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The Extreme Speed Conference has a long history in Falcon City. Initially, it was not known as such but rather the Flight Conference.
A group of Trainers competed with their flying-type Pokemon based on speed; whoever reached the destination first would earn the Speed Medal for their Pokemon.
Over time, the Flight Conference gained attention from numerous Trainers who flocked to Falcon City to participate.
Later, some Trainers suggested that participation should not be limited to flying-type Pokemon alone. Instead, they proposed changing it to the Extreme Speed Conference, allowing all types of Pokemon to compete.
This idea resonated greatly with many Trainers who didn't have flying-type Pokemon, considering there were numerous fast Pokemon beyond just the flying category.
Ultimately, the Flight Conference officially transformed into the Extreme Speed Conference, becoming Falcon City's annual major event. The ultimate winner not only received the Speed Medal but also a substantial cash prize.
The Extreme Speed Conference is a highly formal competition, restricted to novice and beginner Trainers only; intermediate-level or higher Trainers cannot participate. Since Falcon City hosts a Red Star Gym, there are typically fewer intermediate-level Trainers present. Even if any do visit, they tend to leave quickly, as the level of battles here does not sufficiently challenge their Pokémon for further growth.
Novice and beginner Trainers form the majority, making up the largest group of Trainers in Falcon City, who gather with the goal of challenging the Flying Type Gym.
After reading about the Extreme Speed Conference, Kalia recalled that when she was a new Trainer, her friend Lewis had participated but narrowly missed winning first place. He often expressed his regret whenever discussing it with her.
Kalia remained quite intrigued by the conference. Unlike the small local competitions in Kana Forest, this was a significant event—a major Pokémon speed race where the winner receives a Speed Medal and a cash prize.
"Maybe Treecko should give it a try," Kalia thought. Treecko was close to evolving, and if it could transform into Grovyle before the Extreme Speed Conference, there would be a good chance of success. After all, Treecko possessed exceptional speed talent.
As for Charmander, while renowned among Trainers for its powerful flame moves, its speed fell significantly short compared to Treecko's.
To participate in the Extreme Speed Conference, registration and enrollment of participating Pokemon were required. A long queue had already formed, and Kalia patiently joined the line at the end.
Lian stood beside her, listening to nearby discussions and chatter, gaining a better understanding of what the Extreme Speed Conference entailed: essentially, a race between various Pokemon based on their speed.
Lian considered joining but realized that, without evolution, although he was fast, he might not match up against higher-level Pokemon known for their speed prowess. Winning first place would be challenging.
With two weeks remaining until the conference, Kalia remained unfazed. This timeframe was ample enough for Treecko to evolve.
Generally, there are two main reasons why Pokemon may not evolve: either they unwillingly resist evolution due to their own nature, or they carry an Everstone.
An Everstone is a rare item that, when worn by a Pokemon, prevents its evolution.
Assuming no surprises, Treecko would undoubtedly evolve into Grovyle without any hindrance.
As time passed, it was soon Kalia's turn. The registration process was handled by a kind elderly man. After providing her name and registering her participating Pokemon, Kalia officially became a contestant in the Extreme Speed Conference.
"Here you go." The old man handed her an entry ticket, essential for accessing the competition venue.
"Thank you." Kalia accepted the ticket featuring the Galactic Eagle emblem and carefully placed it in her backpack.
Lian felt somewhat unenthusiastic seeing Kalia enter Treecko into the Extreme Speed Conference, clearly believing Treecko was faster than him.
However, Lian didn't mind; it was just one race after all. Running at full speed sounded exhausting, and he had no intention of doing so.
"Are you a new Trainer?" At that moment, a long-haired youth approached and asked.
The young man appeared to be a few years older than Kalia, dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt and wearing half-frame glasses. With three Poké Balls at his waist, it was evident that he too was a Trainer.
"Uh-huh," Kalia responded nonchalantly, keeping her tone neutral as she wasn't familiar with him.
Introducing himself, the young man said, "My name is Julian. Is this your Charmander? I also have one."
Julian seemed quite excited; this was his first time seeing another Trainer's captured Charmander.
As he spoke, Julian released a Poké Ball, revealing a slightly chubby Charmander that landed on the ground. Upon emerging, it immediately noticed Lian, and instantly, the two Charmanders locked eyes, staring intently at each other.
"You see, our Charmanders look so similar, both a bit plump," Julian exclaimed enthusiastically. When he first saw Lian, if not for the Charmander being inside its Poké Ball, he would have mistaken it for his own Charmander.
Lian felt somewhat speechless; his increased abilities had made him appear bulkier, technically stronger rather than just fat. However, the Charmander before him genuinely looked overweight.
Not just its limbs but also the face and belly had a slightly plump appearance, noticeable upon closer inspection.
Kalia smiled; they truly did resemble each other, even having similar heights. Without careful observation, one might mistake them for identical Charmanders.
The conversation gradually shifted to discussing how to train their Charmanders. Initially, Kalia thought there wouldn't be much to talk about and planned to find an excuse to leave. However, as they discussed further, she realized Julian had valuable insights and knowledge about training techniques specific to Charmanders.
Naturally intrigued by these tips, Kalia shared some of her own experiences in raising Pokémon.
Observing the engaging conversation between Kalia and Julian, Lian glanced at Julian's Charmander. This was his first time seeing another Charmander, and he wondered how it compared to his own, considering his current ability levels.
Julian's Charmander seemed uninterested in socializing, mirroring Lian's silence with indifference, prompting neither to initiate conversation.
"How about letting our two Charmanders battle?" Julian suggested. Most Trainers relish Pokemon battles, as they provide validation of their Pokémon's strength, leading to a sense of satisfaction.
"Sure," Kalia agreed. This would be an excellent opportunity to assess her Charmander's current mastery of Dragon Breath. Fire-type moves have minimal effect against Fire-type Pokémon, making Dragon Breath crucial for victory in this battle.
Lian was delighted by Julian's suggestion, as it would allow him to gauge his own Charmander's performance compared to a typical one today.
"That sounds great! Whenever you're free, let's head to the Pokemon Center for the battle," Julian enthusiastically responded.
"I'm not available now, but I'll have time in the evening." Kalia thought briefly, prioritizing finding accommodations first.
"All right, then at 7 PM tonight, I'll meet you at the Pokemon Center," Julian nodded, setting the agreed-upon time.
Kalia noted down the meeting time and, accompanied by Lian, headed towards the nearest Pokémon Hotel. She booked a room, released Treecko, and lay down on the bed to rest after their long journey.
Upon waking up, she enjoyed a refreshing shower followed by dinner. Afterward, Kalia led both her Pokémon out of the hotel, heading towards Falcon City's Pokemon Center.