The elimination round, announced by the Sinnoh Alliance representative, the Elite Four Ice-type Elite Four Kikuno, officially began.
During the elimination round, the originally used small battle arenas were abandoned, and all battles will take place in the Lily Arena, under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Moreover, during the elimination round, everyone can use three Pokémon, greatly enhancing the viewing experience, as diverse tactics and attribute advantages can be effectively showcased.
All contestants who entered the top 64, regardless of the final outcome, will receive a certificate issued by the Alliance officials.
This certificate has practical benefits, as everyone can use it to gain certain advantages when seeking jobs in the Pokémon-related industries.
However, those who enter the top 64 are usually geniuses from various regions, who do not worry about finding work. Even if they do pursue a career, they can choose to work within the Alliance.
It's no exaggeration to say that entering the top 64 of this tournament is a formal entry into the Alliance's horizon, perhaps more meaningful than some tangible rewards.
Of course, for this tournament, the Sinnoh Alliance and other alliances have long prepared generous rewards to attract young Trainers from various regions to participate.
And entering the top 64 means obtaining a nice reward.
The higher the ranking, the more lavish the rewards.
In the players' lounge, the contestants have already received their battle lists. The pairs for the sixty-four to thirty-two matches have been randomly assigned by the tournament's computer system.
Coincidentally.
As the face of Sinnoh, Hilona will be the first to appear, and her opponent is someone Natsuhiko does not know.
The final result was naturally no surprise.
Hilona, leveraging Lucario's strength, accomplished an impressive 3-0 sweep, successfully igniting the passion of the tournament's audience.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the stands.
"Ash, hurry up! Because of your lateness, the match has already started and we missed Miss Hilona's debut." A blond boy in navy clothes urged another boy who looked slightly "naïve" behind him.
This boy with a baseball cap is none other than the future "the chosen one," nicknamed "Master Ash," "the big fool" Ash Ketchum.
And the person urging him is Professor Oak's grandson, Ash's rival, Gary Oak.
"Is this what Pokémon battles are like?"
Ash stared blankly at the arena and the surroundings filled with cheering waves, experiencing a great shock to his young heart.
"Hurry up." Gary saw Ash zoning out again, quickly came back and pulled him to his seat, "Don't disturb others from watching."
"Oh, oh."
Behind them, an elderly man with white hair and a casual look on his face was full of smiles. Watching Ash and Gary, he felt as if he had become years younger.
This man is the renowned Professor Oak, now the research authority in the Pokémon Realm.
Unable to refuse Gary, he took some time to stealthily bring them to Lily Island to watch the match.
"Hua Zi, let's go too."
Beside Professor Oak stood a beautiful woman in her thirties also dressed in casual wear, Ash's mother, Hua Zi.
"Okay." Hua Zi responded with a smile.
The four settled down in an inconspicuous corner.
Gary took out a small computer from his backpack. It displayed the list of the top 64 who entered this elimination round and the battle roster, including the first match where Hilona's victory was determined.
Although he couldn't see Hilona's first battle, Gary was somewhat regretful. However, as he slid his finger and the screen moved, the image froze on a familiar avatar.
"Grandpa, look, Nana has really come to participate in this tournament, her name is on the list." Gary pointed at the screen showing Nanami's avatar.
"Miss Nanami also came to participate in this tournament? That's really impressive." Hua Zi covered her mouth, apparently surprised that Nanami, who usually seemed so quiet, would partake in such a fervent competition.
Professor Oak's smile remained, but his eyes showed a hint of helplessness.
Part of the reason he agreed to Gary's repeated requests to watch the competition was because Nanami appeared in some footage, catching Gary's attention.
His own sister secretly participating in such a tournament—how could the brother not come to support?
"This little girl..." Although it sounded helpless, it was filled with affection.
Unlike Gary, for whom there are certain expectations, Professor Oak truly dotes on Nanami from an early age.
The closeness of the generations is vividly manifesting in them.
Otherwise, Professor Oak wouldn't have entrusted his Pokémon to Nanami.
But he also knows that Nanami's personality is not suited to being a Trainer. Instead, she is more suitable to be a Coordinator, a path becoming increasingly popular.
"Hope she doesn't lose too badly."
Despite having Chansey that he provided, Chansey is not specialized in combat, and the elimination round is a three-on-three format; it's still challenging for one Pokémon to determine the victory.
Nanami doesn't have the battle experience like Hilona.