"Ding! Steelix won an official battle! Gained 300 Training Points! Gained a small amount of experience!" "Ding! Iron Tail proficiency increased!"
Listening to the system notifications, Yong expected nothing. Steelix had already broken past level 80 and reached level 81. Without the Stone Plate's help, the experience required to level up was simply staggering...
The experience from a single battle, especially against a weaker opponent, did little to help Steelix level up.
Instead, it was more realistic to hope that Steelix could take one small step along its "path" as it deepened its understanding of energy.
As the boy's thoughts wandered, Miss Diantha recalled Goodra. She stood quietly for a moment, taking in the arena's fervent atmosphere and cheers, then smiled and addressed the referee.
"Mr. Referee, I concede. I still have Tyrantrum left, but there's no need to keep battling!"
The referee's expression did not change at her words, as though he had expected them... Instead, the host's astonished voice rang out through the arena once more.
"Miss Diantha... seems to have conceded..."
On the field, the referee spoke up just then.
"Contestant Diantha has forfeited the match! The winner is... Shiyan Yong from the Hoenn Region!"
"We have a winner~~~!"
The host's voice grew shrill and booming, his shock unmistakable.
"Miss Diantha has indeed forfeited the match! At last!!! We have our result!!!"
"The champion of this Eastern and Western Hemisphere Invitation Tournament has been decided..."
"He is..."
"From the Eastern Hemisphere!!!"
"The Hoenn Region!!!"
"Dewford Town!!!"
"Contestant Shiyan Yong!!!"
"Let's congratulate him on claiming the championship!!! The 'Rock Sovereign'!!! A truly deserved title!!!"
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Seven blasts in succession!
Huge fireworks encircled the sky above the entire arena, splashing brilliant colors beneath the blue heavens!
Multicolored streamers rained down, scattering