Chapter 261
"So now—let's welcome today's contestants! First—let's welcome our Magic City Gym's prodigy, the genius of Psychic — Nian Hongyu!!"
As the host announced the start of the competition, the contestants entered the arena one by one. Among them was one who would become the next head of the dojo.
Whether they were in the audience at the scene or watching online or on television, everyone couldn't help but feel tense.
Who will get this spot?
Who will be the next Gym Leader after Old Man Nian Hai?
Everyone is watching this Competition.
It's not just Magic City; anyone aspiring to become Trainer, a former Trainer, or anyone interested in Pokémon is paying close attention to everything happening here.
"Besides the contestants mentioned above—let's welcome the winner of the first round of popularity votes, our Elite Trainer from the Magic City Gym, and also the Champion of the Performance Competition — Sabrina!"
Amidst the host's clearly biased introduction and the increasingly wild cheers of the audience, Sabrina walked onto the stage in a slightly tight-fitting Psychic Outfit, waving to everyone.
To be honest, from Qiao Ran's perspective, this Outfit wasn't particularly attractive, but on Sabrina, it looked quite good—indeed, whether clothes look good or not isn't a problem with the clothes themselves, but rather with the person wearing them.
"This kid's popularity is truly terrifying."
The Old Man Nian Hai stroked his beard. Sabrina's recent performance was almost too good. Even he couldn't find any fault with her. She was also doing an excellent job as Elite Trainer, as if she had been working in the Gym for more than ten years.
This child is like a shooting star that suddenly appeared. He already has such influence before becoming the Gym Leader. If he becomes the Gym Leader in the future, wouldn't he be even more terrifying?
"... Sister definitely won't lose either." Nian Xiaoxiao was still wholeheartedly cheering for her sister. Nian Hai glanced at her, but still nodded with a smile.
"Yes, yes, Hongyu is a very good child too."
Compared to Sabrina, she's still slightly inferior.
Although Nian Hai didn't want to admit that his granddaughter was inferior, to be fair, the difference was quite obvious.
"Looks like we can ride this wave of popularity again." Qiao Ran sat in his seat, watching the Competition with a smug look on his face. When he saw Sabrina earlier, he had already sent Rotom to follow Rotom and film the whole thing.
As for himself, he can take a break and relax for a while, watching the Competition as a spectator, which seems pretty good.
"Competition 1! Let's welcome our first two opponents, Fang Gao from Rongcheng and Jiang Liang from Hangcheng!"
The first to appear were two middle-aged men with short hair. They both walked onto the arena with their eyes closed, clearly practitioners of psychic abilities. The Pokémon they sent out were also psychic-type Pokémon, which perfectly matched the theme of the Shanghai Gym.
"..."
Qiao Ran doesn't often watch other people's Competition, unless it's someone he knows very well—like Lillie and the others. And after reaching a certain level, this should be the first time he's gone to watch one.
He's now watching Competition featuring players who are less skilled than him.
"So, did you notice anything? Which one do you think will win?"
Cynthia, who was sitting to Qiao Ran's left, asked a question: simply watching the Competition isn't very interesting; it would be better to add some variety.
Predicting the outcome of Competition can not only be dramatic, but it can also hone Trainer's observational skills, an ability that is indispensable for becoming an excellent Trainer.
If possible, Cynthia also planned to take this opportunity to talk to them about some key points of the Competition, since she would probably have to leave soon.
"I think it's... the one on the left?"
"Um..."
Several people started talking at once, and even Old Man Nian Hai was somewhat intrigued, but when he looked over there, he decisively shut his mouth.
Wait a minute—why is this person here too??
This is the Champion... the real Champion!
The Old Man Nian Hai recalled the fear of that day, still not fully understanding how his trump card had fallen.
The Competition to elect the Gym Leader will last for one day, and the Competition system used is an elimination system. Each contestant only has one chance, and if they are Defeat, they will be completely disqualified.
