"So many people!" Kalia's first impression upon arriving in Mono City was the overwhelming crowd. Everywhere she looked, there were masses of individuals, including numerous Trainers.
Z-Moves remained highly popular in the Ellie region, attracting a significant number of Trainers and spectators from other cities for this exchange competition. Even those without Z-Rings made sure to attend, unwilling to miss such an opportunity.
Mid-level trainers consistently form the backbone of each region. Their strength and potential often reflect the future capabilities of the region's Trainers. Some among them may even ascend to become Quasi-Champions or, in rare cases, Elite Four members.
Of course, it is typically quite challenging. Most Trainers fail in their initial attempt at the League Competition, with the high-level trainer assessment itself proving daunting for many.
Even if one successfully becomes a high-level trainer and secures eligibility for the League Competition, the chances of becoming the League Champion remain extremely slim due to the vast disparities in skill among high-level trainers.
Not only do they face competition from contemporary rivals, but they must also contend against the reigning champion from the previous tournament to claim the title of the new regional champion—an incredibly difficult feat.
Typically, several League Competitions might pass without a new Champion emerging due to the significant skill gap. Considering that only every two or three editions of the quadrennial event produce a new League Champion, it highlights just how challenging it is. Even finding a new Elite Four member is relatively rare.
"Indeed, there are many participants, but most are here for experience," Mark shook his head. This exchange competition was high-level, attracting mid-level trainers from both regions. Generally, becoming a mid-level trainer signifies sufficient financial resources to afford a Z-Ring, as the League provides substantial benefits to this group.
With two batches of Z-Rings distributed across the Sebas region, most mid-level trainers already possess one. Even those who didn't initially receive one would likely have acquired it by now, given enough time.
Mark, like Kalia, was also a beginner trainer. However, even among beginner trainers, there's a considerable disparity; a six-badge beginner differs significantly in strength from a three-badge beginner.
Such beginner trainers often serve more as observers than competitors. Despite having six badges, realistically, can they truly compete with mid-level trainers holding seven or eight badges?
However, Kalia was an exception; she possessed the strength of a mid-level trainer despite being officially classified as a beginner. With Sceptile's current prowess and Charizard by her side, apart from not holding a mid-level trainer certification, Kalia had already become a genuine mid-level trainer in every other aspect.
"Let's go register."
Shortly after, they arrived at the venue for Mono City's exchange competition, which was a standard Combat Hall.
The area outside was bustling with people, all trainers signing up for the event. Among them were participants from both Ellie and Sebas regions, with separate registration queues for each.
Notably, students from the Ruby Pokémon Academy did not participate in this exchange competition. Their skills far surpassed those of ordinary trainers, so including academy students would overshadow others, making it predominantly about their performances while relegating other trainers to mere supporting roles.
Sometimes, the gap in abilities is vast: comparing regular trainers to Pokémon Academy students across any aspect often proves challenging due to significant disparities.
"Please present your Trainer's License and Z-Ring," repeated the young lady overseeing registrations, diligently checking and recording details.
Kalia effortlessly registered with her Trainer's license and Z-Ring. Any participant needed only these two items; strength was not a prerequisite, as weaker Trainers participating would be inconsequential.
This wasn't an ordinary competition; there was no room for pretenders. Skill levels were clear-cut: strong or weak, plain and simple.
"Another beginner Trainer."
The nearby Trainers chuckled upon seeing Kalia's beginner certification. Indeed, many beginner Trainers had entered this exchange competition, which some viewed with disdain, knowing it was destined to favor mid-level trainers. Beginners barely stood a chance.
However, the rules didn't explicitly prohibit beginners from participating. As long as they mastered a Z-Move, they could enroll. During registration, only the presence of a Z-Ring was checked, not proficiency with Z-Moves.
If a participant failed to use a Z-Move during the competition, they would be immediately disqualified. The theme of this event revolved around Z-Moves, making their usage mandatory—unless one hadn't yet mastered them.
Trainers without command over a Z-Move were ineligible to participate, and if discovered, faced certain penalties.
After Kalia registered, Mark followed suit as a beginner trainer, drawing numerous gazes once again.
"Isn't there too many beginner trainers? Why aren't they prohibited from participating?" A mid-level trainer frowned, expressing significant doubt about their abilities.
This exchange competition was a high-tier event between two regions, yet a group of beginner trainers joined in, seemingly oblivious to their insufficient skill level. Wouldn't it be better for them to simply watch and enjoy the matches?
His comment stirred discontent among several beginner trainers. They argued that even if their skills were not top-notch, why should they be barred from competing? After all, beginners from the Ellie region were also participating.
"The Dragon Elite Taro has arrived!"
Suddenly, a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, accompanied by exclamations of surprise. In the distance, a Dragonite descended from the sky, unmistakably carrying the Dragon Elite Taro.
Kalia looked up to see a plump Dragonite flapping its small wings, gradually landing on the open space before the Combat Hall.
It was her first time witnessing a Dragon Elite. Taro appeared as a handsome young man with black hair, exuding confidence in his gaze. At such a young age, he had already become a League Elite, an achievement beyond the reach of many throughout their entire lives.
Many spectators were captivated by Taro's presence, as being a League Elite naturally drew immense attention.
Kalia glanced at Taro; honestly, with his status and good looks, he was considered a heartthrob for most girls, including herself, who felt a sense of admiration towards him.
An Elite Four member here? Inside his Poké Ball, Lian sensed the commotion outside and eagerly wanted to see what the Dragon Elite looked like. However, with so many people around, it wasn't convenient for him to emerge just yet.
Stealthily, Lian cracked open a small gap in the Poké Ball, but alas, due to the crowd, he couldn't catch a glimpse of anything beyond.
Although disappointing, he knew he'd have the chance during the competition. Lian remained patient, albeit slightly curious about this League Elite.
Taro surveyed the gathered Trainers and calmly spoke, "Please disperse, everyone. Your gathering is causing inconvenience to others."
His voice contrasted sharply with his appearance, carrying a slight raspiness. Yet, precisely this unique tone made a lasting impression on those listening.
Among the four Elites, Taro had the highest popularity, specializing in training Dragon-type Pokémon. Each of his dragons was incredibly powerful, boasting both beauty and strength.