Outside the arena, the crowd was packed so tightly that not even water could pass through. Noisy discussions rose and fell like waves, and the stifling heat did nothing to dampen people's curiosity and excitement.
Among the crowd, Yu Hai's identity gradually came to light. The news seemed to grow wings as it quickly spread through the spectators.
The examiner responsible for testing Yu Hai happened to overhear a few snippets of conversation. He frowned slightly, surprise flashing through his eyes as his expression grew more serious.
Then, a crucial remark reached his ears. He heard that Yu Hai was a trainer with Elite-class Pokémon and had once shone brilliantly in the Orange Tournament.
The examiner's heart sank. A trainer like that had come to participate in the Silver Conference, clearly aiming for the Champion title. He could not treat Yu Hai like an ordinary trainer.
"Candidate Number 123, will you recall Noctowl?" The examiner took a deep breath and calmed himself, refusing to let the troubling news affect him. As he prepared to send out his second Pokémon, he asked Yu Hai.
His voice was not loud, yet it reached Yu Hai clearly through the noisy surroundings.
"No need." Yu Hai gently shook his head, staring intently at the Poké Ball in the examiner's hand. Faced with what was practically an open-book test, his eyes held confidence and composure as he calmly replied, "Go ahead and send it out."
"Go, Poké Ball!" Seeing Yu Hai shake his head, the examiner did not hesitate. He swiftly swung his right arm and hurled the Poké Ball with force.
The Poké Ball traced an arc through the air and opened with a bang. A flash of red light appeared, and a nimble Pokémon radiating scorching heat emerged onto the field.
"Arcanine?" Yu