"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the Third Annual Market Street Pokémon Tournament, hosted by The Devon Corporation! I'm your announcer and guest panelist, Samantha Liu of the California Gym Circuit, and we're set to begin shortly! Registered contestants, make your way to the central arena floor for a word from our head referee!"

The words rang out through the massive gymnasium, its wooden floors echoing with the footsteps of hundreds of spectators. To one side were bleachers, more than enough to hold the large audience, along with several food and beverage vendors, and to the other side were three areas covered in floor mats. Each was marked off by ribbons, and judges stood at the sides of all three. Nearby, a table stood on the floor with three people. One held the microphone, a pretty young woman who stood proudly in her chair.

Thirty-two competitors. Five rounds of competition. Only the best of the best would be able to make it to the top, and win a one-year contract with Devon Corp. It would be hard fought. Who would come out on top?

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Making his way to the center arena, Zach looked around at the competition. Some familiar faces were present. The teen had expected that though, after all, he had seen that Mark guy handing out invites will-nilly. That must have made him some kind of Devon Corporation representative.

He was nervous. Never before had he stood in front of so many people, and he had to battle like this? Shaking his head, he tried to rid himself of the nerves. Pros did this all the time, and ultimately, that was one of Zacharias' goals. To make a living doing what he and his Pokemon loved.