Bottom-tier trainers in the Pokémon world

As for why a speech is given before the competition...

After the finals are over, will anyone still listen to their rambling?

They are quite aware of this.

Inside the players' tunnel.

Leaning against the wall, Xia Yan smiled as he looked at the graceful and beautiful woman in front of him.

Cynthia was almost embarrassed by Xia Yan's gaze.

A slight blush rose to her cheeks.

It looks more like a delicious red apple.

The two people who were about to enter the finals showed no signs of animosity or confrontation; in fact, they were remarkably calm, so calm that it was somewhat eerie.

Cynthia finally couldn't hold back and took a sip.

"Have you seen enough?"

His eyes widened slightly.

Xia Yan chuckled awkwardly, shrugged, and looked away.

He muttered to himself, "I thought I could make you feel guilty and eventually reveal your hand."

Cynthia: "..."

"You've been looking at this for so long just for this?"

"Otherwise what?" Xia Yan grinned.

Cynthia choked.

She rolled her eyes at him, annoyed.

Then, as if he had just thought of something, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.

"Want to see my hand? You'll find out soon enough."

Xia Yan's expression stiffened slightly.

He thought Cynthia had already used her trump card during her previous battle against Wataru.

I didn't expect that testing the waters would actually result in more being available?

This is too difficult.

It's so tough being a trainer with such deep-rooted power and influence, because you never know what their ultimate trump card is.

He scratched his head through his hat and said nonchalantly:

"Forget it, we lost, so be it. Losing to you isn't a loss for us."

After saying that, the staff at the entrance gestured for them to leave.

With a slight smile playing on her lips, Cynthia watched Xia Yan walk toward the exit, her eyes crinkling into a sweet smile.

...

...

"Dear viewers! The final of the 'Islands Tournament' that you've all been waiting for is finally about to begin!!!"

Upon hearing this, the audience, who had been nearly falling asleep from the nagging of the organizing committee members, finally perked up again.

"Now, let's first welcome our universally acknowledged 'tactical master'—player Xia Yan!!"

"Xia Yan! Xia Yan! Xia Yan!"

"Tactical master! Tactical master! Tactical master!"

"..."

Amidst cheers, Xia Yan waved as he walked out of the players' tunnel.

His fairly handsome face and confident smile caused many girls to let out ear-piercing screams.

At this moment, Xia Yan's popularity reached its peak.

Xia Yan walked to one side of the venue and stood still.

"And now let's welcome our other contestant, the 'Ancient Scholar'—Cynthia!!"

"Cynthia! Cynthia! Ah—!! Cynthia!!"

"Sister Cabbage! Sister Cabbage! Sister Cabbage!"

"..."

In terms of sheer volume of shouts, Cynthia is no less impressive than Xia Yan.

Especially the sounds of some "livestock" that were almost like wolf howls, the whole arena was like a wolf den.

With flowing golden hair, a black trench coat paired with black wide-leg pants, she appears to be an ice queen, but her expression is calm and composed, with a gentle smile, making her very dignified and graceful.

Cynthia stood opposite Natsuhiko.

The two looked at each other.

Their expressions turned serious.

This moment.

The tension between the two finally became palpable.

The referees for the finals were all replaced by the chief referee of this competition, who is clearly a highly respected figure.

He said seriously:

"This battle will use the unrestricted rules of the 6th Masters Tournament. Both players, please summon your Pokémon!"

Xia Yan and Cynthia also took out the Poké Balls they had prepared beforehand, and the referee continued.

"The battle ends when all of either player's Pokémon are rendered unable to battle! During the battle, neither player may switch Pokémon, attack the trainer, or..."

The referee's seriousness and solemnity created a somber atmosphere in the arena.

The audience members all became serious and stopped their pointless shouting and cheering.

The format of the Masters tournament was incorporated into the main event.

Although it was the sixth Masters tournament, and the seventh Masters tournament has already ended, it undoubtedly gave these viewers a fresh experience.

It's like watching a match that's already reached the Masters level.

"Xia Yan's Pokémon haven't changed much; they're still Beedrill, Alakazam, Togekiss, Aegislash, Latios, and Infernape."

Du rubbed his chin and looked at the spirits that Xia Yan summoned one by one.

"Although Xia Yan is very strong, his foundation limits his in-depth development. In comparison, Cynthia has a much wider range of choices."

Daigo crossed his arms in agreement.

"Garuda, Lucario, Glaceon, Togekiss, Spiritora, and the last one... Eh? Gardevoir?"

Lorelei looked at the Pokémon on Cynthia's side, and when she saw the last one, she showed a surprised expression.

Watari's expression was similar.

Unexpectedly, Cynthia had also prepared a Gardevoir, something they hadn't known beforehand.

Daigo seemed to be deep in thought as he slowly said:

“I’ve heard a little about that. I know that Cynthia had a Kirlia in her early years, but it seems that her grandmother, Dr. Mustard, was almost injured by a falling rock during an investigation of ancient ruins. I haven’t seen that Pokémon since then.”

He was the first among them to become acquainted with Cynthia.

He's also someone that's often compared between the Hoenn and Sinnoh regions, and he's been battled the most, so Steven knows a bit more about him.

Upon hearing this, Watari and Kona finally looked enlightened.

It turns out that this Gardevoir was sent by Cynthia to protect her grandmother.

Cynthia has now called Gardevoir back, which shows how much she values ​​Xia Yan.

"With Gardevoir, a Psychic-type, present, it could indeed impose some limitations on Xia Yan's core Alakazam."

Now that Gardevoir's origins have been confirmed, Lance can't help but start analyzing the two's situation.

It's no secret to them that Xia Yan's Alakazam is the core of his lineup.

Cynthia was aware of this as well.

Although there are Dark and Ghost-type Venusaur, it won't be easy for Venusaur alone to control Alakazam.

If Gardevoir is added to the mix, the two Pokémon together could actually sever the connection between Alakazam and Xia Yan's other Pokémon.

On the field.

Upon seeing Cynthia's last Pokémon, Xia Yan couldn't help but cast a surprised glance his way.

However, Cynthia still had a big smile on her face, and even her eyes carried a hint of "smugness" and "triumph".

Xia Yan was speechless.

If his lineup really only has Alakazam as the core, Gardevoir will indeed cause him a lot of trouble.

But the problem is...

He's not playing with a single core player anymore.

However, Cynthia really did have another trick up her sleeve, leaving Xia Yan somewhat speechless.

It's just a game, is it really that big of a deal?

It's turned into a "backstabbing contest".

Xia Yan has misunderstood Cynthia.

Gardevoir was sent to Cynthia by Dr. Mustard after she saw the news. Dr. Mustard had just finished an expedition to an ancient ruin and happened to arrive at the right time.

Cynthia naturally realized Gardevoir's role as well.

Out of respect, she put in all her effort.

"Are both players ready?" the referee's voice rang out again.