For a Coordinator, a Pokémon's raw strength was certainly important.
But what mattered more was bringing out the full elegance and charm of a Pokémon, along with the harmonious beauty of its moves, in a Pokémon Showcase or Contest Battle.
Xia Chi had trained his Pokémon for actual combat from the very beginning, so he really had no confidence in this sort of "artistic" competition.
Steven, however, seemed to have an inexplicable faith in him. "Don't be nervous. Given how well you've raised your Pokémon, I think you're more than a match for those top Coordinators."
"Besides, strength, balance, and precise control over energy-the areas we excel in-are also indispensable in high-level Pokémon Contests. I believe you'll find your own way to express yourself."
With Steven putting it that way, what else could Xia Chi say?
He could only offer a slightly helpless, wry smile. "All right. Looks like I'll have to cram in some last-minute practice this month."
Ultimately, Pokémon Contests were competitions of the Pokémon's own charm and presence.
On that count alone, Xia Chi thought his Pokémon were all formidable contenders.
Meowscarada and Latias for beauty, Ogerpon and Victini for cuteness, and Flutter Mane and Kubfu for coolness.
Uh... wasn't he forgetting one Pokémon?
Whatever. It didn't matter.
Six would be enough.
After discussing the Wallace Cup invitational, he finally ended his call with Steven for real.
The Piplup messaging app was covered in unread notification dots.
He didn't need to look to know that ninety-nine percent of them were a barrage of messages about last night's "Mega Evolution."
Just looking at them gave Xia Chi a headache, so he simply closed the app.
Knock, knock-
Someone knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Xia Chi answered.
Kanon came in-no, it could also have been Latias disguised as