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100 P.S -1 Bonus chapter
Early the next morning, Steven took his Pokémon to the wilderness outside town.
"It really is more comfortable out in the wild..." Steven stretched his arms, breathing in the fresh morning air.
"Alright then, I'm counting on you, Scyther."
"Scy." Scyther's expression remained unchanged as it nodded slightly.
Meanwhile, Aron, Skarmory, and Metagross began their respective training routines.
Contest performances likely involve using Pokémon moves to create dazzling and spectacular displays.
At the same time, both Trainer and Pokémon must maintain elegant and graceful composure throughout.
In short, the goal is to create a refreshing and delightful experience for the audience.
Last night, Steven had spent considerable time thinking about how to choreograph a move combination for Scyther that would be highly entertaining to watch.
Additionally, executing moves in Contests is completely different from battles.
In battles, a Pokémon conserves energy internally to ensure their attacks deal maximum damage.
But Contests are different—energy needs to be released outward to dramatically enhance the visual spectacle.
Steven also planned to incorporate the Counter Shield technique, which would allow him to both train this defensive strategy and prepare for the Contest simultaneously.
It was truly killing two birds with one stone.
Steven first examined the injuries on Scyther's scythes.
Only after confirming there were no major problems did he begin training.
First on the agenda was Counter Shield practice.
Unlike normal defense, which requires concentrating power to withstand an opponent's attack, Counter Shield demands releasing one's power outward, forming a vortex of energy through rotation to deflect the opponent's assault.
It also carries a partial force-dispersing effect.
When using Counter Shield while in a Swords Dance state, Scyther could not only boost its own attack power but also defend against incoming attacks.
Some moves could even damage opponents while defending.
Throughout the morning, Steven worked with Scyther on Counter Shield training.
During practice, he communicated with Scyther through Metagross's translations, which proved indispensable.
Metagross certainly worked hard as their interpreter.
One morning definitely wasn't enough to fully master Counter Shield.
However, what Steven needed now was just a basic version of Counter Shield.
It didn't need exceptional defensive capabilities—just the appearance of one would suffice.
At noon, Steven returned to Verdanturf Town to register for the Contest.
Since Verdanturf Town hosted the entry-level Normal Rank Contest, only registration was required to participate.
After successfully obtaining his Contest license, Steven learned that the first round of judging would take place tomorrow evening, followed immediately by the second round.
In the afternoon, Steven returned to the wilderness training area, letting Scyther continue preparing for the Contest performance.
Watching Scyther's Counter Shield gradually take shape, Steven moved on to the next phase.
He worked with Scyther on choreographing movements—no matter what, the poses had to look cool!
At the same time, he considered whether to give Scyther some accessories.
Scyther rejected this suggestion outright.
It seemed Scyther was resistant to wearing decorations.
After explaining the performance routine, he had Scyther practice repeatedly until it met Steven's standards.
During Scyther's breaks, Steven would guide Aron, Skarmory, and Metagross in their training.
He wondered if it was because the food he provided was too nutritious, but his Pokémon were growing quite rapidly.
Steven decided he would need to give his Pokémon some rest days soon.
Constant rapid growth isn't necessarily beneficial.
Just as studying requires balance between work and rest, Pokémon training needs periods of relaxation too.
In the evening, as Steven prepared to return to Verdanturf Town, his Pokégear received a message.
Steven thought it might be from his father, but when he opened it, he found it was from an unfamiliar number.
The message was simple: "Mr. Steven, I'm Wally. Thank you very much!"
Steven's lips curved into a slight smile as he replied:
"Just call me big brother."
Being called "Mr." made him feel much older than he actually was.
"Let's head back now, everyone!"
The next morning was spent on training and practice as usual, but in the afternoon, he let his partners rest.
Steven generously rented out an entire movie theater and took his Pokémon to watch a film.
Of course, it was an action-packed Pokémon movie!
The only problem was Aron constantly eating, making "crunch, crunch, crunch" sounds in Steven's ear throughout the showing.
