Arm Strength Training Begins

Xinhai watched the final few battles with full concentration, committing every potential opponent's fighting style, Pokémon traits, usual move combinations, and even minor habits firmly to memory.

Among the sixteen battles this round, the strongest were still the championship favorites. Yingxiong's Medicham remained steady and reliable, Long Yi's Blaziken was razor-sharp, and Ozaki Kaito's Machamp was overwhelmingly fierce.

The other championship favorites, such as Ishida Shin's Mienshao and Rex's Conkeldurr, also displayed even greater strength and advanced with ease.

As expected, no one who made it this far got here by luck. Xinhai silently summed up. Tomorrow's battle for the top eight won't be easy!

With the host's closing remarks, the day's matches officially came to an end. The audience began filing out in an orderly fashion, while the contestants rose and prepared to leave.

"Xinhai, we'll head back first, then," Yingxiong said with a smile. "You and Combusken used up quite a bit today. Get some good rest tonight. See you in the arena tomorrow!"

"Take care, everyone. See you tomorrow!" Xinhai waved goodbye to his seniors and watched them merge into the departing crowd.

After notifying Brawly through his Pokédex, he did not linger. He turned and quickly entered the contestants' passage, leaving the still-boisterous main venue behind.

Rather than returning to the Pokémon Center, Xinhai headed purposefully toward Dewford Gym at a brisk run.

His light footsteps carried him through familiar streets, and before long, Xinhai arrived before Dewford Gym's imposing gates.

After nodding greetings to the two receptionists, he made his way through the building toward the training area with practiced ease.

The moment he stepped into the training area, that familiar, even, and stable Gravity enveloped his entire body once more.

Xinhai adjusted his breathing and headed toward the training rooms, soon arriving at Training