The next morning, Main Arena Ring 3 was packed. People stood in the aisles, and the second-floor stands were full all the way to the back row.
The news had spread the night before: the dark horse's second opponent was the practical combat instructor, Chuck.
Lin Hao stood in the challenger's area, his cap pulled low over his eyes and his hands behind his back. Across from him stood Chuck, bald and tattooed, his arms thicker than most men's. A Machamp tattoo stretched from his wrist to his elbow. He stared at Lin Hao as though sizing up prey.
"Lin Hao." His voice was low, each word deliberate. "May told me about you. The dark horse with a perfect score. You've got some real strength."
"You're too kind, Instructor."
"Here, call me Chuck." Chuck rolled his neck, producing two sharp cracks. "Call me Instructor after the match." Lin Hao nodded without saying anything.
The referee raised a flag. "Preliminary round two! Number 417, Lin Hao, versus number 221, Chuck! Both trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
Chuck threw his Poké Ball. "Machamp, go!"
Red light landed on the ring, making even the floor tremble. Machamp spread all four arms, cracking its knuckles. The spectators in the front row instinctively leaned back.
"A near-Elite Four level Machamp!"
"Chuck's strongest Pokémon! All four arms working together, with maxed-out Fighting-type skills!"
"This time, the dark horse's going to suffer."
"Charizard." Lin Hao took a ball from his belt, his movements exactly the same as yesterday. "Keep going."
The red light swelled, and a wave of heat swept toward the stands on the air currents. Several people in the front row squeezed their eyes shut.
Charizard landed in the center of the ring, its tail flame surging upward. With its wings half spread, it silenced