Tens of minutes later, the closing award ceremony of the Wallace Cup officially began.
"Congratulations."
As an important initiator of this competition, Wallace solemnly handed a gift box to Hakuya.
Under the simple black gift box, on the left was a Ribbon Badge carved mainly from crystal sapphire.
Unlike Ribbon Badges of other Contests which were only applicable to the local region, this Aqua Ribbon could serve as one of the admission tickets for the Grand Festival of all League regions, containing extremely high value.
Although for Hakuya who didn't want to participate in the Grand Festival, this was just a nice-looking decorative object, after all, it was a winning prize taken down by him and Suicune together; the commemorative significance was still quite large.
And placed safely on the right was a fluorescent blue irregular stone.
"This is... Damp Rock?"
"Yes, didn't expect you to be an expert in appraising stones too, Hakuya..."
Surprised that Hakuya could recognize the name of this rock so quickly, Wallace then began to explain.
"The champion reward for this Wallace Cup, besides the due Aqua Ribbon, also includes a Damp Rock."
"Normally, this kind of stone can only be excavated in specific heavy rain climate places, extremely precious. It also happened to be gifted to me by a friend some time ago..."
[Damp Rock (Gold): When the Pokémon holding it uses Rain Dance, the duration of the rain will be longer than usual. If used to assist nourishing training for a long time, it can improve the Pokémon's control over Water-type energy.]
At this moment, even before really touching it, Hakuya could still feel a powerful Water-type energy aura from it.
This palm-sized rock was indeed a high-quality secret treasure very worthy of cherishing... This Water-type Master was willing to take out such a treasure, considered investing heavily...
As for that friend Wallace mentioned who gave him the item...
Closing eyes could guess, definitely that Champion Steven who neglected proper business and went everywhere to dig stones.
"Thanks a lot..."
Hakuya smiled and nodded, taking it and holding it in his hands solemnly.
This Wallace Cup competition, he could be said to have harvested quite a lot. Not only easily fleecing Gardevoir's Mega Stone but also conveniently harvesting such a precious auxiliary training item. Not a wasted trip—
"Too amazing. Except for Miss Lisia, there seems to be no contestant who can make him use a second move..."
"That's right. Not to mention the gorgeous performance in front that even Master Wallace couldn't replicate, just the final Ice Hydro Pump causing the whole venue to vibrate was breathtaking..."
"If known earlier, wouldn't have come this time. Almost bombed into dried fish corpses..."
Listening to the emotional praise of surrounding contestants, Dawn and May both raised the corners of their mouths, overflowing with joyful smiles.
Even if not praising them, as long as someone recognized Hakuya's excellence, the two girls who had long been inclined to him felt happy from the bottom of their hearts.
Seeing this, Hakuya coming down from the podium couldn't help laughing.
"Alright, almost time to leave... Dawn, don't you plan to go to the Pokémon Center?"
Compared to him smurfing all the way with Suicune to win the Wallace Cup, Dawn wasn't so smooth.
In the second round of Gorgeous Duel, she lost regrettably to an Elite Coordinator who had already collected three Ribbon Badges, ending her first Contest journey early.
"That's right, almost forgot to hurry to the Pokémon Center to treat Piplup."
Reminded by Hakuya like this, the confused and confident girl slapped her head, finally remembering her round penguin who was electrocuted miserably by the opponent's Luxray.
Although she used Super Potion for treatment in time after leaving the stage, for safety's sake, it was better to go to the Pokémon Center again.
"Eh? Brother Hakuya, you..."
Falling behind, Lisia looked at Hakuya leading two girls swaggering towards the main entrance of the venue, hesitant to speak for a moment.
She was naturally not jealous of this but thought of a more critical problem...
If walking out directly from the main entrance, probably will be caught by reporters outside, right?
And the fact was just as this emerald-green long-haired girl expected. Outside the Contest Hall, there was already a dense crowd. Just the moment Hakuya stepped out of the gate, reporters waiting for a long time swarmed over, surrounding them tightly.
