Shun'ei and his group managed to reach a patch of land just outside of Mesagoza where there is a large tower going up to the sky.
"My word! Such an impressive tower." E. Constance said.
"So this is the sight of Paldea's Pokémon League." Perfuma said. "What a journey it's been to get here, hasn't it, Shun'ei?"
"Yep. It was a tough road getting here. Some of those Gym Leaders really gave me a run for my money there." Shun'ei said.
"Rinkah really tested you along the way too. In a way, she's also played a part in you getting amazing at battles." Frosta said.
"Yep. She may only use Fire-types, but the ways she utilizes them taught me a lot about strategy, which I believe is an essential factor in this whole thing." Shun'ei said. "I can kind of see why David gets so fired up against…those guys, you know what I mean?"
"I thought he was always that energetic." Meitenkun said.
"Of course, this journey's been really cool for us, too." Frosta said. "Watching all those battles was amazing, and we were able to catch new Pokémon of our own."
"I agree." E. Constance said as she had a Glaceon next to her.
"Hey, Shun'ei. After you beat Geeta and become a champion-rank trainer, how about we all announce our entries into the 2nd Perfect Link Tournament?" Frosta asked. "No better time than after you win big to do it, right?"
"I think that's a great idea, Shun!" Meitenkun said. "After the Pokémon League, you'd be more than willing to register, right?"
"Yeah, I would. I think I might make it pretty far too." Shun'ei said. "But we'll just have to see how things set in motion."
"Of course, after all, you still have to take the assessment test." Perfuma said. "Good luck, Shun'ei. We'll be rooting for you."
With that, Shun'ei headed inside the building, where he was led to an office space. Sitting there at a desk was a young woman with green hair in a ponytail.
"Hello, Shun'ei. Thank you for coming today." she said. "My name's Rika, and I'm one of the Paldea Elite Four. For your first part of the Championship Assessment, I'm going to conduct a quick interview with you before you battle myself and the others, so please have a seat."
"Gotcha." Shun'ei said as he sat across from Rika.
"First things first, I'll check to see how many badges you have… and yes, you have all Eight!" Rika said. "Now, keep in mind, you are liable to fail the interview if you answer these questions wrong, so think carefully. Let's get right into it…. What brings you to the Pokémon League today?"
"To face the Champion and help my team become stronger." Shun'ei said.
"And what do you intend to do if, and when, you become a Champion?" Rika continued.
"I intend to register for the upcoming Perfect Link Tournament." Shun'ei said.
"Ah, I see. That's becoming quite the buzz lately. I'm sure your friends who have been accompanying you to this point also want to register if you become champion today. Tell me, which one in your group would you most want to face off with in the tournament?"
"Hmm… That's a good question. There are quite a few to pick from. But out of the group I traveled with, I will have to say Constance." Shun'ei said. "She's put together a pretty solid trio in her own right opposed to mine. And it'll be interesting to see how her jolly and moody selves are utilized in battle."
Rika nodded. "Now, onto this next question. Which of the eight gyms gave you the most difficulty?" she asked.
"Oh, that would definitely be the Alfornada Gym." Shun'ei said.
"What was the name of the gym leader you faced in Alfornada, and what type did they specialize in?" Rika asked.
"The Gym Leader was Tulip, and she uses Psychic-types." Shun'ei said.
"Wonderful. Building the skills needed for the championship assessment is no small feat. You must have met a lot of pokemon to get here, Shun'ei." Rika said. "That said… do you remember the Category of the Pokémon you first chose to start your journey with?"
"Yes. It was Quaxly, the Duckling Pokemon." Shun'ei said, remembering the moment quite fondly.
"Now, I'm going to repeat a previous question, so forgive me." Rika said. "Remind me… what are you and your friends going to do if and when you become Champion?"
"Constance, Mari, Perfuma, Frosta, Genis, Rinwell and I…. will enter the Perfect Link Tournament!" Shun'ei said.
Rika registered all of Shun'ei's answers before giving a bright smile.
"Congratulations, you passed the interview! You're all set to take on me and the other members of the Elite Four!" Rika said as she stood up and took off her glasses. "Now, let's see what you've got, kid. You know how it works. You're gonna take on all four of us back to back, Gauntlet style. You won't be able to heal up your team in between rounds, though. You ready?"
"Yeah, I'm ready!" Shun'ei said.
"Then let's get started. Your first opponent will be me, so let's go." Rika said as they headed to the battle arena.
From there, Shun'ei faced the Elite Four, with his first opponent being Rika. She used Ground Types against him, which included some very mixed variations like Wiscash and Camerupt, but Shun'ei was able to persevere.
