Pokemon: A New Path-The Arena Trembles[541]
"Congratulations, Gold King!" Vivian beamed as she slid a check across the counter. "This is your prize money for today's match. Please accept it!"
Naoki glanced down and blinked.
A very long string of zeroes stared back at him.
Vivian leaned in with a smile. "Thanks to your incredible performance over the past few days, your prize pool has reached 300,000 Poke dollars per win. That means every time you battle from now on, you'll earn over three hundred thousand!"
Naoki gave a small nod, acknowledging the information. Then he asked plainly, "When can I schedule my next match?"
"Huh?" Vivian blinked in surprise. "You want to start the next battle... right away?"
"Is there a problem?" Naoki replied, tilting his head.
"Ah, well…" Vivian began, trying to gather her words. "You've just qualified for the Master tier, which means you're now one of only thirteen Master-class Trainers in the entire Royal Dome."
She explained further, "Matches at this level are a big deal—practically mini championships. The announcement of your advancement hasn't fully reached the media yet. If we wait just a bit and build some buzz, it'll attract more fans and viewers."
"And with more attention, your popularity—and prize money—could rise even higher."
Naoki listened, then slowly shook his head. "That's fine, but I want to schedule the next match now."
Vivian stared at him for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "Understood! I'll arrange everything right away."
Naoki acknowledged her with a nod and turned to check his Rotom Phone, bringing up his current trainer profile.
[Trainer Code: Gold King]
Tier: Master
Points: 0 (You are at the highest tier; points cannot increase further.)
Ranking: 13
There weren't many changes from his previous status, except now, his profile included a ranking among the Master-class Trainers.
He scrolled down the leaderboard:
1. The Masked Royal
2. Karate King
3. Nanette of Lilygrove
...
9. Aether Foundation
10. The Flower Dancer
"As expected… Number One is the Masked Royal," Naoki muttered to himself.
It was clear what he had to do next.
If he wanted to earn the Island Challenge Completion Certificate, he would need to defeat more Master-ranked Trainers and climb to the top of the rankings.
Only then would this journey truly be complete.
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Royal Dome.
The echoes of a roaring crowd filled the arena.
A heated Battle Royal had just reached its conclusion.
At the center of the ring stood a broad-shouldered man in a crimson wrestling mask, his muscular chest gleaming under the stadium lights.
By his side stood his proud partner, Incineroar, still radiating heat from the final clash.
They had just defeated three challengers in a row.
Now, they basked in the glory of their victory, standing tall as the crowd chanted with passion:
"Masked Royal!"
"Masked Royal!"
"Masked Royal!"
The sound rumbled through the stadium like a tidal wave.
On stage, Professor Kukui, currently in his persona as the Masked Royal, flashed his signature grin beneath the mask.
He patted Incineroar on the shoulder with pride. "Great work out there, buddy. You really brought the fire tonight."
"Roar!"
Incineroar crossed its arms and let out a triumphant roar, standing tall as it glared down at the three Pokémon it had just defeated.
Up on the commentator's platform, Roger raised his mic, voice brimming with excitement.
"What an incredible performance! The Masked Royal and Incineroar never fail to impress; this dynamic duo truly lives up to their reputation as the most powerful and beloved team in the Royal Dome!"
The Masked Royal, aka Professor Kukui in disguise, grinned under his signature red mask and waved in response to the roaring fans.
Right then, Roger floated down toward the ring and offered a second mic to the Masked Royal.
"Congratulations on your win! May I steal a moment for a quick interview?"
The Masked Royal nodded cheerfully. "Of course!"
"Great!" Roger beamed. "So… lately, the Royal Dome has been buzzing about a newcomer. In less than a week, he's climbed from the General tier all the way to the Master Division!"
"Even more shocking—he hasn't lost a single battle so far! What are your thoughts on this rising star, the one they call… Gold King?"
The moment Roger finished speaking, the audience fell into a hushed silence. All eyes turned to the Masked Royal, waiting for his response.
The Masked Royal took the microphone, paused thoughtfully, and then said with a confident smile:
"I've seen Gold King's battles. He's strong. Very strong."
He paused, and then added with a glint in his eye—
"He just might become my next rival."
The crowd gasped, and then erupted into cheers.
Roger practically bounced in place, voice filled with excitement.
"Wow! It sounds like the Masked Royal has high hopes for Gold King! Now that Gold King is in the Master Division, it's only a matter of time before the two of you face off!"
"Before that happens," Roger continued, "do you have any words you'd like to share with him?"
The Masked Royal gave a booming laugh and nodded. "I'm looking forward to the day we battle."
...
Meanwhile…
"Let's hear it for Gold King another flawless victory! That's three more points on the board!"
It was a brand new day, and Naoki had just finished yet another round of battles in the Royal Dome.
Despite having advanced to the Master tier, the daily routine hadn't changed much.
From his experience so far, Naoki noted that while the Master-tier trainers were formidable, their power hovered around the Ace level, not quite at the level of true regional Champions.
