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Lionel found a seat by the window, where he could see the surging crowd outside the venue. Not long after, the door to the players' lounge was gently pushed open by a staff member, and a notification sound accompanied by light footsteps came:
"Attention all players, the audience has entered, and the match is about to begin."
The large screen hanging in front of the lounge suddenly lit up, clearly projecting the scene inside the venue.
The lights around the venue had already been adjusted, a warm yellow and bright white interplay, making the stage exceptionally bright.
The audience seats were full, laughter and conversation rising and falling, like a tide washing over the entire venue.
Suddenly, the camera shifted, cutting to the passageway on the side of the stage.
A familiar figure walked out with light steps, instantly igniting the atmosphere in the venue.
It's the host, Vivian!
Lionel had just watched her host the Pokémon Contest of Another City in a video a few days ago, and thought there would be a new face this time, but it was her again.
Today, Vivian wasn't wearing the cute Pikachu outfit from Mauville City, but a fiery red tank top and short skirt.
The fabric was embroidered with leaping flame patterns, bright and passionate. It perfectly complemented the regional characteristics of Fallarbor Town, which is near Smokebur Mountain.
Vivian walked to the center of the stage, microphone in hand, a radiant smile on her face. Her voice, carrying its unique sweetness and energy, resonated throughout the venue:
"Hello everyone! It's great to see you all again. I'm your favorite host, Vivian!"
As soon as she finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, mixed with shouts of encouragement. "Vivian!"
"Vivian, we love you!"
Vivian smiled and raised her hand, waiting for the cheers to subside before continuing:
"The Pokémon Contest that Pokémon Coordinators have been eagerly anticipating has finally begun today in beautiful Fallarbor Town!"
She paused, then raised her right index finger and wagged it:
"As usual, the top five winners of this tournament will receive a badge as prestigious as Fallarbor Town itself, bringing us one step closer to a magnificent grand celebration!"
The audience... The applause grew even louder, with many contestants' fan groups waving their support signs vigorously.
Vivian paused playfully again, then continued, "However, this competition is quite different from the past!
Oh! Each contestant will need to send out two Pokémon to work together on a performance, significantly increasing the demands on their teamwork and skill coordination!
What kind of spectacular performance will unfold?
Let's wait and see!"
Having concisely explained the rules, Vivian turned slightly and pointed towards the judges' panel, raising her arm gently:
"Next, please welcome our judges!"
Three spotlights shone simultaneously, instantly illuminating the judges' panel.
First to step onto the stage was Miss Joey from Fallarbor Town.
She wore her signature pink uniform, with a crescent-shaped meteorite brooch adorning her chest;
Several small meteorite pendants sat on her cuffs, gently clinking as she moved.
Miss Joey's gentle voice rang out:
"Welcome everyone to Fallarbor Town! I hope you all have a great time here, and I wish all the contestants the best of luck!"
Next to her was Mr. Sukizo, still wearing his beige coat, a kind smile on his face:
"Every Pokémon Contest is something to look forward to!
I hope this time there will be even more contestants who make me want to say 'I like them!' Good luck everyone!"
Finally, a new face took the stage. She wore thin-rimmed glasses, a short black leather jacket, and dark cargo pants.
The cuffs of her pants were casually rolled up, revealing her slender, white feet. Her hair was neatly tied in a high ponytail, with a few wisps of hair falling beside her face, adding a touch of nonchalance.
The cool and stylish outfit contrasted sharply with her sweet features, yet surprisingly harmoniously.
"This is Ms. Yumiko, the Vice Director of the Pokémon Contest Secretariat!"
Vivian's voice was full of excitement as she introduced her:
"Ms. Yumiko not only has unique insights into Pokémon moves, but she is also a seasoned Pokémon Coordinator, having won the Pokémon Contest Championship for two consecutive years!"
Yumiko nodded slightly to the audience, her movements concise and efficient, her expression sparse, yet somehow exuding a powerful aura.
As soon as the three judges took their seats, the audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers. Especially Yumiko's fan club, holding up light boards that read "Yumiko-sama is the coolest," chanted with extra enthusiasm.
Lionel, listening to the other contestants' discussions in the lounge,
learned about Yumiko's background as a judge.
Her decisive personality, precise and sharp comments, coupled with the occasional gentleness, created a charming contrast that won her countless fans.
Many people even came to Fallarbor Town specifically to see her give live comments.
"The judges are in position!"
Vivian's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of playful anticipation:
"Next, let's welcome our first contestant—number one, Kotaro!"
The spotlight instantly shone on the entrance to the contestant's passage, and all eyes were focused there.
The magnificent Fallarbor Town competition officially began.
One contestant after another took the stage.
Compared to the grand tournaments in Mauville City and Kanaz City, the tournament in Fallarbor Town had nearly half the number of participants due to its higher entry requirements, but the overall skill level of the contestants was significantly higher.
Most of the participants came well-prepared, demonstrating basic control over two-Pokémon teamwork, and rarely made fundamental mistakes.
As each spectacular performance unfolded, the enthusiasm of the audience in the arena ignited like a flame, with cheers rising in waves.
Soon, Vivian's sweet voice rang out again:
"Next up is contestant number 28, Grace!"
Under the spotlight, Grace, in a pale white, revealing long dress, the hem swaying gently with her steps, gracefully walked onto the stage.
She bowed slightly to the audience:
"Nice to meet you. My partners are Medicham and Gallade."
A flash of red light appeared, and the two Pokémon stood side by side.
Medicham clasped its hands together, its eyes sharp; Gallade bowed, its red eyes focused intently.
"Let's begin!"
Grace gave the soft command.
As soon as the command was given, Medicham moved first, its body blurred, and it swiftly charged towards Gallade.
It unleashed Ice Punch and Fire Punch simultaneously.
The two Pokémon emitted piercingly cold air and scorching heat waves respectively. Yet, under the precise control of their superpowers, they remained completely separate, each distinct.
Gallade was equally formidable, its blades gleaming with azure and emerald light.
It activated its Water Blade and Leaf Blade skills simultaneously, meeting Medicham's Ice and Fire attacks head-on.
The clash of fist and blade created ripples of energy in the center of the stage; what appeared to be a fierce battle was actually a display of exquisite coordination.
Medicham's fists always deftly withdrew just before striking Gallade, leaving the perfect distance.