Hearthome City, the Super Contest Hall.
Normally, this venue was only used to host Pokémon Contests,
but with the establishment of the Master League, it had also become one of the league's home venues.
The Master League proved even more popular than Lance, Wallace, and the others who had discussed its establishment had imagined.
Even when the battles didn't feature Champions or Elite Four members, matches between Gym Leaders still drew packed crowds.
Ordinary Trainers, who were relatively familiar with Gym Leaders, suddenly found themselves wondering, How are Gym Leaders this strong?
Were they holding back when they battled me?
They certainly were.
Gym Leaders chose which Pokémon to field based on how many Badges a Trainer possessed.
Unless they had only just taken over their Gyms, they generally had the strength of Master-level Trainers.
Powerful Gym Leaders like Giovanni and Blue were Champion-level.
The Master League allowed Trainers to clearly recognize the Gym Leaders' strength while letting spectators experience the thrill of clashes between powerhouses.
In the sandstorm, Mismagius lost a portion of her stamina every turn.
But Fantina wasn't entirely on the back foot, either. She had used Mystical Fire to lower Tyranitar's Special Defense.
And her next move was...
"Mismagius, Energy Ball!"
Although Energy Ball wasn't a same-type move for Mismagius, it dealt double damage to Tyranitar.
"With the sandstorm still up and Brock's Tyranitar having so much stamina, it should be able to take the hit."
"It's also holding Leftovers. Brock has a better chance of winning."
Despite the obstructing sandstorm, Energy Ball still struck Tyranitar squarely in the chest,
and amid a cloud of thick smoke, Tyranitar staggered backward uncontrollably.
The commentator roared, "The difference in their speed is just too great!"
Since this was Hearthome City's home venue, and Fantina was its Gym Leader,