After wrapping up his match, Naoki returned backstage and checked his Rotom Phone.
[Trainer Code: Gold King]
Tier: Master
Points: 9 (You are at the highest tier and cannot be promoted further.)
Current Ranking: 4
Three matches. Three wins. Nine points.
And now… he was ranked fourth.
"Congratulations, Gold King. You're just one step away from reaching the top."
Before Naoki could reply, Vivian stepped up with a cheerful smile.
"I've already matched you with your next opponent," she said.
In the past few days, Vivian had come to understand this mysterious trainer just a little more.
He didn't fight for fame. He didn't care about prize money.
She had seen it with her own eyes—he never collected his earnings unless reminded, and he didn't interact with fans, despite his growing popularity.
His style of battling—sometimes fierce and efficient, other times unorthodox and whimsical, had captured the hearts of thousands.
Today, Gold King was second only to the Masked Royal in popularity.
And yet… he never lingered. He came to battle and left. A pure Trainer, through and through.
Vivian glanced at the computer screen again and added, "Your next match will be tonight at 7 PM, during prime time, so get ready!"
Naoki, still silent, blinked.
"..."
...
Naoki stood backstage, deep in thought.
Which Pokémon should he send out for this battle?
Farfetch'd? Alcremie? Arboliva?
Or… should he finally send out his true ace?
Naoki's brows furrowed.
If his guess was right, he'd be facing the Masked Royal tonight—the one and only Professor Kukui in disguise.
And when it came to Professor Kukui, Naoki remembered something very clearly.
Unlike many Trainers, Kukui rarely showed his full team.
He only revealed his Pokémon when the situation truly demanded it—during large-scale battles, in crisis situations, or when his research needed their help.
Still, Naoki could recall at least six of Kukui's Pokémon from the anime.
Braviary. Empoleon. Lucario. Incineroar. Swanna. Wailord. Venusaur.
Among them, only one Pokémon ever accompanied Kukui into the Royal Dome, Incineroar.
His signature partner, and the one he used exclusively in his Masked Royal persona. So secretive was this Pokémon's identity that not even his wife, Professor Burnet, had known about it.
If nothing unexpected happens, tonight, Naoki would face Kukui's Incineroar.
And for that, he had already chosen the perfect Pokémon.
...
7:00 PM – Alola's Prime Time
The Royal Dome was packed, buzzing with excitement long before the battle even began.
News had spread fast: tonight's match featured four-star Trainers.
The legendary Masked Royal.
The powerhouse Karate King.
The elegant tactician Nanette of Lilygrove.
And the rising phenomenon—Gold King, undefeated since the General tier.
The arena was a sea of glowsticks and roaring voices.
Fans chanted the names of their favorite Trainers, waved banners, and cheered with uncontainable enthusiasm. The atmosphere was electric, tense with anticipation, wild with energy.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's grand Royal Battle!"
Roger rose on the commentator's lift platform, voice echoing across the stadium as he raised the mic.
"I'm sure many of you already know—tonight, we're witnessing something truly rare!" he shouted, eyes scanning the crowd.
Four Master-tier stars are stepping onto the same battlefield! What a spectacular occasion!"
"Ohhhhhhh!" The crowd roared in unison, the volume shaking the walls of the Dome.
"Alright! No more delays, let's bring out our first Trainer!"
Click, click, click!
A row of spotlights flared to life above the arena's entrance tunnel, casting a bright path down the main corridor.
A man stepped out, wearing loose, martial-arts style robes. He moved with calm precision and quiet strength. His gaze was steady, his presence modest yet imposing.
The Karate King.
He stepped into the ring, and with a flash of white light, a massive Pokémon materialized beside him, Hariyama, the Arm Thrust Pokémon.
Standing over two and a half meters tall, Hariyama's immense figure landed with a thud, fists raised and ready.
"Wow!" Roger shouted from above. "The Karate King's Hariyama is here! This is going to be intense, once it charges up its belly, those powerful strikes could KO an opponent in a single hit!"
The Karate King calmly crossed his arms and gave a nod to the camera, acknowledging the crowd without a word.
"Now then! Let's welcome our second contestant!"
Click, click, click!
Another row of lights lit up across the opposite side of the stadium.
Then, a cheerful girl with short hair and a stylish beret hopped out onto the battlefield with a spring in her step.
"Everyone! Long time no see!" she called out with a wink.
The girl, Nanette of Lilygrove, blew a playful kiss to both the crowd and the camera, her charm instantly lighting up the stadium.
With a dramatic twirl, she tossed her Poké Ball high into the air.
"Come on out, my partner!"
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A flash of white light burst forth, and on the battlefield appeared a squat, mushroom-shaped Pokémon.
Its pale, bumpy cap was massive, almost comically round, and its thick grayish stem gave it a looming presence. Its stubby arms looked like oversized Poké Balls, and it wore a grumpy frown beneath beady, glaring eyes.
