The next day.
Inside Hall Six of the Magic City International Battle Arena.
"So this is where Black River University is competing? There are so many people! I got here half an hour early and still almost couldn't find a seat."
"Can't be helped. Yesterday's match video went viral. Everyone with a ticket probably wants to see for themselves."
"It's the first time anyone's seen a Golisopod that strong. Of course they're curious."
"Did you hear? The nearby Pokémon Day Cares sold out of Wimpod Eggs. The last few even went for a markup. Are those buyers stupid? It's not like just anyone can train a Wimpod."
"I bought one yesterday..."
"..."
Black River University's waiting area.
"So many people!"
Wei Yang stared at the packed stands and let out a sigh of amazement.
Plenty of people had watched yesterday, but the atmosphere today was on another level.
Not only was every seat taken, but spectators were standing wherever they could find room.
He even spotted people taking the opportunity to sell folding stools and little benches.
"Only natural. I'd bet ninety-nine percent of them came for Captain Yun," Lai Guanting said, as if it went without saying.
In this world, Top Level Trainers drew far bigger crowds than Top Level celebrities.
Or rather, anyone hoping to become a Top Level "celebrity" needed strength to match.
Mu Yun had only shown a glimpse of his talent and strength, yet he had already drawn huge crowds eager to watch him compete.
"All right, don't let the crowd distract you. The match is what matters."
"Yin Peng, get ready. Today's going to be a tough fight."
Mu Yun spoke up.
Today was the Black Dragon Cup's second round, when the field would narrow from thirty-two to sixteen.
Ordinarily, this round would