While Steven and the others were still pondering Aoki's words, the battle between Lance and Lorelei had already begun.
Ice-type moves are super effective against Dragon-type Pokémon. Before the Fairy type appeared, this was the only way to deal with Dragon-type Pokémon. Therefore, Lorelei, as an Ice-type Elite Four member, had a certain type advantage.
However, this advantage was actually much greater than many people imagined. Because Lance's Pokémon were either Dragon-types or Flying-types, and some, like Dragonite, were both Dragon and Flying-type, Lorelei, despite being inferior to Lance in raw strength, always managed to cause him a lot of trouble.
Since this battle was somewhat performative, it wasn't a 6v6 combat mode to test practical skills, but rather a 1v1 all-member battle mode.
Each person could use six Pokémon, and the side whose six Pokémon all lost their combat ability would be defeated.
This mode is currently the most widely accepted and popular battle style. Although it doesn't fully showcase their entire strength, it's sufficient.
Leagues in various regions hold numerous large and small competitions almost every year, and based on a trainer's strength, they categorize competitions that trainers of different strength levels can participate in.
However, no matter the level, none would feature battles between trainers with Elite Four strength, as seen today.
It was only due to such a grand event, with the Kanto region being divided into Kanto and Johto, that so many battles between trainers of this caliber could be witnessed.
This was also one of the main reasons why so many spectators came from various regions, drawn by their reputation.
The battle between Lance and Lorelei was spectacular, showcasing the strength an Elite Four level trainer should possess.
The two knew each other very well, so the battle had no pauses or hesitations. They countered each other's moves, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Just as Aoki said, Lorelei would not go easy on Lance, and Lance would not go easy on her. If he intentionally lost to Lorelei by going easy, their relationship would be irrevocably damaged, and in front of such a massive audience, Lance would never allow himself to go easy.
So, while the match was exciting, the outcome was not too surprising.
Ultimately, Lance emerged victorious, though it was a hard-fought win, losing five Pokémon and relying on Dragonite to turn the tide in the end.
Lorelei showed no reaction to losing to Lance. After recalling her Pokémon, she headed straight for the Pokémon Center.
The audience, too, was incredibly satisfied, as for many, this was likely the first time in their lives they had witnessed a battle of this caliber.
Although Lance won, the public gained a deeper understanding of both their strengths and did not criticize Lorelei's ability for losing the match.
Instead, their battle became the benchmark for this challenge. Everyone felt that only with such strength could one be called an Elite Four and be given the title of Elite Four.
Because Lorelei had taken her Pokémon to the Pokémon Center, and she had already battled once, the host skipped over her.
Next, it was the turn of the Johto region's members.
First up was Koga, the current top-ranked Poison-type Elite Four. As the former Gym Leader of Fuchsia City and a ninja, he also had a good reputation.
Koga took the microphone from the host and looked around at the various VIP boxes.
He wouldn't choose to challenge Agatha or Bruno, as his chances of winning were not high enough to adequately showcase his strength.
Winning or losing wasn't the most important thing, so he wouldn't choose those who also lacked any significant reputation.
Finally, he looked towards the VIP box representing the Hoenn region, where Aoki was watching the ceremony.
"Although I am a ninja, I actually frequent the internet. I must admit, I am also a big fan of the very famous Sandstorm Elite Four online. So, I hope to challenge the Hoenn region's Sandstorm Elite Four, Aoki, here! As a good start to my journey as an Elite Four!" Koga said, holding the microphone.
It was hard to imagine that Koga, who usually appeared quiet and serious, would say such flattering words on such an occasion.
However, this ceremony allowed anyone in the stands to become a challenger.
Of course, the challenged party also had the right to refuse.
Hearing the name of the person Koga wanted to challenge, the audience cheered wildly, with constant shouts and most people chanting Aoki's name.
Aoki, as the Sandstorm Elite Four of the Hoenn region, was different from Lance and Lorelei. He had one famous battle: the one against the Black Messenger on a small island outside the Hoenn region.
Red sand filling the sky, a shattered island—these were Aoki's achievements.
Unfortunately, because the damage caused by the battle was too severe, no one was able to observe it up close at the time, which led to online haters seizing on this point and criticizing him relentlessly.
Today, Koga challenging Aoki meant that they would finally be able to see Aoki's battle, and watch it up close!
Aoki wasn't too surprised to hear Koga challenge him.
After all, he and Koga had an oral cooperation agreement, and even if Koga didn't challenge him, Aoki estimated that one of the next three people would challenge him.
While inside Mt. Silver, Silver had told him that the Black Messenger of the Divine Cult had been chosen again, and that he would see them during this ceremony.
Although there were so many people here, if he eliminated them one by one, Aoki could probably narrow down the scope to the four newly appointed Elite Four members of the Johto region.
Koga, who was a Team Rocket executive, was not on Aoki's exclusion list, which meant that Koga could also have been swayed by the Divine Cult and become one of their members.
However, Koga's probability was still the lowest. What concerned Aoki the most was the last person, dressed in white, a trainer named Falkner, whom he had never heard of.
Aoki appeared on the field amidst the cheers of Steven and the others, standing opposite Koga, who was already prepared.
The cheers from the audience never stopped after Aoki came out, but they were selectively ignored and forgotten by the two of them.
Aoki's impression of Koga's strength remained from Lance's Elite Four challenge, during his battle with Lance.
However, Aoki knew that was not Koga's true strength, and he wondered how much strength Koga would display today.
The two exchanged glances, seeing some inexplicable meaning in each other's eyes.
It was undeniably strange that two Team Rocket executives would appear in a battle at a League-hosted ceremony, as Elite Four members of the League.
"Please go easy on me, Elite Four Aoki."
In terms of age, Koga was older than Aoki, but in terms of the time they became Elite Four, Aoki was the senior.