It was said that Alain had specifically traveled all the way to the Hoenn region after hearing that Hoenn had become the first region to systematically research Pokémon Mega Evolution, even successfully developing and producing Mega Stones and Keystones and matching Mega Evolution equipment on their own.
By coincidence, he arrived just as the Ever Grande Conference was being held, so he submitted an application to participate.
He did not possess the eight Gym Badges of the Hoenn region.
Nor did he possess badges from Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, or Unova.
However, he did possess all eight Gym Badges from the Kalos region.
According to League regulations, Alain technically should not have been qualified to participate in the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference.
The rules of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference were very clear:
To participate, a trainer needed either the eight Gym Badges of the Hoenn region, or the eight Gym Badges from one of the four regions already incorporated into the United League system: Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, or Unova.
But Kalos had not yet joined the United League.
Therefore, in principle, Alain had no qualification to compete.
However, when Chairman Goodshow learned that a trainer from the Kalos region had voluntarily come to participate in the League tournament, he personally approved Alain's participation without the slightest hesitation.
Chairman Goodshow had always been devoted to bringing every region in the world into the United League system.
Now that a trainer from another region had proactively come to participate in League competitions, how could he possibly reject him?
What he had not expected, however, was that Alain's strength would be this terrifying.
Every single match he fought ended in a one against six sweep.
Victory came easily to him.
The Hoenn League had almost lost all face because of it.
Fortunately, this year, Theo was also participating.
Chairman Goodshow had even personally called Theo before the finals, repeatedly reminding him both directly and indirectly:
In the championship match, do not send out "little babies" to battle like before.
You must go all out.
Absolutely do not let the League lose face.
Before reaching the finals of the Ever Grande Conference, during both the doubles elimination rounds and the Top Thirty Two individual battles, Theo had basically only used Ice Vulpix, Fire Vulpix, Zweilous, and Larvitar.
More than anything else, he wanted to test their growth and combat standards during this period of training.
Unlike Alain, Theo had not sent out his true main force from the very beginning, nor had he relied on Mega Evolution to crush every opponent in overwhelming fashion.
And because of this, public opinion had gradually exploded with criticism toward Chairman Goodshow.
Many people believed he never should have approved Alain's participation.
Others complained that the League had failed to announce the matter beforehand, causing many powerful Hoenn trainers who originally wanted to participate to miss their chance because they did not have enough time to collect all eight Gym Badges.
Everyone was holding their breath in frustration.
Could it be…
That this year's Hoenn Ever Grande Conference championship would simply be handed over to an outsider from another region?
Especially Tyson, the previous year's Hoenn League champion.
He had even personally posted on social media forums to cheer for Theo and Morrison, openly stating that the Hoenn championship trophy absolutely could not be allowed to fall into the hands of trainers from another region.
Otherwise, it would become the shame of every trainer in Hoenn.
Because of this, Theo's livestream room and every private message on his social media accounts were flooded with endless encouragement, support, and donations.
Everyone was hoping.
Hoping that he could protect Hoenn's honor.
While Theo's thoughts drifted, commentator Ota's voice rang out once more:
"I will once again repeat the rules for this battle."
"This match will be a full six against six battle."
"The battlefield will be randomly selected from Grass Field, Rock Field, Water Field, or Ice Field."
"After one side loses three Pokémon, the match will enter a halftime intermission, and the battlefield will be replaced with a completely new terrain."
"During the match, the use of any illegal items is strictly prohibited."
"Outside interference of any kind is also strictly forbidden."
"Once a Pokémon loses its ability to battle, the trainer must either send out a replacement Pokémon within the designated time limit or choose to surrender."
"Both contestants are requested to strictly follow tournament rules and compete fairly."
"And now, the battlefield selection is about to begin. Contestants, please prepare to send out your Pokémon!"
The moment Ota finished speaking, Alain immediately stepped forward first.
His gaze carried a lofty arrogance as he looked toward Morrison on the opposite side, and the words that came from his mouth were equally impolite.
"So, you're Morrison?"
"I heard you reached the Top Sixteen in last year's Ever Grande Conference. Apparently you've also mastered Mega Evolution…"
"I suppose that barely makes you a somewhat acceptable opponent."
"I hope you can at least make this battle entertaining."
"Don't end up like all those people before you who couldn't even force out my second Pokémon."
"The Hoenn region has honestly disappointed me too much."
"I specifically came here because I heard Hoenn successfully researched Pokémon Mega Evolution and could independently manufacture Mega Stones and Keystones equipment."
"But I never expected there to be so few trainers capable of Mega Evolution."
"And their strength is far too weak."
"My Charizard hasn't even used its full power yet."
"Stop acting so arrogant!"
Morrison was trembling slightly from anger, his chubby cheeks tensed tightly as he glared fiercely at Alain.
"This year is the weakest lineup Hoenn has ever had in the tournament!"
"The League only publicly revealed Mega Evolution during the first half of the year!"
"Everyone has been desperately completing League missions and accumulating merit points just to exchange for Mega Evolution equipment!"
"If you hadn't suddenly entered the tournament with only half a month left before it began, the truly powerful trainers from our region wouldn't have missed their chance because they lacked enough time to gather all eight Gym Badges!"
"Then how would it even be your turn to show off here?!"
"Empty words are meaningless."
Alain's tone remained indifferent, his eyes filled with contempt.
"I only hope your strength is as tough as your mouth."
Very soon, the battlefield selection appeared on the giant screen.
The first half battlefield would be Grass Field.
The second half battlefield would be Rock Field.
The Grass Field was covered with thick green grass, while several sturdy trees stood scattered around the area. The air itself carried the fresh scent of vegetation.
This environment naturally gave Grass type Pokémon an advantage.
At the same time, it was also considered a relatively favorable battlefield for Fire type Pokémon.
However, Alain did not care about such a tiny advantage at all.
Without hesitation, he was the first to throw out his Poké Ball.
A flash of red light burst forth.
The Pokémon that appeared was still the same Charizard that had accompanied him through countless one against six victories throughout the tournament, crushing every opponent effortlessly without suffering a single defeat.
Charizard shook its wings lightly and spat out a small burst of flames from its mouth.
Then, with the exact same arrogant expression as Alain, it looked down at Morrison with pride and disdain in its eyes.
"Charizard, Mega Evolve!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Alain raised the Keystone in his hand.
The Keystone instantly resonated with the Mega Stone hanging around Charizard's neck, erupting with dazzling brilliance.
Within the blinding light, Charizard's body rapidly transformed.
Its physique became leaner and more powerful.
Its wings expanded wider.
The originally crimson flames transformed into cold yet violently raging blue fire.
Its skin completely changed into a deep pitch black color.
Mega Charizard X had descended.
Even the air itself seemed to ignite beneath the overwhelming pressure radiating from its body.
(End of Chapter)