"I'm back, everyone!"
Steven pushed open the door and walked into the lounge.
Pheobe immediately gave him a thumbs-up. "You're amazing, Steven!"
"You flatter me. It was nothing!" Steven waved a hand, looking completely unconcerned.
It was as though the battle had been a mere walk in the park for him.
And that really was the case. With Steven's strength, as long as he didn't run into opponents like Cynthia or Lance, he could practically steamroll his way into the semifinals.
Facing Winona really wasn't much of a challenge for him.
Chen Shi turned to the blonde girl beside him. "It should be your turn soon, right?"
"I know that Volkner. He was the runner-up at the Lily of the Valley Conference and lost to you before. To think you're facing him again now."
Cynthia brushed back her hair, her tone calm. "Just someone I've already beaten."
"This time, I'll be the one who wins again."
"Next, let's welcome our competitor, Volkner!"
"He was the runner-up at the last Lily of the Valley Conference and is a trainer who specializes in Electric-type Pokémon. He won all his previous matches by overwhelming margins."
Microphone in hand, the host introduced the handsome blond young man who had just emerged from the passageway.
Volkner stood before the Battle Arena and took a deep breath, silently encouraging himself.
In the stands, many of Volkner's fans were shouting wildly, cheering him on.
"All right, next, let's welcome Sinnoh's Battle Goddess-Cynthia!"
The metal doors on the other side opened. Dressed in a black coat and high heels, Cynthia walked step by step toward the Battle Arena.
Those in the audience who knew the history between them immediately grew excited.
Both competitors were incredibly popular in Sinnoh. Volkner had even earned the title of Sunyshore Thunder,