The moment the streaming device powered on, the screen instantly exploded into a dense barrage of comments. It looked as if someone had tossed a handful of sparks onto a calm lake—igniting all the viewers' excitement in an instant.
"!!! The streamer is finally live! I've been waiting forever for this day!"
"Oh my god! Did the streamer change? I almost didn't recognize you! This outfit is way too good-looking!"
"Help, this is completely different from the streamer I used to watch!"
"The contrast is insane! Streamer, how many surprises are you still hiding from us?"
"This outfit is gorgeous. Streamer, you must've spent a fortune just for the Contest, hahaha!"
Theo looked at the rolling flood of amazed praises, secretly delighted. He couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile and adjust the dark-pattern tie at his collar.
Then, with a gentle wave at the camera and a warm, smiling tone, he greeted:
"Good morning, everyone. I'm currently at the Rustboro Contest Hall, and the opening ceremony will start in half an hour.
Today's look was specially prepared. Since it's my first time participating in a Pokémon Contest, I felt like I should at least show some sense of ceremony."
"Ceremony MAXed out! You look way too good!!"
"No seriously, you look incredible. Streamer, can you just dress like this forever?"
"Eh? Where's Feebas? Where's Tyrunt? Why aren't they beside you? I want to see them!"
"Yes yes yes, where are the Pokémon? Show the babies!"
"They're all resting in their Poké Balls," Theo explained.
"I'll let them appear once we go on stage. For now, let me take everyone on a little tour of the venue. Even viewers who aren't here can get a feel of the atmosphere."
As the drone camera lifted into the air, it captured the entire Contest Hall from above.
The circular glass building looked like a gigantic kaleidoscope. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass panels, scattering multicolored light across the twenty-meter stage in the center.
The holographic projectors on the ceiling had already started running, looping highlight reels from Contests of previous years.
"This place is insane! It's way bigger than I imagined!"
"The audience seats are almost full already! The Contest's popularity is terrifying!"
"Well duh, Champion Wallace is here in person—of course it's packed!"
"Wait… Isn't that Grace and her Medicham? Streamer, you're doomed. She reached the Top 4 of last year's Grand Festival. That's basically one slot gone already!"
"Streamer, rotate the camera! Let's see what other strong opponents are here, we'll help you analyze!"
"No need. I already overheard some people earlier—apparently, last year's Top 4, along with several contestants holding three Ribbon Badges, are all participating.
It's truly a gathering of elites this time. But Feebas and I… we won't fear anyone."
Theo smiled confidently.
"Hahaha, I love your courage. What's there to be afraid of? Just go for it!"
"That's right! Feebas, charge! Use the same energy you used to challenge the Rustboro Gym!"
"I'm not even at the venue, but I'm already nervous through the screen!"
"I'll be cheering for you in the chat, streamer!"
Theo controlled the camera as he slowly circled the venue. Meanwhile, the livestream's viewer count skyrocketed as if riding a rocket.
From the initial three hundred thousand at the start of the stream, the number soared past eight hundred thousand after just a single lap around the hall.
The red counter continued to jump wildly, and the barrage of comments refreshed so fast they were barely readable.
Facing the camera, Theo bowed deeply.
"Thank you all for your support. I won't disappoint you. Next, please join me as I take part in this Pokémon Contest!"
The drone hovered low, following steadily behind Theo as it captured his figure walking toward the registration area.
Along the way, several trainers noticed his livestream device. Some waved curiously, while others cast evaluating glances.
Clearly, some recognized him as "that streamer who received praise from Wallace."
Theo calmly responded to the attention. His fingers unconsciously stroked the Poké Ball at his waist.
Inside, Feebas seemed to sense his feelings and gently bumped against the inner wall, as if sending encouragement.
Theo's smile deepened, and his steps grew firmer.
After signing in, the staff handed him a number card labeled "86" and directed him to wait in the contestants' preparation area.
Many trainers were already seated there, making final adjustments. A faint tension lingered in the air.
...
Half an hour later, the lights in the Rustboro Contest Hall abruptly dimmed, leaving only the spotlight on the center stage—shining like a lone star in the darkness.
The crowd's chatter gradually faded. Every gaze was drawn to the illuminated stage.
Even the livestream's comment barrage slowed, as if countless viewers were collectively holding their breath.
"GO! GO! GO!"
A lively shout split the silence.
A slightly chubby host wearing an orange suit and black-framed glasses bounced onto the stage with energetic steps.
His microphone trembled lightly with each movement, while the smile on his face shone brighter than the stage lights.
"Hello everyone! I'm your host, Kotaro!"
Kotaro bowed deeply to the audience. When he straightened up, he casually brushed aside the stray hair on his forehead.
"Today, the dazzling, fiery, and adorable performances of Coordinators and their Pokémon is now officially underway here in Rustboro City Contest Hall!"
"YEAHHHH—!"
Thunderous cheers erupted immediately. The audience waved glow sticks of every color, forming a river of glittering lights in the dark.
The livestream chat also boiled over again—lines of red "clapping emojis," hearts, and colorful stickers flooded the screen.
"The hype squad is here! I can feel every cell in my body heating up!"
Kotaro clearly enjoyed the fiery atmosphere. Raising his right hand, he opened his palm—revealing a Ribbon Badge embedded with a soft pink gemstone, glowing under the lights.
"For this Rustboro Contest, the top five outstanding Coordinators
will be awarded this — the Rustboro Ribbon Badge!
It's your ticket to earning a place in the Grand Festival!"
Kotaro lifted the badge high, his amplified voice filling the entire venue.
"WOOOOOO—!"
The roaring cheers intensified. Many trainers instinctively tightened their grip on their Poké Balls, eyes filled with burning determination.
Sitting in the waiting area, Theo tapped lightly on his number card—"86."
The cool metal helped calm his thoughts.
This Ribbon Badge… was something he and Feebas were determined to claim.
"Now then, let's invite our three judges to greet everyone!"
With a snap of Kotaro's fingers, the curtains beside the stage pulled open slowly, revealing a judging table draped in red velvet.
The first judge stood up. He wore a deep navy suit, his hair slicked neatly back, and his expression carried a dignified weight.
He was none other than Raoul Contesta, Director of the Pokémon Contest.
"Good morning, Coordinators and spectators."
Mr. Contesta's voice was steady and powerful, carrying the authority of someone who had presided over countless events.
"The essence of Pokémon Contests lies in the harmony of heart and technique.
I look forward to witnessing your soulful performances alongside your Pokémon."
He dipped his head politely—a gesture full of old-fashioned gentlemanly grace.
"Hahaha, Director Contesta is still so serious! But what he said makes perfect sense!"
"I heard he's extremely strict with scoring! Last year, a popular contestant lost tons of points because their interaction wasn't natural enough!"
"The pressure is real! Streamer, you better perform well!"
(End of Chapter)