"Why so many people?" "Mmm... feel like they all came for Brother Hakuya..."
Holding Hakuya's arms left and right, Dawn and May couldn't help being shocked by the scene before them.
"Contestant Hakuya, you pushed through the entire Wallace Cup event with a crushing posture. Will you continue to participate in relevant Contests in the future?"
"Mr. Hakuya, may I ask how you captured and gained the recognition of the legendary Pokémon, Suicune?"
"Mr. Hakuya, may I ask how you usually breed and train Pokémon? Could you mind revealing some of your training plans and special breeding schemes?"
Under a series of camera click sounds, countless microphones surged towards Hakuya like waves.
But before this group of chattering reporters could step forward further, powerful psychic power forcibly blocked them outside.
Pursuing hot spots for interviews was no problem, but necessary social distance had to be observed.
"Ah..."
At this moment, scanned by those cold crimson beautiful eyes, reporters who originally had their minds full of wanting to make big news, wishing to rush further forward, trembled subconsciously in their hearts, retreating several steps one after another.
"Regarding whether I will continue to participate in Contests in the future, my answer is negative... Of course, if a Trainer with strength worthy of my recognition comes to challenge, I'm also happy to oblige."
Quite arrogant and conceited champion acceptance speech, just said lightly from Hakuya's mouth like this.
But falling into every reporter's ears, everything was so logical.
Leaving aside that overly good-looking face making people unable to generate thoughts of refuting face to face, just Hakuya's displayed record completely matched what he said—mastering several Legendary Pokémon, debut at the peak, a hand of gorgeous duel even Wallace admitted unable to replicate...
This couldn't be considered arrogance, but confidence unique to a top Trainer.
"Truly worthy of being Mr. Hakuya~"
A reporter sighed involuntarily, then started writing excitedly to record.
Declaration of war, this was a naked declaration of war against all Coordinators. Tomorrow could make headlines!
But unexpectedly for everyone, following this domineering champion acceptance speech...
Hakuya finally started his rule-less advertising journey.
Although the system mission was completed, since free advertisements came to the door again, how could he not fleece them ruthlessly?
All borrow your live broadcast to advertise for me—
"Just now a reporter asked a very good question... regarding how rookie Trainers should breed Pokémon daily, I only recommend the following dozens of specialty foods here..."
"..."
Reporters present stared blankly instantly.
No matter where, super long wind-up followed by zero-frame start was always so unexpected—
Wait a minute... clearly they came to rub off the heat (popularity), why were they rubbed off instead?!
Seeing this scene, Nurse Joy and Fantina also walking out of the venue gate froze in unison.
Although for winning contestants, the commendation meeting after the competition ended was undoubtedly the most exciting moment.
But the overly noisy and lively scene atmosphere, plus a group of reporters outside chasing and intercepting for heat, also inevitably gave people a headache. How could anyone be as calm as Hakuya, and take this opportunity to counter-attack with a wave of free advertisements...
"Ha..."
Fantina raised the corner of her mouth slightly. She became more and more interested in this black-haired youth like a god now.
On the side, Nurse Joy recalled the conversation accidentally overheard in the venue just now, pondering secretly.
"Looks like Mr. Hakuya should be going to the Pokémon Center later?"
Pokémon Center.
"Trouble you, Nurse Joy."
"Okay." "Lucky~"
"Brother Hakuya, then May and I will go buy something first~"
After handing Piplup's Poké Ball to this gentle nurse lady before her, Dawn pulled May to the clothing store on the street together, preparing to purchase some necessary clothes.
For Trainers traveling outside, regularly purchasing and replacing travel equipment was an excellent habit.
"Okay."
Regarding this, Hakuya nodded with a smile.
It wasn't that these two girls didn't actively call him to go shopping together, but he couldn't wait to try Mega Evolution, so he chose to stay actively.
"Gar..."
Crossing the long corridor of the Pokémon Center, Hakuya took Gardevoir to the empty battle field behind.
Seeming to be a matter of time, there wasn't a single Trainer in the huge venue. It looked like a natural good place for Mega trial.