The six chatted as they walked, and Ash hurried to introduce himself to the other two who had yet to give their names.
"Hi, everyone, my name is Shirai Hui. You can just call me Ash."
The other five looked at Ash and introduced themselves in turn.
"My name is Zhong Chuqing. Just call me A-Qing."
"My name is Ling Guangyan. Just call me A-Xin."
"I'm Seto Hong. Everyone can call me Xiao Hong."
"I'm Song Feng. You can call me Tate."
"My name is Kageyama Long. Just call me A-Long."
After briefly getting acquainted and chatting a little, they arrived at the venue.
Upperclassmen were stationed at the entrance registration desk to guide people to their seats. When the six gave their names, everyone nearby turned to look, whispering, "Are those this year's Elite Four Class students?"
"Probably, but they don't look like much."
"Who knows? Maybe their families just gave them better Pokémon."
"Personally, I don't think the teachers running the assessment were all that strong."
"Don't you think the blond one is really handsome?"
"No way, that girl is the real looker."
"But I think that black-haired boy has a comforting air about him."
"Stop talking nonsense. Doesn't one of them look like some country bumpkin farmer?"
As the comments grew more outrageous, the six hurried into the venue and took their seats.
Phew... Getting out for a walk sure beats staying in that gloomy haunted house. I really don't understand why the others keep themselves cooped up in such a dark, dreary place all day. Isn't it nice to get out more? This gentle breeze, the warm sunshine, the green meadow-everything is so wonderful. I lay on the grass, letting the blades brush my cheeks and the sun warm my body, spending my weekend in