Even if Shiro managed to defeat Opal, his next opponent in the quarterfinals would be Raihan.
'They're trying to stop me before I even reach the top eight,' he thought.
He looked at the screen again, then walked to the edge of the lobby and sat down on a gray sofa to rest.
Marvin followed soon after, frowning as he muttered, "The League must be rigged. How could they make you face Raihan in the quarterfinals? That's just…" He trailed off, unable to find the right word.
"The runner-up isn't always second-best, but the champion is always the strongest," Shiro said calmly.
For the company, this was the perfect setup. It ensured Leon would get plenty of battle data while eliminating two of the three biggest threats, Opal, Raihan, or Shiro, before the finals.
Whoever made it through would have already shown their full hand, giving Leon enough time to prepare for them.
Shiro rubbed his forehead with one hand, quietly planning his timing.
Beside him, Marvin scratched his head and asked, "But, uh… what if you actually win, Shiro?"
"Yeah, what if you really win?" came another voice.
Raihan had appeared close to them without warning, grinning as usual.
Marvin's face instantly fell. For some reason, every time he saw Raihan's smiling face, irritation rose in his chest.
Raihan ignored Marvin's reaction and leaned over the back of the sofa, speaking quietly to Shiro. "You're leaving soon, aren't you?"
Shiro gave a barely noticeable nod. He'd already decided to leave during the Champion Cup, though the exact moment depended on how things went.
He had studied the layout of Wyndon Stadium; it was an open-air arena. If he needed to retreat, he could simply stop battling and escape on his Corviknight straight from above.
He'd discussed it with Professor Rowan. During the tournament, they had arranged for an international cruise ship to stay near Galar's northeastern waters. As soon as he sent the signal, the ship would move in immediately.
"I don't really mind," Raihan said softly. "Just… if we do get to fight, don't vanish halfway through."
Shiro smiled. "We'll see."
He glanced briefly at Marvin, who was still glaring at Raihan, and at Nessa, who had just walked over but seemed hesitant to speak.
Checking his communicator for the time, Shiro stood up, face calm. "It's time for us to get ready for entry."
* * *
An hour remained before the Champion Cup began.
"Contestants, please enter the waiting rooms through the corridor… Contestants, please enter the waiting rooms through the corridor…"
The broadcast echoed, prompting Gym Leaders and challengers alike to stand up.
No one spoke, but a quiet tension sparked in the air every time their eyes met.
The Champion Cup, Galar's true celebration, held once every three years. The real stage of glory.
Only the strongest trainers could stand at the end.
Though the League hadn't said it out loud, everyone understood the rule: the next lineup of Gym Leaders would likely be decided based on their final rankings.
Only the top eight, excluding the Champion, would automatically qualify as Gym Leaders.
Shiro silently entered the corridor, moving swiftly. Familiar faces flashed by, Marvin, Nessa, Allister, each one focused and serious. At the front, leaning on her cane, Opal turned to glance at him with a faint smile.
Her aged face looked unsettling in the dim light, her eyes slowly sweeping over the participants behind her.
It wasn't arrogance; she simply knew her worth. Among these fifteen trainers, there were only three she considered worthy of her attention.
The rest of the so-called challengers, Gym Leaders, or temporary substitutes, were just a bunch of greenhorns.
But still, Leon, Raihan, Shiro… were all far too young.
Who said an old woman couldn't become Champion?
This year might just be her best chance.
"Hehehe…"
A strange chuckle slipped from Opal's lips, sending a chill down Marvin's spine as he walked past.
'Yikes... that old lady's terrifying!' he shuddered.
* * *
At the top floor of Wyndon Stadium, inside a private VIP suite.
The room was meant for honored guests. One side was a vast floor-to-ceiling window, giving a full view of the battlefield below and most of the audience.
A U-shaped sofa dominated the center, with Rose seated at the middle.
Bang! Bang!
The door behind him was struck hard, as if the person outside was about to break in.
Rose jumped up quickly, forcing a welcoming smile as he hurried to open it. "I've been waiting for you, Mr. Shielbert."
At this moment, the Chairman of the League and President of Macro Cosmos looked more like a servant. He gestured politely, inviting the guest inside.
Shielbert had golden hair and blue eyes. He wore a crimson noble outfit, his sharp features carrying an air of pride. He scanned the room, furrowed his brows, and let out a cold hum.
"You still prefer this miner-like decor, Rose. Hardly the taste of a true gentleman."
Rose wasn't offended. He kept smiling warmly and replied, "Of course, I can't compare with you, Mr. Shielbert. This humble place may be simple, but I hope you'll forgive it."
Shielbert nodded slightly and took the central seat on the sofa before asking, "I heard you weren't pleased with Sordward's order. Is that true?"
Rose's expression didn't change. "I spoke too bluntly before, Mr. Shielbert. Please, help me convey my apology to Mr. Sordward."
Shielbert sighed. "You never did shake off those old habits from your mining days." He didn't press further, waving the matter away. "Now then, back to the important stuff. Ten days were given. What's the status of the Unown?"
Rose clasped his hands together, speaking softly. "It's already under our control. If everything goes smoothly, you'll see it within the next day or two."
Shielbert tilted his head slightly. "Hmm… it's that boy from Kanto, isn't it?"
"Yes, his name is Shiro," Rose answered with a nod.
Shielbert looked puzzled and turned toward him. "Isn't he working under you? Why not have him hand it over directly? Why make us wait this long?"
Rose explained with a sincere tone, "You see, Mr. Shielbert, Shiro is also a participant in this year's Champion Cup. This event plays a vital role in promoting the Galar region's prestige. To fulfill that duty, I allowed him to compete first. Rest assured, he'll be withdrawn before the deadline, and the Unown will be delivered safely."
"I see…" Shielbert muttered, half-convinced.
Rose's smile deepened, his voice filled with certainty. "Once he loses, the Unown will be retrieved right away. If our intel is correct, it'll happen in the very first round. There's no way he can defeat Opal."
**
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