The laboratory was a whirlwind of activity when Ken stepped inside, the familiar scent of Poké Balls and assorted lab equipment welcoming him back. Over the past week, he had traversed the lush landscapes of Melemele Island, battling trainers and testing his skills. Standing beside him was his steadfast companion, Koa, a stoic Mankey whose calm demeanor often masked a fiercely competitive spirit.

Professor Kukui, with his trademark enthusiasm, welcomed Ken with an exuberant handshake.

“Ah, Ken! You’re back! How was your journey?” he asked, adjusting his glasses and peering eagerly at Ken for a glimpse of his adventure.

“It was intense, Professor! I challenged so many trainers! But… I think I still have a lot to learn,” Ken replied, his eyes darting to Koa, who was hanging on a nearby shelf, clearly glad to be back in familiar territory.

Kukui chuckled. “That’s the spirit! What did you learn?”

Ken took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. “I realized that I need to get better at commanding Koa. We need to be more in sync during battles. I noticed some trainers had their Pokémon executing moves without hesitation, and I want that for Koa too. I think I’ll focus on training some basic operations for Koa, such as close range combat and fighting someone with longer range, and then maybe combine them into some combo strategies.”

Professor Kukui’s laughter echoed in the lab. “Ah, yes! The synergy between a trainer and their Pokémon is fundamental. It requires time and experience. The more you battle, the better you’ll understand each other. But speaking of battles—have you heard about the new Battle Royale Dome on Akala Island?”

Ken tilted his head in curiosity as Koa clambered back onto his shoulder, the Mankey looking equally intrigued. “Battle Royale Dome?” he inquired.

“Indeed! It’s a new informal battling arena where trainers of all skill levels can challenge each other in a creative format. Picture this: up to 4 trainers, all in one arena, vying for the title of Battle Royale Champion! And the randomness of it all can lead to unexpected outcomes. You could battle against some first timers, or seasoned veterans! You might even cross paths with the infamous Masked Royale there!” Kukui’s eyes twinkled with mischief.

“The Masked Royale?” Ken repeated, momentarily struck with a past memory. A vague memory of an enigmatic trainer known for wearing a mask and cape, partnering with an intimidating Incineroar tugged at the fringes of his mind, he knew that there was something he should remember but just couldn’t recall.

“Yes! If you come across him, don’t hold back! He might teach you a few tricks—or put you to the test! Who knows, you might surprise yourself!” Kukui encouraged.

Ken felt a surge of determination within him. “Where do I sign up?” he asked eagerly.

Kukui clapped Ken on the back. “That’s the spirit! I’ve got an acquaintance who works there, I’ll send them your details and have them set up your battle account. Just hand over your ID when you get there. Make sure to rest up; you’re gonna need it!”

Ken stood at the edge of Melemele Island, the salty breeze ruffling his hair as he watched the ferry bobbing in the water. Beside him, Koa, his Mankey, pranced with nervous excitement at his feet.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

“Are you ready, Koa?” Ken smiled as he bent down to scratch the Mankey behind the ears, causing it to squeak with satisfaction.

“Let’s go!” Ken declared, his enthusiasm bubbling over as he grabbed Koa’s Pokéball and hopped onto the ferry.

As they crossed the sparkling blue waves towards Akala Island, Ken couldn’t help but shiver with excitement, this was the first time he would really leave home in this life. His trip around Melemele Island had prepared him, but the adrenaline that coursed through him at the thought of going on a true adventure was unprecedented.

After landing on Akala Island, the duo spent a few days exploring the island and trained fiercely with Koa, testing the new tactics they had formulated. Koa would go into battle with wild pokemon and after each battle, they would sit down together and try to see what could be improved. Soon, they found themselves in Royale Avenue, a bustling hub of trainers and Pokémon. Laughter and competition filled the air, and Ken’s heart raced with anticipation. At the center of it all stood the magnificent Battle Royale Dome—a colossal arena bathed in vibrant excitement.

