Pokémon Contest Champion

"At last, the Pokémon Contest—Rustboro Conference—has reached the finals of the Contest Battle!"

As the host introduced the event, the audience erupted in passionate cheers.

The finals.

No matter where it was held, this was always the climax of a competition, representing the highest level and the moment everyone eagerly anticipated.

When Baimu stepped into the Trainer's area and looked around at the many excited and expectant faces, he unexpectedly felt a long-forgotten hint of nervousness. His heart was beating fast.

He wanted to win.

He wanted to bring his debut battle to a perfect close.

He was only one step away from final victory. He could not be careless or underestimate his opponent. He had to carefully consider which Pokémon to send out.

Baimu knew very well that Ursula, who had a Garchomp, was strong, even if she had never taken part in Gym challenges or the League Conference as a Coordinator.

But her many years of Pokémon Contest battle experience had also taught her how to make an opponent lose a large number of points.

He looked across the field at Ursula in her black dress. Their gazes met, hers confident and proud, and they both saw the same emotion in the other's eyes—

"Victory!"

"The Contest Battle finals! Begin!"

At the host's shout, Baimu and Ursula threw their Poké Balls at the same time!

Bang! Bang!

A blaze of red flames surged up before Ursula. Flareon stepped out upon the fire, its fluffy fur drifting in the wind like a spirit of flame.

On the other side.

Within the pitch-black smoke, a blood-red gleam lit up.

Then, enormous gleaming silver claws tore through the haze as though ripping apart a cloak, revealing a towering, imposing body.

"Roar..."

Aggron exhaled the lingering black smoke. It did not throw