"The second round of the Masters Eight knockout stage—the semifinals are about to begin! Welcome to the venue!"
The host's voice echoed beneath the stadium sky alongside solemn symphonic music.
Countless spectators took their seats excitedly, calling to friends and surging forward in waves, their clamor rolling through the arena like the tide.
After the thrilling first round came the crucial semifinals.
The overall format had changed from three-on-three to full six-on-six battles.
The first match featured Sinnoh Champion Cynthia against Alola Champion Ash. There were still no restrictions on the number of systems used; Dynamax, Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and the like could all be used freely.
Baimu sat alone in the preparation room. Leon, his opponent that afternoon, was nowhere nearby.
Compared to the bustle of yesterday and the day before, today was indeed much quieter, but that made it easier for him to let his Pokémon out.
Calyrex could finally show itself openly as well.
Yesterday, when it watched Baimu's match, it had climbed onto the outer "petals" of Wyndon Stadium.
"Do you favor that brat more?"
"Favor him? I'm betting he'll definitely win." Baimu opened his mouth slightly as Evil Big Jigglypuff, somewhat unwillingly, fed him a spoonful of ice cream.
Calyrex glanced at this trainer, who had completely let himself go now that no one was around. "I beg to differ."
"What insight does Your Majesty have?"
"In my opinion, this woman is second only to you. Her odds of victory are higher." Calyrex sincerely believed Cynthia was formidable.
As for Ash... its opinion of him was obvious enough from the way it addressed him.
Inside the contestant tunnel, Ash finished checking his Z-Ring, Mega Bracelet, and Dynamax Band. He looked around at his partners. "It's about time. I'm counting on you, everyone!"
"Pika!"
"Roar!"
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