As soon as the live broadcast equipment started, the screen instantly exploded with a dense barrage of comments, as if someone had thrown a handful of sparks into a calm lake, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of all the viewers.
"!!! The streamer is finally live! I've been waiting for this day for so long!
"!!! Oh my god! The streamer changed? I didn't even recognize him, this outfit is too beautiful!"
"...Help, this is completely different from the streamer I knew before!"
"The contrast is too great! Streamer, how many more surprises do you have that we don't know about?"
"This outfit is so nice, the streamer must have spent a fortune for the Pokémon Contest, hahaha!"
"…"
Lionel looked at the rolling exclamations and praises in the comments, secretly delighted, and couldn't help but curve his lips, adjusting the patterned tie at his collar.
Then he waved to the camera, his voice carrying a gentle smile:
"Good morning, everyone. I'm currently at the Rustboro City Pokémon Contest venue, and the opening ceremony is in half an hour.
Today's look was specially prepared. After all, it's my first time participating in a Pokémon Contest, so it needs a sense of ceremony."
"The sense of ceremony is full! It really looks too good!"
"It really looks too good, Streamer, you should always dress like this from now on!"
"Huh, where's Feebas? Where's Tyrunt? Are they not with the streamer? I want to see them!"
"Yeah, yeah, where are the Pokémon? Where are they?"
"…"
"They're all resting in their Poké Balls," Lionel explained.
"I'll let them make an appearance when we're on stage later. For now, let's take everyone to see the arena. Viewers who couldn't make it can also experience the atmosphere."
As the live camera slowly rose, it revealed the full view of the entire Pokémon Contest venue to the audience.
The circular glass building was like a giant kaleidoscope, with sunlight refracting through the colored glass, casting colorful light spots onto the central stage, which was twenty meters in diameter.
The holographic projection equipment at the top had already started, continuously playing highlights from previous Pokémon Contests.
"This venue is too luxurious! It's much bigger than I imagined!"
"The surrounding audience seats are almost full, the popularity of this Pokémon Contest is terrifying!"
"With Master Wallace personally attending, it would be strange if there weren't many people!"
"This is... Grace and her Medicham? Streamer, you're in trouble this time. I remember she was one of the top four in the last Grand Festival. That's one less qualification spot!"
"Streamer, turn the camera around again, see if there are any other strong opponents! We'll help you analyze!"
"No need, I just heard from the people around me that the top four from the last Grand Festival and contestants with three Ribbon Medals have all come.
This time, it's indeed a gathering of masters, but Feebas and I won't be afraid of anyone," Lionel responded with a smile.
"Hahaha, I like your courage, Streamer. What's there to be afraid of? Just do it!"
"That's right, Feebas, go! No matter who the opponent is, show them the same spirit you had when challenging Roxanne's Gym!"
"Even though I'm not there, I'm already nervous just watching through the screen!"
"I'll always be in the live stream to cheer you on, Streamer!"
Lionel controlled the camera to slowly circle the venue, and the number of online viewers in the live stream soared like a rocket.
From 300,000 at the start of the broadcast, it had already surpassed 800,000 after one lap around the venue. The red numbers were still frantically jumping, and the refresh rate of the comments was so fast that the specific content was almost illegible.
Lionel bowed deeply to the camera:
"Thank you all for your support. I won't let you down. Now, everyone, come with me to participate in this Pokémon Contest!"
The live broadcast equipment flew at a low altitude, the camera steadily following behind Lionel, capturing his figure as he walked towards the registration desk.
Along the way, some Trainers noticed his live broadcast equipment; some waved hello curiously, while others cast scrutinizing glances.
Evidently, some recognized him as the "streamer who was praised by Wallace" before.
Lionel calmly met everyone's gaze, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the Poké Ball at his waist.
Inside, Feebas seemed to sense his emotions, gently bumping against the ball's wall, as if conveying encouragement.
Lionel's smile deepened, and his steps became even more resolute.
After signing in, a staff member handed Lionel a number plate, which read "86," and directed him to the front contestant waiting area to prepare.
Many Trainers were already seated there, making their final adjustments, and a faint sense of tension filled the air... Half an hour later, the lights in the Rustboro City Pokémon Contest venue suddenly dimmed, with only the spotlight on the central stage illuminating, like a star under a spotlight.
The commotion in the audience gradually subsided, all eyes focused on the center of the stage, and even the comments in the live stream slowed down by half a beat, as if holding their breath, waiting for something.
"GO! GO! GO!"
A vibrant shout pierced the silence as a slightly plump host in an orange suit and black-rimmed glasses strode onto the stage with light steps.
The microphone in his hand trembled slightly with his steps, and the smile on his face was even brighter than the stage lights.
"Hello everyone, I'm your host, Kotaro!"
Kotaro bowed deeply to the audience, and as he straightened up, he casually brushed his bangs from his forehead,
"The hot, dazzling, and lovely competition for Pokémon Coordinators—the Pokémon Contest—is being held as scheduled in Rustboro City this time!"
"Yeah!"
A thunderous cheer erupted from the audience, who waved their glow sticks, creating colorful dots of light in the darkness like a flowing river of stars.
The comments in the live stream also boiled over again, with red "666"s and colorful heart emojis continuously flooding the screen.
"The atmosphere team is in place! I feel like every cell in my body has been ignited!"
Kotaro clearly enjoyed the lively atmosphere. He raised his right hand, palm upward, and a Ribbon Medal inlaid with a pale red gem reflected a soft glow under the lights.
"In this Rustboro City Pokémon Contest, the top five excellent Coordinators will receive this Rustboro Ribbon Medal! This will increase their chances of advancing to the Grand Festival!"
Kotaro held the medal high, his voice carrying through the microphone across the entire venue,
"Oh!"
The cheers from the audience grew even louder, and many Trainers instinctively gripped their Poké Balls, their eyes gleaming with longing.
Lionel sat in the contestant waiting area, his fingertips lightly tapping the number plate "86." The cold metallic touch calmed his turbulent thoughts a bit. He and Feebas were determined to win this Ribbon Medal.
"Now, please welcome the three judges to greet everyone!"
Kotaro snapped his fingers, and the curtain on the side of the stage slowly opened, revealing three judge's seats covered in red velvet.
The first judge stood up. He wore a dark blue suit, his hair neatly combed, and a solemn expression on his face. It was none other than Contest Director Contest.
"Good morning, Coordinators and esteemed audience." Contest's voice was steady and powerful, carrying the authority of someone long familiar with such venues.
"The core of a Pokémon Contest is the resonance of heart and skill. I look forward to seeing your souls dance with your Pokémon today."
With that, Director Contest nodded slightly, his demeanor exuding the elegance of an old-fashioned gentleman.
"Director Contest is still so serious, haha! But what he said makes so much sense!"
"I heard he's particularly strict with scoring. Last year, a popular contestant lost a lot of points because his interaction wasn't natural enough!"
"The pressure is on, the pressure is on! Streamer, you really need to perform well!"
"…"