The Pokémon Contest Begins

The morning sun draped Slateport City in a veil of gold. In a tranquil park in the city's northwest, crowds had already gathered, and the atmosphere was buzzing.

A quaint hexagonal hall with upturned eaves and ornate brackets stood there. This was the venue for the Slateport City Pokémon Contest.

Colorful flags fluttered at the entrance, and a huge banner proclaimed, "Grand Opening of the Slateport City Pokémon Contest." Countless Trainers, Pokémon Coordinator enthusiasts, and ordinary citizens were filing in after having their tickets checked. The Qi was thick with excitement and anticipation.

Xinhai and his partners had arrived early as well. He had changed into a clean casual outfit today. Eevee lay on his shoulder, curiously looking around, while Gardevoir floated elegantly at his side, her red eyes studying the surroundings with mild curiosity.

The Poké Balls containing Blaziken, Zigzagoon, and his other partners hung from Xinhai's collar, their small windows allowing them to watch the event.

"Eevee!" (There are so many people!) Eevee stared at the bustling crowd around them and exclaimed in amazement.

"Gardevoir~" (Such a lively atmosphere!) Gardevoir softly replied, sensing the joy and anticipation filling the Qi.

Xinhai smiled, held Eevee in his arms, and took Gardevoir's hand as they followed the crowd into the hall, which was steeped in traditional charm.

The venue's interior was even more thoughtfully designed. The audience seating formed a ring around a massive circular stage equipped with high-tech screens and special-effects devices. The dazzling lights and top-tier sound system combined classical elegance with modern spectacle.

Before long, every seat was filled. When the clock struck nine in the morning, the lights abruptly dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight shining upon the center of the stage.

A lively figure appeared in the spotlight as bright, rhythmic music began to play.