Meanwhile, on the vast, boundless ice field, biting winds swept across everyone's faces like razor-sharp blades.
After receiving Agatha's proposed format, Lance rode Dragonite down to the contestants waiting below. His black trench coat snapped in the wind, and his stern face carried an imposing authority.
With his arms folded, his gaze swept over the crowd as he announced, "Everyone, gather around. I'll now announce the Elite Four Tournament rules..."
"I'll be presiding over the Elite Four Tournament." Lance raised his voice only after everyone had gathered around, ensuring every contestant could hear him clearly. "This tournament will use a Three-on-Three team battle format. All participating Pokémon must share the same type."
"There will be two matches in total. Two wins means advancement. One win and one loss means an additional match. Now, come draw lots. Each person will draw once actively and once passively..."
"There are eight of you, corresponding to eight numbers. Whoever you draw will be your opponent for one match, and whoever draws you will also face you in a match. The drawing order will be based on the Orange Tournament rankings. Drake, you draw first." Lance took eight crumpled slips of paper from his pocket and scattered them across his palm.
"Me first?" Drake raised an eyebrow slightly, surprise flashing through his eyes before he strode forward and took one of the paper slips from Lance's hand.
He slowly unfolded it and saw the number "four" written on it. He paused in surprise. So this was the opponent he had drawn.
"If you draw a duplicate slip, come exchange it." Lance looked at the dazed Drake and, noticing his confusion, patiently explained. After all, no one could possibly battle themselves.
Next came Xiao Dan in second, Sabrina in third, A Yi in fourth, Hao Er's