Pokemon: Hundredfold Power Surge

028 Serena's Invitation

Qin Yun's next match was almost effortless. His reputation had spread, and the other two competitors in his group, recognizing his overwhelming strength, decided to forfeit their battles against him.

Since conceding still granted points, Qin Yun didn't mind.

With two automatic wins, he gained 60 points, bringing his total to 2,165 one step closer to his goal.

In the end, it was Zhang Can who advanced alongside him.

Despite his loss to Qin Yun, Zhang Can's ability to control Mankey and his strategic thinking set him apart. Against the other two competitors, his victories were decisive, securing second place in the group stage.

Zhang Can let out a breath of relief upon qualifying.

His last two matches had been tough. Mankey hadn't fully recovered from its previous battle, yet Zhang Can had pushed through with everything he had.

"The 200,000 Pokédollars in vouchers aren't bad at all."

For a trainer, funding was crucial. Even with a well-off family, resources weren't infinite. Competitive trainers had to participate in tournaments to earn money and materials to raise their Pokémon.

This cycle training, battling, earning, and reinvesting in Pokémon growth was how most trainers advanced.

The tournament's top sixteen were finalized. Qin Yun stood on the podium, holding his 200,000 Pokédollar voucher, his eyes gleaming.

"This tournament is surprisingly generous," he mused. "Giving out vouchers directly as rewards is great."

Still, Qin Yun had an even bigger secret.

His system wouldn't just grant him the 200,000 Pokédollars it would multiply any purchased resources by 100 times.

That meant his 200,000 Pokédollars would effectively become 20 million Pokédollars' worth of items!

Unexpectedly, Qin Yun had secured not just a solid reward, but a fortune in training resources.

---

The Rivalry with Wang Qiu

A few feet away, a young man watched Qin Yun, his expression unreadable.

His name was Wang Qiu, and he had been keeping an eye on Qin Yun since the tournament started.

"Hmph, I don't see what's so special about him aside from his good looks," Wang Qiu muttered under his breath. "His Fomantis is only at the entry-level. He's not even worth my time."

"I am the only King."

His arrogant snort caught Qin Yun's attention.

Qin Yun turned to Zhang Can, who stood nearby. "Who's this guy?"

Zhang Can chuckled. "That's Wang Qiu. He probably sees you as his greatest rival."

Qin Yun smirked. "Oh? That's a bit one-sided. I barely noticed him."

Zhang Can shook his head. "Don't underestimate him, though. His strength is real. I fought him before and lost."

But Qin Yun wasn't concerned. Wang Qiu's bravado didn't faze him.

---

Serena's Invitation

As Qin Yun was about to leave, a familiar voice called out.

"Qin Yun, do you want to go shopping together tonight?"

It was Serena.

Her advancement into the top sixteen wasn't surprising. She was incredibly skilled, even though she didn't particularly enjoy traditional Pokémon battles.

Serena favored Contest Battles a more artistic and strategic form of competition. Yet, if she fully committed to battling, even Qin Yun might struggle against her.

But this time, she had joined the tournament for an entirely different reason.

She just wanted an excuse to spend time with Qin Yun.

"Sure," Qin Yun agreed easily.

After all, he was planning to go shopping anyway, and Serena's company was always enjoyable.

---

Qin Xin Joins In

As Qin Yun stepped outside the gym, a streak of motion rushed toward him.

"Big Brother!"

Qin Xin launched herself into his arms like a Swellow returning to its nest.

Qin Yun sighed. His younger sister had been like this since childhood always affectionate, always energetic.

He had repeatedly told her that she was too old to cling to him like this.

But Qin Xin never listened.

Every time he scolded her, she would casually bring up their childhood memories like how they used to take baths together as kids and completely change the subject.

Qin Yun had long since given up trying to reason with her.

Seeing Serena nearby, Qin Xin brightened and rushed over. "Sister Serena! You're here too!"

Serena smiled warmly. "Qin Xin, it's good to see you."

Qin Yun, meanwhile, stood helplessly in the background as the two girls instantly bonded, laughing and chatting.

"Women really do slow down shopping trips," he muttered.

The trio Qin Yun, Serena, and Qin Xin headed into the city, drawing countless eyes.

With a handsome young man and two stunningly beautiful girls, they were impossible to ignore.

In fact, Qin Yun could feel the envious glares stabbing into him from all directions.

If looks could kill, he would have been eliminated 10,086 times already.

---

A Familiar Voice

Just as they were about to enter a shopping plaza, someone called out.

"Qin Yun."

The voice was familiar, yet Qin Yun couldn't immediately place it.

He turned and saw a young woman in a dark green dress, her long skirt flowing elegantly.

For a moment, he was confused.

Then it clicked.

"Ripple?"

Last time, she had appeared dressed like a battle-hardened warrior. Today, she looked refined and elegant so much so that he hadn't recognized her at first.

Ripple smiled. "I didn't think you'd remember me. Can we talk?"

Serena and Qin Xin immediately sensed something was off.

Their expressions shifted as they exchanged quick glances both feeling a sudden sense of competition.

Ripple quickly added, "It's about what happened last time."

Hearing that, Qin Yun nodded. "Alright."

Since it concerned previous events, he wouldn't refuse. Besides, it was almost dinnertime, and a proper meal sounded like a good idea.

"Let's eat while we talk."

Ripple visibly relaxed at his agreement.

Together, the four of them entered the Jiangcheng Shopping Plaza and chose a well-known hot pot restaurant "Jing Di Lao."

As they stepped inside, Qin Yun smiled.

For the first time in a long while, he didn't have to worry about money.

Now that he had wealth and power, he could finally treat his little sister, Serena, and Ripple to a proper meal without hesitation.

Little did he know, this simple dinner would change the course of his future.

…