Pokemon: Sign-in System

[Congratulations to the host for receiving the reward – Ten Times Experience Card!]

A satisfied smile tugged at Adrian's lips as he casually made his way toward the source of the noise. 

"Come on, Bulbasaur! Whip it with Vine Whip!" 

"Don't back down, Froakie! Hit it with everything you've got!" 

"Damn it! Who used Poison Gas? It reeks in here!" 

"Hahaha! Gloom knocked out Oddish and its Trainer! They're both foaming at the mouth! I can't breathe!" 

"Let's go! Keep fighting!" 

The Battle Club was bursting with energy. Shouts, laughter, and heated cheers echoed throughout the underground arena. Trainers and their Pokémon were locked in fierce battles, the air thick with excitement and the scent of sweat and adrenaline. 

Adrian watched calmly, his sharp eyes scanning the chaos. This was the perfect place for him to test his skills and begin forging his path as a Trainer. 

With the Ten Times Experience Card in hand and a powerful Mewtwo recovering by his side, Adrian was ready to step into the fray.

Adrian raised his eyebrows with mild interest and made his way into the bustling audience. 

On the stage, two battle arenas dominated the centre, but only one remained active after the match between Gloom and Oddish had ended. 

The ongoing battle featured two Pokémon facing off—Froakie and Bulbasaur. 

The crowd buzzed with excitement. These two were both from the rare and highly sought-after starter Pokémons. It wasn't often that one got to see such Pokémon in casual battles, let alone two at once. 

The audience had swelled, nearly tripling in size. What had been a modest crowd had grown to nearly four or five hundred people, all packed tightly into the stands. 

It was a testament to how popular the Battle Club was. Its massive underground space could easily accommodate thousands, creating an electrifying atmosphere for Trainers and spectators alike. 

Adrian's sharp eyes studied the battle closely, analysing the strategies and the Trainers behind the Pokémon. This wasn't just entertainment for him—it was an opportunity.

The two Trainers in the arena were locked in a fierce battle, their faces flushed with intensity as they shouted commands at their Pokémon. 

One moment, the air was bursting with Froakie's shimmering Bubbles, and the next, it was slicing with Bulbasaur's flurry of sharp Razor Leaves. 

The rapid exchange of moves dazzled the audience. 

Cheers erupted whenever someone's favoured Pokémon gained the upper hand, and collective sighs of disappointment followed every misstep. 

Above the arena, the large screen prominently displayed the current betting odds. Unsurprisingly, Froakie had the higher odds—after all, Grass-type Pokémon like Bulbasaur naturally held an advantage over Water-types. 

Adrian wasn't surprised by this. 

After watching the battle for a minute, he scanned the QR code on his seat and placed a bet on Bulbasaur. Although Froakie had higher odds and would yield a greater pay-out if it won, based on the unfolding situation on the field, he believed that Bulbasaur would ultimately emerge as the winner.

The payment confirmation chimed softly.

[500 payment successful.]

Just as Adrian leaned back, satisfied with his choice, a familiar sweet scent drifted over.

"Brother Adrian, which pokémon did you choose?"

A clear, melodious voice broke through the noise.

Adrian turned his head slightly and saw Luna standing beside him, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity.

She was dressed casually, but her lively energy made her stand out in the bustling crowd.

Adrian smiled faintly. "Take a guess."

Luna leaned in closer, narrowing her eyes at him. "Hmm… you're not the type to follow the crowd, so… Bulbasaur?"

Adrian chuckled softly. "Smart as always."

Luna grinned proudly. "Of course! But if you lose, you're treating me to dinner!"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "And if I win?"

Luna tilted her head playfully. "Then I'll still let you treat me to dinner!"

Adrian couldn't help but laugh, the tension of the battle around them momentarily forgotten.

"Anyway, why are you here? I've been waiting for you in the training area!"

As Luna spoke, his fair and tender cheeks puffed up, making people want to pinch them.

"I want to participate in the arena competition, so I came to check it out."

Adrian said this without his face turning red and without his heart racing. He couldn't admit that he had been caught up in the atmosphere and had forgotten about her as soon as he entered.

"Ah?"

She gasped in surprise, her attention shifting as expected.

"Brother Adrian, do you have the Starter Pokémon?!"

