The gym disciples at the sidelines watched without blinking, letting out subdued cheers from time to time.
The area to the west had also been cleared for battle. A middle-aged mentor in a dark gray training uniform stood in the middle of the field, perfectly straight, his hands hanging naturally at his sides.
A few strands of gray showed at his temples, but his shoulders were broad and his stance as steady as a mountain. He was clearly a veteran who had spent years immersed in battle.
Brawly stood at the edge of the field. When he saw Xinhai approach, he raised a hand and pointed toward the western area. "Xinhai, that's Mentor Gaoshan. He'll be your opponent this morning."
"Alright, I'll head over first." Xinhai nodded and walked toward him.
Upon reaching the battlefield, he gave Mentor Gaoshan a slight bow. "Sorry for the trouble, Mentor Gaoshan. I'm late."
The other man shook his head, a tolerant smile at the corner of his lips. "You're not late. I simply arrived early. Alright, let's begin."
"Okay." Xinhai answered and took his position in the command area, his fingers lightly resting on the Poké Ball at his waist.
The referee walked to the center of the field. After confirming that both sides were ready, he brought his raised flag down sharply. "Battle begin—please send out your first Pokémon!"
Xinhai moved without the slightest hesitation. His right hand swept across his waist, pressing the release button on a Poké Ball.
A flash of red light passed, and Sceptile's lean yet powerful figure appeared atop the gray stone slabs.
Its emerald body gleamed softly in the morning sun. The Leaf Blades at its wrists lifted slightly as its golden eyes steadily regarded its opponent.
Mentor Gaoshan pressed his release button at the same