Chapter 308: The Huaxia League Conference! Grand Opening!
Inside the colossal Phoenix Nest Battle Arena, the atmosphere was electric. The circular stands were packed to the rafters, a literal sea of humanity. Down on the central field, the opening ceremony performance was in full swing, a dazzling display of light and motion.
Dozens of high-definition cameras were positioned around the arena, broadcasting the spectacle in real-time to the massive virtual screens hovering in the sky and to millions of viewers across the globe.
"Honored spectators, esteemed referees, and trainers from every corner of our great nation!"
A man stood suspended above the field, voice amplified by a high-tech microphone. His tone was measured, his words carrying the weight of tradition.
"When the sacred flame of Ho-Oh crosses mountains and rivers to ignite this arena, and when eight gym badges shine with the brilliance of your perseverance, we know the time has come. Today, we celebrate the grand opening of the Huaxia League Conference!"
"...May every trainer uphold the spirit of fair competition, finding both glory and lifelong friendship on this field. May every Pokémon unleash its true potential, letting the power of your bonds illuminate every corner of this stadium. Now, I officially declare: the Huaxia League Conference is open! I wish you all your own legendary moments!"
"And now!! Let us welcome the trainers who have fought their way through the grueling qualifiers! Enter the arena!!!"
As his voice fell, a triumphant orchestral fanfare erupted throughout the stadium.
Click...
Kenji, hands shoved casually in his pockets, moved with the crowd. The massive entrance gates slowly slid upward, and the blinding stadium lights flooded the tunnel.
The roar of the crowd hit him like a physical wave—a deafening, jubilant noise. Kenji stepped onto the field, his eyes scanning the endless stands and the vast expanse of the arena. Cameras were everywhere. He felt a slight, uncontrollable tremor in his hands.
In just over a year, he had ascended to the highest stage a trainer in Huaxia could reach.
The Huaxia League Conference.
He was now only one step away from the ultimate Hall of Fame.
Around him, other trainers were clearly feeling the same surge of adrenaline. Even those trying to look stoic had tells—tightened grips on Poké Balls or slight grins they couldn't suppress.
To the rhythm of the majestic symphony, the first row of trainers marched forward as colorful ribbons drifted down from the sky.
Trainers from all five major districts emerged from five separate tunnels, walking proudly through a path of flowers and applause. For a venue as massive as the Phoenix Nest, accommodating 1,500 participants was easy.
High above, the virtual screens cycled through the faces of the competitors.
When the camera lingered on high-profile seeds like Xun Zhurong, Elder Venom, or Kenji, the close-ups lasted a few seconds longer. When Kenji's face appeared, a specific section of the stands erupted.
"Go Kenji!!! Kick some as—!! KENJI!!!"
Li Heng was in the front row, waving a small colored flag and screaming at the top of his lungs.
Others weren't as vocal as Li Heng, but they were just as focused. Director He sat tall, a look of immense satisfaction on his face. He knew the stakes; if Kenji took the title, the prestige and resources that would flood into Metropolis Academy would be astronomical. Metropolis would finally be the undisputed #1 school in the country.
Bai Bai and Xie Mu watched the screen with intense, silent focus.
Kenji couldn't hear the individual cheers from the field, but he could feel the heat of the crowd's energy. He looked up at the virtual screen.
As the camera panned to Xun Zhurong, Kenji looked to his side.
By chance, Xun was positioned where Kenji could see him clearly from the corner of his eye.
Xun looked incredibly young, perhaps only twenty. It was a trait of the Zhurong family; Zhurong Yun had become the Champion at barely thirty.
Xun wore a flashy red jacket, his long red hair tied back in a neat bun. A few loose strands framed his forehead.
As Kenji stared, Xun seemed to sense it. He turned his head and locked eyes with Kenji.
A faint, knowing smile played on Xun's lips as he gave Kenji a small, subtle wave.
In that motion, Kenji caught a glimpse of Xun's wrist. He wore the same red family totem as the Champion.
Caught "spying," Kenji felt a flush of embarrassment. Xun didn't seem to mind, so Kenji offered a sheepish smile and looked back at the main screen.
Once the screen had showcased the last of the participants, the master of ceremonies spoke again.
"Now!! Please welcome the Elite Four of the Huaxia League!! The Northeast Elite!! The Southeast Elite!! The Northwest and the Southwest Elites!!"
He pointed toward a rising platform at the far end of the stadium. Five thrones sat upon it. Four were occupied.
"To the far left!! Our Northeast Elite Four member!! Rainey Chang!!!"
A woman stood up slowly. She was tall and striking, wearing a black trench coat and red-bottomed black heels. A small, distinctive mole sat near the corner of her mouth.
Rainey Chang, the Ice-type master. She was the junior member of the current Elite Four, which was why the previous year's champion had chosen her to challenge first. Her Ace, a Mega Froslass, was a literal nightmare on the battlefield.
"Second from the left!! Our Southeast Elite Four member!! Mr. Mason Chu!!!"
A man with a square, honest jaw stood up next to Rainey. He looked stern and upright, the kind of man who commanded immediate respect, but his smile was surprisingly warm.
Mason Chu, the Steel-type specialist. He was second in seniority, in his sixties, and his partner was a colossal Steelix.
"To the far right!! Our Northwest Elite Four member!! Mr. Lawson!!!"
A man in a sharp, traditional suit stood up. His face was lined with age, and his hair was shot through with white. Despite his thin frame, he radiated an immense, quiet power.
Lawson, the veteran of the group. A Water-type master with his signature Starmie, he was widely considered the most powerful of the current Elite Four.
"And finally, second from the right... our Southwest Elite Four member!! Ms. Yuna Su!!!"
A woman who looked quite ordinary stood up, but she possessed a comforting, grounded aura.
Yuna Su, the Electric-type specialist. Her Ace?
Zapdos.
Yes, a literal Legendary Bird of the three kins!!!
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