Only those who persevere to the end can become the ultimate winner.
Qiao Ran and the others watched from morning until afternoon, and the number of contestants decreased from the initial dozen or so to the final four.
These four are all extremely powerful Psychic users. Even the weakest of them has a Pokémon level of over 40. Sabrina and Nian Hongyu are among them. The afternoon's Competition will determine the final winner.
During the lunch break, Qiao Ran took Rotom to charge his phone and also spent some time with Nian Xiaoxiao and Xia Fei in the neighborhood. Based on his previous plans, he figured he would be leaving the city soon, so it was good to spend more time with them.
I don't know when I'll see my cousin again. Maybe—by then, she'll already be a Pokémon Trainer.
"You said you wanted to know the latest popular songs and who the most popular celebrities are?"
"Um, can you tell me about it?"
In this world, although Qiao Ran is a native of this place, he pays absolutely no attention to popular trends and is completely ignorant about them. Compared to the little girls like Nian Xiaoxiao, he is far behind.
Why are you asking this? That's strange.
Xia Fei glanced at Qiao Ran suspiciously, but ultimately didn't ask any more questions. Instead, she took out her phone and started explaining things to Qiao Ran.
Qiao Ran tried his best to memorize some of it, putting in his utmost effort. He really went all out so that the Altaria could learn it.
Popular songs--
What would it be like if Pokémon sang these songs?
Like Humanoid Transformation version of the Altaria, she not only has a beautiful appearance but also a versatile singing voice. Her voice is more melodious and beautiful than any Qiao Ran has ever heard. She is a natural-born singer, and if she has the right song, she may be able to unleash even greater potential than Qiao Ran imagined.
Every Pokémon has its own strengths and abilities, and Pokémon's value doesn't necessarily have to be demonstrated in battle.
Even in the human world, it's impossible for everyone to become a trainer. Everyone has their own role, and that's how the whole system becomes better.
If the Altaria can truly discover this ability, then... we won't have to worry about video material every day anymore.
Even Pokémon can become idols.
The lunch break passed quickly, and the afternoon competition was about to begin. Qiao Ran and the others rushed to the competition venue again, preparing to see Na Zi one last time before her match.
Nian Xiaoxiao also planned to go to the players' lounge to see her sister.
However, when Qiao Ran and the others appeared in front of Sabrina, her expression was initially one of surprise, but she quickly calmed down and looked away.
"What... you actually came all this way to see me?"
He said he didn't care, but his unnatural expression betrayed him.
Moreover, how could Qiao Ran, who was able to sense the Aura Power, not sense her true emotions?
This guy is practically like a tsundere sister opening the door for another tsundere; the tsundere has arrived at home.
"Keep up the good work, Miss Sabrina!"
"Yes, you'll definitely be fine!"
Lillie and Mei were both cheering for Sabrina. As their seniors and Trainer they had admired, they naturally believed in Sabrina's abilities. Even Cynthia sent her blessings to Sabrina.
"Keep it up, win all the remaining Competition."
Let the world see the power of Trainer from the Pokémon World.
Cynthia didn't say this aloud, but she believed that Sabrina was working so hard in this world because she must have the same thought in mind.
They have nowhere to go back for the time being, but—as people from the Pokémon World —they still have a reason to stay.
With their own inner pride, their love and understanding of Pokémon are second to none.
The others offered their blessings to Sabrina accepted with a smile. However, she quickly turned her attention to the only person in the room who hadn't spoken.
"And you... aren't you going to say anything?"
"Huh?" Qiao Ran was stunned for a moment. Wait... was it wrong for me not to speak?
"No, they've already said everything. I wanted to say pretty much the same thing."
"Then just say it."
As if she were being forced to speak, Sabrina's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Are you scared?"
"Scared...? What am I afraid of?" Qiao Ran was provoked by her words and immediately denied it. However, just as he was about to follow the example of the other girls and give Sabrina his blessings, he hesitated for a moment when he saw the gazes of the people around him.
