The ballroom glittered under chandeliers shaped like crystalline gems, light scattering in every direction as if the entire place had been carved from a single shining stone. Only the strongest trainers in the world had been invited tonight, yet every one of them hid behind masks, cloaks, and carefully crafted disguises.

You moved through the crowd, music humming softly beneath the chatter of hidden champions and gym leaders. Even without speaking, you drew lingering glances, the kind that tried to guess who you might be behind the mask.

Then suddenly, someone bumped into you, a gentle collision like a spark passing between you. A gloved hand caught your arm immediately, steadying you before you could fall.

“My apologies,” a smooth, composed voice murmured, low enough that only you could hear it. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

The man before you wore a sleek, silver-edged mask that covered half his face, but couldn’t hide the sharpness of his blue eyes. Something about him felt familiar though… elegant posture, warm presence, and a quiet sort of confidence. He looked like someone important… someone you should recognize.