The arena was a special mixed-terrain battlefield!
It included rocks, marshland, a lake, and sparse woods!
On the lawn, Yong and the other seven contestants stood in two rows facing each other, divided into teams representing the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Under the eyes of the entire audience, President Charles Goodshow stood at the very center of the arena. He accepted a tray from Nurse Joy, with eight Pokémon Balls neatly arranged on it in two rows.
The Pokémon Balls on Yong's side were red, while those before the Western Hemisphere team were white.
"For this tournament, each contestant has an identifying number-1, 2, 3, or 4-within their hemisphere's team! You may only draw from the Pokémon Balls of your corresponding color. The numbers are randomly arranged, and the two contestants who draw the same number will automatically be paired as opponents in the first round!"
"These pairings won't remain fixed. Under the single-elimination rules, the winners advance and the losers withdraw. As for the rules for the second round, we'll keep those under wraps for now!"
President Charles Goodshow swept his gaze over the eight contestants before him, his voice carried around the world by Speaker Rotom and Camera Rotom.
"Is everyone clear on the rules?"
Yong and the others nodded solemnly.
President Charles Goodshow nodded with a satisfied smile, then looked at Youluo.
"Then we'll start with you, Youluo!"
With everyone watching, Youluo calmly stepped out of line. Without hesitation, he picked a red Pokémon Ball at random, then quietly returned to his place.
Next, at President Charles Goodshow's invitation, Silver, Yong, and Volkner stepped forward...
Muren Under the Moon, Diantha, Kiawe, and Lana followed in turn. Once everyone had chosen a Pokémon Ball, they held them in their hands and examined them curiously.
Seeing this, President Charles