The sun rose over the Luminara League Stadium, bathing the massive arena in golden light.
Only yesterday, the crowd had witnessed one of the greatest battles in League history—Elior vs. Mira. The match had become the talk of the entire Luminara Region. Every news channel replayed the final clash between Eclipse Lunashade and Mega Salamence.
Every Trainer dreamed of standing on that battlefield. But for four Trainers...The journey wasn't over. It had only become more difficult.
Inside the Pokémon Center, Elior slowly opened his eyes. The previous day's battle had pushed both him and his Pokémon to their limits. He sat up and looked toward the six Poké Balls resting on the bedside table. One by one, he picked them up.
"You all fought amazingly yesterday."
He smiled.
"But we're not champions yet."
He stepped outside into the courtyard. Morning sunlight filled the air. Elior released his entire team. A burst of six lights appeared.
Infernarx roared proudly.
Lucario calmly closed its eyes, feeling the flow of Aura around it.
Thundrion leaped onto a nearby rock as sparks danced around its body.
Mystveil floated peacefully above the grass.
Skyrend circled overhead before landing beside Elior.
Finally...
Eclipse Lunashade emerged.
The mysterious Pokémon silently looked toward the eastern horizon. Its crimson eyes narrowed for a brief moment. It could feel something...
Far away.
Somewhere beyond the sea.
Elior noticed.
"Do you sense it too...?"
Lunashade didn't answer.
It simply continued staring into the distance.
Across the Sea...Far from the cheers of the League...On the forgotten land of Aether Isle...Ancient winds swept through crumbling ruins.The colossal stone gate stood silently in the center of the island.
Now...
Three ancient keys rested within the seal.
The runes glowed brighter than ever before. Tiny cracks had begun spreading across the gate. Standing before it...
Was Umbreal.
His Eclipse Lunashade stood beside him.
Umbreal reached out and touched one of the cracks.
The seal pulsed.
A deep roar echoed from somewhere beyond the gate. He lowered his hand.
"Three keys."
He turned toward the forest. Zeff and the members of Eclipse Rebellion had already disappeared. Only their footprints remained. Umbreal clenched his fist.
"I'll find you before you reach to the Aetherion."
Without another word, Umbreal and his partner vanished into the ancient forest.
Back at the League
The stadium gates opened. Thousands of spectators flooded into their seats. Colorful banners waved in the wind.
The commentators' voices echoed across the arena.
"Welcome back, everyone! Today, the Luminara League enters its Semifinals!"
The audience erupted into thunderous applause.
The giant screen lit up.
Four trainer portraits appeared one by one.
Elior
Kai
Serena
Orion
The announcer continued.
"Only one of these four Trainers will become the Champion of the Luminara Region!"
The bracket appeared.
Semifinal First round
Elior Vs Kai
Semifinal Second round
Serena Vs Orion
The crowd roared with excitement.
As Elior walked through the players' tunnel, he noticed someone waiting. A young man with silver-blue hair stood quietly against the wall. His expression was calm.
His icy blue eyes met Elior's.
"You're Elior."
Elior nodded.
"And you're Kai."
Kai gave a small smile.
"I watched your battle yesterday. Lucario's Golden Resonance...Eclipse Lunashade...They're incredible."
He paused.
"But admiration ends today."
"Once we step onto that battlefield..."
"I'll defeat you."
Elior smiled confidently.
"Then let's give the audience another unforgettable battle."
Kai nodded.
The two trainers walked past one another. Neither looked back.
The stadium lights dimmed. The announcer's voice echoed across every corner of the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen...Please welcome the first semifinalists!"
The left gate slowly opened.
"Elior!"
The crowd exploded into cheers as Elior walked onto the field.
From the opposite side...
The right gate opened.
"Kai!"
A loud cheer welcomed the Ice-type specialist.
Snowflake-shaped lights sparkled across the giant screens as Kai stepped onto the battlefield. The referee walked to the center. He looked at both trainers.
"This will be a full six-on-six battle."
"Substitutions are permitted."
"The battle ends when one trainer has no Pokémon remaining."
Both trainers nodded.
The stadium became completely silent.
Elior reached for his first Poké Ball.
Across the battlefield...
Kai did the same.
The referee slowly raised both flags.
"The first Semifinal of the Luminara League..."
"BEGIN!"
END OF CHAPTER 62