The string of battles had left Yong riding a wave of excitement. How could he feel tired?
But rules were still rules.
Led by their regions' Elite Four members, the competitors gradually left the arena, leaving behind only the two battered battlefields at its center and the rubble scattered around them.
After entrusting Swampert and Aggron, who had both fought, to Nurse Joy to recover their strength, Yong returned to his room. Only when his taut nerves suddenly relaxed did he realize that battling had been far less effortless than he had made it look.
The strength of Swampert and his other Pokémon had simply given him greater confidence.
Lorelei, Bruno, Cynthia...
Two future Elite Four members and the youngest female Champion...
If Lance hadn't withdrawn because of his strength... maybe I wouldn't have made the semifinals...
Yong flopped onto the bed, feeling a little wistful.
Though he had always aimed for the very top, he had actually made it this far, reaching the semifinals alongside those three.
An inexplicable thrill and excitement kept surging within him.
There'll definitely be a place for me in the future!
With those thoughts circling in his mind, the boy drifted off to sleep, nursing his modest ambition.
As the moon rose above the branches, its silvery light shone over every inch of Ever Grande City. The city was so peaceful at that moment, with only the rustling of grass and petals as the wind stirred the sea of flowers.
Somewhere along the coast, two figures stood facing each other behind shadowy rocks.
"How are the preparations coming?"
"Unfortunately, there's only one other person besides me!"
"That's all right. Help will arrive at the crucial moment..."
"I can't entrust my fate to uncertain help... Who is he?"
"Heh... Just wait for your orders..."
"..."