The viewers in the livestream were also watching with great interest:
[Even though they're all basic skills, every Pokémon has its own unique flair!]
[That Magnemite is so clever; its metal rings are so precise!]
[My heart skipped a beat when Pichu was lighting the fire, fearing it might burn itself, but it was actually very steady. So cute, hahaha!]
[When is the streamer going on stage? I can't wait to see Feebas's performance! I wonder what it'll show us this time; I'm so excited!]
Just then, Vivian's voice rang out again, with a touch of deliberate excitement: "Next, please welcome Contestant No. 38, Ludaes! And her partner, Blitzle!"
The backstage area instantly quieted down. Even the contestants who had been discussing in low voices subconsciously stopped talking and turned their gazes toward the stage.
Lionel also focused his mind, keeping his eyes on Ludaes. She was currently the opponent he was most concerned about.
Ludaes walked onto the stage with composed steps. Her bright yellow short skirt was particularly eye-catching under the lights, making her wheat-colored skin look even healthier.
She had no extra opening remarks, simply tossing her Poké Ball gently into the center of the field. Her voice was clear and confident: "Blitzle, let's show everyone our Thunder Dance Steps."
[Pokémon: Blitzle]
[Type: Electric]
[Classification: Electrified Pokémon]
[Ability: Motor Drive (Can draw Electric-type moves to itself; instead of taking damage, it increases its Speed)]
[Skills: Quick Attack, Charge, Shock Wave, Thunder Wave, Flame Charge, Stomp, Quick Attack, Discharge, Wild Charge...]
As the white light faded, Blitzle landed gracefully with its hooves.
It shook its black-and-white mane. The electric light between its stripes was even brighter than when he had seen it backstage, as if countless tiny bolts of lightning were flowing through its hair.
Its long-limbed body stood straight, its neck slightly arched like a dancer ready to go. Its entire being exuded the word "professional."
"Let's begin! Use Stomp combined with Thunder Shock!"
Ludaes raised her arm slightly, making a dance-like starting pose.
Blitzle understood and first began moving around the field with light steps.
Its hooves made a "click-clack" sound as they hit the ground, the rhythm distinct, as if setting the beat for the upcoming performance.
Then, it suddenly accelerated, its four hooves flying. Each Stomp kicked up a small cluster of electric sparks, crackling and weaving with the sound of the hooves into a unique rhythm.
As the rhythm quickened, the electric sparks became denser, gradually forming a blue net of light that enveloped Blitzle, looking like it had been draped in a glowing veil.
"Now! Jump and use Wild Charge!"
Ludaes's voice rose sharply, and her arm swept upward.
Blitzle leapt up, its body spinning in the air like a black-and-white top. The blue electric net was drawn in by the rotational force, gradually shrinking and being absorbed.
As the current merged, its rotation speed grew faster and faster, and golden electric arcs even began to appear around its body.
Like a golden bolt of lightning, it moved and circled nimbly around Ludaes.
Then, with a clear neigh, Blitzle concentrated all the electricity into the tips of its hooves.
It landed lightly in front of Ludaes and nudged her with its head, actually "carrying" its master steadily onto its back.
Afterward, Blitzle carried Ludaes as it jumped back and forth across the field.
The golden current trailed and drifted behind it like silk ribbons. The "click-clack" of the hooves and the "hissing" of the electricity complemented each other perfectly.
Ludaes stretched her arms out on Blitzle's back, her smile confident and bright. The coordination between human and Pokémon was so seamless they seemed as one.
"Wow—!"
The audience stands instantly erupted. The applause and cheers almost drowned out the arena, and even the air seemed to vibrate.
At the judges' table, Director Colosseum showed a rare look of approval and marked a high score on his tablet: "The control of the current was precise, with clear layers from dispersion to concentration. It perfectly combined Blitzle's speed and electricity. The visual appeal was excellent, and the interaction between human and Pokémon was particularly moving."
Chairman Sukizo stroked his chin and smiled: "I like this. The 'Thunder Dance Steps' live up to their name. It has both a sense of power and the rhythm of dance. A rare performance."