“Should we sign up?” Ken asked Koa cautiously, noticing the thrill in the Mankey’s eyes.

Koa jumped up and down in response, and Ken took it as a yes.

Ken stood in front of the registration booth, his cheeks flushed with excitement. After quickly signing up, an announcement boomed over the loudspeakers, echoing through the arena.

“Attention, trainers! Arena 4: Ken versus Eric versus Alicia! Attention, trainers! Arena 4: Ken versus Eric versus Alicia!”

“That’s us!” Ken said, beaming as he made his way toward the arena entrance, Koa perched on his shoulder, vibrating with energy.

As he stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.

The vibrant lights dimmed ever so slightly, and the crowd’s roar faded into an excited hush. In front of him stood two other trainers: Eric, wearing a bright red cap, and Alicia, with a playful glimmer in her eyes.

Ken took a moment to reorient himself, he had never been in front of so many people at once. Stage fright briefly bubbled up within, but he quashed it down as best as he could. With false bravado, he looked up and stepped forward as confidently as he could.

“Let’s see who can battle the best!” Eric exclaimed, releasing his Pinsir from its Pokéball.

“Trumbeak! Let’s go!” Alicia called as her Pokémon burst forth, wings energetically flapping.

Ken glanced at Koa, who was hopping in anticipation, ready to fight.

Ken bent over, “Remember Koa, stay calm and focus on the game plan,” he whispered as the referee signaled the start of the battle.

The air filled with chaos as Eric and Alicia immediately began barking commands. “Pinsir, Lunge!” shouted Eric.

“Trumbeak, use Peck!” Alicia followed suit.

Ken remained silent, watching intently. Koa was a natural fighter, and Ken knew he had to let Koa use what they had trained over the past few days. As the other two Pokémon rushed toward one another, he seized the moment.

“Bulk Up!” Ken commanded calmly, and Koa flexed, muscles rippling and energy surging.

The first exchange was wild. Pinsir and Trumbeak clashed at the center of the arena, both trainers shouting out commands. Koa focused, avoiding the various attacks and energy being thrown around and anticipating the movements of the other Pokémon.

“Rockslide!” Ken shouted suddenly, his voice echoing through the dome. Koa roared as rock type energy condensed into boulders above the two dueling pokemon, raining down on the unsuspecting Trumbeak, who was momentarily stunned and took a Vice Grip from Pinsir at full force.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Trumbeak fell to the ground. “No, Trumbeak!” Alicia cried out, her gaze wide with shock.

Before she could react, Koa took the opportunity to follow up with a Bulldoze that hit both pokemon, staggering the Pinsir, who was still focused on the downed Trumbeak.

“Rockslide again!” Ken yelled. Another round of boulders condensed above and collided with the Pinsir who had just regained his balance from the earlier Bulldoze, knocking it out and leaving the arena in stunned silence.

As the dust settled, Ken winced in shock as the crowd erupted. The referee raised Koa’s victory banner.

“You did it, Koa!” Ken turned and rushedg to embrace his Pokémon. Koa squeaked excitedly, basking in the glory of their victory.

Eric and Alicia approached, albeit disappointed. “Good match,” Eric admitted, wiping the sweat from his brow. “You caught us off guard.”

“Your Mankey is really strong!” Alicia complimented. “I didn’t expect him to know Rockslide so early!”

“Thanks!” Ken replied, grinning from ear to ear. “You both battled well. I learned a lot from this match.”

While Ken relished the immediate thrill of victory, he also understood the lessons of what had transpired, the other two trainers had tunnel-visioned onto each other and ignored the third, he knew that in a Battle Royale, that was deadly.

As Ken exited the arena, celebration among the other trainers from other arenas filled his ears. The taste of victory lingered, but deeper inside, he knew that one battle was just the beginning. Ken glanced at Koa, who while tired, looked ready for more.

“Our training here has just begun,” Ken said, nodding at the sprawling Akala scenery ahead. “I’ll call mom tonight and tell her we’ll be spending the next few weeks here.”