He nodded in response.

He wasn't lying; he truly wanted to compete in the arena. Actual combat is a crucial way to improve strength, and besides, winning money in the competition is an added incentive. Why wouldn't he participate?

Luna felt a wave of confusion and concern wash over her as she processed Adrian's words. "Brother Adrian," she began hesitantly, her brow furrowed in thought. "You've just captured a Pokémon. Wouldn't it be better to spend a few days training in the training area before jumping into actual combat?"

Her original plan had been to invite Adrian to join her at the club's training zone, where they could bond and hone their skills together. However, she hadn't anticipated that he was already thinking about competing in an arena battle. It struck her as reckless; how could anyone confidently participate in a competitive match right after capturing a Pokémon?

"Don't worry," Adrian reassured her with a calm smile, his voice steady and confident. He cast a quick glance toward the stage where the competition was taking place, clearly focused on what was happening there.

Just then, the referee's voice rang out over the crowd, cutting through Luna's worries. "Froakie is unable to battle, Balbasaur wins!" The announcement was met with cheers and applause, and Luna couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at how rapidly things were unfolding.

Suddenly, a notification beeped on Adrian's wrist device. [Battle Club transferred 1000!] The notification seemed to brighten his mood even more.

"I'll treat you to dinner later," Adrian said, his face lighting up with excitement. He seemed invigorated by the day's events, and, with a spring in his step, he paid the ticket for the entrance fee. He then stood and made his way towards the registration point, completely focused on what was next.

Seeing Adrian's determination, Luna felt a twinge of resignation. She knew she couldn't change his mind at this point, so she decided to support him, even though a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes. She followed him quietly, her thoughts swirling with worry about what lay ahead for her brother.

Adrian's interest was piqued when he heard the staff at the registration office say, "For ten consecutive matches, the bonus is 20,000." The concept seemed both exciting and challenging, and he couldn't help but envision the possibilities.

According to the club's official rules, if a competitor manages to successfully challenge the reigning champion and then defends their title by winning ten consecutive matches, they would not only receive a substantial bonus of 20,000 but would also be granted VIP membership status in the club. The perks of being a VIP member were particularly enticing: a generous 50% discount on all club products and free registration and ticket fees, providing additional savings that could be significant over time.

Feeling a rush of determination, Adrian exclaimed, "I want to sign up and compete as soon as possible." His prompt decision reflected his eagerness to take on the challenge and claim the rewards.

As he made his way through the club, he noted not only the well-equipped training area and the competitive ring but also a dedicated section where Technical Machines were sold. These Technical Machines offered various abilities that could enhance a fighter's performance. For instance, in the Velmor City Building Mall, he discovered that a TM Tackle move was available for 1,500 pokedollars, while the TMs here was offered at a remarkable 50% discount for Champions. For Adrian, who was intent on making the most of his resources, this was an excellent opportunity.

He couldn't help but reflect on his recent experience when he received a sign-in bonus of 100,000 pokedollars. However, he realized that after various deductions and expenses, this amount amounted to less than 30,000 pokedollars in practical use. This reminder further fueled his motivation to compete and secure the bonuses available through the club's challenges.

Luna stood a few steps behind Adrian, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. She hesitated, debating whether to voice her concerns. The promise of generous rewards for successfully challenging the champion was enticing, but there was an undeniable catch: the effort needed to secure those rewards was immense. On the surface, defending against the challenge for ten consecutive games seemed straightforward, yet history showed that only a handful of challengers ever pulled it off. The stakes were high—if you stumbled even once during the challenge, all the hard work and commitment you had put in would amount to nothing.

The recent battle between Froakie and Bulbasaur had been just that—a regular exhibition match, not the monumental challenge that would elevate a trainer to championship status. This realization only heightened Luna's apprehension; her features contorted with worry, and her eyes, which usually sparkled like stars, were now clouded with concern, as if a thin veil of water was threatening to spill over.

Across the room, Adrian remained composed, seated comfortably in the waiting area. His confidence was palpable, a stark contrast to Luna's turmoil.

"Use the ten times experience card," Adrian instructed calmly, breaking the silence that had enveloped them.

