a "boom" and burst into flames.

The flames were intense and pure, filled with a thirst for confrontation.

He is a renowned figure in Shanghai's universities and a strong contender for the top seed in East China.

He slowly lowered his clasped hands, his body seemingly straightening more due to excitement, and a sharp, challenging smile curved his lips.

"Right on my mind."

As soon as he finished speaking, Empoleon seemed to sense the trainer's boiling fighting spirit, took a step forward, and locked his deep blue eyes on the Swampert opposite him.

Swampert was equally unyielding, letting out a low growl as its thick arms clashed against its chest with a dull thud. Its strong, pink body lowered slightly, and the powerful aura of a Water-type starter Pokémon rose up as well.

The two Pokémon's gazes met in mid-air, seemingly sparking invisible flames, their fighting spirit surging and colliding like a tangible wave!

at this time--

The air beside them suddenly twisted and rippled strangely, like the surface of water tossed with pebbles.

Immediately afterwards, a yellow figure seemed to "squeeze" out from the water and appeared silently in the open space.

It was a Pokémon covered in yellow fur, with a ring of fluffy white fur around its neck.

It has pointed ears and slender eyes. Most striking of all is the thin thread it holds in its hand, with a slowly rotating ring at one end that emits hypnotic waves.

The Dream Eater! He also has a more familiar name! Soriber!

A Psychic-type Pokémon, skilled in hypnosis and mental interference.

The Dream Eater had no expression on its face, appearing exceptionally indifferent.

However, its eyes emitted an eerie blue light, like a deep-sea vortex, and its body was filled with powerful supernatural energy fluctuations.

A familiar, capable, and authoritative female voice speaks directly through some form of telepathy or telepathy.

The voice clearly echoed in Zhang Heng and Xiao Gang's minds, originating from the Dream-Guiding Tapir in front of them.

"If you want to play, go to the league's training area next door. There are standard courts and referees there. Don't block the entrance to the championship office building!"

It was Secretary Kang's (Kang Mu'ai) voice! This chief secretary of the Champion Office, known for his impartiality and strict management, was indeed monitoring everything around the building.