The first day's challenges ended with Metagross's overwhelming dominance. Yong defeated the Dark-type Elite Four member Sidney and the Ghost-type Elite Four member Pheobe in succession. By overcoming these two relatively young members of the Pokémon League's Elite Four, he had successfully cleared the first hurdle.
Of course, everyone understood that the real challenge would only begin tomorrow.
After the first day's matches ended, the Hoenn League arranged for everyone who had come to watch to rest at the Competitors' Village.
The bustle of the day gradually faded into quiet.
Yong entrusted the Pokémon who had battled to Nurse Joy and Chansey, then prepared his partners for tomorrow before leaving the Pokémon Center.
Outside, Reggie, Cynthia, Roxanne, and Tengshu were already waiting for him.
Yong's parents had left ahead of them, accompanied by Professor Oak and Professor Carolina.
"How did your first day of battles feel?"
Roxanne asked with a bright smile.
Yong shook his head as he walked among them, and the group strolled toward the sea of flowers in the distance.
"Mr. Sidney and Miss Pheobe are still very impressive Trainers. Like the opponents I faced in the Eastern and Western Hemisphere Challenge, they're both at the Elite Four tier, but they're much stronger."
Cynthia smiled faintly.
"Of course. Once someone becomes a member of the Pokémon League's Elite Four, the resources and information available to them are beyond what other organizations can offer. Besides, Sidney and Pheobe were already outstanding Elite Four-level Trainers. It's hardly surprising that they've advanced even further from there."
As she spoke, Cynthia looked at Yong and said softly,
"But tomorrow's matches will be a step up in difficulty. Have you decided how you'll handle them?"
Yong pondered for a moment, but there was no sign of nervousness on his face. Seeing this,