The 148th day after leaving the Orange Islands, sunny.
The weather was clear, and the morning sunlight poured over the earth without restraint, gilding the scenery outside the window with a layer of golden radiance.
The Silver Conference's Preliminary Round had begun. Before entering the opening rounds, there would be three one-on-one preliminary matches, meant to eliminate the many contestants until only forty-eight remained, after which the opening-round groups would be arranged.
Yu Hai had received his Qualification Badge just last night, then gone to the registration desk to sign up. The Preliminary Round lasted three days, having started yesterday and continuing until tomorrow.
According to the rules, those who registered last night would compete this morning, while those who registered this morning would have their matches scheduled for the afternoon.
Waking up in the simply furnished single room in Competitor Village, he stretched and moved his body a little, dispelling the lingering drowsiness.
After washing up in the bathroom, he prepared breakfast for his Pokémon. Seeing how contentedly they ate put him in a good mood as well.
After spending some more time bonding with little Lugia, he headed for the Preliminary Round venue. The place was bustling everywhere, crowded with people coming and going.
Battlefields separated by wire fences were spread throughout the venue, marked with several areas such as A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
Sunlight shone on the wire fences, reflecting dazzling metallic gleams. The air was thick with tense yet fervent energy, as conversations, cheers, intense shouts, and the explosions of battle intertwined around him.
The moment Yu Hai stepped into the venue, he heard the loud broadcast calling his name...
"Contestant Yu Hai, please proceed to Field D as soon as possible to participate in the Preliminary Round. Contestant Yu Hai..." The