Shortly after, League Committee President Charles Goodshow walked slowly onto the Sacred Fire Altar and began his final speech.
"To all of you striving contestants, the sacred fire of Moltres guards you right here. Please bring forth your utmost strength, leave no regrets for the future, and engage in an upright battle!"
Charles's voice contained the dreams and passion he once held.
With those words, he looked up to the sky, and a massive fireworks salute bloomed above this Champion stage, announcing the start of the Hoenn League Ever Grande Conference Preliminary Round.
Dian did not pay attention to the roster on the big screen, instead looking back toward a familiar gaze.
Miyagi!
"The first match of the Preliminary Round, Red Field, Trainer Yingyue versus Trainer Miyagi."
The broadcast speakers began announcing the matches and fields one after another.
Hoo...
Dian slowly let out a breath, a smile touching the corner of his mouth. He turned, adjusted the collar of his trainer uniform, and walked toward the Battle Arena.
Finally, finally... Miyagi closed his eyes to recall scene after scene from the past. When he finally opened them, he found that he had somehow already arrived at one side of the Battle Arena, while on the other side,
was precisely the battle opponent he and Charizard had yearned for day and night.
At that moment, he completely ignored the countless gazes and sounds from the spectator stands, plunging himself utterly into the Battle Arena.
"Both sides, battle begin!"
The referee glanced at the order of priority on the computer.
Miyagi gripped the Poké Ball in his hand tightly, his partner having already made up its mind from the very start. "Go, Charizard!!"
"Jumpluff, give it your all."
Dian correspondingly tossed out the Poké Ball in his hand. "Miyagi, type advantage