The sight of seven people standing in a row was magnificent. Even through the screen, I could clearly feel the presence they radiated.
One person was missing, but these were the people I would have to defeat.
Each was an expert in their type.
Unlike when I was in the Sinnoh Region, I had some experience now. But as far as I knew, this region's Gym Leaders were even more tenacious. There was a good chance they were stronger, too. It looked as though we were in for a tougher fight than in Sinnoh.
"Would all participants please prepare to enter?"
A voice from the committee came from somewhere. We all nodded at it. The once-noisy Waiting Room fell quiet, and everyone headed toward the Stadium in turn. Champion Leon was probably making his entrance right about then.
I followed the corridor toward the Stadium, scattered footsteps sounding behind me. The corridor gradually grew darker, but the light from the Stadium illuminated the way. Our footsteps echoed inside, slowly drowned out by the crowd. At last, the person leading us passed through the Stadium entrance.
"Waaaaah!!"
"Ah."
As the roar rose, a gust swept over me. It felt as though I had been blown backward, almost pushed off my feet. Glancing slightly to the side, I saw that Marnie and Yuuri had narrowed their eyes, too. Hop had no idea how to contain the excitement on his face, but finally, we emerged from the dark corridor into the brightly lit Stadium. I walked forward one step at a time, feeling the spring of the grass push back against my soles, until I reached the line of Gym Leaders.
Standing in the center of the Stadium, I could now hear cheers coming from every direction, a full 360 degrees, whereas before