Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy
---------------------------------
The hot spring trip had been deeply satisfying and enjoyable. Not only did it wash away Liam and Delia's fatigue from the past two days, but Delia even gained a new partner. It could truly be called a fruitful experience.
But happy times always pass quickly. As time slipped by, Liam and Delia had no choice but to leave, hoping to make it out of the hot spring forest before nightfall.
...
"Wow~ we finally see a town! Uuu, I don't know why, but I suddenly feel so moved…"
As evening fell and stars began to twinkle overhead, Delia's eyes welled with emotion when the silhouette of a town finally appeared before them.
"Mm, just as I said, this place was marked on the map. It's called Nature Town—named because of the National Park located nearby."
Holding the map, Liam smiled as he put it away after confirming their location. He turned toward Delia as he spoke.
"Hm? National Park? What kind of place is that? Is it famous?"
Delia, who had never heard of it before, asked curiously.
"Hehe, the National Park is basically an ecological reserve. I heard it's home to many wild Pokemon, and the scenery is beautiful. Let's rest here in town for the night, then visit the park tomorrow morning—how about it?"
Seeing Delia's growing interest, Liam suggested warmly.
"Yes! I'll go with whatever you say!"
Delia nodded enthusiastically, eyes shining.
...
The two stayed the night at the Pokemon Center in Nature Town. The next morning, after packing up, they set off for National Park, following the map's directions.
On the way…
"Huh, why are there so many people? Where are they all going?"
Delia looked at the crowd steadily growing around them and couldn't help asking.
"Uh… I'm not sure either. Maybe there's some event going on? Let's follow along—it might be something fun."
Noticing the purposeful direction of the crowd, Liam smiled curiously, then tugged Delia along to catch up.
"Welcome, welcome! Thank you all for coming! What a sunny day it is today—perfect weather for catching bugs! Contestants for the Bug-Catching Contest, please line up to register and collect your Sport Ball! Thank you all for your support and cooperation!"
After following the crowd for a while, Liam and Delia arrived at the gates of what looked like a park. Loudspeakers on either side of the entrance repeated the announcement.
"Bug-Catching Contest? What's that supposed to be?"
Delia tilted her head, baffled, staring at the giant banner that read "Bug-Catching Contest" over the entrance.
"Oh, so they're holding a Bug-Catching Contest here. No wonder there are so many people. That means this really is the National Park. Hehe, looks like our timing is perfect! Delia, want to join the contest together?"
Liam, of course, knew exactly what the Bug-Catching Contest was. Remembering the valuable prizes awarded at such events, he could barely hide his excitement.
"So what is this Bug-Catching Contest exactly?!"
Delia puffed her cheeks, a little upset at being kept in suspense.
"As the name implies, it's a contest for catching Bug-type Pokemon. It's an annual event hosted by this park."
Before Liam could explain, a calm voice from nearby answered first.
Startled, Liam and Delia turned toward the sound. Standing at the park entrance were two figures, one of whom they recognized immediately.
"Eh! Gym Leader Ginko! What are you doing here?"
Yes—the person they knew was none other than Mr. Ginko, the Bug-type Gym Leader from Azalea Town.
"Hehe, long time no see, you two. I didn't expect to run into you here. For a moment I thought I was mistaken."
Seeing their surprise, Ginko smiled faintly and waved.
"Oh, so you know each other! Hahaha, welcome. I'm the director of National Park—it's a pleasure to meet you."
The plump man standing beside Ginko introduced himself with a broad smile.
"Uh, hello, Director. Sorry to bother you."
Liam and Delia exchanged glances, then politely nodded in greeting.
The director chuckled kindly.
"Haha, no bother at all! You're here to take part in the contest, aren't you? Hehe, you two look quite capable, but winning won't be easy this time. I've invited Ginko himself to participate, so first place is practically guaranteed to be his! Still, you can give it a try—second or third place comes with prizes too."
Liam: "..."
Delia: "..."
"Ahem, enough nonsense. I'm only here as a judge, at your request. I won't be entering."
Ginko covered his mouth with one hand, coughed lightly, and explained in his usual flat tone.
"Ah—haha, you caught me. Well then, the contest is about to begin, and I need to host the opening. If you two want to participate, hurry and register before the deadline. I'll be off—enjoy yourselves!"
A bit embarrassed after his joke was exposed, the director scratched his thinning hair and quickly excused himself, bustling away.
"Well then, you're planning to enter, right? Come with me—I'll take you to the registration desk."
Watching the director scurry off, Ginko sighed faintly, then beckoned Liam and Delia to follow him.
...
"These are the Sport Balls issued for the contest. Each participant gets only one, but it can be reused. If you're not satisfied with the Bug-type Pokemon you caught, you can release it and try again. Only the last Pokemon inside the Sport Ball will count for judging."
"And during the contest, you're only allowed to use the single Pokemon you just registered. Switching Pokemon midway will result in disqualification."
"That's all there is to the rules. The contest will begin shortly—good luck."
After helping Liam and Delia complete their registration, Ginko stifled a yawn. Then, pausing, he turned to Delia with a slight smile.
"Delia, I recall you've always wanted to catch a Shuckle. Have you already done so? If not, then this is your chance. Quite a few Shuckle live in this park—so I hope you'll be able to capture one that you like."