Everyone Else Awakened, But I Just Opened a Pokémon Pet Shop

Pei Jingguo looked at the dumbfounded Wang Tao and nodded.

"That's right. I'm challenging you."

"More accurately… your Pokémon."

"So? Want to give it a try?"

Wang Tao was utterly confused.

He glanced at his goofy-looking Grotle, then instinctively looked toward the stands.

There, Su Bai gave him a subtle nod.

Truthfully, the Su Family Pet Shop was already the biggest winner of this school ranking tournament.

But still, many were undecided.

If someone like Pei Jingguo, a rising prodigy, became the final highlight?

That would be perfect.

As for whether Grotle would be defeated in a single blow…

Su Bai didn't even entertain that thought.

No matter how much of a genius Pei Jingguo was, there was no way he could instantly take down Grotle—whose entire training had been focused on defense!

In fact, among the trio of starters, Wang Tao's Grotle had the highest degree of training.

From the moment it was just a Turtwig, it had been rigorously building its defensive power.

As long as Grotle had even one breath left, Su Bai wasn't worried.

With the built-in black technology of the Pokédex, recovery wouldn't be an issue.

If Wang Tao dared to stake it all, Grotle could fight anyone.

Seeing Su Bai nod gave Wang Tao a surge of confidence.

And maybe, just maybe… a bit of pride.

Who in Haicheng First High even knew Wang Tao's name before this?

Now look, the number one student, Pei Jingguo, had challenged him!

Sure, it was really Grotle being challenged.

But what's the difference?

A Trainer and their Pokémon are one.

Challenge the Pokémon, you challenge the Trainer.

"Alright! I accept!"

Wang Tao grinned, patted Grotle's big head, and strutted confidently toward the stage.

Pei Jingguo gave a small laugh and lightly leapt up after him.

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

No one had expected a showdown like this.

"Pei Jingguo, huh… now that's someone to watch."

Ji Wei clicked his tongue.

"There aren't many who hit B-rank before 18. A few even go on to reach S-rank!"

"And now he's curious about Pokémon too?"

Ji Wei held Pei Jingguo in high regard.

This wasn't just some B-rank magic swordsman.

Pei often took solo commissions, real combat experience. The kind you can't fake.

He was famous not just in the school, but across all of Haicheng.

People, half-joking, had already dubbed him: 'The Sword of Haicheng.'

Though his current strength didn't quite live up to the title, no one doubted he'd reach those heights someday.

Su Bai nodded slowly.

At first glance, this world seemed entirely different from the Pokémon world.

But if you looked closer, there were more similarities than expected.

Both worlds had extraordinary humans.

Here, that truth was only more apparent because of the chaos from death beasts.

Forget about cheat-like legends like "Chi-ye."

Even in the Pokémon world, Su Bai remembered humans like:

Bruno of the Elite Four, who could wrestle an Onix bare-handed and win,Chuck from the Cianwood Gym, Brawly, Maylene, and even Korrina, all masters of hand-to-hand combat.

And of course, Sabrina, the Psychic Gym Leader.

Her psychic powers were terrifying, flashy, and powerful enough to make any protagonist tremble.

If people like that were transported to this world?

They'd probably be soloing S-rank monsters and wrecking entire restricted zones by themselves.

In other words, a human battling a Pokémon?

Not so strange after all.

As Su Bai's thoughts wandered, the duel on stage finally began.

Pei Jingguo was like his sword—direct and unwavering.

Wang Tao did his usual tactic:

He had Grotle curl protectively around him, creating an absolute defense posture.

But Pei Jingguo simply smiled.

"You don't need to do that. I'm not attacking you."

"I only want to see, how tough your Pokémon really is."

"I'll only use one slash. If your Grotle can withstand it… I lose.

How about it?"

The entire arena fell silent.

Even Wang Tao's hamster wheels were turning full speed in his head.

Then he heard the words.

And lit up like a Christmas tree.

A guy like Pei Jingguo had no shortage of resources.

But Wang Tao? He needed all he could get.

Each spot higher in the rankings meant more training resources from the school.

His family wasn't well-off. Just getting Grotle had taken everything his dad had.

No way he'd pass up a chance like this!

And besides, it was only one attack. Grotle could probably take it!

"Deal! A gentleman's word is his bond!"

Wang Tao gleefully jumped out from behind Grotle's protective bulk.

Grotle looked around, stunned.

Its small eyes seemed to say:

"Huh? You don't believe I can protect you anymore?"

Wang Tao grinned and patted Grotle's head.

"Relax, buddy. After this, I'll buy you all the berries you want!"

He turned and waved to Pei Jingguo.

"Alright! Just one move! No take-backs!"

Pei Jingguo chuckled, raising his sword.

"One move, yes. But don't underestimate it."

"I've had some breakthroughs lately. I haven't quite reached A-rank yet…"

"But this slash? It's right on the edge."

"Brace yourself."

With that, Pei drew his sword into a stance.

A powerful aura began to radiate from him, growing stronger with each second.

From the audience stands:

Ji Wei's eyelid twitched.

He exhaled sharply.

"Damn… he really is Haicheng's top genius."

"Just from that opening stance, he's not bluffing."

Su Bai narrowed his eyes.

"Is that… already A-rank?"

Ji Wei shook his head, but his voice stayed serious.

"Not quite. But it's damn close."

"Even someone like Liu Yunshuang might not be able to block it."

Liu Yunshuang rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

After all, Songstresses weren't built for defense.

Techniques with slow wind-ups like this?

She wouldn't stand a chance.

Her power was in support, not duels.

Meanwhile, back on stage…

Wang Tao didn't understand Pei's form, but he definitely felt the pressure.

His confidence in Grotle's defenses wavered for the first time.

"Grotle! Use Withdraw!"

Withdraw was a basic move, available even at low levels.

It wasn't flashy, but it significantly boosted defense.

In games, it wasn't that popular…

But in real life? Extremely useful.

Grotle let out a dopey cry in response.

Then, retracted all limbs and tucked into its shell.

Its massive shell shimmered with a metallic sheen, reflecting the lights of the stadium.

There was no way it could dodge this strike.

Not with its speed.

Only one option left:

Tank it. Head-on.