April 13th, Tuesday.

Considering the All-Around Contest offers a hefty prize… well, that’s secondary.

The main thing is the weather is bright and pleasant. On such a dry and warm sunny day, sweating it out in a sports event is quite a good choice.

Lu Ye filled out his registration information on the official website featuring Snorlax as the promotional poster.

The poster showed Snorlax wearing a headband, energetically leaping over hurdles, as if saying, "Win and you get to feast!"

Lu Ye: "…That’s pretty hype."

Unexpectedly, the official site also had a sports forum where most discussions were like:

"This year, the Electivire team is definitely taking the league championship!"

"Can Electivire’s team win? No, they don’t have that ability, got it?"

"Losing to Magikarp’s team, losing to Starmie’s team, how do you explain that? No shame at all!"

There were many posts mostly related to Pokémon sports. Similar posts included:

"This Year’s All-Around Contest Medal Predictions."

"Grand Slam player A-Jin might compete again."

"Dark horse in the triathlon—an individual analysis of Ash’s performance!"

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned and curiously clicked on the last post.

[The triathlon consists of swimming, riding (Pokémon or bicycle), and long-distance running. Usually, a Pokémon’s physical ability determines rankings in the first two events. But in the long-distance run, trainers must participate personally.

From my observation of Ash, he is very likely to pull ahead in the final long run and sprint to the crown!]

"Don’t joke around, can humans run faster than Pokémon?"

"An untrained contestant not getting left behind in front is already impressive."

"Relying on a sprint at the end to turn the tables? Impossible, because humans have limits!"

The vivid scene formed in Teacher Lu’s mind.

Other teams might have their trainers let Pokémon run first to ensure the final combined score wouldn’t fall behind.

Ash would definitely be carrying Pikachu, sprinting all the way, shocking onlookers.

"Terrifying indeed."

Lu Ye muttered, "Professor Oak really should slice Ash up for research…"

I strongly suspect Ash’s rapid recovery after getting shocked is because he secretly learned the ‘Self-Regeneration’ move!

At two in the afternoon, shortly after submitting his registration, the organizer called Lu Ye.

A gentle female voice sounded somewhat excited and informed Teacher Lu he could participate as a "star trainer."

"Does that mean the prize money will be higher?" Lu Ye asked.

"No," she answered, "but we will pay you an extra appearance fee."

"Then I have no objections." Lu Ye agreed straightforwardly.

Gotta earn a living, no shame in that.

Look at Dan Emperor’s outfit—he must have taken countless endorsements.

Surely, some grand slam players can’t be left without endorsements, right?

"The organizer didn’t even invite me!"

A-Jin slammed the table: "I’m clearly a star trainer too, why no appearance fee!"

"From a business perspective, the endorser’s character is also very important."

Xiao Lan covered her mouth and laughed.

"If this were a snooker tournament," Krista comforted, "someone would probably approach you for endorsements."

Xiao Yin sent a ‘1s’ voice message: "Pfft."

[Group member ‘Xiao Yin’ retracted a message.]

Yu Long Du: "Blazing and blurry."

Whitney: "o(*≧▽≦)ツ┏━┓ Hahaha"

A-Jin: "You guys are laughing way too loud, hey!"

"The Waterflow is about to reach Olivine City’s lighthouse."

Marshal puffed on a cigar, "Anyone boarding better hurry up."

"J-just arriving!" Ami softly called out.

"@Teacher Lu, wanna go to the venue together?" Ash said, "I’m just passing through Jubilife City on my trip."

Lu Ye was about to agree.

Suddenly he recalled it’s best not to travel with Ash recently, might cause trouble.

"I’ve already departed," Lu Ye said casually, "I’m taking the train directly, even faster than flights."

"Is that so." Ash scratched his head and grinned, "Speaking of which, in these sports events, Pikachu and I won’t lose!"

"Such backbone." Whitney said, "But this contest is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. I heard there will be mysterious guests too."

"Mysterious guests?" a stranger’s ID asked.

"Mysterious guests?" poor girl Lily asked.

Lu Ye pondered for a moment: "The Celestic Town festival… the guest can’t be that guy Lance, right?"

"Haha, not me. You’ll know once you get there." Lance laughed heartily.

"I already went ahead." Krista smiled, "Helping out the staff at the Celestic Town festival."

