Hearthome City, Super Contest Hall.
This venue was typically reserved for Contests, but following the establishment of the Master League, it began serving as one of the league's primary battle venues.
The Master League's popularity exceeded the expectations of Lance and Wallace, who had discussed its creation.
Even battles between Gym Leaders—not Champions or Elite Four members—drew completely packed crowds.
Since Gym Leaders were relatively familiar to ordinary Trainers, many suddenly realized, "Gym Leaders are this strong?"
"Were they holding back when they battled me?"
Indeed, they were.
Gym Leaders selected which Pokémon to use based on how many badges a Trainer possessed.
Unless they'd just taken over a Gym, most possessed Master-level Trainer strength.
Powerful Gym Leaders, such as Giovanni and Blue, operated at Champion level.
The Master League allowed Trainers to clearly understand Gym Leaders' true strength while letting audiences experience the thrill of high-level matchups.
In the sandstorm, Mismagius lost a portion of its HP each turn.
However, Fantina wasn't completely disadvantaged. She'd used Mystical Fire to lower Tyranitar's Special Attack.
And her next move...
"Mismagius, Energy Ball!"
Although Energy Ball wasn't a STAB move for Mismagius, it dealt quadruple damage to Tyranitar.
"With the sandstorm boost, Brock's Tyranitar has high HP, so it should survive."
"It's also holding Leftovers, giving Brock a higher chance of winning."
Even with the sandstorm obscuring vision, the Energy Ball struck Tyranitar's chest accurately.
Accompanied by thick smoke, Tyranitar's body staggered backward uncontrollably.
The commentator shouted excitedly, "The speed difference between these two is enormous!"
Since this was Hearthome City's home turf and Fantina served as the city's Gym Leader, most of the audience supported her.
From every perspective, Brock faced an uphill battle.
Even with Dragon Dance, Tyranitar would need at least two turns to match Mismagius's speed.
Fantina kept Mismagius at a safe distance.
"Mismagius, Energy Ball again!"
Brock's eyes hardened with resolve. "Block it!"
Tyranitar first used the swirling sand to slow the Energy Ball's momentum, then blocked it with its claws!
The Energy Ball was forcibly deflected upward by Tyranitar, striking the arena's ceiling and causing a tremor.
The commentator exclaimed, "Tyranitar blocked it!"
Although the Energy Ball still connected with Tyranitar, the result was far better than a direct hit.
This demonstrated battle's unpredictability.
Just like the originator of the Counter Shield strategy—Ash.
Even against super-effective moves, determination and creative tactics could overcome type disadvantages.
Wayne watched with excitement.
In the adjacent VIP box, Winona finally remembered where she'd heard Wayne's name.
Especially after Cynthia had just visited, requesting Energy Cubes from Wayne.
Since Cynthia had rushed to the venue, she hadn't brought any Pokémon food for her Garchomp.
For the past month, her Garchomp had exclusively eaten Pokémon food prepared by Wayne.
Eat anything else? It simply wasn't interested.
Winona had heard Wayne's name from Wallace.
Wallace had praised the Energy Cubes Wayne created highly. He'd once told Winona that Wayne's Energy Cube technique matched his own.
Although Wallace greatly respected elegant and powerful Trainers, Wallace was also proud by nature.
Winona understood clearly that if Wayne's Energy Cube technique wasn't truly exceptional, Wallace would never have made such a statement.
...
The opening battle between Cynthia and Wallace served more as an exhibition match.
In regular Master League matches, three Pokémon were selected from six, with defeat occurring when all three fainted.
Time flew during the battles, and Brock defeated Fantina using his Mega Steelix.
"Luvdisc is unable to battle! The winner is Champion Cynthia!"
Cynthia had deployed Milotic, Garchomp, and Roserade, claiming victory in this Champion-versus-Champion battle.
"Come back, Elisabeth. You're already beautiful enough."
Wallace recalled his fainted Luvdisc.
Despite losing to Cynthia, Wallace remained confident, offering Cynthia an elegant smile.
"Congratulations, Cynthia."
"Thank you."
After the match concluded, Cynthia's eyes lost the sharp intensity they'd held during battle.
In this match, Wallace had glimpsed echoes of the person who'd trained relentlessly on Mt. Silver.
...
Although Wallace's appearance leaned feminine, he was indeed male.
He changed clothes faster than Cynthia.
After switching out of his battle attire, Wallace arrived at the VIP box.
A smile played across his lips as he extended his hand to Wayne. "I finally get to meet you, Wayne."
Wallace had first heard Wayne's name from Steven.
Later, he'd encountered videos of Wayne teaching Energy Cube creation.
Initially, Wayne's Energy Cube technique hadn't matched Wallace's level.
However, Wallace noticed Wayne's progress was remarkably swift, and now Wayne's Energy Cube technique definitely rivaled his own.
Such a rate of improvement...
Wallace would call it... genius!
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Wallace."
"Just call me Wallace. When you have free time, why don't we compare Energy Cube techniques?"
"How would we compare?"
"Hmm... how about having Steven's and Cynthia's Pokémon judge?"
Cynthia's voice came from behind Wallace.
"Then you might lose."
Wallace's gaze shifted between Wayne and Cynthia. "I see—you have considerable confidence in him."
Cynthia didn't find Wallace's tone sarcastic. She simply explained calmly, "Garchomp has been eating Pokémon food prepared by Wayne for over a month now."
"Gar!"
The fierce Garchomp, a formidable presence, nodded with satisfaction.
After adding Wallace as a contact, Wallace gestured to Wayne. "Let's meet again later. Winona and I have a date."
Wallace and Winona departed quickly, leaving only Wayne and Cynthia.
Wayne asked, "Are you hungry?"
Cynthia looked at him quietly.
"I mean, should we go get dinner?"
Although some food remained in the box, it definitely wasn't enough to satisfy their appetites.
"I feel like restaurant food doesn't compare to what you make."
Wayne didn't mind cooking, but the location posed problems.
"But this is Hearthome City. How would that work?"
Cynthia smiled slightly. "I own a villa here."
"..."
Sister, I don't want to struggle anymore!
"We need to buy ingredients first. What would you like to eat?"
The moment he asked, Wayne regretted it. If he let Cynthia choose, wouldn't they be waiting until tomorrow?
Sure enough, Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, pondering for a long time.
"You head to the villa first. Send me the address, and I'll buy the ingredients."
Cynthia nodded slightly. "Okay."