"Milotic, Hydro Pump!"
"Wuu~~"
With its graceful, nimble form, the elegant Milotic danced as it summoned a surging tide, unleashing a roaring column of azure water.
In a torrential, overwhelming rush, it struck down the ferocious Arcanine head-on.
Bang!!
"Arcanine is unable to battle! Therefore, the winner is contestant Xia Yan!"
Whoosh—
As the referee's announcement fell, the entire stadium erupted in excited cheers.
Milotic lifted its chin slightly in the arena, savoring the crowd's applause.
"Wait! You call that Hydro Pump? Who are you trying to fool?"
"So this is a Milotic with the Competitive Ability? Arcanine's Intimidate was completely countered."
"With all those boosts stacked up, a Fire-type Arcanine really couldn't withstand it."
"At this rate, the Pokémon Teacher Xia Yan has used in this tournament are gradually becoming clear."
"Sliggoo, Salamence, Milotic, and Volcarona. They may not have swept from start to finish like Tobias's Darkrai or Aidas's Heatran, but battles like this are much more interesting."
"..."
After defeating his opponent and successfully advancing into the Lily of the Valley Conference's top four, Xia Yan's image had gradually become deeply ingrained in everyone's minds.
After comforting his opponent,
In the competitors' tunnel,
Xia Yan encountered Paul, who had been waiting there.
"Teacher Xia Yan."
Upon seeing Xia Yan, Paul still greeted him very politely.
"Your match against Ash is next, right?" Xia Yan said with a smile.
Paul nodded solemnly.
Though he did not want to admit it, there was no denying that Ash's rate of growth, as well as the "surprises" he had brought him time and again, had placed considerable pressure on him.
"Good luck."
Xia Yan patted his shoulder.
Then he headed deeper into the competitors' tunnel.
"Teacher Xia Yan!"
Suddenly,
Paul called out to him again, his voice and expression far more