The Contest Begins

The moment the livestream equipment activated, dense waves of comments exploded across the screen, like someone had tossed a handful of sparks onto a still lake and instantly ignited every viewer's enthusiasm.

"!!! The streamer finally went live! I've been waiting for this day forever!

"!!! Oh my god! Did the streamer change? I barely recognized you. This outfit is way too good!"

"...Help, this is practically a completely different person from the streamer I knew before!"

"The contrast is insane! Streamer, how many more surprises are you hiding from us?"

"This outfit looks so good. You really went all out for the Pokémon Contest, huh? Hahaha!"

"..."

Watching the amazed compliments scroll across the comments, Lin Mo secretly felt pleased and could not help curling his lips as he adjusted the patterned tie at his collar.

Then he waved at the camera, his voice carrying a gentle smile.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm at the Rustboro City Pokémon Contest venue right now. It'll begin in half an hour.

"I specially prepared today's look. Since it's my first time entering a Pokémon Contest, I had to make it feel a little ceremonial."

"The sense of ceremony is maxed out! You really look amazing!!"

"You really do look amazing, streamer. Dress like this from now on!"

"Huh? Where are Feebas and Tyrantrum? Aren't they with you? I want to see them!"

"Yeah, yeah! Where are the Pokémon?"

"..."

"They're resting in their Poké Balls," Lin Mo explained.

"They'll make their appearance when it's time to compete. For now, let me show everyone the venue so viewers who couldn't come can get a feel for the atmosphere."

As the livestream camera slowly rose, the full view of the Pokémon Contest venue unfolded before the audience.

The circular glass building resembled a massive kaleidoscope. Sunlight refracted through the colored glass, scattering brilliant patches of light across the twenty-meter-wide central stage.

The holographic projection equipment overhead had already activated, repeatedly playing spectacular highlights from previous Pokémon Contests.

"This venue is way too luxurious! It's so much bigger than I imagined!"

"The surrounding seats are almost full already. The popularity of this Pokémon Contest is terrifying!"

"Wallace himself is here. How could there not be a huge crowd?"

"Is that... Grace and her Medicham? Streamer, you're in trouble this time. I remember she made the top four at last year's Grand Festival. That's one qualification spot gone right away!"

"Move the camera around some more, streamer! See if there are any other strong opponents! We'll help you analyze them!"

"No need. I heard the people around me say that the top four from last year's Grand Festival are here, along with contestants holding three Ribbon Badges.

"There really are experts everywhere this time, but Feebas and I won't be afraid of anyone." Lin Mo replied with a smile.

"Hahaha, I like your courage, streamer! What's there to fear? Just go for it!"

"Exactly! Go, Feebas! Who cares what opponents you face? Bring out the same drive you had when challenging Roxanne's Gym!"

"I'm not even there, but I'm already getting nervous through the screen!"

"I'll stay in the livestream and cheer you on the whole time!"

Lin Mo guided the camera slowly around the venue, and the number of viewers in the livestream soared like a rocket.

It had started at three hundred thousand when the stream began. By the time he had made one circuit of the venue, it had already surpassed eight hundred thousand. The red number was still jumping wildly, while the comments refreshed so quickly that their contents were nearly impossible to see.

Lin Mo gave the camera a deep bow.

"Thank you all for your support. I won't let you down. Now, come join me in this Pokémon Contest!"

The livestream device flew at low altitude, its camera steadily following behind Lin Mo as it captured him walking toward the registration desk.

Along the way, some Trainers noticed his livestream equipment. Some curiously waved greetings, while others cast appraising looks his way.

Clearly, some of them recognized him as the "streamer Wallace had praised before."

Lin Mo calmly met everyone's gazes, his fingertips unconsciously brushing the Poké Ball at his waist.

Inside, Feebas seemed to sense his emotions. It lightly bumped against the wall of the ball, as though offering encouragement.

The smile on Lin Mo's lips deepened, and his steps became even firmer.

After registering, a staff member handed Lin Mo a number tag marked "86" and directed him to wait in the contestant preparation area near the front stage.

Quite a few Trainers were already seated there, all making their final adjustments. A faint tension hung in the air.

Half an hour later, the lights at the Rustboro City Pokémon Contest venue suddenly went dark. Only the spotlight at the center of the stage remained lit, like a star beneath the spotlight.

The noise in the audience gradually quieted. Everyone's gaze focused on the center of the stage, and even the livestream comments slowed by half a beat, as if everyone were holding their breath in anticipation.

"GO! GO! GO!"

A vigorous shout shattered the silence as a slightly chubby host in an orange suit and black-rimmed glasses dashed onto the stage with light steps.

The microphone in his hand trembled faintly with his movements, and the smile on his face shone brighter than the stage lights.

"Hello, everyone! I'm your host, Kotaro!"

Kotaro gave a deep bow toward the audience. As he straightened, he casually brushed aside the loose strands of hair on his forehead.

"The passionate, dazzling, and adorable competition for Pokémon Coordinators—the Pokémon Contest—is being held in Rustboro City right on schedule this time!"

"Yeah—!"

Thunderous cheers instantly erupted from the audience. Spectators waved their glow sticks, and multicolored points of light flowed through the darkness like a moving galaxy.

The livestream comments erupted again as well, with red "666" messages and colorful heart emojis flooding the screen.

"The hype crew is in position! I feel like every cell in my body is on fire!"

Kotaro clearly enjoyed the enthusiastic atmosphere. He raised his right hand, palm upward, displaying a Ribbon Badge set with a pale red gemstone that reflected a soft glow beneath the lights.

"In this Rustboro City Pokémon Contest, the top five outstanding Coordinators will receive this Rustboro Ribbon! This will increase your chance to advance toward the Grand Festival!"

Kotaro held the badge high overhead, his voice carrying through the entire venue via the microphone.

"Oh—!"

The cheers from the audience grew even louder. Many Trainers instinctively gripped their Poké Balls tighter, their eyes shining with longing.

Seated in the contestant preparation area, Lin Mo lightly tapped the "86" number tag with his fingertips. The cool metal soothed some of the turmoil in his heart. He and Feebas were determined to win this Ribbon Badge.

"Next, let us welcome our three judges!"

Kotaro snapped his fingers, and the curtain at the side of the stage slowly opened, revealing three judges' seats draped in red velvet.

The first judge rose to his feet. He wore a dark blue suit, his hair meticulously combed, and a solemn expression rested on his face. He was Contesta, Director of the Pokémon Contest Affairs Bureau.

"Good morning, Coordinators and audience members." Contesta's voice was calm and powerful, carrying the authority of someone long accustomed to the stage.

"The core of a Pokémon Contest lies in the resonance of heart and skill. I look forward to seeing your souls dance alongside your Pokémon today."

After speaking, Director Contesta gave a slight nod, every movement carrying the elegance of an old-fashioned gentleman.

"Director Contesta is still so serious, hahaha! But what he says makes so much sense!"

"I heard he scores especially harshly. Last year, a popular contestant lost tons of points because their interaction wasn't natural enough!"

"The pressure is here! Streamer, you'd better perform well!"

"..."