"The Sinnoh League's Lily of the Valley Conference is about to begin its third round here in the Main Stadium, and the field will change at random after every match. Now, for the first match of the third round..." Not long after Liu Qing sat down in the competitors' waiting room, the Pokémon League Conference began. The announcer started explaining the rules over the speakers. As he spoke, the ordinary battlefield sank, and a field covered in rocks rose from below. The announcer immediately continued, "It's the Rock Field! The two competitors battling here will be Jun and Paul. This promises to be an intense match!" Just then, Jun and Paul appeared in the stadium on the rising platforms. The announcer went on, "Now, which Pokémon will they send out first?"
"Jun, let's see everything you've got!" Sitting in the waiting room, Liu Qing glanced at the competitors for the second and third matches, as well as his own opponent, before fixing his eyes on the live broadcast on the big screen and speaking with anticipation.
"Go, Skarmory!" On the battlefield, Jun threw his Poké Ball first. As it opened, a Skarmory appeared in midair and let out a cry.
"Magmortar, stand by for battle!" Paul threw his Poké Ball next, sending out Magmortar.
Since Jun had sent out his Pokémon first, he had the first move. He immediately ordered Skarmory to use Spikes. Although Spikes succeeded, Magmortar's subsequent Flamethrower struck Skarmory head-on and knocked it out.
Following the principle of type advantage, Jun sent out Empoleon against Magmortar. The moment it appeared, it used Hydro Pump, dealing Magmortar a heavy blow. With the Spikes laid in the first matchup, Jun could not help growing smug, believing Paul would not dare switch Pokémon. To his surprise, Paul recalled Magmortar outright