The Legendary Prize (Extra-Long Chapter!!)

[You caught Swablu. Your band gained a new member.]

He had gained his fourth member.

But the Musician did not hurry on to Driftveil City. Instead, he retreated to Route 5, found a suitable place to camp, and began training Swablu's voice.

Singing was no simple matter. Neither was performing together.

No matter how gifted someone was, without training, their singing would never meet professional standards.

[You began training Swablu's voice while working to raise its level and improve its battling skills so it could evolve.]

The Musician clearly knew that Swablu's voice would reach its peak after it evolved into Altaria, the Humming Pokémon. So at first, he focused on teaching Swablu to sustain its breath and control its voice with precision.

He did not neglect Chimecho or Maractus, either. Neither sang, but the accompaniment was just as important. Besides, they shared the vital responsibility of taking the League Conference stage with him.

Thanks to the Simulator's newly added sound-card feature, Baimu also picked up a rudimentary understanding of the music theory shown on-screen.

Time passed.

Even through pixel art, Baimu could hear how quickly the three new members and the Musician were finding their rhythm together.

Through music, the Musician forged a connection with the Pokémon. He poured every emotion into his songs, conveying them unmistakably to all three and sharing every dream and ambition he had.

At that moment,

the gift of [Telepathic Bond] had never been clearer.

Swablu evolved into Altaria as hoped. Meanwhile, Chimecho and Maractus grew stronger in battle and learned more music theory, making their accompaniment increasingly effortless.

One person and four Pokémon played together, and they truly sounded like a little band.

``` [You were delighted with your Pokémon's performance and deeply grateful for their tireless efforts. You