Actually, it wasn't just Wallace at the scene. Steven had also come to the scene with Wallace. Neither of them happened to have any work to do recently.
But hearing Wallace's exaggerated cheering, Steven's expression was a bit hard to keep steady.
Brother, we have some status after all. Can you be a bit more reserved in public? You are a Master-level Contest Coordinator in people's hearts.
But clearly, Master Wallace did not know this.
He respected Giovanni very much. Now that Giovanni was starting the Elite Four challenge, Master Wallace was naturally very happy.
Moreover, he believed that Giovanni would definitely succeed in the challenge!
In fact, far more than just Steven and Wallace were watching this Elite Four challenge.
Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Paldea—high-level officials from almost every regional league were watching.
The Kanto region was the headquarters of the Pokémon League. This time, the Kanto Elite Four might have a change in personnel.
After all, the challenger was Giovanni!
That man—his father!
"Good! The challenger is ready. Now, let's welcome the first member of the Kanto Elite Four!"
The host in sunglasses announced loudly.
"Elite Four Lorelei!"
Along with the sunglasses host's excited shout, a woman walked slowly out of the tunnel on the other side. She wore high heels and what looked like an office lady uniform. Her figure was clearly outlined by the slim clothes. Her expression was cold, and her long red hair was tied up.
As Lorelei appeared, the whole scene immediately erupted in another wave of excited shouts that sounded like crashing waves.
Lorelei's popularity among the Kanto Elite Four was not low at all.
Beyond her appearance, Lorelei was also known for her strength. As a member of the Kanto Elite Four, her ability was beyond doubt.
Lorelei slowly walked to her position. She crossed her arms and looked at Giovanni opposite her calmly.
"The first match of the Elite Four Challenge! The challenger is the Viridian Gym Leader, Giovanni. The defender is the Elite Four member, Lorelei."
"The battle rules are a Full Battle, 6 vs 6. When all six Pokémon of one side lose the ability to fight, it will be considered a defeat."
"If the challenger loses, the challenge ends."
"If the defender loses, we move to the next match!"
"Let the battle begin!"
The referee entered and announced the battle rules. Then he waved a small flag and announced the start of the match.
The referee left. Giovanni took out a Poké Ball. A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips as he looked at Lorelei.
"Giovanni, we have known each other for a long time."
Lorelei lowered her arms. Her expression was still cold, and her voice matched it.
"However, according to the rules of the Elite Four Challenge, I will do a simple self-introduction."
Lorelei took out her first Poké Ball and looked directly at Giovanni.
"Welcome to the Pokémon League. I am Lorelei of the Elite Four."
Lorelei pushed up her glasses.
"The type I specialize in is Ice. You know, moves that freeze the opponent are powerful. Once frozen, your Pokémon won't be able to move at all."
The Poké Ball in Lorelei's hand grew larger. She threw it out with force.
"Now, Giovanni, let me see how you will deal with my Ice-type Pokémon!"
The Poké Ball opened in the air. A white light flashed and hit the ground. A strong Dewgong let out a soft cry, ready and waiting.
"Hehehe~"
Giovanni looked at this Dewgong and couldn't help but laugh softly while shaking his head.
Dewgong was one of Lorelei's iconic Pokémon. The other was her ace, Lapras.
However, whether it was Dewgong or Lapras, they were not at their best on a standard battlefield.
As the saying goes, Water and Ice are often paired. This was true for Dewgong and Lapras, since they were both Water/Ice-type Pokémon.
However, another common point was that on land, they were not very agile.
"Elite Four Lorelei, today everyone in Kanto will see." Giovanni still had one hand in his pocket, smiling calmly.
"I, Giovanni, am the strongest man in Kanto!"
"Nidoking."
Giovanni threw out his first Poké Ball.
A white light flashed. A strong and burly Nidoking landed heavily in front of Giovanni. It gave a cruel smile while staring at Dewgong.
It was Giovanni's main Nidoking!
Giovanni took today's Elite Four challenge very seriously. He intended to win decisively.
"Nidoking versus Dewgong. Just from the types, Uncle Giovanni is at a disadvantage," Platinum analyzed from the audience seats.
After all, both Ice and Water types were super effective against Nidoking.
However, this was only about type matchups. The strength of the Pokémon themselves and the trainer's commands would decide the outcome.
"The Kanto Elite Four… I wonder how strong they actually are." Serena looked at Lorelei on the field with curiosity.
"Damian, can Mr. Giovanni win?" Serena asked Damian curiously
"Tsk. Serena, you should ask how many Pokémon Lorelei will need just to take down this Nidoking."
The corners of Damian's mouth slowly curled up.
Serena: "??"
"Both are Champion-level, but the gap between Champions is much larger than you think."
Damian looked at the two people on the field.
Among Champions, there are clear differences.
Take Leon, for example. Against weaker Champions, he could nearly sweep an entire team with a single Pokémon.
That wasn't an exaggeration—it had happened before.
With just one Rillaboom, Leon nearly swept Diantha's team, taking down multiple Pokémon by himself.
If he had switched to other members of his team, the result would have been even more one-sided.
And Rillaboom wasn't even his ace.
For many Champions, a regular member of Leon's team could match or surpass their ace.
This was the difference at the top.
"This Nidoking is one of Dad's main Pokémon. Watch carefully. You might face him in the future."
Damian leaned back in his seat and watched with interest.
Giovanni was clearly taking this challenge seriously. He intended to show his strength to the entire world.
As for why he reminded Serena and Platinum, it was simple.
Giovanni would definitely participate in the World Coronation Series.
That meant they could face him one day.
Meanwhile, on the field.
"Dewgong, Surf!"
Lorelei attacked first.
A light blue glow appeared around Dewgong—the Water-type move, Surf!
A large wave rose beneath it, lifting Dewgong upward.
"Sucker Punch."
Giovanni smiled faintly.
At the same time, Nidoking charged forward with incredible speed.
Before Surf could fully form, Nidoking had already reached Dewgong's back.
Its claws, coated in dark energy, struck hard.
Bang!
The hit landed.
Dewgong cried out as it was knocked forward and crashed onto the ground.
Surf collapsed instantly.
"Thunder."
Boom!
A bolt of lightning fell from the sky and struck Dewgong.
Explosion!
Smoke and dust filled the air.
Lorelei's expression turned serious. Thunder was super effective.
But it wasn't over yet.
"Earthquake."
Nidoking slammed its tail into the ground.
The battlefield shook violently.
The shockwave spread outward.
Dewgong, already injured, couldn't move.
The attack hit directly.
Dewgong collapsed.
Silence.
Then—
The entire stadium erupted.
"Holy crap!!!"
"Is this real? That's Lorelei's Dewgong!"
"Three moves! He beat it in three moves!!"
"Is that really a Nidoking?!"
"Heavens! Giovanni!!"
The crowd was completely shocked.
After all, Giovanni was facing a member of the Kanto Elite Four.
"As expected, he's incredibly strong."
Steven spoke calmly, watching Nidoking.
"Of course. That's Mr. Giovanni's Pokémon!"
Wallace looked proud.
Steven glanced at him, speechless.
Meanwhile, backstage.
"Defeating Lorelei's Dewgong so easily… Hehehe… Giovanni really hid his strength well."
Agatha's low laughter echoed.
Bruno stared at the screen with burning eyes.
He was eager to fight Giovanni himself.
"Even without Groudon, he could probably reach your level, Lance."
Agatha looked at Lance.
"What do you think?"
Lance stood with his arms crossed, eyes fixed on the screen.
His voice was calm.
"His strength… may not be below mine."