Time always slipped away unnoticed.
An hour soon passed, and the stands came alive again, filled with an endless clamor of cheers and shouts.
It was noon, and the sunlight shone even more brilliantly.
The battlefield seemed to have been replaced or renovated during that time. In any case, when Yong returned to the competitors' seats, the battlefield before him had changed once again.
This time, it was a wetland plain covered in rocks and marshes, steeped in desolation and decay!
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Fireworks shot into the sky and bloomed in the sunlight!
The host's enthusiastic voice rang through the venue amid the booming fireworks.
"Welcome back to the Elite Four Invitation Tournament!"
Across the regions, waiting viewers once again gathered around their televisions.
Whenever a familiar figure flashed across the screen, those close to the competitors would smile knowingly or clench their fists in excitement to cheer them on.
Mr. Brawly, who was with Yong's parents at that moment, was one such person.
"That kid! He just keeps getting more impressive! This is the Elite Four Invitation Tournament! Ha!"
His mother's smile held a quiet pride as well. To her, Yong's achievements had already given her more than enough satisfaction and pride. As his mother, she wished more than anything that her son could spend more time by her side...
Of course, she understood that Yong had far greater dreams.
As his mother, she was unwilling to impose her own wishes on her child.
Now, watching Yong receive noticeably more screen time, her gaze grew even gentler.
The host's words came clearly through the television.
"The second round will follow a challenge format, with each challenger choosing their opponent! The competitors will battle one-on-one, but unlike the first round, each match will involve only one Pokémon per side!