Amoonguss had arrived.
"Whoa! Nanette's Amoonguss is here!" Roger announced. "I really don't envy the other Trainers! I don't know why, but just looking at Amoonguss makes me feel light-headed..."
Roger wobbled theatrically and pressed the back of his hand to his forehead.
The audience erupted into laughter.
Everyone here knew the contrast well—Nanette's adorable appearance and sweet persona vs. the underhanded, status-spamming antics of her notoriously dirty-fighting Amoonguss.
It was this ironic combination that had earned her such a devoted (and slightly terrified) fanbase.
"Alright, alright, just messing with you!" Roger chuckled. "Now then—let's welcome our third challenger to the stage!"
A new row of spotlights snapped on all at once.
Stepping slowly into the light was a tall, imposing figure. His muscular upper body was bare, save for a red and black wrestling mask shaped like a pair of horns.
He walked with confidence and familiarity, as the audience erupted into a chant—
"Masked Royal!"
"Masked Royal!"
"Masked Royal!"
The man grinned beneath his mask as he acknowledged the cheers.
Without a word, he reached for his belt, pulled out a Poké Ball, and launched it forward with a flick of his wrist.
In a flash of white—
A burly, flame-belted Pokémon appeared with a powerful roar.
Fiery red fur, thick muscles, piercing yellow eyes, and a flame-belt that blazed like a championship title… Incineroar had entered the ring.
"It's him! The Masked Royal—and his legendary partner, Incineroar!" Roger shouted in mock shock, hands thrown skyward. "I can't believe we're seeing him here tonight too! What a surprise!"
Roger spun dramatically, adding with flair, "But let's be real—he needs no introduction. This is the Masked Royal, the undefeated top-ranked Trainer in the Royal Dome!"
"The former record-holder for longest win streak! Together with his Incineroar, he's crushed countless challengers with overwhelming firepower—and no one has been able to claim his number one spot!"
The crowd roared in agreement, their cheers now deafening as the fire in the arena seemed to grow even brighter.
"Now, why do I bring all this up...?"
Roger leaned forward dramatically on the commentator platform, his tone rising with anticipation.
"Because it has everything to do with the next Trainer stepping onto the battlefield!"
He paused deliberately, giving the crowd a moment to hang on his every word.
"I'm sure many of you have heard the whispers—some of you may have even watched it happen. The Royal Dome has recently welcomed a fearsome new competitor. One who hasn't just reached the Master Division… but has done so without losing a single match."
"Not only that—he shattered the Masked Royal's 20-win streak!"
The crowd erupted into gasps and murmurs.
"I know what you're thinking… you want to see him. So let's not wait any longer!"
Roger raised his voice.
"Let's welcome the King of Streaks—our rising star—Gold King!"
Ka-ka-ka!
The final row of spotlights blazed to life, illuminating the arena's farthest entrance tunnel.
And then—
The stadium exploded with noise.
A chorus of cheers, chants, and whistles echoed like rolling thunder as a tall, masked Trainer emerged from the shadows, striding down the walkway with quiet confidence.
From the other corners of the ring, the Masked Royal, Nanette of Lilygrove, and the Karate King turned their heads—each casting a serious gaze toward the approaching figure.
Naoki, known to the crowd as Gold King, stepped into his corner of the ring.
Without speaking, he reached for a red-and-white Poké Ball at his belt.
Roger's voice cut through the chaos.
"Here we go! Gold King is about to choose his Pokémon! Who will it be?"
"Will we see the unpredictable Alcremie? The graceful but deadly Farfetch'd? Or the mighty Arboliva?"
The audience leaned in, breath held.
All eyes locked on the masked Trainer under the spotlight.
Naoki raised the Poké Ball slowly, and just as he was about to throw it—
Something unexpected happened.
A dark purple ripple shimmered through the air behind him, warping space itself like ripples on a pond.
A massive, serpentine figure pierced through the distortion—its form cloaked in swirling shadows, its eyes glowing crimson with ancient power.
The air grew cold and heavy.
The crowd collectively held their breath.
Its enormous wings of shadow curled behind it, its body radiating a terrifying, regal aura. The very air around it seemed to tremble.
The Pokémon landed with a deep, echoing thud in front of Naoki—blocking him from view like a protective guardian.
For a second, there was complete silence.
Then Roger screamed into his mic, nearly falling from his podium:
"WHAT?! I—IT'S GIRATINA!"
"Gold King sent out Giratina!!"
The entire stadium erupted in a mixture of gasps, awe, and wild cheers.
Even the other Trainers across the field stiffened in disbelief.
The arena shook with the sound of thousands of astonished fans.
Only one person didn't react.
Naoki himself.
He just stood there, hand frozen mid-throw, eyebrows twitching slightly beneath the mask.
His Poké Ball hadn't even left his fingers.
A giant question mark might as well have appeared over his head.
"?"
