Lin Hao pushed open the Pokémon Center's doors, squinting against the sunlight.
Red was already waiting outside, the Pikachu on his shoulder grooming its fur. "The preliminary draw starts today." Red handed him his phone.
The screen displayed an official Silver Conference notice: all registered contestants had to be present at ten that morning.
Lin Hao checked the time. Nine thirty. "Let's go."
They headed toward the Tournament Hall. Silver Conference promotional posters lined both sides of the street, and trainers gathered in small groups to discuss tactics.
"I heard there's a dark horse this year."
"Who?"
"Someone from Goldenrod City. Perfect scores at all eight Gyms. The Gym Leaders barely fought before conceding."
"You're kidding, right? Whitney at the Goldenrod Gym isn't easy to beat."
"It's true. My friend's a referee at the Gym. He saw it himself."
Lin Hao pulled his cap lower without breaking stride. Red glanced at him. "You're famous."
"It was only a matter of time."
"Doesn't bother you?"
"No point letting it." Lin Hao slipped his hands into his pockets. "Once the Silver Conference is over, all that talk will become reality." Red said nothing more.
A long queue had already formed outside the hall. Staff members checked trainer numbers one by one on their tablets.
Lin Hao joined the back of the line. Ahead of him stood a trainer wearing goggles, with six gleaming Poké Balls clipped to his belt.
"Number 417?" A staff member looked up at Lin Hao.
"That's me."
"Your Trainer Card, please."
Lin Hao handed it over. The scanner beeped twice, and a green light came on. "Lin Hao, number 417. All eight Badges verified. Please enter Zone A and wait for the draw."
Lin Hao took his card back and entered the hall. The seats were packed with