Five days later, people from various regions gradually gathered in Ever Grande City.
Among them were not only people from Hoenn, but also from Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, and the Orange Archipelago….
Some time ago, the Elite Four Challenge Competition had already created quite a stir, but compared to today, it was nothing.
Because today, aside from the succession battle, regardless of the outcome, a new Elite Four would be born.
In just a few days, Ever Grande City suddenly had nearly three times as many visitors. Streets, hotels, plazas, and ships all became crowded at once.
Most people were looking forward to the battle, but even more so to the award ceremony, as that was the truly significant event concerning the overall strategic situation.
“Wow, looks like none of them are simple opponents.”
In Ever Grande City, Albus walked ahead of Fujiki, clicking his tongue in amazement at the surrounding crowd. “I’m not joking. Even without using Aura power, I can feel that a few of them are pretty strong.”
“You talk too much. You didn’t come to Ever Grande City just to spout nonsense, did you? Just wait quietly and watch the matches.”
Fujiki said helplessly.
“Watch matches? What matches? You think I came to watch that guy’s battle? No way… I came to participate in The Ever Grande Conference.” Albus shook his head slowly, wearing an expression that said “you’re the one talking nonsense.”
“Whatever… but he’s already become an Elite Four, and you’ve only just obtained qualification for the Champion League. Isn’t your progress a bit slow?” Fujiki mocked.
“What kind of talk is that? I haven’t even won the Ever Grande Conference yet, how did you conclude I’ve already qualified for the Champion League? You must have a lot of confidence in my strength, huh? Hahaha.”
Albus immediately seized on the flaw in Fujiki’s words and fired back.
“Get lost. If you lose the Ever Grande Conference, go jump into the sea. I’ll inherit your Poké Balls.”
……
……
“Come to think of it, Ever Grande City is really lively today.”
As Terrance followed Sharan through a special passage into Ever Grande Stadium, he couldn’t help but marvel at how bustling the city was.
Of course, he knew the main reason was likely Drake’s retirement and his own appointment, but he still somewhat underestimated the influence of the Elite Four.
“Mr. Terrance, please go to the lounge to change.”
“Mm.”
Since there would be an award ceremony after the succession battle, although attire wasn’t overly strict, some surface-level effort was still needed to match the upcoming coverage.
After arriving at the lounge, Terrance changed into the League’s custom battle outfit and quietly waited for time to pass.
To preserve his energy, he once again entered a meditative state. Only when fireworks shot into the sky and countless firecrackers rang out did he slowly open his eyes, then followed Sharan toward the main venue.
At this moment, Ever Grande Stadium was already packed to the brim with people.
Nakai, the highest Chairman of the Hoenn League and the person in charge of this succession battle, began his speech:
“First, I would like to thank friends from all over the world for coming to the Hoenn region to watch this succession battle and award ceremony. On behalf of the Hoenn League, I extend a warm welcome to you all!”
“Hoenn region has a wide variety of natural environments, ranging from tropical rainforests to deserts. However, its most striking feature is its vast bodies of water. The area of these waters is almost equal to that of the mainland, forming a stark contrast with other regions. Surrounding the mainland are numerous islands of all sizes, which can only be reached by sea routes. Although it sounds beautiful, everyone knows that Hoenn is a region plagued by disasters. Due to changes in weather and environmental differences, many places suffer from natural calamities year-round. Our Hoenn—its mainland is surrounded by mountains and forests, with most major cities located along the coast. Disasters occur frequently, and the living conditions in inland towns and villages are even harsher. People in Fortree City, for example, have to live in treehouses, and there are countless places with conditions even worse than Fortree City. However…”
“These hardships do not prevent me from liking Hoenn, loving Hoenn, and being loyal to Hoenn! From ancient times to the present, through the efforts of generations, the Hoenn region has become prosperous. And maintaining this prosperity is precisely the responsibility of the Hoenn League!!”
“Throughout the long history, humanity has struggled against nature, and the group known as Trainers has played an indelible role in human development. Today is the day of succession for the Elite Four title, the highest honor representing Hoenn Trainers. Please look forward to it!!”
As Chairman Nakai delivered his speech at an unhurried pace, Terrance and Drake stepped onto the platform.
“Elite Four Drake has served as an Elite Four for 32 years, making tremendous contributions to the stability of Hoenn’s seas. And now, the one who will inherit his position and responsibility is the Gym Leader of Fallarbor Gym, who safeguards one area’s safety and has also contributed to Hoenn’s stability – Gym Leader Terrance!”
At this moment, facing the audience in Ever Grande Stadium and people around the world watching from their televisions, both Elite Four Drake and Terrance bowed deeply during Chairman Nakai’s heartfelt speech, expressing their respective commitments.
With the transition from old to new, although Terrance was receiving the highest honor of a Trainer from Drake, he would also bear the corresponding burden. Terrance was already prepared—with great power comes great responsibility. Not only for himself, but also for this Pokémon world that had given him a new life and accepted him.
“This feeling… isn’t bad at all…”
As the speech neared its end, led by Hoenn’s current Champion Steven and the Elite Four members Sidney, Phoebe, and Glacia, tens of thousands of spectators stood up together, applauding Chairman Nakai, Drake, Terrance, and Hoenn.
Hearing the applause, Terrance’s mindset underwent a subtle change, prompting him to reflect more deeply on the meaning of becoming an Elite Four.
At the same time, the atmosphere reached a climax and continued to heat up. Taking advantage of this perfect moment, today’s program moved into the succession battle. The segment that would showcase the strength of both the old and new Elite Four.
“It’s not just us, Elite Four from other regions are probably watching as well.” Phoebe blinked and looked at Terrance standing below the stage. “This is a young Elite Four with limitless potential. In future regional Elite Four exchange competitions, he might become a terrifying monster.”
“A Fairy that replaces the Dragon?”
In the Kanto region, the Elite Four paying the most attention to this succession battle were Lorelei and Agatha. The two were the “culprits” who had sparked Terrance’s desire to challenge the Elite Four. Now, seeing that Terrance had finally reached this stage, Agatha, currently serving as the Viridian Gym Leader, let out a sinister chuckle:
“It seems the first Fairy Elite Four in history is about to appear———”
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