"What a shame! Gengar worked incredibly hard and even defeated Miss Diantha's Gardevoir, but contestant Youluo seems to be having health problems. He has chosen to withdraw from the competition!"
The host's voice echoed through the venue.
"While this is regrettable, we must still thank both contestants for giving us such a wonderful match! Both the powerful Gardevoir and the uncanny Ghost-type Pokémon fully demonstrated their strength! We hope Youluo won't lose heart. His ability to stand on this stage is proof of his strength for all to see! Unfortunately, he faced the even stronger Miss Diantha!"
Diantha placed Gardevoir's Pokémon Ball on the Healing Device beside the battlefield. As Chansey busied herself at the machine, Diantha looked once more at Youluo's retreating figure.
Though she had won the match, what she felt most was a faint sense of regret.
Youluo... was a fine opponent, too...
Diantha returned to her seat. Meeting Yong's questioning gaze, she sat down calmly without saying anything more.
Meanwhile, President Charles Goodshow and Nurse Joy stepped onto the battlefield.
Speaker Rotom flew over again and hovered beside the elderly man's mouth.
"The first round has come to a successful conclusion. Members of the audience, friends who have traveled here from afar! Every contestant has demonstrated their strength in this competition, though some suffered regrettable defeats, and others left early..."
The elderly man swept his warm gaze across the surrounding stands.
"Pokémon and Trainers help each other grow through the bonds they share. Each has different goals and grand dreams! And those dreams depend on everyone's support!"
President Charles Goodshow's words seemed to carry a deeper meaning.
"Next, this invitation tournament will enter an even more exciting second round!"
"First, let me introduce the four contestants who have successfully advanced! Silver! Yong! Muren! And Miss Diantha!"