Nurse Joy also nodded in agreement, her eyes full of admiration: "Blitzle's condition is excellent. Its power is abundant yet controlled, and its coordination with Ludaes is very harmonious. This is the level a Pokémon Contest should have!"
All three judges gave a score of 9.9.
Without a doubt, Ludaes had achieved the highest score so far.
The contestants backstage all had solemn expressions on their faces.
This was undoubtedly a difficult opponent to surpass, whether in terms of the Pokémon's strength, skill control, or the creativity of the performance—it was almost flawless.
When Ludaes walked off the stage with Blitzle, she specifically stopped by Lionel's side. A confident smile played on her lips, and her tone held a hint of provocation: "Don't let me down when it's your turn."
Lionel met her gaze and responded with a calm but firm look: "Don't worry, I won't."
The Poké Ball in his hand vibrated slightly; it was Feebas responding.
Time passed minute by minute. The performances on stage continued, with judgments of pass and fail alternating. The atmosphere shifted between tense and relaxed.
Some contestants were eliminated with regret due to skill failures caused by excessive nervousness, while others won the judges' favor with original and creative ideas.
Finally, after another performance ended, Vivian cleared her throat and read out the number Lionel had been waiting for: "Next, please welcome Contestant No. 127, Lionel, and his Pokémon—Feebas!"
The spotlights instantly hit the backstage entrance, like two tracking beams clearly outlining Lionel's figure.
Lionel took a deep breath.
Walking to the edge of the stage, his fingertips gently rubbed the Poké Ball, feeling the little fellow's eager throbbing inside. Then, he raised his hand and threw the Poké Ball forward.
In a flash of white light, Feebas leapt gracefully out of the Poké Ball, and a mass of transparent water vapor instantly condensed around it.
The water vapor seemed to come alive, steadily lifting Feebas to float in mid-air over the stage. Its purple scales shimmered with a faint glow under the lights.
Feebas wiggled its body toward Lionel, its round eyes filled with an eager light, as if saying, "I'm ready."
[Pokémon: Feebas (shiny)]
[Type: Water]
[Classification: Fish Pokémon]
[Ability: Swift Swim]
[Skills: Water Pulse (Perfected), Icy Wind (Perfected), Rain Dance (Mastered), Surf (proficient), Ice Beam (proficient), Whirlpool (Mastered), Haze (Entry-level)]
The Feebas of today was no longer the slightly inexperienced little fellow from its first Pokémon Contest.
In the dry environment of the desert, it had accompanied Tyrunt in honing its skills, tempering its control over water flow under the wind, sand, and scorching sun.
And during countless mornings and nights, it had repeatedly watched videos of Wallace's Milotic's performances, silently contemplating the rhythm and flow of water.
Relying on its perfected Water Pulse and Icy Wind as a foundation, it had independently learned how to use Surf and Ice Beam.
Its control over Water-type and Ice-type moves had reached a new level.
"Feebas, the stage is yours."
Lionel's voice carried a smile, but also a long-suppressed expectation: "We've waited a long time for this day. Look at all the viewers in the audience; show them your elegance."
Feebas understood and wagged its tail in the water vapor, as if responding vigorously to Lionel.
Then, its round eyes scanned the dense crowd below the stage.
With countless gazes falling upon it, it didn't show the slightest stage fright. Instead, an excited light shone in its eyes, as if it had practiced this in its heart thousands of times, just waiting for this moment to bloom.
At this time, Vivian's voice rang out appropriately, with just the right amount of surprise and anticipation, spreading throughout the arena through the speakers: "I believe many viewers recognize contestant Lionel!
It was at Rustboro City last time where he had Feebas use a stunning 'Water-Ice Aurora Tornado' that shocked the entire audience—that beautiful scene blending water, ice, and aurora is still talked about by many today!
I wonder what kind of performance he will give this time? I'm already starting to look forward to it!"
Lionel raised his hand and made a "rise" gesture.
Feebas understood and started with Whirlpool. The water vapor around it suddenly surged, and countless streams of water emerged from the ground in the center of the stage.
The water streams, as if drawn by an invisible hand, rotated and rose rapidly, turning into a thick water tornado in the blink of an eye.
Unlike the time in Rustboro City, this water tornado did not appear violent; instead, it carried a sense of graceful rhythm.
