After the first round, Snowbelle Gym was the only one of last year's top four Gyms that had failed to advance to the second round, replaced instead by Anistar Gym.
It could be said that the other three Gyms had already secured the top three spots.
Nurse Joy rose from her seat and walked over to stand before everyone.
Unlike the Nurse Joys at Pokémon Centers, who always wore smiles, this Nurse Joy, serving as an inspector, spoke with a solemn expression.
"The four Gyms advancing to the second round are Shalour Gym, Rock Solid Gym, Laverre Gym, and Anistar Gym. In accordance with the rules, I will now draw the pairings for the next round."
The referee stepped forward, holding a tray containing four identical Luxury Balls.
Nurse Joy picked one at random and opened it right in front of everyone.
"The first match-Anistar Gym!"
As she spoke, she picked up the second Pokémon Ball, swept her gaze over everyone, and continued.
"Next is Anistar Gym's opponent..."
Pop!
The Pokémon Ball opened. Amid the crowd's varied expressions, Nurse Joy read out the second name.
"Rock Solid Gym! That means the remaining two, Shalour Gym and Laverre Gym, will automatically be paired as the opponents in the second match!"
An ambiguous uproar rose from the stands.
At those words, Miss Uma's relaxed hands abruptly clenched. Her gaze sharpened slightly, and she involuntarily looked toward the boy sitting on the other side!
Yong seemed to sense her gaze, but he merely smiled faintly without saying anything.
Beside him, Miss Matisse shrugged helplessly, though a trace of a smile remained on her face.
"Oh my~ Looks like this is as far as we go~"
It was unclear whether she meant herself or was hinting at someone else.
Nurse Joy returned to the