"His name is Fergus, he talks a big game, but he's quite a notable trainer. What about you guys?" the young girl casually revealed the muscled man's name and turned to ask Ash and the others.
"I'm Ash, this is Misty, Brock, Gary, and then..." Ash's introduction suddenly halted as he stepped aside, revealing Lorelei to everyone.
Previously, Lorelei had obscured her figure with a heavy cloak, but after the rain had soaked it, it was too cumbersome, and keeping it on could lead to a cold. Lorelei wouldn't carry it anymore.
So when she was on Lapras, she'd already thrown the cloak into the sea, and now she was dressed as she usually was.
Her exquisite features appeared before Corey and the others, causing them all to freeze.
As residents of Kanto who had been traveling for years, how could they not recognize Lorelei's appearance?
Upon seeing Lorelei, Fergus's mind went blank. What nonsense had he spouted just now? Was he claiming the title of the strongest trainer? Against an Elite like Lorelei? He was doomed. Why was Lorelei here?!
Fergus felt confident not because he was strong, but because he knew truly powerful trainers weren't usually interested in these types of events.
Did he really think that a tournament pitched as the ultimate trainer showdown would gather trainers from all over the world?
Dream on!
If that were the case, why would the Quartz Conference have such stringent screening, and why would the champions only get preliminary recognition? Winning this could at best bring them a bit of fame in a small region.
To hold the title of world's best trainer or strongest trainer, one must compete in a world championship organized by all the leagues, and winning among thousands of trainers is what constitutes a true top trainer!
In both world championships and League Conferences, participants and those with rankings receive rewards. The higher the organizers' credibility, the significant is the recognition of the winners' achievements.
Otherwise, if someone held an unofficial tournament calling it the world's strongest trainer competition, and only two trainers from the roadside participated with one winning, would anyone acknowledge that title?
Stop kidding!
The same logic applied to the tournament on New Island. For powerful trainers, such amateur tournaments had no credibility. Attending such an event was out of courtesy to elevate its prestige; otherwise, it was normal not to attend.
Fergus, with his decent strength, was already a strong contender for the championship of such an event!
Plus, since Ash and the others appeared so young, Fergus felt emboldened to boast.
Yet, when Ash and the others stepped aside, revealing Lorelei, Fergus was utterly shocked—an Elite Four member attending such a competition? You're kidding! It's like washing coal in a big river—utterly pointless!
"Hello everyone, I'm Lorelei. You're Fergus, right? Please go easy on me in the upcoming match," Lorelei said with a cheerful smile towards Fergus.
"No, no, Lorelei... I mean, Master Lorelei! I didn't mean what I said earlier, please don't take it seriously! Fighting against you would be the honor of my life. I'd appreciate it if you could give me some pointers!" Fergus immediately dropped his previous arrogant demeanor, his face even showing a fawning smile.
Lorelei's influence was just too overwhelming, especially in such a 'small tournament.'
Following Fergus, Corey and the girl started chattering around Lorelei too, and in no time, Lorelei became the center of attention in the castle.
Ash pointed to himself, thinking of saying something, but in the end, he didn't speak up.
After all, he was a celebrity too! Just recently, he had battled with Lorelei!
If they could recognize Lorelei, how come they couldn't recognize him?
Outside, Ash was often burdened with wearing a mask to hide from swarming fans, but now that no one recognized him, he felt a bit down.
Humans are truly peculiar creatures!
After the trio chatted with Lorelei about various Pokemon knowledge and questions, a sudden gleaming beam of light burst out from within the massive castle!
The source of the beam was a spot further along from the table, shooting straight up from the ground!
A figure draped in a black cloak slowly floated out from the beam of light, eventually landing in front of the table.
The cloaked figure's presence captivated everyone's attention; they realized this person might be the castle owner.
"Congratulations on passing the first test and reaching New Island. Next is the contest to decide the strongest trainer. You can release your Pokemon at will; if you can defeat me, you'll be the strongest trainer."
The cloaked person's voice was icy and cold. Unexpectedly, it was a woman's voice.
Was the organizer of this event a girl?
Ash activated his Aura Power, sweeping it across the front, his expression shifting rapidly as emotions like suspicion and disbelief flickered over his face.
To be sure, Ash once again used Aura Power to scan, finally confirming that his earlier evaluation was not mistaken.
"Mewtwo, is this your doing? Come out, I've already found you." Ash stood quietly in front of everyone, addressing the cloaked figure.
Corey and the others wore puzzled expressions after hearing Ash.
Who was Mewtwo? Was it someone this boy knew? This person's name sounded quite peculiar; they'd never heard of anyone with the surname Mew.
As Ash's words settled, another figure slowly rose within the beam of light. She was slender but remarkably tall, appearing to be at least two meters high.
"Is this... a Pokemon?" Seeing Mewtwo levitate, Corey widened his eyes, somewhat uncertain as he spoke.
This Pokemon was unknown to him, and after Ash's words, it appeared, suggesting this so-called ultimate trainer tournament might be its handiwork?
'So you found me, but given your abilities, failing to find me would be more unusual. We meet again, Ash.' Mewtwo's voice echoed in everyone's minds, as the cloaked figure's body suddenly slumped to the ground.
Lorelei raised her eyebrows slightly, her Pokeball on her waistband suddenly opened, allowing a Dewgong to glide across the floor, catching the slumped cloaked figure steadily.
As the cloaked figure fell, her hat also slipped down, revealing her true identity—Miss Joy!
"How can this be?! Why is Miss Joy here?"
"It really is Miss Joy. Could this event have been organized by her?"
"No, that's not right. Miss Joy doesn't seem to be acting of her own will; perhaps she's being controlled by that levitating Pokemon!"
Corey's words jolted Fergus and the girl awake. Now that he mentioned it, Miss Joy's demeanor did indeed resemble a zombie's stiffness, suggesting she was likely under control!
So, was the orchestrator of this event not Miss Joy but the levitating Pokemon named Mewtwo?!
Seeing Miss Joy collapsed on the ground, Ash's expression turned grim. "Why... why are you doing this? You escaped from Giovanni with so much difficulty, and you have the chance to live freely, to pursue your dreams. So why are you doing this now?!"
'I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm about to... start a revolution!' Mewtwo's icy voice reverberated in everyone's minds, sending a chill through them all!
Revolution? It sure didn't sound like a good term!