Wednesday, with clear skies as far as the eye could see.
Bright sunlight streamed down from the sky, illuminating the entire Indigo Stadium.
Amid waves of cheers, two winners had already emerged from Group A after a morning of battles. Once the lunch break ended, the spectators' attention focused once again on the afternoon's two matches!
At that moment, the main arena of Indigo Stadium, which could seat fifty thousand people, was packed to capacity and roaring with voices!
Compared with the smaller preliminary arenas, this venue was far grander, and the number of spectators had increased considerably. Countless figures moved all around, and standing among them, everywhere one looked was a lively scene!
Streamers, horns, balloons, and cheering sticks were everywhere, filling the place with a festive atmosphere.
People drank cola and ate popcorn, immersed in the biggest annual tournament!
Ash's match was scheduled for one that afternoon.
As his friends and family, Xia You, Chloe, Misty, Brock, Delia, Professor Oak, and the others had taken their seats early, waiting for the match to begin.
The announcer's impassioned voice rang in their ears as he first warmed up the crowd and introduced both competitors' records. Then, amid tremendous cheers, Ritchie walked onto the battlefield first.
However, when the announcer introduced Ash, his words ended, and a long wait followed, yet Ash still failed to enter!
The announcer was startled at first, then called out repeatedly, but no matter how long they waited, Ash still did not appear!
Now, not only the spectators but even the organizers, the Pokémon League, had never expected such a situation!
Staff members hurried to the waiting room to look for him, but there was no sign of Ash there either.
"What's going on?" People exchanged bewildered looks, and one spectator asked in surprise, "Where