Lily Island is located on the sea east of the Sinnoh Region, at the center area of Binhai City and the Sinnoh Alliance Headquarters.
It's a not-so-large island, but all its facilities are very complete. Some major events in the Sinnoh Region are held on Lily Island.
The natural environment of Lily Island is well preserved. Looking down from above, you can see large stretches of greenery covering the entire island, with a small mountain standing tall, and all the man-made buildings and facilities are located at the southern tip of the island, close to the sea.
As the plane descended, Natsuhiko and his group of five finally arrived at this island city, which is now bustling with excitement.
Hosting a large event is not something that can be prepared overnight. It goes through many stages, from initial planning, review, promotion, registration, to the start of the competition.
However, the benefits brought by a large event are also obvious.
Lily Island is now gathering a large number of tourists and trainers from around the world, greatly boosting the economic development of Lily Island.
Almost all the hotels, shopping malls, and vendors have experienced an explosive growth in customers.
Walking on the bustling streets, the Chimchar lying on Natsuhiko's shoulder curiously looks around at everything, which is all new to its eyes.
Lily Island does not restrict Pokémon, as long as they don't engage in any behavior that violates the regulations of Lily Island.
After all, the Alliance Police and even Miss Jenny, who can be seen everywhere, are not to be trifled with.
"We don't need to register, right?" Natsuhiko couldn't help but ask.
Looking at the main venue of the competition, the huge oval-shaped open-air arena, and the long registration queue outside, Natsuhiko couldn't help but shiver.
It's really exaggerated.
Even though the Alliance has set strict rules for trainers entering the competition, the registration line still stretches from the arena to the commercial street.
Just looking at the bustle, you can tell that the Sinnoh Alliance has definitely done enough publicity.
Of course, the Sinnoh Alliance also earns a lot of money during the competition period.
"No need." Lance replied with a smile.
Those of them who survived the trial from the Alternate Space can directly participate in the group matches without registering for the preliminary or qualifying rounds, saving a lot of hassle.
Upon hearing this, Natsuhiko silently breathed a sigh of relief.
The Youth Championship alone has attracted so much attention. It's hard to imagine how lively it would be when it comes to the "Lily Master Championship" that really determines the direction of a region.
"Natsuhiko! Lance! Hilona! Kona!"
When Natsuhiko and the others walked out of the busiest commercial street and reached the relatively quieter residential area, they finally reunited with Flint, whom they hadn't seen for a long time.
Of course, Flint's little follower Du Juan couldn't be avoided once he appeared.
The few people who shared experiences during the trial quickly became familiar again.
As for Xiaochun.
She didn't participate in the trial, so she went to register.
However, due to her status, she naturally doesn't have to line up like ordinary trainers.
"The preliminaries start tomorrow, I'll take you to your accommodations first." Flint bowed gracefully, making a "please" gesture, eliciting a knowing smile from everyone.
Very soon.
With Flint and Du Juan leading the way, Natsuhiko and the others arrived at the corner of the residential area, where the environment is the most beautiful, and the facilities are the most complete.
What appeared before Natsuhiko and the others was a large villa with three floors. The building alone occupies more than a thousand square meters, not to mention the large yard surrounding the villa equipped with various battlefields, training grounds, and facilities.
Looking at the villa, although Natsuhiko had already mentally prepared himself, he couldn't help but show a "country bumpkin" expression of astonishment.
"Just bought it?" He seemed to have foreseen this harsh reality.
"No, am I such a spendthrift?" Flint shook his head.
Before Natsuhiko could breathe a sigh of relief, Du Juan said, "This villa district is contracted by Devon Company."
Well.
What he thought would be a blow now feels like nothing to Natsuhiko.
It's numbing.
The ability of Devon Company to contract such a large villa district on such an important island as Lily Island in the Sinnoh Region is unmatched.
Poverty indeed limits one's imagination.
Do you think buying this villa makes him rich?
Without realizing, the whole villa district is owned by his family.
Seeing Hilona, who had already arranged everything in the villa, glanced at the empty villa not far away and silently put away the key in her hand.
Wouldn't living together be more lively?
"Then we won't be polite." Lance quickly accepted the situation.
Then everyone walked into the villa.
"There aren't many rooms, but one room per person is still possible. Everyone can choose for themselves." Du Juan took out a bunch of keys, looking just like a landlord ready to collect rent.
In the end, Hilona, Kona, Du Juan, and the still absent Xiaochun claimed the four rooms on the third floor, while Natsuhiko, Flint, and Lance, the three boys, very kindly took the second floor.
When Natsuhiko entered his room, he was once again stunned.
He finally understood why Du Juan said there weren't many rooms.
Is this a room? This is a suite, right?
Bedroom, living room, restroom, and bathroom, all fully equipped.
So spacious that Natsuhiko thought he might as well find a hotel.
Considering the current situation on Lily Island, finding a hotel with a vacant room is not an easy task, plus all the training facilities here are very complete.
He could only "reluctantly" accept.
To the left of his room was Lance, and to his right was Flint.
Stepping onto the spacious balcony, outside was a large swimming pool, not only could they use it, but it also allowed Water-type Pokémon to relax.
Leaning on the balcony railing.
The soft evening breeze with a faint salty smell brushed against his cheeks, and looking at the gradually setting orange sun in the distance, the reddish halo seemed to coat the entire Lily Island with a layer of golden-red film, tinting the sea and reflecting on the clouds.
Even someone like Natsuhiko, who is indifferent to the environment, felt a hint of beauty as if he was looking at an unfolding painting.
Holding his breath in his chest, he wanted to express something, but he couldn't find the right word or sentence.
At times like this, one always lamented the lack of knowledge.
Suddenly.
Just as Natsuhiko was racking his brain, a black spot appeared at the center of the round, large orange sun in the distance, standing out starkly.
"Hmm?" Seeing the black spot, Natsuhiko couldn't help but be startled.
But when he looked again, there was nothing there.
An illusion?
Having experienced too many so-called illusions and coincidences, Natsuhiko does not believe in such things.
"Qiankong.*Note 1" A calm, soft voice came from above Natsuhiko.
It was Hilona, who, unlike Natsuhiko, had come up with a fitting beautiful word upon seeing the sunset scene, standing on the balcony above him.
Noticing Natsuhiko's gaze, Hilona leaned over and saw Natsuhiko's head poking out from below.
She smiled warmly.
"Hilona, did you see a black spot near the sun just now?" Natsuhiko asked.
"A black spot?" Hilona glanced at the gradually setting sun again and shook her head slightly after pondering, "No."
"No...?"
Could it really be an illusion? Too tired lately?
After thinking about it, even if there were a black spot, it wouldn't really affect him, so he temporarily put it aside.
"Qiankong, huh? Seems appropriate."
He really doesn't quite fit these delicate cultures, better with simple phrases.
——————
Note 1: Qiankong (あかねぞら) generally refers to the sky dyed a light orange-red by the sunset in autumn.