The next day
The final match venue.
It's midday now, and there's still more than an hour before the match starts, but the expansive venue is nearly full.
The scorching sun beats down on the uneven, surging crowd, like rolling waves of heat, causing dizziness.
"Drinks! Bento! Badges! Dolls! Do you need any?"
Vendors are roaming the steps and passageways, hawking various snacks and merchandise, with cold drinks and Baimu's Pokémon badges being the best sellers, often selling out after one or two rounds.
Inside the venue.
Groups of staff are conducting final adjustments.
Although the machines haven't had any issues over the years, for such an important final, everyone wants to ensure nothing goes wrong.
Especially since the Pokémon of both Trainers are very powerful, which tests the field's durability in case of accidents.
There's also the defensive equipment.
"Director! No issues here!"
"It's all okay here!"
"The defense equipment is all normal! It's ready for a smooth start!"
The reports from the walkie-talkies bring a smile to the face of the event's organizer, known as the Director.
He shouted, "Great! Everyone! Let's get ready to welcome the strongest final in recent years from both contestants! I believe this will create a history we can take pride in regarding ratings!"
"Yeahhhh!"
The walkie-talkie is filled with cheers.
If the Ever Grande Conference is a starting stage for Trainers to compete for the pinnacle of their dreams,
then for the staff of the event bureau, it's a weight they must strive to maintain. This stage bearing others' dreams will decide many people's fates, and symbolizes their inner glory—
the ratings.
Even though each time the event opens, it ranks first in TV ratings in the Hoenn Region,
the competition with the previous and past ratings is also a major goal for the staff's hard work. Everyone wants to witness history or become part of it.
And the two contestants anticipated by tens of thousands have yet to depart, as they are making final adjustments in the restaurant—
having lunch to aid digestion.
"Alice, is it really okay to eat so much for lunch?"
Xiaoguang worriedly watched Alice, her belly round, slumped in her seat with a satisfied look.
Alice waved her hand, "No worries! How could I have the energy to battle if I'm not full?"
She rarely eats until she's stuffed, but the sense of crisis from Baimu has driven her, who wandered the wild since childhood, to quickly replenish energy and adjust her body to its best state.
Of course.
The Pokémon too.
After Xiaogang finished being attentive to the restaurant's lady boss, he returned and asked around, "Where's Baimu?"
"Out on a walk with Liuqia." Mann Chong, wiping the slime from his face with a towel, was nearly accustomed to Goodra's enthusiasm.
Xiaoguang couldn't help but complain, "Are you guys really about to compete in the finals?"
Others might be nervous and anxious before the finals to the point they couldn't eat, yet these two, one is boldly binge eating with Pokémon, and the other leisurely strolling.
Xiaogang laughed, "It's good to maintain a normal mindset before the match; it means they're in their best state!"
"That's right."
Mann Chong nodded. He was also calm before the Silver Conference finals, partly out of habit, and partly because he had determination and conviction to win.
Outside the restaurant, on the street.
Baimu and Liuqia strolled forward, behind them, Altaria walked like a mother hen.
After the Ever Grande Conference concludes, he will embark on the journey home, taking the development of Ore as his mission, while she will continue to strive in her Gorgeous Competition career.
Even though they will definitely remain in contact, it's inevitable to feel sad about parting.
They were both once rivals competing equally, guiding each other as mentor and student with shared origin.
They were friends advancing towards dreams regardless of gender, age, or height.
In a year's time, from strangers to familiarity, though without overly thrilling experiences or stories, their friendship wouldn't diminish because of it.
"You must do your best, Baimu."
Liuqia suddenly stood back a few steps, saying softly from her spot, "You absolutely can, whether as the event champion, the Ore Champion, even the World Champion, and Pokémon Master... I'm always on your side."
Unusually, she didn't privately call him her apprentice.
The radiant sun cast shadows over Baimu, half covering Liuqia, making her expression somewhat obscure.
Then.
Baimu turned around.
The brilliant sunlight shone onto Liuqia, illuminating her golden indigo eyes, like a sea under the first sunlight.
"Of course, I'll never let you and Teacher Adam be disappointed. As the future Master of the Gorgeous Competition, remember to leave a spot for the World Champion in your songs later."
He raised his fist, smiling earnestly.
Thus, Liuqia also laughed, raising her fist to bump with his, "First win the afternoon's match! I won't let you go if you lose to Alice!"
"This cold joke isn't funny, do you think she's a Champion? Even a Champion, I'll battle them head-on! If I can't beat Alice, how can I return home in glory..."
They walk forward against the sun, Altaria as white clouds in the blue sky, singing pleasantly, trailing behind them.
——
"Dear audience! Welcome to the Ever Grande Conference Championship match venue! After more than a week's intense competition, we are finally welcoming the final match!"
The commentator's voice resounded throughout the main venue.