October 22.
Beneath the dome of Hammerlocke Stadium,
the spotlights focused on the command platforms on either side.
In the headline match of the Master League's first round,
Li Wei from Jubilife City in Sinnoh
faced the young Champion of Unova, Iris.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the opening match of the Master League is about to begin! I'm your announcer, Ed!"
The opening match of this year's Master League
began with Li Wei and Iris.
Ed turned to his side. "Let's have our special guest introduce herself."
"I'm Nessa."
Nessa, the Gym Leader of Hulbury Stadium and an immensely popular model, had been invited as a guest commentator.
"Miss Nessa, what do you think of this match?"
"Li Wei's Diancie and Alolan Ninetales have a strong type advantage against Iris's Dragon-type Pokémon. My money is on Li Wei."
Watching from the front row, Kiawe, Lillie, Mallow, and the others kept their eyes glued to the field.
"Why am I more nervous than Teacher Li Wei?"
"Relax. Teacher Li Wei will definitely win."
"But I don't want Iris to lose, either."
They had become friends with Iris over the past two days as well.
"It's fine. One loss doesn't mean elimination."
As the referee lowered the flag,
"All right, the match begins!"
"Go, Salamence!"
Iris sent out Salamence first.
Her approach was a little like Lance's.
Never mind anything else-start with Intimidate.
As Salamence took the field, its Intimidate Ability activated.
Li Wei calmly tossed out a Poké Ball.
"Ninetales, I'll leave this to you."
Alolan Ninetales made an elegant entrance, cold air spilling from its body as its Ability, [Snow Warning], instantly activated.
The temperature inside the stadium plummeted, and hail began to fall.
Nessa explained, "That's Alolan Ninetales's Ability, Snow Warning. The hail will continuously damage Pokémon other than Salamence,