In an instant, the card transformed, glowing into a radiant white sphere of light that gracefully drifted towards the Poké Ball containing Gible. The energy absorbed into the ball, signifying the beginning of Gible's accelerated training—an important step in preparation for the upcoming challenges that lay ahead.

**Ding…!**

[The ten times experience effect is now activated!]

Five minutes later, the announcer's voice echoed through the arena, signaling that the match was about to begin. Just moments before, many in the audience had been preparing to leave, but the news grabbed their attention, and they quickly settled back into their seats, excitement buzzing in the air.

"Who dares to challenge the current champion?" a voice shouted from the front row. "Wasn't the current champion Jacob?"

"Jacob?! This is going to be a real challenge for anyone who steps up!" someone exclaimed, eyes wide with anticipation.

"Hahaha! I can't wait to see who has the guts to take him on. Did you even check the leaderboard?" another spectator chimed in, grinning with enthusiasm.

"It's about to start, so can we keep the chatter to a minimum?" someone else urged, trying to focus on the impending match.

As the last words were spoken, the referee stepped forward, confidently announcing the two players who would soon face off in the arena, the crowd growing increasingly eager for the showdown.

Amid the enthusiastic cheers from the audience, a formidable figure named Jacob strode confidently into the spotlight, his muscular frame cutting an impressive silhouette against the backdrop of the brightly lit arena. The crowd, which numbered in the hundreds, shifted their attention eagerly to the opposite side of the ring, anticipation buzzing in the air.

As the atmosphere crackled with excitement, Adrian appeared on stage, his entrance slow and deliberate. He seemed composed, yet a hint of tension lingered in the air. Just as he settled into the arena, a sudden silence fell over the crowd, only to be shattered moments later by a chorus of boos that echoed throughout the venue. Their derision was a stark contrast to the earlier cheers for Jacob, creating a palpable tension.

"Is this it? Seriously?" one spectator scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Tch, what's the big deal? I expected a real showdown!" another voice chimed in, dripping with disappointment.

"Let's get out of here; this is such a waste of my ticket money!" a third audience member lamented, their frustration clear.

Among those watching, Luna sat in the audience, her heart sinking at the harsh criticisms aimed at Adrian. She wanted to defend him, but words escaped her; instead, she could only fixate on Adrian, hoping for a reversal of fortune.

Meanwhile, Jacob scrutinized Adrian with an appraising gaze, taking in the young man's frame and demeanor. As he examined Adrian, any initial spark of interest quickly faded from Jacob's eyes. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he signaled his disappointment, as if to say that this match was not worth his time or attention. The crowd's laughter and ridicule intensified, leaving an uncomfortable vibe hanging ominously in the air.

"Kid, I don't have time to play house with you. You should just admit defeat now to avoid the trouble of paying for treatment later," Jacob taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Why don't you start already?" Adrian replied boldly, his demeanor calm and collected as he addressed the referee directly.

The referee was also momentarily taken aback, astonished by the audacity of Adrian's challenge. In all his years of officiating, he had never encountered someone so unafraid of the consequences. After a brief pause, he composed himself, raised a small flag, and signaled the start of the match.

"Haha, don't start crying later!" Jacob laughed mockingly, his tone filled with aggression as he released a Sandshrew, which emerged with a determined look in its eyes. The crowd, recognizing the sturdy Pokémon, erupted into cheers and applause, their excitement palpable in the air.

As the odds flashed on the big screen, they had surged to a staggering ten to one in favor of Jacob. It was clear that this was one of the highest-stakes contests the audience had witnessed in a long time.

Glancing up at the odds with a mixture of pity and determination, Adrian steeled himself for the battle ahead, ready to prove himself against seemingly insurmountable odds.

The club enforces a strict rule that participants cannot place bets. If someone were to ignore this rule, they could end up losing a substantial amount of money, which could lead to serious consequences.

Suddenly Jacob playfully taunted, "I'm afraid you'll find yourself in tears and calling your dad for rescue later," provoking a massive laughter among the audience.

Just then, a Pokéball flew through the air, landing elegantly on the ground. As the bright light radiating from it slowly faded, everyone leaned forward in anticipation. When the light completely dissipated, a formidable shark-like Pokémon stood confidently in front of the crowd.

"Gible!" it exclaimed, capturing the attention and excitement of everyone present.