"How did you even notice? Old Chen said Winona seemed insecure, but I didn't sense anything at all."
Steven frowned in confusion.
Phoebe perked her ears—she wanted the answer too.
Cynthia paused for two seconds, then spoke in her usual calm tone:
"She kept sneaking glances at me. Her eyes were… complicated.
There was admiration. But also frustration. And discouragement.
When the crowd recognized who we were, she clearly felt out of place.
In that moment, her eyes were full of insecurity."
Steven suddenly understood. He had been busy arguing with Kenji earlier and never noticed Winona at all.
Phoebe still didn't get it.
"Why would she feel uncomfortable?"
To someone as carefree as Phoebe, Winona's mindset was alien.
Chen Shi chuckled.
"Maybe she feels like she doesn't belong beside us. Your fame is too overwhelming."
Cynthia thought for a moment, then nodded—she agreed.
Steven sighed.
"Then I can't understand her thinking at all. Maybe Old Chen's right—her thoughts don't follow normal logic."
He shrugged. "Looks like Wallace is going to suffer in the future."
Chen Shi waved it off.
"That's their problem. Come on, let's head back. Tonight we'll ask the chef to make something good. Last big meal before the matches start tomorrow."
Phoebe's eyes lit up.
"Yes!! Feast time!!"
The other three exchanged helpless smiles as they made their way back to the villa.
The Next Morning
The four dressed and headed toward the enormous Silver Venue, following the flow of competitors.
Officer Jennys patrolled every corner.
More than thirty Nurse Joys passed by—just the logistical team.
Steven whistled softly.
"This setup is way grander than any regional conference."
Chen Shi and Phoebe had no comparison point.
Cynthia did—and she nodded.
This was far beyond the Lily of the Valley Conference.
But then again…
The League had summoned elite young trainers from every major region.
This scale was only natural.
Private Rooms for the Top 30
A staff member approached when they showed their badges.
Upon seeing the numbers, his attitude immediately grew respectful.
"Right this way. Competitor numbers within 1–30 have private rest rooms prepared upstairs."
He guided them toward the elevators.
On the third floor, two long rows of doors stretched down the hallway—each labeled with a number from 1 to 30.
"These rooms include:
• A battle-feed screen
• Real-time opponent data
• Resting facilities."
Phoebe looked down at her badge.
"…But I'm number 73."
"There isn't a Room 73 here, right?"
The staffer froze—face stiff.
Of course he couldn't say the truth:
You're only up here because you came with three monsters.
Steven coughed gently to rescue him.
"Just stay with me, Phoebe. It's fine."
Phoebe puffed her cheeks but nodded. She understood.
Even so—she did have a gold invitation.
For someone with no public fame yet, that was already a miracle.
"Alright, let's go."
Chen Shi found Room 18, opened the door, and went in.
Steven brought Phoebe to his room.
Cynthia entered hers.
Inside Room 18
The room was spacious—fifty to sixty square meters.
A large sofa sat in the center, and an enormous display screen covered the wall.
Chen Shi collapsed onto the couch and released all his Pokémon.
"Rachiii!"
Swampert's eyes immediately lit up—finally, match day!
He didn't even remember the tournament's full name anymore.
But if there was battling?
He was in.
Chen Shi clapped.
"Everyone, rest or watch the screens. These first two days are prelims—mostly weak opponents. I'll let Charizard and Metagross warm up first."
"Roar!"
"Metta~"
Charizard and Metagross nodded.
Swampert looked betrayed… but accepted it.
His time would come.
Dragapult sprawled out and instantly fell half asleep.
Madame Florges sat elegantly by Chen Shi's side.
Opening Ceremony
At 8:00, the screen lit up.
An elderly man with a long beard appeared, smiling warmly.
"Welcome, elite trainers from around the world, to the inaugural World Championship.
I am Damalanchi. There is no need for further introductions."
Then came the speeches—encouragement for the youth, hopes for the next generation.
Champion Lance carried the torch and ignited the ceremonial flame.
Thunderous applause filled the entire venue.
"I hereby declare the first World Championship… officially begun!"
The arena exploded with cheers.
Banners waved. Roars shook the air.
The entire stadium felt alive.
Match Assignment
After the ceremony, the real-time match board flickered on.
Chen Shi scanned the screen.
"Oh? 9:00 AM. Arena 48. Opponent: No. 564."
Less than an hour away.
He leaned back, exhaling softly.
"Over four thousand participants.
By tonight, half will be gone.
Tomorrow decides the top 128."
His eyes sharpened—
"Brutal… but thrilling."
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