Cynthia takes the stage (Thanks to Falling Starry Sky and Brother Night Sky for the Super Recognition gifts)

"Next up is Cynthia, representing the Sinnoh Region."

"As far as I know, Cynthia won the last Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh and is known as the Battle Goddess."

"Her opponent is no pushover either. Yuta was the runner-up at the last Hengheng Conference in the Unova Region."

"So, what kind of exciting battle will these two contestants bring us? Let's find out!"

As the announcer finished speaking, Cynthia and Yuta were already in position.

In the lounge, Chen Shi was a little surprised. He hadn't expected this Yuta to be the runner-up at the Hengheng Conference. That was quite impressive.

No wonder he had made it into the main tournament.

Still, he wasn't good enough to take on Cynthia.

Chen Shi turned his gaze to the screen as the referee signaled for both contestants to send out their Pokémon.

With one hand on her hip, Cynthia sent out her Pokémon first.

"Lucario!"

The moment Lucario appeared, he unleashed his imposing presence without restraint, his gaze calm as he waited for his opponent to appear.

"My goodness, it's a Senior Elite King-level Lucario!"

"This is also the first Senior Elite King-level Pokémon to appear in this tournament. Unbelievable!"

The announcer shouted excitedly, and gasps immediately rose from the stands.

Across from Cynthia, Yuta's expression instantly darkened.

A Senior Elite King-level Pokémon!

Just my luck. I've only just made it into the main tournament, and I'm already facing someone this ridiculously strong.

"Yuta, please send out your Pokémon."

The referee's impassive voice rang out across the arena. Yuta gritted his teeth, took out a Poké Ball, and threw it.

"Go, Serperior!"

A Serperior over three meters long appeared on the field.

In the lounge, Steven said with some surprise, "That Serperior is actually at peak Gym level."

"Looks like