Ash's entrance completely overshadowed every other contestant, leaving them in the shade and drawing every spectator's gaze to him.
There was only one way to describe it: unbelievably cool!
Compared to him, contestants like Xia You, who had made perfectly ordinary entrances, had been utterly eclipsed.
The announcer received word just then and explained to the spectators, "According to the news we've just received, the previous torchbearer injured his ankle and was unable to complete the torch relay. The person we're seeing now is Ash, who also advanced through the Selection Tournament to the Preliminaries!"
After a pause, the announcer continued, "And the flame in his hand is the undying flame of the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh, which quelled war and restored life to the land and forests-the sacred flame! As we can now see, Ash has carried the sacred flame all the way to the cauldron..."
Inside the stadium, Ash held the torch high as he crossed more than half the field, ran up the steps, and reached the enormous cauldron. As he brought the torch close, a roar rang out and the entire cauldron ignited, marking the true beginning of this Silver Conference!
The spectators erupted into their most enthusiastic cheers yet. Even Xia You and the other contestants could not help applauding as they looked up at the blazing sacred flame.
Every one of them was filled with excitement. Not just Xia You, but every contestant silently wished for a perfect result at this Silver Conference!
Amid this atmosphere, Pokémon League President Charles Goodshow stepped up to the podium.
Normally a short man, he looked so imposing at that moment under the lights and amid the atmosphere.
Standing before the microphone, he cleared his throat and smiled. "To all the contestants who advanced through the Selection Tournament, Ho-Oh's