"Today is the seventh day of the tournament. Welcome, everyone, to the arena!"
The commentator was neither Bai Niao nor Flobo, but he sounded every bit as professional.
He smiled. "Up next is the first match of the third preliminary round: a three-on-three Single Battle between Baimu and Ryuto. Let's turn our attention to the big screen."
On the big screen,
four arenas spun past in a random selection. Before countless watching eyes, the wheel slowly came to a stop.
"The Water Field!"
Rumble!
With a low mechanical rumble, a broad pool rose into the arena, several towering pillars standing in its center.
Ripples spread across the water, reflecting the clear blue sky.
Apparently, before the tournament began, a planner had floated the idea of replacing the water or ice arena with a Lava Field to give the event a flavor unique to Orre.
Unfortunately, the prospect of lava hitting someone was too gruesome, so the proposal had been rejected.
Baimu watched the water gradually settle. Finally, a different arena. When he looked up, his gaze happened to meet Ryuto's crescent-shaped smile.
Ryuto immediately waved his right arm in excitement.
Baimu gave a slight nod, then remembered what Man Nai had said before he entered the arena and smiled back.
It'd be a shame to waste all the trouble she went to if I didn't hit him hard!
The Polygon Referee Machine took its position.
"Both competitors, please choose your Pokémon."
Then—
Beep!
The starting siren shook the air.
Both sides hurled their Poké Balls without hesitation.
Pop! Pop!
Light flashed.
The dazzling Shiny Milotic landed in the pool, and the spray it kicked up reflected brilliant rainbow colors in the sunlight.
Its breathtaking beauty drew gasps from countless spectators.
Lisia cheered at the top of her lungs, heedless of