"Next up is the seventh match of the first round: Mr. Lance from Icirrus City in Unova against Mr. Paul from Veilstone City in Sinnoh. Would both contestants please enter!" Zhuguang's voice rang out again.
"Paul, you're still the same as ever, cold and unsociable, but... good luck!" Han Ye encouraged him.
"Paul, fight with everything you have. Let me see how much you've grown lately!" Liu Qing added.
"Paul, give it your best. We'll all be cheering for you, not just because you're the youngest among us, but because you're our friend!" Xiao Xiao said, drawing agreement from Xiao Yu, Daichi Misawa, and Jie.
"Little brother Paul, your big sister will be cheering for you too!" Shui Nai said with a grin.
As Paul listened to Liu Qing and the others offer their encouragement, he stopped and looked back at them. Finally, he dipped his head slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face, then turned and headed toward the battlefield.
"Holy shit!" Han Ye couldn't help swearing in surprise. He pointed at Paul, his voice trembling slightly. "He... he smiled?"
"Yeah. That's the first time I've seen Paul smile!" Liu Qing was a little surprised too.
"Lance, I'll be cheering for you!" Anna said softly.
"Lance, I'll pray to nature for you, and pray for your victory!" As Moe spoke, she truly seemed to become a devout believer.
"Lance, fight! Go out there and fight with all your passion!" Azure Flame was as fired up as ever.
"Lance, I'll capture your beautiful moments too!" Divine Hunter pressed the shutter, already taking a photo of Lance.
"Lance, go on. Don't keep him waiting!" Xun Chaoze gestured toward the field, where Paul had already taken his position.
"Thank you all for your support. May nature be with you!" Lance reverently