The next day at the Ever Grande Conference,
Alex showed his ID card and his new participant number before entering the participants' waiting room.
When Alex entered the room, he immediately felt a large number of stares directed at him. Almost all the participants recognized him, but most of them didn't seem particularly interested in approaching him for a conversation.
He recognized many of the participants as well. He immediately spotted Winona, who was sitting alone on a bench near the wall. As soon as Alex looked in her direction, she met his gaze without hesitation.
Alex thought, 'It seems she sees me as a worthy opponent right away and returned my gaze. I'm finally one of the favorites and being treated like one in a tournament. It feels pretty good.'
Before Alex could think about it further, Steven noticed him and immediately walked over.
He extended his hand and said with a smile, "Hey, Participant Number Three."
Alex looked at Steven's grin and couldn't help but think that he was starting to resemble him more and more.
He slapped his hand against Steven's and said with a small smile, "You know we have exactly the same average level, right? We're both Participant Number Two, if anything."
Steven smiled broadly and asked, "Oh, is that so? If that's the case, I assume your participant ID also shows Number Two, right?"
Alex, who knew his ID clearly showed Number Three, looked at Steven for a second before saying, "How much money did you pay to get the Number Two?"
Steven replied casually, "Alex, you can't make rich jokes anymore when you're as rich as me, or maybe even richer, you know?"
Alex didn't really want to admit it, but Steven was probably right.
Steven would almost certainly become richer than him after taking over his father's company, but for now, Alex was definitely the wealthier of the two.
Alex shook his head and said, "You know, hearing that from you feels strange. one year ago, I would have thought you were joking if you told me I'd be richer than the heir of the Devon Corporation."
Steven chuckled and replied, "A year ago, I would have thought you were joking if you told me you'd become one of the favorites to win the Hoenn Champion Tournament."
Alex smiled slightly. "True."
Steven laughed loudly enough to attract a few curious glances from nearby participants.
Alex then adopted a more serious expression as he said, "But seriously, Steven. I intend to win this tournament, and I don't think you can stop me."
Steven flashed a broad smile as he replied, "You've really become more confident now that we're finally on the same level, but I have a big surprise waiting for you in our match."
Alex showed a slightly bewildered expression as he asked, "Surprise? What are you talking about, Steven?"
For the first time that day, Steven's expression became completely serious as he said, "I've been developing a perfect plan against you for months. Don't think you stand a chance against me with your usual tactics."
Alex blinked. "Months?"
Steven nodded calmly. "Months."
Alex looked genuinely surprised now. "You're telling me you've spent months preparing specifically for me?"
Steven replied without any embarrassment, "Of course."
Alex stared at him for a moment before saying, "That's actually a little creepy."
Steven ignored the comment and continued, "You do realize that every time we meet, you somehow pull out another ridiculous strategy."
Alex looked offended. "My strategies aren't ridiculous."
"They absolutely are."
"They work."
"They shouldn't."
Alex crossed his arms. "You sound like Crobat."
Steven pointed at him. "Good. Crobat understands me."
Alex immediately replied, "No, Crobat just enjoys insulting me."
Steven looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, "Those aren't mutually exclusive."
Alex was silent for several seconds. "...You know, I suddenly understand why we're friends."
Steven smiled.
Alex then looked at him seriously and asked, "So what exactly is this perfect plan?"
Steven immediately shook his head. "No chance."
"Come on."
"No."
"Just one hint."
Steven thought for a moment before saying, "Fine. I'll give you one hint."
Alex waited patiently.
Steven looked him directly in the eyes and said, "Your biggest strength is also your biggest weakness."
Alex frowned. "That doesn't narrow it down at all."
Steven smiled again. "Good. That wasn't a real hint either."
Alex stared at him for a few seconds before finally saying, "You know, I was more worried about Amber and Winona then you before we had this conversation."
Steven raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Alex looked directly at him and replied, " But now I think you're the most dangerous opponent in the tournament."
For a brief moment, Steven looked genuinely pleased by the compliment. Then he said, "Likewise."
The joking atmosphere disappeared almost instantly.
The two trainers looked at one another silently.
Both understood exactly what the other was capable of. Both knew that if they met in the tournament, neither would hold back.
After several seconds, Steven finally broke the silence and said, "Even though I didn't underestimate you, unlike a certain jerk who apparently needed his opponent to give him a hint before realizing how dangerous he was."
Alex chuckled and said, "You're really a little upset that I only ranked you as my third most dangerous opponent?"
Steven looked completely serious as he replied, "Of course I am. How would you feel if your rival only ranked you as his third most dangerous opponent, even though you have a winning record against him?"
Alex opened his mouth to answer but stopped. After thinking about it for a moment, he said, "Okay, I'd be a little annoyed too."
The serious atmosphere quickly faded, and the two resumed talking about lighter topics while waiting for the tournament to begin.
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