Bang! Bang! Bang!
Cannons boomed, and streamers fluttered through the air.
"Please welcome both contestants!"
The doors to the players' tunnel opened, and Baimu was the first to step into the sunlight, basking in the cheers of countless spectators.
"Second-ranked in the Masters Eight, inaugural Champion of the Orre Region, contestant Baimu!"
"Since entering the World Championships, he has remained undefeated, conquering every opponent in his path! He arrived riding Black Rayquaza and is the most anticipated contestant of this tournament! We can't wait to see his performance!"
The host paused as the doors on the other side opened. Leon, draped in a thick cape, slowly emerged. "And facing contestant Baimu is—"
"The invincible Noble known to all, the aspiration of Pokémon Trainers around the world, first-ranked in the Masters Eight! The Champion of the Galar Region, contestant Leon!!"
Roar!
Wyndon Stadium truly deserved to be Leon's home turf. The crowd's enthusiasm far surpassed that of any previous match.
Countless gazes focused on the two as they took their respective positions, pouring their boundless anticipation into their eyes.
Leon could not help clenching his fist. "This sense of tension... it's wonderful."
For some reason, the scene of his very first battle surfaced before his eyes—his battle against his childhood friend, Sonia.
Had he lost? Had he won?
Leon quickly put it out of his mind, a confident smile appearing on his face. None of that mattered.
What mattered was the battle about to begin!
The ticket to the finals would surely fall into his hands!
The host continued, "Both contestants have maintained undefeated streaks! Who will end the other's perfect record and continue their own undefeated legend? This truly is a clash at the pinnacle!"
Whoosh!
Leon suddenly flung off his cape, revealing his athletic upper body. He declared loudly,