The venue for the Whirl Cup was different from the preliminaries. It was a massive, circular water arena with a strong ancient Greek style. Every brick and stone seemed to have been there for countless years, giving it a profound sense of history.
The arena could hold 20,000 spectators at once. Its center was flowing seawater, upon which stood over a dozen stone pillars of varying sizes and heights for the trainers and their Pokémon to stand on.
Compared to the perfunctory preliminaries, the standard of the main competition's opening ceremony was undoubtedly much higher. Not only were there fireworks and ceremonial cannons, but a graceful and beautiful female priestess holding a scepter was presiding over the tournament!
At nine in the morning, the entire stadium was already packed. Countless spectators had been waiting here since early, looking on with anticipation.
Natsui, Ash, Misty, and the other 61 contestants rode into the stadium from the sea on a dozen long, narrow wooden boats. Onboard, the contestants accepted the cheers and encouragement from the surrounding audience while standing straight, trying to show their most spirited side to the crowd.
The audience gave these contestants tremendous applause and cheers.
In this atmosphere, the male host's deep and clear voice began to echo across the stadium, signaling the official start of the opening ceremony!
"Esteemed audience, please look! These are the contestants who have passed through the preliminaries for the triennial event, aiming to become the Sea Hero! Since ancient times, the Whirl Islands have possessed an independent culture and civilization. We revere Water Pokémon and have coexisted with them to this day! This culture has not disappeared and continues to be passed down by Miss Maya, the High Priestess of the Sea, who has guarded this tradition since ancient times!"
It wasn't until last night, after becoming an official contestant, that Natsui learned that the Whirl Cup was not just a Pokémon tournament. It was also a tradition passed down since ancient times to select a Sea Hero to participate in this ceremony!
Listening to the host's introduction, Natsui couldn't help but turn his head again to look at the main ceremonial platform in the distance.
Since it wasn't very far, he could see clearly. The female priestess wore a long blue dress and held a golden scepter. Her long purple hair fluttered gently in the wind. Even without seeing her facial features, her aura alone was noble and elegant.
However, Natsui had already experienced a similar ceremony on Shamouti Island in the Orange Archipelago and had met the festival maiden there, so he wasn't too unfamiliar with this kind of gimmick.
It's just a formality, he thought to himself.
Beside him, Ash and Misty saw Natsui turn his head and couldn't help but follow his gaze, also seeing the High Priestess.
Misty placed her hands on her cheeks, full of envy. "She's so beautiful!"
Natsui didn't know if she was envious of the High Priestess's aura, the attention she was receiving, or something else.
The High Priestess was indeed very beautiful, but Misty, who had always considered herself the world's number one beauty, was certainly no ugly duckling. She was just still young and hadn't fully matured yet. Natsui believed that when she reached the same age, she wouldn't be much inferior.
At that moment, the host continued, "And now, we invite the Priestess, Miss Maya, to make the tournament declaration!"
As he spoke, the High Priestess took a step forward. She raised her scepter and announced loudly, "Everyone, the triennial Water Pokémon festival has begun. On behalf of the Whirl Islands, I welcome you all! Here, we live in spiritual harmony with Water Pokémon. Those who master the sea and Pokémon have been praised as Sea Heroes since ancient times, and every Sea Hero will receive the blessing of the 'Soul of the Sea'! They will be granted the ability to connect spiritually with all Water Pokémon!"
Soul of the Sea? Spiritual connection?
Natsui's gaze couldn't help but shift to the scepter in the priestess's hand.
The scepter was made of pure gold and glittered under the sunlight. At its tip was a fist-sized, round blue gem that emitted a blue glow. One look was enough to tell it was no ordinary object.
"Then, I wish all the contestants the best of luck, and may you receive the blessing of the Soul of the Sea!"
As the High Priestess raised the scepter, the Soul of the Sea instantly burst forth with a brilliant light. The light was soft, not blinding, and enveloped the entire stadium!
Everyone seeing this for the first time, including Natsui, showed expressions of surprise.
So this is the Soul of the Sea...
The light shone on Natsui, casting a faint blue hue on everyone. Although it had no other effect, Natsui couldn't be sure if the light was just a stage effect or if the blue gem truly possessed some magical power!
After all, this world wasn't normal; it wouldn't be strange if things like blessings really existed.
At least from the more excited and fervent reactions of the audience, it seemed they truly believed the contestants in the arena had now become somewhat different!
Behind him, Ash raised his hands, looked at the blue glow on them, and murmured, "Did we really get a blessing?"
"Are you an idiot?" Misty, beside him, couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Didn't the priestess just say that only the final Sea Hero will receive the blessing? This light right now is just showing off the gem's power!"
"Ah? Is that so?" Ash finally understood the rules completely. He sighed in disappointment. "What's the point? I like the title of Sea Hero, but it's just an empty name. If you win the competition in the end, do you get nothing?"
Misty sighed helplessly. "Come on, did you even read the schedule before the event?! After the final, the ultimate winner will not only receive the title of Hero but also a generous cash prize, and even a Mystic Water! That's the real reward, but... hmph, that's destined to have nothing to do with you. The one who will win in the end will definitely be Natsui!"
Misty was a staunch supporter of Natsui. In any competition or battle Natsui participated in, she would mindlessly and unhesitatingly support him!
As for Misty boasting about him so much, essentially jinxing him, Natsui could only smile and shake his head.
However, he didn't stop her. After all, that was his goal too. Since he was participating, his goal was the championship. If you don't want to win, why even be a trainer!
Although Ash also knew Natsui was very strong, he was naturally not convinced by Misty's belittling of him and started arguing with her indignantly.
Listening to the bickering of the two behind him, Natsui couldn't help but think of the Mystic Water.
Just as Misty said, besides the prize money, the winner would also receive a Mystic Water. This was a miraculous stone that, when held, could strengthen the power of a Pokémon's Water-type moves. It was indeed a good item!