At the open-air venue in Sootopolis City, the Wallace Cup had finally reached the grand final.
The final stage would feature a joint performance by Robert and Gary.
Though the Coordinators and Pokémon Contest fans in the stands had already shouted themselves hoarse, they still welcomed the two finalists onto the stage with their warmest applause.
Kimarō had already relocated to the very front row of the stands. He had to witness his teacher's glorious victory with his own eyes.
Holding a tub of pearl milk tea, Jasmine eagerly awaited Gary's final performance.
In the last row of the stands, an old man with a handlebar mustache sat silently in a captain's coat, his open chest revealing solid muscles, a cup of hot, sweet milk in his hand.
"Hmm~ This isn't quite sweet enough." Frowning, the old man set down his cup and looked at his phone screen.
"Mr. Drake, I already told you that Young Master Mao would handle the Draconids issue. There's no need for you to make a special trip.
"Especially with Team Magma operating underwater more and more frequently lately, we need your help." Steven's helpless voice came from the other end of the call.
"Say no more~" Drake raised the brim of his military cap. "I'll confirm it personally."
On the stage, the elegant, handsome man with long golden hair nodded warmly to Young Master Mao. "It's been a while, young Gary."
"It's been a while, Mr. Robert." Gary nodded in return.
"I never expected to face you in the Wallace Cup." Robert smiled slightly. "To hone my skills, I sold my house and settled in Hoenn.
"Now, I'm only one step away from the Grand Festival.
"So I won't back down."
Young Master Mao shrugged. "Sorry, but I'm winning this competition."
Robert wasn't