The next member was a young girl in a silver colored school uniform, her name was Poppy, named after a flower who specializes in Steel Types such as Copperrajah, along with dual types such as Magnezone and Bronzong. Ceruledge carried Shun'ei through the entire battle, and despite a tough match, was able to beat her Tinkaton for the win.
The third member was a surprise, as it was revealed to be the Normal Type Gym Leader, Larry. He had changed up his team to feature all Flying Types, even ones from past generations such as Tropius. But Shun'ei was able to adapt and ground Larry's aerial assault with Toxtricity.
The fourth and final member of the Elite Four was a man named Hassel, who was the Art Teacher at both academies in Mesagoza. He used Dragon-types, and his team had some real powerhouses in Haxorus, Noivern, Flapple, Dragalge, and the mighty Baxcalibur. It was a tough battle, but thanks to the combined efforts of Isla, Quaquaval and Garchomp, Shun'ei was able to win in the end.
And so… it was on to battle the woman who sat at the top. The Top Champion of Paldea, La Primera herself, Geeta.
At the Very top of the Pokémon league building….
"Ah…I've been waiting for you." Geeta said as she stood on the opposite side of the court.
"You're… Geeta, right? I remembered that we met back in Medali when Rinkah and Nemona had their little…argument." Shun'ei said sheepishly, rubbing his head.
"Yes, well, I wasn't going to let them hamper your experience if they argued about who was your rival, would I?" Geeta siad. "I've been very impressed with you ever since you first started the Gym Challenge. You've proven to be a great trainer."
"Heh. Thanks. It was a bit of a rough ride getting here." Shun'ei said.
"However…do you have what it takes…to become Champion ranked?" Geeta asked as she drew a Pokéball.
"Well, that's what I'm here to find out." Shun'ei said as he brought out his own Pokéball..
(Cue: Follow Me- KOF XIV)
"The let your final test begin." Geeta smiled. "Go, Espathra!" she said, sending the Ostrich Pokémon out.
"You're up first, Lurantis!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Lurantis first. "Night Slash!"
"Lumina Crash!" Geeta said as Espathra rammed into Lurantis before being taken out by Night Slash. Lurantis won the exchange, but not before getting her Special Defense harshly reduced.
"Return. Come, Gogoat!" Geeta said as she sent out Gogoat.
"Get ready. X-Scissor!" Shun'ei said.
Lurantis super effectively struck Gogoat, but Geeta had an answer for it.
"Horn Leech, now!" the champ called as Gogoat rammed Lurantis right back and drained her health to recover.
"Charge it up, Lurantis." Shun'ei said as Lurantis started to take in sunlight.
"Zen Headbutt!" Geeta said as Gogoat rammed into Lurantis as it was charging.
"May as well go out with a bang. Solar Blade!" Shun'ei said.
Before she was knocked out, Lurantis was able to execute the move and take Gogoat down with her.
Shun'ei returned Lurantis back to her Pokéball. "Phew… You really are strong. I can see how you got your Champ position."
"It's not yet time for flattery…the onslaught isn't even close to being over!" Geeta said as she sent out Veluza.
"Alright then, here's the next one." Shun'ei said as he sent out Toxtricity.
"Psycho Cut!" Geeta said as Veluza slashed Toxtricity with a psychic cut.
"Go, Shock Wave!" Shun'ei said as Toxtricity managed to shock the psychic fish. "Now, Thunder Shock!" with another electric attack, Veluza was down.
"Now, how about this one? Go, Avalugg!" Geeta said, sending out the Iceberg Pokémon.
"Alright then. Poison Jab!" Toxtricity said.
"Earthquake!" Geeta said as the ground shook and took out Toxtricity before it could land the hit.
Shun'ei returns his Toxtricity. "Only one Pokémon I can use against this." he said as he sent out Quaquaval. "Now, Close Combat!"
Quaquaval got in close and beat up on Avalugg, taking out the walking iceberg.
"Return. Come, Kingambit!" Geeta said sending out Kingambit.
"Here we go. Kingambit, the Big Blade Pokémon and the evolved form of Bisharp! A Steel and Dark Type! Though it commands a massive army in battle, it's not skilled at devising complex strategies. It just uses brute strength to keep pushing." Mari said.
"You have a tough task ahead of you now." Geeta said. "Kingambit's ability is Supreme Overlord. For every Pokémon in my team who was defeated before it, Kingambit's Attack power increases."
"Would've been much more effective if it was your last Pokémon in this case, but I'm not complaining. Low Sweep!" Shun'ei said.
