Just as dawn was breaking, a faint glimmer of light had barely crept onto the horizon of Sootopolis City when Lionel was jolted awake by the commotion outside his window.
The sounds mingled with the creaking of boats paddling, the laughter of people, and the tinkling of wind chimes—like a vibrant morning melody, continuously filling his ears.
Lionel rubbed his sleepy eyes and went to the window, drawing back the curtains.
The sight before him instantly snapped him awake. In the distance, countless boats were already launching themselves onto the lake.
These boats varied in shape, but most were sky blue.
The most striking feature was the wooden carvings of various elves adorning the bow of the boat.
There were lively Golducks,honest and simple Kingdra, and majestic Swampert; each carving was incredibly lifelike, exuding a strong regional flavor.
The boaters were dressed in brightly colored costumes. The men mostly wore short jackets embroidered with water patterns, while the women wore flowing long skirts embroidered with shimmering waves.
Their faces beamed with simple, radiant smiles as they greeted each other across the water, creating a lively scene on the lake.
Lionel turned to the still-sleeping Larvesta, Ice Vulpix, Fire Vulpix, and Deino, walked over, and patted their heads to wake them up.
"Get up, Larvesta! Hurry up and get up! Weren't you going to get dressed? Don't be late! Come on, get up!"
Upon hearing the word "dress up," Larvesta instantly woke up and immediately ran to the closet in the room to rummage through the new jewelry it had prepared yesterday.
It had been bought in Crystal City, specifically for today.
It skillfully put the jewelry on itself and then enthusiastically helped the two still-sleepy Vulpixs get dressed, tying soft ribbons around their necks in pretty bows.
Seeing Larvesta so full of energy, Lionel smiled and turned on the live streaming equipment. Such a Pokemon Contest should, of course, be witnessed by the viewers in the live stream.
"Today's host position is in your hands, Larvesta. Show everyone what this festival is all about."
Larvesta responded with a "squeak," indicating that it had no problem, and at the same time called for the Vulpixs and Deino to get ready, as they would be greeting the viewers in the live stream later.
Soon, a large number of viewers flooded the live stream, and the chat was instantly filled with comments.
[Wow! So early today, the streamer got up so early!]
[Larvesta is a streamer? So cute, hahaha, the camera is shaking a little, but I love it!]
After everything was ready, Lionel and the elves finished breakfast and walked out of the hotel to find the streets already packed with people.
Many local residents, dressed in traditional attire, were walking towards the lake with small offerings they had prepared.
Children carrying blue lanterns followed behind the procession, humming ancient songs that praised the bounty of the sea and the protection of Kyogre.
And there were many tourists, cameras and phones in hand, constantly capturing this rare sight, their faces full of curiosity and excitement.
Following the flow of people, the lakeside scenery became increasingly clear.
Near the lakeshore, a massive wooden platform had been erected, its edges carved with intricate water patterns, blending seamlessly with the surrounding lake scenery.
Standing in the center of the platform were Lizabeth and Michael, the two gym leaders of the Glass Gym.
Juan wore a dark blue robe with a silver belt around his waist, holding a scepter, his expression solemn.
Wallace, on the other hand, was unusually dressed in formal attire.
A sky-blue short jacket paired with matching trousers, the collar and cuffs embroidered with delicate white wave patterns, made him look energetic and spirited, lacking his usual casual elegance, and exuding a more dignified and handsome air.
Lionel couldn't help but admire him inwardly; this outfit was far more attractive than Michael's usual feminine and ornate clothing.
Around the platform, many gym students had gathered, releasing all their Pokémon as if guarding this sacred ceremony.
Lionel's gaze swept across the area. Besides Juan and Wallace's Milotic, Lionel also saw their other main Pokémon.
One of them, enormous with deep blue skin and two sharp fangs, was one of Juan's ace Pokémon, Walrein.
[Pokémon: Walrein]
[Type: Ice/Water]
[Category: Icebreaker Pokémon]
[Ability: Frozen Body (In snowy conditions, it slowly recovers its stamina.)]
[Moves: Ice Fang, Saltwater, Aurora Beam, Surf, Hail, Blizzard, Absolute Zero, Rain Dance, Dive, Earth Shatter…]
Lionel was secretly astonished. Juan's main Pokémon was indeed worthy of its reputation. Not only did it master a variety of powerful Ice and Water-type moves, but it even possessed signature moves like "Absolute Zero" and "Earth Shatter."
Lionel already understood that in this real world, these two moves didn't instantly kill opponents like in the games of his previous life, but their power was still incomparable to ordinary moves.
Although they required a long charging time, making them unsuitable for competitive battles, in wild battles, with the cover of its partners, they could inflict terrifying damage.
Besides Deino, a gigantic Pokémon, resembling a small island, floated silently in the lake before the altar—Wailord, Wallace's Pokémon.
[Pokémon: Wailord]
[Type: Water]
[Category: Floating Whale Pokémon]
[Ability: Water Veil (Surrounded by water, reduces Fire-type damage and prevents Fire-type burns.)]
[Moves: Saltwater, Water Pulse, Surf, Dive, Rain Dance, Rest, Tide Whirl, Hydro Pump, Water Jet...]
On Wailord's back were piles of materials rich in Water-type energy, including Water Stones, Water Crystals, and some blue plants that Lionel couldn't identify—clearly offerings for the festival.
Wailord occasionally swayed its massive tail fin, creating ripples, but this didn't affect the offerings on its back, displaying remarkable composure.
The crowd was still pushing forward, but Lionel didn't want to join the fray. He chose a spot a little further out by the lake, but on higher ground, and released all his Pokémon.
"Tyrantrum, thank you for your help." Lionel patted Tyrantrum's hind leg. Tyrantrum nodded, lowered its body, and let Lionel and the others climb onto its back.
Sitting on Tyrantrum's broad back, the field of vision instantly widened. Although there was some distance to the sacrificial platform, thanks to Tyrantrum's height advantage, Lionel could see more clearly than many people in front of him.
The others excitedly operated the camera, transmitting the scene on the platform and the lively atmosphere to the viewers in the live stream.
[Wow! It's Gym Leader Juan and Master Wallace!]
[Wallace looks so cool today! I'm going to be a fan!]
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