Galar Region, Hammerlocke Stadium.
"Let's welcome Li Wei!"
The commentator's introduction was met with a deafening roar of cheers.
"Li Wei!"
"Li Wei!"
Lance rubbed his chin, puzzled. "Why does it feel like this has turned into Li Wei's home turf?"
Arms folded, Lorelei leaned against the doorframe and watched the screen as she said softly,
"With Li Wei's popularity, where isn't his home turf?"
Probably only wildly popular competitors like Red, Leon, Steven, Diantha, Cynthia, Nessa, and Elesa
could rival Li Wei in popularity.
Steven speculated, "It might also be because this is Li Wei's first appearance in an official tournament."
Lance nodded slightly. "That makes sense."
Luo Bai, who had a head of curly black hair, was dumbfounded.
"Why do I feel like I've become the villain?"
The Master League was in full swing.
In the round of 128,
Li Wei faced Luo Bai, an Ice-type specialist from the Sinnoh Region.
As always, the commentator explained the rules to the audience before each match.
The format was a Single Battle in which each competitor selected three Pokémon from six, and only one of the three major battle systems could be used.
Luo Bai knew full well that there was a gap in strength between him and Li Wei, the renowned cook, Pokémon Breeder, and top-tier Trainer.
So Luo Bai's goal was clear and realistic.
Defeating just one of Li Wei's Pokémon would count as a success!
As the two competitors appeared, especially when Li Wei's face appeared on the big screen, the difference in the volume of their cheers became increasingly obvious.
Unaffected, the referee brought down his flag.
"Begin the match!"
The referees in the Galar Region really were consummate professionals.
Victini and Meloetta were backstage with Cynthia, watching Li Wei's match.
"Both competitors, send out your