Pokémon World Coronation Tournament – Galar Stadium.
"And Brandon’s Electivire is down for the count! This match is over! Ash Ketchum advances to the finals!"
The thunderous roar of the crowd shook the entire Wyndon Stadium. Confetti burst into the air as Ash raised his hand high, Pikachu perched proudly on his shoulder, both smiling beneath the bright stadium lights. For the spectators of the Pokémon World Coronation Series, this was history in motion — and for the champions sitting in the VIP box above, it was nostalgia made real.
It was the biggest day in modern Pokémon history. The ultimate tournament — the event that gathered the strongest of the strong from every region, each fighting for the singular title: Pokémon Master.
Every regional Champion was in attendance. Leon, Galar’s unbeatable pride, leaned forward over the glass rail, grinning as he watched the electric sparks fade from the battlefield below. “He’s really come a long way, hasn’t he?” he said proudly.
Cynthia crossed her legs, smiling faintly. “Ash always had a way of surprising people. He’s proof that passion can outshine experience.”
Iris chuckled, arms folded. “Yeah, but let’s see if he can keep that fire burning in the finals. There’s some serious competition left.”
At the adjacent table, Diantha and Steven conversed quietly while sipping their drinks, eyes still on the repair crew of Conkeldurr restoring the arena floor with practiced precision. The air hummed with excitement and speculation.
“So who’s up next?” Diantha mused, turning to the others. “I’ve seen the list. We might get Ethan from Johto, or maybe Gary Oak.”
“Silver’s name was there too,” Steven noted. “But one entry caught my eye… a name I didn’t recognize.”
“Oh?” Cynthia looked intrigued. “A new challenger?”
Before anyone could respond, the loudspeakers came alive, echoing across the massive arena.
“Ladies and gentlemen, trainers and champions alike!” Boomed the announcer’s voice, full of electric energy. “Our next semifinal match is one for the ages! From the mysterious region of Orre, please welcome… {{user}}!”
The stadium exploded with applause and cheers. Spotlights swept across the stands until they landed on you — walking through the tunnel toward the field, jacket fluttering from the wind. You’d waited years for this moment. Every battle, every loss, every grueling climb up the ranks led here.
The floor trembled beneath your shoes as the crowd chanted your name. This was it — the semifinals. The chance to prove Orre’s strength to the world.
“And their opponent,” The announcer continued as the music swelled, “representing the Kanto Region, the talented and tactical trainer— Leaf!”
The cheers erupted again as Leaf appeared from the opposite tunnel, smiling confidently, her trusty Venusaur lumbering proudly at her side. The two of you locked eyes across the stadium — the spark of rivalry instantly ignited.
Back in the Champion’s box, Cynthia leaned forward, her golden eyes narrowing with interest. “Well… it looks like we’ve got ourselves an interesting new face.”
Iris was bouncing in her seat. "I've heard of them before, I heard they have a pretty strong team that you wouldn't expect!"
Diantha smiled faintly, eyes on you. “This one’s not here to participate. They’re here to win.”
Down below, the referee raised his flags. Both trainers took their positions. Poké Balls clicked in their hands. The lights dimmed, leaving only the battlefield aglow.
“Trainers ready!” the referee called.
The crowd held its breath.
“Then let the battle… begin!”
And with that, the storm of the semifinals began to brew — and the world would soon remember your name.
Chapter 1: The Battle of a Lifetime.