"@Crystal, remember to help me~" Whitney laughed, covering her mouth, "I stocked up a lot this time. Gonna make a big profit!"

"No problem~" Krista said.

The All-Around Contest venue is located in a small town outside Kizuna City, reportedly built to hold 70,000 people.

With nothing to do, Lu Ye lay on the sofa stroking Sylveon, doing some prep work.

The events are divided into five categories: jumping, endurance, speed, strength, and skill, with five gold medals in total.

All-star players would also participate in these events, like Ami’s Steelix joining sumo, Whitney’s Miltank competing in cross-country…

"This is outrageous."

Lu Ye’s expression was complex, "Steelix doing sumo? Wouldn’t only Snorlax be able to match it!"

"Howl! ᕦ(･ㅂ･)ᕤ" Arcanine poked his big head over, nudging Lu Ye with his moist nose.

Lu Ye was slightly stunned, then enlightened.

My Arcanine can simultaneously participate in endurance, speed, and strength!

After all, as an all-star player, it can’t go home empty-handed.

But besides grand slam player A-Jin, and monsters like Ash…

"This All-Around Contest’s difficulty."

Lu Ye wiped cold sweat, "Much higher than the Baby Cup!"

……

At four in the afternoon, the bento was egg and ham sandwiches with fresh tree fruit juice.

Lu Ye carried his shoulder bag, poké balls at his waist, boarding the train to Olivine City.

The train was powered by Electivire.

Inside the spacious carriage, two shorts-wearing boys were battling with Zigzagoon and Starly.

It’s said that in Unova, even riding the subway doesn’t miss Pokémon battle opportunities.

Lu Ye leaned on his hand watching for a while, holding back the urge to join, quietly chewing his sandwich.

Lu Ye &

Haunter: (￣～￣)

Near the station, an elderly man’s phone rang with the stirring drumbeat of “It’s You.”

Lu Ye’s mood brightened as he stepped onto the platform, the carriage rolling away behind him.

The electronic signboard showed 7:00 pm.

To welcome the upcoming contest, the town set up shuttle buses to the venue.

Though the trip wasn’t far, some triathlon athletes were training, rushing by on Dodrio from the roundabout.

"Xiao Luo, navigate to the All-Around Arena."

Lu Ye put on his windproof goggles, patted Arcanine’s majestic mane.

"Full speed ahead!"

The man riding Dodrio was one of this year’s triathlon seed competitors.

"This year, I must win." The man bit his teeth, lowered his body, "Quick Attack!"

"Skree—" Dodrio’s body glowed white with the move, wind howling past the ears. The man couldn’t help but smile.

At this speed, this year’s championship is within grasp—

Suddenly!

The man froze: "Did a big black rat just pass by?"

Dodrio’s three heads curled up trembling: "Skree!"

That figure didn’t look like a Zigzagoon at all, clearly a charging beast!

……

Fireworks bloomed in the night sky, outside the town stage a Exploud was holding a concert. The residents danced enthusiastically.

"Gengarrr! (✪ω✪)" Haunter jumped eagerly.

"Denied." Lu Ye said coolly, "I don’t want this to become the ‘Concert Disappearance Incident’ this time."

"There is only one truth, and the culprit is—" Rotom waved its mechanical arm, pointing at Haunter.

Haunter: "Gengarrr?"

Rotom moved its mechanical arm again, pointing to a passing Oddish.

"You, Oddish, Rotom!"

Oddish looked struck by lightning: "Loo~! Σ(°△°|||)︴"

Lu Ye held his forehead, you’re just a background character, must you cooperate this much!

Moreover, Oddish appearing in Sinnoh from Kanto is really suspicious!

The town was decked out in lights and decorations. Due to the Celestic Town Cultural Festival, elements from Celestic Town were visible everywhere.

For example, the geisha culture from Ecruteak City, fresh Moomoo Milk specialties from Goldenrod City, angry buns from Cianwood Town, and so on.

Lu Ye and the little guys wandered and snacked along the way—red bean taiyaki, cotton candy, tri-colored dango, and whatever they bought went straight into the Poké Balls.

Even Arcanine burped loudly, so Lu Ye gave up.

"Gengarrr… (*⊙~⊙)" Haunter floated beside Lu Ye, licking the Mega Stone like tasting dessert.

At the festival center, Lu Ye unexpectedly ran into a familiar face.

