Compared with other Pokémon League tournaments, the Lumiose Conference had noticeably fewer competitors, with only sixty-odd entrants in total.
Before the semifinals, every match followed three-on-three battle rules.
Only in the semifinals and beyond did the format shift to the more intense six-on-six Full Battles.
As a result, the Lumiose Conference progressed much faster than other tournaments.
By the time Bai Shi arrived in Kalos from the Alola Region, the Lumiose Conference had already reached the quarterfinals.
Ash's quarterfinal opponent was a Pokémon Trainer named Ayaka, who had a Mega Absol.
After a fierce battle, Ash narrowly defeated Ayaka and advanced to the semifinals.
Next, he would face his young admirer—Sawyer.
Notably, Sawyer had also used Mega Evolution in his quarterfinal match.
With his Mega Sceptile, he had soundly defeated Tierno to secure his match against Ash. His strength was not to be underestimated.
As for Alain, his semifinal opponent was Louis, whose ace Pokémon was a Garchomp capable of Mega Evolution.
So far, the Lumiose Conference has played out pretty much exactly as it did in the anime.
That means Team Flare taking action after the tournament ends is all but certain.
If I want to stop Team Flare, I have to act before then.
Fortunately, the final hasn't started yet. I still have some time to work out a countermeasure.
At that thought, the tension in Bai Shi's face gradually eased.
Afterward, Bai Shi found Ash and briefly caught up with him.
"Huh? Bai Shi, long time no see! It's a real shame you didn't enter the Lumiose Conference!"
A trace of disappointment crossed Ash's face as he spoke.
He had been hoping to defeat Bai Shi at the Lumiose Conference and avenge his loss in the Vertress Conference final.
But Bai Shi's absence from the tournament had