In the twilight, Wyndon Stadium resembled an enormous pink flower bud. The venue, which could hold tens of thousands, was packed, and the stands had already become a seething sea of color.
Children wearing Charizard-horn fan hats rode on their fathers' shoulders, waving glow sticks carelessly. On the giant screen at the center of the stadium, all kinds of GG played in rotation.
"I didn't expect us to go first."
"Going first is a good omen. Aside from the finals, this match gets the most attention. My luck really is great."
Iono was very pleased with their place in the draw and was now considering her lineup.
"Our opponents this time are Mustard and Pop. Tsk, what a seasoned pair of veterans. They're going to be tough."
Both were veteran competitors from the Galar Region. Mustard had been the Gym Leader of its former Fighting-type Gym, the Dojo Gym, as well as a former Champion of Galar.
Known as the strongest Champion in history, he had gone undefeated for eighteen consecutive years. After retiring, however, he had reportedly become addicted to games and evolved into a homebody who loved video games.
Pop, meanwhile, was the Gym Leader of Ballonlea Stadium in Ballonlea, known as the fantastical theater.
She was a Fairy-type Trainer and the oldest current Gym Leader in the Galar Region, having held her position for seventy years.
No one doubted her strength, either.
"The rules are a four-on-four Double Battle. In that case... I'll use Kilowattrel and Mismagius."
As an Electric-type Gym Leader, Iono's ace was actually a Mismagius with an Electric Tera Type. Kilowattrel was also a member of her main team.
This all-star match wasn't merely an exhibition for entertainment. It was a chance to show some real strength.
As the only Gym Leader from Paldea