Lumiose City, the Lumiose Conference.
As the city with the world's largest economy, Lumiose City naturally held a banquet before the tournament began.
At the banquet, Ash met quite a few familiar faces.
One was Sawyer, who idolized Steven and had received a Sceptile Evolution Stone from him.
Sawyer had only begun his journey that year, and as his senior, Ash had given him plenty of advice.
Like battling against type disadvantages... ahem.
Ash and Sawyer had also promised to settle things at the Lumiose Conference.
Having watched Ash's matches on television and received his guidance, Sawyer had long since made Ash his goal.
This was the Ash I had always followed, the one I wanted to surpass.
The intensity in his eyes was almost overwhelming!
"Ash, long time no see!"
The one greeting Ash enthusiastically was another of his rivals, Tierno,
along with Trevor, who wanted to become a photographer.
As they chatted, Ash also spotted the opponent he most wanted to defeat at this tournament: Alain.
Alain was enjoying a conversation with Professor Sycamore.
As the Kalos Region's most famous professor, whose laboratory was right in downtown Lumiose City, Professor Sycamore had also been invited to attend.
"Alain!"
Hearing Ash's voice, Alain stopped just as he was about to leave.
"You really came!"
A rare smile appeared on Alain's face.
"Of course. I came specifically to battle you."
If not for the chance to battle Ash, Alain would have entered the Master League.
Alain believed a battle with Ash would mark an important turning point in his career as a Trainer.
Alain dreamed of becoming the strongest Mega Evolution user.
That was certainly no easy feat.
After all, both the current regional Champions and uncrowned kings like Red, Blue, and Li Wei all used Mega Evolution.
That dream