章 113: There's Something Off About My Pokémon [113]
The staff member looked a bit startled by Lu Cheng's intense demeanor but maintained a professional smile. "Of course, sir! The entry fee for the Beginner Ribbon Contest is 1,000 yuan."
"That much?" Lu Cheng exclaimed. Unlike gym battles, Pokémon Contests had a registration fee. This was one reason contests were a bit more niche in popularity around the country. He grumbled but still paid.
"And your Pokémon, please?"
The staff member's smile grew even warmer after taking his payment.
"Vulpix!" A burst of red light revealed Vulpix, its fur sleek and vibrant as it cocked its head, letting out a soft cry. "Vuu?"
Since it was a Cute Contest, Lu Cheng decided to go with his cutest choice: Vulpix.
"Oh!" The staff member's eyes lit up. Working here for a long time, she had seen countless Coordinators' Pokémon, but rarely one as eye-catching as this Vulpix! Its fur shone, its tails a fiery red, and it looked as smooth and soft as silk—a true rarity among even the most professional Coordinators.
Taking a deep breath to resist reaching out for a pet, the staff member smiled, "Here's your number. Good luck!"
Lu Cheng took the number card. Each group had up to five participants, and his card read "Number 5."
"Aren't you going to change outfits?" Lü Ning, who had come along, suggested gently. "Wearing something more eye-catching can really make an impression on the judges."
Just then, a man covered in feathers from head to toe, looking like an indigenous warrior, passed by with a Pidgey.
"You mean like..." Lu Cheng trailed off, staring in thought.
"No, no!" Lü Ning chuckled awkwardly. "I didn't mean anything like that!"
Right as they spoke, a plump lady in a bright pink sequined dress walked by, dragging behind her a Clefairy that looked like an overfed piggy bank.
Lu Cheng continued his contemplative look.
"Never mind. You know what, just stick with what you're wearing," Lü Ning said, covering her forehead.
Lu Cheng nodded seriously. Compared to these eccentric costumes, his simple attire might actually score points as a breath of fresh air!
At the entry to the main arena, Lü Ning waved to say goodbye.
"I'm off to prepare for my own competition," she said, smiling. "Good luck out there, see you later!"
In truth, Lu Cheng didn't have a clue about Pokémon Contests. But since he was the fifth contestant in his group, he figured he'd just learn by watching the others. He joined the four contestants ahead of him backstage.
"You'll go out in order and have your Pokémon perform a move," instructed a stern-looking man who seemed to be acting as a director.
The four contestants ahead of him, clearly seasoned, nodded confidently, so Lu Cheng followed suit and nodded along too. The man then spoke into his headset. "Alright, let's begin!"
The curtain lifted!
Bright stage lights illuminated the entire arena. It was only now that Lu Cheng realized they were standing right in the center, surrounded by rows of scattered spectators in the audience. In the very front, five judges sat with serious expressions.
There are as many judges as contestants, Lu Cheng mused. For a thousand yuan, this sure felt fancy!
"First contestant, please begin," said a kind, elderly woman with silver hair and gold-rimmed glasses from the judges' panel.
The first contestant, a girl with pigtails, visibly relaxed at the grandmotherly smile. She instructed her Pokémon, her voice trembling, "Nidoran, use Rest!"
The blue-spotted rodent twitched its whiskers, shivered all over, then flopped to the ground as if lifeless.
8, 10, 6, 7, 8.
The judges awarded her a respectable "39."
"Well done, dear. Your Nidoran's Rest was so convincing, it made this old lady a little drowsy," the elderly judge commented, taking off her glasses to rub her eyes.
"Thank you so much!" The girl, looking as if she'd just been pardoned from death row, hurried off with her Nidoran.
Lu Cheng twitched an eyebrow. Seriously? This counts as a Contest? I feel like my IQ just dropped a few points.
The second contestant's Rattata had a lovely coat, but Lu Cheng couldn't understand how baring its teeth with Hyper Fang fit into a "Cute" contest.
The third contestant brought out a Trapinch who did nothing but yawn, ending its act.
At least the fourth contestant tried something different. Her Butterfree used Gust to send rose petals fluttering toward the judges' table, earning an approving nod from the elderly woman. However, the glamorous, blonde judge in the middle sneezed, scrunching her face.
"Our dear judge Cheri suffers from a bit of a pollen allergy," the elderly judge explained apologetically.
As a result, Cheri reluctantly held up a score of "6."
Finally, it was Lu Cheng's turn.
Lu Cheng raised an eyebrow, wondering if Contests were really this easy. All he had to do was throw out a Pokémon, use a move, and be done with it? Oh well, it was too late to turn back now.
Clearing his throat, he instructed, "Vulpix, use Ember toward the sky!"
---
As Lu Cheng's Vulpix stepped into view, the gentle light in the elderly judge's eyes seemed to brighten. Truth be told, the previous contestants had been somewhat disappointing. Not even the basic appearance of their Pokémon met the standards she would expect for a Ribbon Contest. She had only given each contestant a "10" to avoid crushing their spirits.
"Professor Xiao," murmured the judge beside her, a young woman named Cheri, "look at this Vulpix…"
Nodding, the elderly judge replied softly, "Just by its coat alone, this Vulpix is leagues ahead of the other contestants' Pokémon."
As the judges whispered, Lu Cheng issued his command.
"Vulpix, use Ember toward the sky."
With a flick of its tails, Vulpix released a burst of glowing embers that shot into the air, cascading like fireworks. The colorful flames seemed to ignite the entire arena with excitement. The audience, previously absorbed in small talk, fell silent, captivated by Lu Cheng's performance.
The beautiful embers made Vulpix's fur shimmer even more radiantly. Flash Fire—its ability, which boosted the intensity of the flames. Vulpix stood elegantly in the spray of flickering embers, its six tails spread wide, its blank, violet-tinged eyes glinting with mystery.
Unsure if he could give any further instructions, Lu Cheng did as the others had and simply watched, leaving the rest to Vulpix. Taking initiative, Vulpix leapt gracefully, darting through the embers as they fluttered around it like butterflies. The scene ended with a graceful flourish, as the embers faded and the crowd erupted into applause.
Cheri's eyes sparkled as she leaned toward Professor Xiao. "That's an unusual way to use Ember, don't you think?"
Professor Xiao nodded, smiling. "Yes, thanks to Vulpix's Flash Fire. Without it, the performance might have come off as overdone."
During the scoring, all the judges held up perfect tens. All except for Professor Xiao, who lifted her scorecard displaying a six.
Sensing the surprised glances from the audience, Professor Xiao adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses, offering a gentle smile as she looked straight at Vulpix.
---
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