Before evening arrived, Steven first took his Pokémon to dinner.
They reached the Contest venue before entry closed for contestants.
After presenting his participant credentials, Steven smoothly entered the backstage area.
"Excuse me, sir, are you planning to go on stage like that?" A makeup artist stopped Steven with a friendly smile.
Steven was simply wearing a long black casual jacket paired with a white shirt, black trousers, a tie, and boots.
Most importantly, his bare face was already perfectly handsome!
"Is something wrong?"
Steven looked a bit confused—he thought he looked quite presentable dressed like this.
"No, I meant to ask if you'd like us to apply makeup for you?" the makeup artist said with a polite smile.
"Sir, you're already very handsome, so our makeup would only serve to enhance your features."
"Then... sure." Steven nodded in agreement.
The makeup artist led Steven to a chair and began applying makeup in front of the mirror.
Steven felt that after the makeup was finished, the youthful innocence in his face had diminished, replaced by a more mature and refined handsomeness.
"The order for the first round of judging is based on when contestants complete their makeup, so there's no need to rush," the makeup artist explained while working.
Steven glanced up at the television screen in the upper corner—the Contest had already begun broadcasting live.
Many contestants had already made their appearances, and Steven watched until his makeup was finished, but he still hadn't seen that particular person.
Could it be that he didn't participate after all?
"You're ready to go on stage now, sir."
The makeup artist looked at Steven's finished makeup with great satisfaction, then gestured for him to head to the contestant passage.
"Yes, thank you."
Steven nodded, stood up, and left the backstage area.
"Let's go, Scyther." Steven released Scyther from its Poké Ball, offering some pre-performance encouragement.
"Scy." Scyther nodded, appearing calm and composed.
Steven and Scyther stood behind the curtain.
Steven himself felt a little nervous—this was his first time participating in a large-scale event, and it was about presenting himself, not engaging in a Pokémon battle.
Scyther, however, seemed very relaxed, far more so than Steven.
Steven took several deep breaths, steadying his nerves.
His confidence in his own appearance actually helped suppress his nervousness.
The curtain drew open, and the cameras focused on Steven and Scyther.
Steven stood with his hands casually in his pockets, looking relaxed and self-assured. His head tilted slightly to the left, and a confident smile played at his lips.
Scyther stood sideways with its scythes crossed in front, maintaining a stern expression. Combined with its commanding presence, it possessed a unique charisma.
Scyther didn't need to deliberately pose—its naturally cool demeanor looked impressive no matter how it presented itself.
Its inherent appeal and aura were undeniable.
The moment Steven and Scyther appeared, thunderous cheers erupted from the audience.
Both Steven's good looks and Scyther's imposing appearance struck a chord with the spectators.
Spotlights and camera flashes constantly illuminated Steven and Scyther, making them seem to glow.
Steven walked to the front of the stage and briefly introduced himself into the microphone.
"Hello everyone, I'm Steven from Mossdeep City, and my partner is Scyther. This is also my first time participating in a Contest, and I hope to show you our best performance."
"Thank you."
Steven smiled warmly at the audience and bowed slightly.
And just like that, the straightforward first round of judging concluded.
As the curtain fell once more, Steven led Scyther off the stage.
As he returned backstage, Steven spotted a tall man walking toward him, radiating an aura of nobility and elegance.
He wore a white beret, a green shirt, and purple trousers, with teal-colored hair and eyes to match.
"Your presentation was excellent," Wallace said, looking down to give Steven a sincere compliment.
"Thank you."
Wallace's height was probably over 185 centimeters, forcing Steven to look up to meet his gaze.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of performance you'll deliver in the second round."
With that, Wallace walked toward the stage with confident, elegant strides.
"I really did run into him..." Steven watched Wallace for a moment before withdrawing his gaze and continuing on his way.
Wallace was definitely older than him.
His strength was probably considerably greater than Steven's current level as well.
Perhaps this was just his intuition telling him so.