Chapter 76: Norn

Chapter 76: Norn

"Alright, after a brief introduction, I believe everyone now has a general understanding of our tournament format."
"And let's also thank our sponsor for this event: Yibu Tech, for their strong support!"
In the studio, Audrey instinctively clasped her hands before her prominent chest, her beautiful eyes, brushed with soft rose eyeshadow, gazing intently at the camera, expertly transitioning the segment.
Turning toward Dr. Shuta beside her, Audrey introduced the next topic,
"Now that the list for the group stage has been released, Dr. Shuta, are there any contestants you particularly favor?"
"Of course!"
The bright studio lights shone on Dr. Shuta's impeccably neat hair, reflecting a glossy black sheen.
"I think Group F's..."
The noisy voices from the television pulled Lanny back to reality from his daydreams.
He shook his head lightly, brushing aside impractical thoughts.
Lanny listened carefully to Dr. Shuta's explanation from the television, silently taking notes in his mind.
Although the organization had already sent him detailed information on all the participants, Dr. Shuta was an industry authority, bound to have unique insights in certain aspects.
The more thoroughly Lanny understood his competitors, the more composed he could be in battle when they eventually faced off, which was vital for achieving his goal of reaching the quarterfinals.
Soon, as Audrey and Dr. Shuta bid farewell, the special pre-tournament program concluded.
Not only did this program announce the group divisions, it also served as a warm-up for the official matches beginning tomorrow—a resounding success.
Picking up the remote, Lanny switched off the television, then slowly stood and stretched.
Silvercrest City had spared no expense for hosting this year's League Tournament.
Two months before the event, they had already flooded television and the internet with advertisements and promotional campaigns.
Moreover, they reimbursed all travel expenses for participating trainers, providing complimentary services covering accommodation, meals, and more throughout the tournament.
Even the lounges at the venue were assigned individually to each contestant—small, yes, but well-equipped in every essential way.

Every necessity—internet, television, water dispenser, sofa—was provided.
Lanny moved around to loosen up, then decided to head back to the Trainer Center for one last round of maintenance on the Pokémon who would be battling tomorrow.
He gently opened the door, glanced left and right, and found the corridor nearly deserted; the neighboring rooms were equally quiet.
Thinking the organizers had truly excelled in creating a comfortable environment,
Lanny stepped out of his room.
For convenience, the Trainer Center was close to the contestants’ lounges—about a five-minute walk.
Walking quietly down the corridor, Lanny kept his mind on tomorrow’s match.
Up ahead, faint voices of lively conversation drifted toward him.
His brows furrowed slightly; he looked forward.
In the open common area of the Trainer Center, five or six female contestants had gathered, seemingly speaking to someone at their center.
A mild curiosity welled up within him; Lanny shifted his position for a better view and peered inside.
A tall figure caught his eye.
Platinum blond hair swept elegantly back, sharply defined features sculpted onto a pale face; his broad frame clad in meticulously tailored high-end attire.
Lanny’s heart skipped—he recognized this handsome man!
Of course, only from the information the organization had provided before the tournament…
Norn, eldest son of the renowned White Oak family in the Kalos region, had shown astonishing talent as a trainer since childhood, earning high hopes from his elders. Recently, he had even obtained the official League certificate for advanced breeders, becoming one of the youngest in the League to achieve such status.
Exceptional circumstances, coupled with his talent and relentless effort, had made Norn the favorite to win this year’s League Tournament.
Now, his refined manners allowed him to remain poised even surrounded by so many women.
Sensing Lanny’s gaze, Norn smiled and nodded toward him.
There was an air of aristocratic grace; Lanny’s expression grew stiff as he returned a polite smile.
Feeling a touch of embarrassment from being caught peeking, Lanny withdrew his gaze, mentally reviewing the information the organization had on Norn.

As his memory deepened, a chill settled in Lanny’s heart.
He swallowed quietly, praying he wouldn’t encounter Norn in the knockout rounds, or his tournament journey might end prematurely.
There weren’t many people—no need to wait in line.
Soon, with the staff’s assistance, Lanny finished maintenance on his Pokémon for tomorrow’s match.
The group stage was a 3v3 format, so Lanny decided to field: Decaying Tree Spirit, Sonic Larva, and Typhlosion.
Yes, the Fire Mouse from Luyun’s first mission had, under Lanny’s careful nurturing, evolved into a powerful Typhlosion.
And Typhlosion was now the strongest Pokémon in Lanny’s team.
Though Lanny saw little threat in tomorrow’s group match, accidents could happen, so having a powerful Pokémon anchor the team was crucial.
Typhlosion, the last to take the stage among his three Pokémon, was his final insurance in battle—Lanny had no intention of stumbling at the first hurdle, steady advancement was what mattered most.
As for the other two—Decaying Tree Spirit and Sonic Larva—they weren’t as strong as Typhlosion, but not to be underestimated. Lanny believed they’d handle tomorrow’s battle with ease.
On his journey through the gyms, Lanny had used his extensive training experience to plan his new team with precision.
Every Pokémon on his roster was handpicked for potential.
Thanks to the organization’s generous resources, even with limited time, Lanny had elevated his team’s strength to a fairly high level.
Reaching the quarterfinals was no empty boast.
As long as luck didn’t fail him, Lanny was quite confident.
And even in the face of unexpected events, he was unfazed.
After all, he had a powerful organization backing him, and when critical moments came, requesting outside assistance was only natural.
He’d already experienced this during his challenge at the Water-type gym…
Lanny’s eyes flickered.