The Whirl Cup's venue was different from the preliminaries. It was a huge, circular aquatic arena with a strong ancient Greek style. Who knew how many years each brick and stone had stood there? It looked steeped in history.
The arena could hold twenty thousand spectators at once. At its center was flowing seawater, with more than a dozen stone pillars of different sizes and heights rising above it for Pokémon Trainers and Pokémon to stand on.
Compared with the perfunctory preliminaries, the Main Tournament's opening ceremony was undoubtedly on a much grander scale. Not only did fireworks and ceremonial salutes sound together, but an elegant, beautiful priestess holding a scepter was presiding over the event!
By nine in the morning, every seat in the stadium was filled. Countless spectators had arrived early and were waiting eagerly.
Meanwhile, Xia You, Ash, Misty, and the other sixty-one contestants entered the stadium from the sea aboard more than a dozen long, narrow wooden boats. As they received the cheers and encouragement of the surrounding spectators, the contestants stood up straight, trying to show the audience their most spirited side.
The audience greeted these contestants with tremendous applause and cheers.
Amid this atmosphere, the male announcer's deep, clear voice began to echo over the arena, marking the official start of the opening ceremony!
"Ladies and gentlemen, look! These are the contestants who have made it through the preliminaries of this triennial event, all aiming to become the Hero of the Sea! Since ancient times, the Whirl Islands have had their own independent culture and civilization. We worship Water-type Pokémon and have lived alongside them to this day! That culture has not disappeared, and it continues to be passed down by Miss Maya, the High Priestess of the Sea, who safeguards these age-old traditions!"