The spiral water flow was crystal clear, reflecting fine specks of light under the sun, looking absolutely beautiful.
What was even more amazing was that as the Whirlpool vortex gradually stabilized, two huge pillars of water suddenly surged out from the left and right sides.
Like two nimble water dragons, they climbed upward, curved, and finally joined at the top of the water vortex to form an arched gateway.
Immediately after, the water of the arch began to freeze at a speed visible to the naked eye—it was Ice Beam!
Tiny ice crystals spread along the water flow, from the bottom to the top.
In just a few seconds, the entire arch was frozen into an icy blue, the ice surface reflecting the lights with a brilliant luster.
From time to time, water flowed over the ice arch, giving the solid structure a sense of nimbleness.
Beneath the arch, the vortex of the water spout flowed slowly; amidst the misty vapor, the ice crystal arch shone brilliantly under the sunlight, ethereal and sacred.
This drew the audience to stand up, unable to resist leaning forward, their eyes filled with fascination: "Look! What is that?"
"Is it a mirage? How was this done? It's too fantastical!"
"So beautiful—it's like being in a dream—"
Feebas wagged its tail, spiraling upward along the patterns of the Whirlpool.
Fine rings of water gradually wrapped around its body, draping its purple form in layers of crystal-clear Aqua Rings, each ring trembling slightly with its movements.
At the same time, a very faint Confuse Ray emanated from its body, not fully activated, but turning into a soft halo.
It was as if it had been gilded with a gold border.
This was a quiet preparation for the upcoming transformation.
Feebas did not rush to speed up, but surged upward bit by bit along the flow of the water spout, its eyes always fixed on that "Dragon Gate" made of water and ice.
Its perfect mastery of Water Pulse and Whirlpool was fully displayed at this moment; it seemed not to be fighting the current, but merging with the entire water spout, becoming a part of it.
The outline of the Dragon Gate high in the sky became clearer; Feebas's journey toward the high-altitude Dragon Gate was like a solemn ceremony, every step condensing focus and determination.
Even the clamor below seemed infected by this focus, gradually quieting down until only the soft sound of flowing water remained.
"Now is the time!"
Lionel's voice suddenly rose, carrying long-suppressed excitement: "The fish leaps over the Dragon Gate—evolve, Feebas!"
Feebas seemed to have been waiting for these words for a long time.
It suddenly accelerated, sprinting upward with the force of the water spout, its purple figure tracing a graceful arc in the blue water, like a nimble ribbon.
Just as it was about to touch the ice arch, it gave a powerful flick of its tail, its entire body soaring into the air, leaping toward the "Dragon Gate" that symbolized transformation.
The moment Feebas passed through the ice gate, a violent white light of evolution erupted from its body.
Simultaneously, Feebas fully activated its Confuse Ray skill.
The light of evolution and the iridescent Confuse Ray merged perfectly, like a flower of light exploding above the stage, so dazzling that people could hardly keep their eyes open.
As the light refracted through the mist on the stage, rainbows appeared one after another, enveloping the entire arena in a dreamy halo.
Vivian's voice trembled with disbelief, almost shouting: "Th-this is—evolution?!
Feebas actually evolved during the competition? Incredible! This is simply too incredible!"
The live stream chat was instantly flooded with comments, moving so fast they blurred into a white light; individual words were impossible to read, only a screen full of wonder and excitement could be captured:
[Holy crap! Feebas can evolve?! Am I dreaming?! I pinched myself, it hurts! It's real!]
[Am I seeing this right? What is it evolving into? Gyarados? Doesn't look like it! This light is too blinding—]
It's completely impossible to tell what it has evolved into.!]
[Keeping such a big move hidden, the streamer is amazing! Evolving on the stage of a Pokémon Contest, this move is just too cool!]
[I knew Feebas wasn't simple! I could tell since that performance in Rustboro City; this evolution is too shocking!]
The audience on-site was even more boisterous, the waves of cheering almost lifting the roof off the open-air arena.
Everyone stood up, craning their necks to look at that ball of dazzling light; many waved their arms excitedly, their breathing seemingly stopped, for fear of missing the moment this miracle was born.