Mallow, wearing a kimono, with huge wings and waterfall-like black hair, her dark eyes showed surprise and joy as she bowed politely:

"Teacher Lu."

"You came here to promote after the fashion show last time?"

"Yes." Mallow smiled softly, "After the festival ends, we will return to Kalos."

Behind Mallow, kimono-clad dancers cast shy and curious glances. Seeing Lu Ye look their way, they quickly lowered their heads.

"By the way," Lu Ye asked, "do you know any nearby lodging? The few inns are fully booked."

"If you don’t mind, you can stay at my place." Mallow bowed, "It’s a humble abode, but the hot water supply is sufficient."

"I’ll ask the organizers," Lu Ye pondered, "there should be a player village or something… When does the festival end?"

Mallow glanced at the sky: "Eleven o’clock. There’s an opening ceremony around seven tomorrow morning, so most players are already resting."

Rock music roared from the distant lawn, a bonfire blazed in the plaza where battle celebrations were underway.

A beam of white light flew from Lu Ye’s waist, Sylveon went off to grind monsters by itself: "Boo-ee! (#｀皿´)"

Lu Ye: "…"

Forget it, can’t stop it, and no one nearby can beat it anyway.

A flicker of surprise crossed Mallow’s eyes. She didn’t ask but became even more respectful.

"Then, I shall take my leave, Teacher Lu."

A guest came to inquire about kimono styles, so Mallow bowed goodbye and went to negotiate casually.

Lu Ye was about to leave when he suddenly saw purple smoke rising in the distance, like sparks from a forest fire.

Dust flew as flames advanced from afar.

A-Jin, wearing goggles, sat lazily yawning on the back of a running Typhlosion:

"So hungry, why isn’t it here yet?"

Beside him, a round and cheerful Miltank galloped, the pink-haired girl sat with her hair all ruffled:

"A-Jin, Typhlosion almost set my hair on fire!"

"Who told you to run so slow?"

"Damn it… Stop right there!"

"Off ahead now~"

A-Jin waved his hand by his temple, lowered his body, and Explosion Boy sped up again.

Whitney angrily snorted: "Miltank, trample!"

"You actually used a move directly!" A-Jin’s eyes widened.

"You started by throwing sand to sneak attack me!"

"Look, Teacher Lu!" A-Jin shouted.

"Don’t try to cheat, take this rolling attack!"

"I’m serious, that really is Teacher Lu!!"

Teacher Lu: "…"

Under the surprised gazes of tourists all around.

Lu Ye silently turned his back and slapped his hand over his face.

Stop yelling, we’re not that close…

……

Typhlosion and Miltank stopped right in front of Teacher Lu.

"Long time no see, Teacher Lu!" A-Jin grinned.

Whitney complained: "It’s all A-Jin’s fault for taking the wrong route, otherwise we’d have arrived this afternoon."

"Who said Miltank was thirsty and insisted on finding water first?"

"Hah, running a few kilometers to the rest area because of hunger, and someone still has the face to complain!"

Whitney and A-Jin’s eyes sparked fire.

Lu Ye helplessly asked: "Ami didn’t come with you?"

Both were stunned, Whitney said: "Miss Ami… seems to have gone to Kizuna City. There’s a fancy contest today."

Lu Ye sighed softly.

They’re all troublemakers…

Suddenly, Whitney’s phone rang. She answered on her pink phone: "Hello, Miss Ami?"

A-Jin crossed his arms, stretching his upper body. A red beam shot from his waist.

"Togebro?"

"Pok!" Togebro looked fierce but then smiled at Lu Ye.

Lu Ye: "…"

The power of a little sister is truly great.

"Come out, Togepi." Lu Ye instructed, "Don’t run too far, don’t play too hard."

"Chaji Duyi~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ"

With a bang, Togepi hopped out of its Poké Ball. Togebro’s eyes immediately shone brightly.

"Pok~(´▽`)ﾉ" Carrying Togepi, Togebro flew into the night sky to play with his little sister.

Nearby, Whitney said: "Miss Ami is on the way and should arrive soon."

"That’s fine." Lu Ye nodded, "Let’s head back to the player village first. The staff should know where it is."

"Got to help Senior Xiao Lan tomorrow." A-Jin yawned, "Need to sleep early."

Looks like this time Xiao Lan made full preparations and even got more helpers…

Lu Ye thought quietly: "Tomorrow I can only contact Meowth to make sure they’re well prepared!"

……