The weather was wonderful the next day, and the atmosphere throughout the venue was even better!
"Welcome back to the Ever Grande Conference! Join us for the second day of competition! Today, we'll be holding the Preliminary Tournament! Our 256 contestants will compete for the final Top 32 spots in the finals! I'm sure today's battles will be even more exciting! Also, there's something I need to explain! After the three matches in the first two rounds of the Preliminary Tournament, the medium-sized fields will open! That will bring the total number of battlefields to 18 for everyone to choose from!"
In the lounge, Yong and Kong were sitting in the same seats as yesterday. Listening to the host's introduction, Kong shrugged helplessly and said,
"Whew... We'll have to stay sharp today. Two matches per round, six in total! If we're lucky, winning everything in the first round will give us three points and send us straight through to Advancement. If we only get one point, we'll have to play another round. What a pain!"
Listening to Kong's complaints, Yong nodded in agreement and sighed.
"Yeah! It's meant to make sure the contestants who reach the finals really have the ability, rather than getting through on fixed matches or luck. Still, we really do have to take this seriously. Lose once, and we have to fight another round. Lose everything, and we're out. Tsk..."
Outside the lounge, the host continued explaining enthusiastically over the speakers.
"So, contestants, please bring your best form and your greatest strength to secure your Advancement to the finals! Give these battles everything you have and leave no regrets!"
"I hereby declare the Preliminary Tournament on the second day of the Hoenn League's Ever Grande Conference officially underway!"
The audience's cheers erupted once more, their enthusiasm