At the judges' table, Director Colosseum, Chairman Sukizo, and Nurse Joy all stood up, their faces filled with shock and anticipation.
Even Contest, who was known for his rigor, couldn't help but widen his eyes.
"Is this—is it really going to successfully evolve? It's unbelievable—"
Nurse Joy covered her mouth, her eyes shimmering with excited light.
Chairman Sukizo stroked his chin, shaking his head and then nodding with deep emotion: "Last time in Rustboro City, Nurse Joy said Lionel was a 'Little Wallace'; now it seems it was a prophetic remark.
In our Hoenn region, after Wallace, Juan, and Robert, someone has finally raised a Milotic again!
When Wallace specifically stayed behind to give him a few words of advice back then, I had a premonition, but I didn't expect the training to be successful so quickly. Truly impressive; the new Trainers nowadays are becoming more and more extraordinary!"
Director Colosseum rubbed his temples: "No wonder at the League Conference a few days ago, Wallace and Juan changed their previous stance and wanted to announce the evolutionary relationship between Feebas and Milotic, vigorously promoting the Feebas breeding plan.
They even specifically invited Professor Oak to work with Professor Birch to update the Pokédex, hoping to integrate and release the updated Pokédex for the Hoenn, Kanto,
Johto, and Sinnoh regions. So that's why—"
The three looked at each other, seeing understanding and anticipation in each other's eyes.
In the center of the stage, the light gradually receded.
The originally purple Feebas's body lengthened and stretched in the light, like a piece of unpolished jade that had been carefully carved, finally revealing its inner brilliance.
The purple scales quietly faded away, replaced by milk-white skin as smooth as silk, glowing with a warm, pearl-like luster.
Two long fins on its head slowly unfurled, their edges tinged with a faint blue, like exquisite ribbons.
Its tail trailed four tail fins, the tips adorned with golden spots that emitted a faint glow under the lights, exuding an air of noble and overbearing dignity.
In the center of the stage, the light gradually receded.
When the light completely dissipated, a Pokémon with a graceful figure and gentle temperament was suspended at the top of the water vortex.
It was—a shiny Milotic.
It gently flicked its tail fin, and the ice arch at the top of the water vortex instantly melted, turning into countless tiny water droplets that fell like a meteor shower, sparkling with crystal light under the sun, breathtakingly beautiful.
Milotic gracefully swam to Lionel's side, the Aqua Rings circulating around its body suddenly turning into light ribbons.
With the enhancement of Confuse Ray, it emitted light in seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple—circling and dancing around Lionel like a rainbow.
Then, it controlled the water vapor to lift Lionel's body, letting him also slowly float in the air.
The person and the Pokémon glided and danced in the arena.
Milotic led the way while Lionel followed, their figures weaving through the rainbow water ribbons and the thin mist formed by the lingering water vapor on the stage, incomparably beautiful, like a flowing scroll of painting.
The cheers from the audience erupted again, more enthusiastic than any time before, lasting for a long time.
The chat also completely exploded:
[Am I dreaming? Is this real or fake?]
[Damn, damn, damn! Feebas evolved into Milotic?! Did I see that right? Feebas's evolved form is actually Milotic?!]
[My god, I'm going crazy! I always thought Master Wallace's Milotic was a standalone form; I didn't expect it evolved from Feebas!]
[Magikarp evolves into Gyarados, Feebas evolves into Milotic—the evolution of these fish Pokémon is just too outrageous, isn't it? Every single one of them becomes so powerful after evolving!]
[This performance—I'm willing to call it art! It's too shocking, words can't describe it!]
Everyone was shocked by this dreamlike scene, looking at the milk-white figure in the air and the calm youth, with only one thought in their minds.
This was definitely the most unforgettable performance of this Pokémon Contest, without exception.
Lionel looked down at the Milotic beside him; it was looking at him with a gentle gaze, its eyes full of intimacy and joy, its milk-white skin glowing with a soft luster in the light.
He couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke Milotic's smooth skin, a bright smile spreading across his face.
Feebas—no, it's Milotic now.
This long-awaited transformation had finally bloomed with the most brilliant light on the most dazzling stage.