The elevator continued upward and soon reached the platform at the very top.
The moment the doors opened, a crisp wind rushed toward them, carrying the distinctive Qi of the high sky.
The three of them stepped out of the elevator and directly onto a vast open space atop the Gym—or rather, instead of an open space, it was more like a carefully designed "Sky Arena."
Xinhai's gaze swept across the entire venue, and he marveled inwardly.
The arena was circular overall, with a diameter of roughly a hundred meters. There were no railings or walls around it, only several twenty-meter-tall pillars evenly spaced along its perimeter.
Each pillar was carved with images of various Flying-type Pokémon—Pidgeot spreading its wings, Fearow diving, Altaria circling... The carvings were lifelike, as though they might come alive beneath the sunlight at any moment.
Every five meters along the sides of the pillars were two protruding ledges around a meter long, clearly intended as footholds for Pokémon unable to fly during high-speed battles.
The Trainers stood on two opposing platforms at the edge of the battlefield.
"These two platforms will rise as the battle progresses." Noticing Xinhai's gaze, Winona took the initiative to explain. "Whenever one of my Pokémon loses its ability to battle, both platforms will rise another level."
Xinhai nodded to show that he understood.
Wallace walked to the edge of the field where the view was best, lightly adjusted his collar, and wore the elegant smile of a top-tier Coordinator.
"Since both of you are ready, I shall serve as the referee for this Gym battle." His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly to Xinhai and Winona.
Winona gave a slight nod and turned toward the battle platform on the other side.
After recalling Gardevoir and Blaziken, Xinhai took