"So... that's it... good luck."
"I can't hear you, speak louder."
Sabrina brought her hands to her ears, pretending not to have heard clearly, but the undisguised curve of her lips betrayed her.
This guy... is he just trying to mess with me?
This place is the backstage area for the contestants' Competition, and there are also many staff members coming and going. Of course, Qiao Ran couldn't just sit idly by. Suddenly, his mind went blank, and he stepped forward and grabbed Sabrina's hand.
"Huh?"
Sabrina seemed to have not expected Qiao Ran to make such a move. Not only did her facial expression freeze, but her body was also rooted to the spot.
"Keep going, I believe you will succeed."
By taking the initiative, Qiao Ran found his rhythm, and he also recalled his original reason for coming here—not to joke around, nor for trivial matters like Revenge —but to encourage her and help her achieve final victory.
Qiao Ran lowered his head slightly and looked intently into her eyes.
"Keep going, my heart will always be with you."
"Huh?"
Sabrina didn't seem to have reacted yet; a blush quickly flashed across her face, and then a powerful Psychic erupted from her body, directly shoving Qiao Ran away.
What are you doing?!
"..."
Qiao Ran was thrown against the wall of the lounge and slid down slowly. Everyone around stared in disbelief at the scene before them. Many staff members quickly gathered around to check on Qiao Ran's condition. They were only relieved when Qiao Ran stood up again as if nothing had happened.
Wait... wasn't this guy just slammed against the wall? How did he recover so quickly?
Aren't you guys acting a little strange?
"Qiao... Ran...!"
Sabrina stared wide-eyed, her face still flushed. In her opinion, this guy was practically dancing in her sensitive area. Luckily, it wasn't a very formal public place, otherwise, this situation would have been impossible to salvage.
"Get out! All of you, get out!"
Sabrina kicked Qiao Ran and the others out. Qiao Ran's sudden behavior had completely taken her by surprise, and she needed to recover. Not only Qiao Ran and his group, but the other staff members were also kicked out.
"Our hearts have always been together."
Mei and Mei stared blankly at Qiao Ran beside them, speechless. They couldn't understand what he was thinking. This wasn't encouragement; it was just making things worse!
If Sabrina doesn't perform well later, Qiao Ran can just take full responsibility.
Also, doesn't this statement sound a bit off?
"Um... I'm actually..."
Qiao Ran didn't know how to explain it. He was just going with the flow. Since Sabrina had been in control, he couldn't help but turn the tables on her.
"You see, that's how it's always portrayed in movies and anime, right? They say something like that before the Competition, and then suddenly their potential explodes during the Competition..."
"Who would say such a thing? And besides, don't get physical."
Mei glared at Qiao Ran. This guy's relationship with Lillie was already quite obvious, but he never said anything. Now he's flirting with other people. Does he really think she doesn't exist?
If Lillie's relationship with him doesn't improve, then... what was the point of me choosing not to travel with them in the first place?
"I hope she's alright and can get through this."
Cynthia also sighed. She was startled by Qiao Ran's sudden action. If she were in his shoes, she might have also summoned her Pokémon to fight back.
Sabrina's Competition is about to begin, and this Competition will determine her fate for a long time to come. It is necessary for her and for all the wanderers in the Pokémon World.
They could only cheer for Sabrina in their hearts.
... If we lose, then it's Qiao Ran's fault.
"It's finally afternoon! Let's call out the names of our final four contestants—let's begin! Today's final competition!"
Bar!!!"
"Roar roar roar roar roar!!!"
In the vast Battlefield, the host's opening remarks once again ignited the audience's enthusiasm. This host didn't seem to be a staff member of the Gym, but rather someone who hosted variety shows on television. However, at this moment, he managed to stir up the emotions very well, and with the help of several Rotom cameras moving around the Battle Court, he captured some very good visual effects.