Quaquaval swept out Kingambit's legs from under it, lowering its already minimal speed and forcing it down to its hands and knees.
"Kowtow Cleave!" Geeta said as Kingambit slashed Quaquaval with its head blade.
"Aqua Step!" Shun'ei said.
Quaquaval attacked with light and fluid steps while also having his speed increased in the process as he landed the attack and took out Kingambit.
"Well…here we are…the final Pokémon. So…let's take to the stage, Glimmora!" Geeta said, sending out a strange flower-like creature.
"Let's see…here! Glimmora, the Ore Pokémon and the evolved form of Glimmet! A Rock and Poison Type! Glimmora's petals are made of crystallized poison energy. It has recently become evident that these petals resemble Tera Jewels." Mari said.
"So, this is your ace, huh?" Shun'ei asked.
"Indeed, and I'd advise against attacking him recklessly." Geeta said. "Glimmora's ability is Toxic Debris. When an attack lands on Glimmora, it scatters Toxic Spikes automatically." she said as she held a Tera Orb. "Now, let's see if you can outshine the both of us!" she Terastallized Glimmora into a Rock Type.
"Don't be fooled by its Rock-typing, Quaquaval. I have a feeling it's really tough. Use Water Pulse!" Shun'ei said.
Quaquaval blasted Glimmora, dealing super effective damage.
"Nice thinking! Glimmora can't use its ability unless it's hit with a Physical Move!" Frosta said.
"Oh…it's the least of your worries. Dazzling Gleam!" Geeta said as Glimmora hit Quaquaval with a blast of Fairy energy.
"Hmm… I'll want to give someone else a chance to land a few hits first." Shun'ei said as he returned Quaquaval and switched in his Grafaiai. "I'm probably gonna regret this later, but… Gunk Shot!"
Glimmora was hit with the gunk as toxic debris was scattered across the field.
"Use Tera Blast!" Geeta said as Glimmora gathered power and fired a blast at Isla as it did some damage.
"Huh? How did…" Shun'ei said.
"Tera Blast…its a move that came to exist along with Terastallizing. Its type changes based on the user's Tera Type." Geeta said.
"Interesting." Mari said.
"Ah, I see." Shun'ei said. "Well, I'm already this deep in it. May as well go all the way. Poison Jab!"
"Earth Power!" Geeta said as both moves collided with one another.
Isla lost the exchange as Shun'ei returned her.
"You did great, Isla. Leave the rest to us. Now, Ceruledge, you're up!" Shun'ei said as he sent out Ceruledge. "Ready? Here we go!" he said as he held his Tera Orb and tossed it, Terastallizing Ceruledge into a Steel-type.
"Very smart. I won't be able to use Poison or Fairy type moves on you like this." Geeta said. "But Ground-type moves can still work. Earth Power!"
"Shadow Ball!" Shun'ei said.
Both Pokémon fire and hit each other at the same time.
"I'll finish you with this! Tera Blast!" Geeta said as Glimmora prepared to fire.
"The final blow. Bitter Blade!" Shun'ei said.
Glimmora fired off a stream of Meteors as Ceruledge charged, weaving in and out as he readied his blade.
"(This is…the end!)" Ceruledge said as he rushed in for the attack.
And with that, Ceruledge, despite suffering one hit, slashed right through Glimmora. After an explosion of crystalline energy, Glimmor was down. The battle was over.
(end song)
The reaction was expected as Glimmora hit the ground.
"He did it! He did it! Shun'ei's champion!" Frosta estatically jumped.
"Shun!" Meitenkun said as he rushed to his best friend and hugged him.
"M-Meiten… Thanks, for all the support you gave." Shun'ei said.
"Hahahahaha, an excellent battle, Shun'ei!" E. Constance said.
"I couldn't agree more." Geeta said. "Congratulations on becoming one of Paldea's many champions."
"Thank you. It is quite an honor." Shun'ei said.
"I hope you treasure this for a long time. Both in this victory, and for the ones ahead of you. All of Paldea will be supporting you now as you move on to a greater challenge." Geeta said.
"Of course. Now that you've become champion, we can finally confirm our spots in the tournament." Perfuma said.
"Yep." Shun'ei said. "This is gonna be great. I can feel it."
"Let's get you and your links all set up, Shun." Meitenkun said.
"Yeah. But first, I would like to settle some…unfinished business." Shun'ei said.
"Oh, of course. You still want to give Rinkah one last battle, and of course you promised Nemona one too." Perfuma remembered.
"Yes. All the way back in Mesagoza, where it all began. That seems like the best spot for it." Shun'ei said.
"Then lets get ready for one heck of a last battle." Frosta said.