"No problem. I'll definitely attend the auction!"
Diantha spoke decisively. When it came to Gardevoir's Mega Stone, she was determined to get it.
Beside her, Steven Stone smiled warmly.
"Then we'll be happy to welcome you, Ms. Diantha. At that time, both the Gardevoir Mega Stone and a Key Stone will be prepared."
"However," he added calmly, "there will definitely be many participants at the auction. Whether you can secure it will depend on how much you're willing to compete for it."
Those words carried two clear implications.
First—Devon Corporation was willing to do her a favor by putting Gardevoir's Mega Stone up for auction.
Second—this was a major public auction. They wouldn't openly bend the rules for anyone.
If she won it, it was hers.
If she didn't, there was nothing Devon Corporation could do.
It wouldn't be their responsibility.
Diantha understood perfectly and nodded solemnly.
"Then thank you, Mr. Stone."
The fact that they were even willing to bring out Gardevoir's Mega Stone already meant they were giving her plenty of face. She wasn't the type to be ungrateful.
She silently noted this favor.
After that, she asked again,
"May I ask—what Pokémon does the third Mega Stone belong to?"
The moment those words were spoken, everyone turned to look at Steven.
Clearly, they were all curious about the final Mega Stone.
But Steven didn't answer.
Instead, he looked toward the black-haired young man beside him.
The others followed his gaze.
Chen Shi twitched at the corner of his mouth. After thinking for a moment—and glancing at the silent Wallace—he suddenly seemed to recall something.
"The last Mega Stone is for Altaria."
At those words, most people looked a little disappointed.
They didn't own an Altaria, so their interest was limited.
Among everyone present, only Lance and Wallace were truly interested.
Lance, because he personally owned an Altaria.
Wallace, because Winona did.
And Wallace's interest was clearly stronger.
Recently, he didn't know what had gotten into Winona—she'd actually brought up breaking up with him.
He wanted to see if securing Altaria's Mega Stone might help him salvage things.
Chen Shi smiled at Wallace.
"At that time, Mr. Wallace, you and Miss Winona are both welcome to attend the auction."
When their eyes met, Wallace paused—then nodded heavily.
"I understand. Thank you."
He knew very well that the Altaria Mega Stone at the auction had been prepared specifically for him.
Faced with such goodwill, Wallace chose to accept it.
Seeing Wallace's reaction, Steven also seemed to understand something. He had no objections to Chen Shi's arrangement.
After all, the stone had to be sold anyway.
Selling it while earning favors from these once-in-a-generation talents?
That was an absolute win.
Soon after, no one continued the discussion.
Because—
The awards ceremony had officially begun.
On the massive screen covering one side of the room, the Top 64 competitors—now narrowed down to 32—were already stepping onto the stage. Yuko and the others were among them.
Amid roaring cheers, staff members presented them with small trophies and a League points card. After taking photos, they were ushered off the stage.
Next came the Top 32—now the Top 16.
This time, Phoebe, the perpetually unlucky one, was among them.
Watching the broadcast, Steven couldn't help laughing when he saw Phoebe's aggrieved little expression.
"Judging by her face, she doesn't look very happy."
Chen Shi nodded instinctively, also finding it hard to hold back a smile.
"It'd be strange if she were happy."
That girl really had it rough.
Ever since leaving Mt. Pyre, her food had improved—but her life? Not so much.
Wherever she went, she seemed to get picked on.
A true little punching bag.
Soon, the Top 32 competitors received their slightly better trophies and points cards. After the photo session, they too were led offstage.
Then came the Top 16.
Inside the lounge, Wikstrom, Lt. Surge, and the others stood up and headed out without hesitation.
Their figures quickly appeared on the screen.
This time, the one presenting the awards wasn't a staff member—
It was Professor Oak himself.
They each received a noticeably larger trophy. There were no additional rewards, but they weren't ushered off the stage. Instead, they were asked to remain.
Next, the broadcast called for the Top 8—including Lorelei and Leon—to go up and receive their awards.
These competitors had far higher popularity. The cheers when they appeared were significantly louder.
After that, it was time for the Top 4.
Cynthia and Steven.
Their trophies were on a completely different level—larger, more exquisite, and clearly superior in craftsmanship.
Before the broadcast even finished calling their names, Lance stood up.
"Let's go too. No need to wait for them to call us."
"Alright."
Chen Shi nodded and followed Lance out.
Passing through the awards platform corridor, Chen Shi spotted Phoebe again—still wearing that deeply aggrieved look. Clearly, she hadn't left and had been waiting here the entire time.
Since Lance went ahead first, Chen Shi was left alone with her.
"Ahem… Phoebe…" he said awkwardly.
"Don't look at me like that. There's nothing I can do about it."
"Who told you to only make Top 32?"
Phoebe said nothing.
She just stared straight at him, hugging her little trophy even tighter.
The awkward silence stretched on.
Soon, Chen Shi's name was announced over the broadcast. The metallic doors at the front of the corridor slowly opened.
He shrugged and stepped forward.
"And now, taking the stage—
the champion of this World Tournament—Chen Shi!"
The moment he appeared, the host's impassioned voice thundered in his ears, resounding like a great bell.
From the stands, a tidal wave of cheers surged forth.
Countless people shouted his name, waving flags shaped like Dragapult.
Chen Shi smiled and waved to the crowd as he walked across the red carpet, heading straight for the highest podium.
Beside him, Lance, Steven, Cynthia, and the others applauded.
Professor Oak approached slowly, holding a medal. Behind him, a staff member carried an enormous golden trophy.
"Congratulations," Professor Oak said as he placed the medal around Chen Shi's neck.
"You've finally proven yourself."
Then he took the trophy from the staff member and handed it over.
Chen Shi paused at his teacher's words—then smiled and nodded.
"Yes. I've proven myself."
"Would you like to release your Pokémon for a photo?" Professor Oak asked, lifting a camera.
"This is a champion's privilege."
Chen Shi thought for a moment, then grinned.
"Then… can I release all of my partners and take the photo together?"
"Let's call it a champion's little whim."
Professor Oak froze briefly—then laughed.
"I like that kind of whim."
Seven beams of red light flashed.
All of Chen Shi's Pokémon appeared behind him, instantly striking poses.
A grinning Dragapult,
a head-scratching Swampert,
an elegant Florges,
a slightly dazed Leafeon,
a playful, winking Togekiss,
a broad-clawed Metagross,
and a Charizard with arms crossed, radiating pride.
Countless petals rained down from the sky.
Amid the thunderous cheers of the crowd and the applause of fellow competitors, Chen Shi raised the trophy high with a smile.
The moment—
Was forever frozen in time.
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