Pokémon Court

 Speed, power, coordination, skill…

When a Pokémon has all this, at least on the stage of a Pokémon Contest… it becomes nearly invincible.

That’s because it’s hard to find an opponent who can stand in its way. On this stage, unlike the Champion League with its intense battles, the endurance and defense of a Pokémon aren’t as crucial. You could even say that speed and power are forms of defense here.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a crazy battle…”

“Indeed. I’ve heard that in ancient times, Arcanine could run for an entire day and night without tiring. The beauty of the power it displays with its speed and flames is truly captivating.”

“Yes, and facing an opponent like Muk, Arcanine could still showcase its strengths to the fullest,” Joy said with a smile.

“No wonder… the two chief judges are paying so much attention to this youngster.…”

To many, Terrance’s victory was expected. After all, his reputation preceded him. His dominant performance leading up to this point was within most people’s expectations.

…

In the Mossdeep Contest, Terrance’s final opponent was a Coordinator who was just one Ribbon short of qualifying for the Grand Festival. So, this situation seemed especially tragic.

Terrance also needed just one more. With both encountering each other, it was inevitable that one of them would leave with regret.

Although his opponent gave their all, working in perfect sync with their Pokémon, the gap in strength was too great. In the end, they couldn’t take the win from Terrance and his Arcanine.

In Hoenn, who knows how many Coordinators and Trainers have ended up as stepping stones for others?

But that’s the path of a Trainer—cruel yet filled with hope.

“It’s official! The winner of the Mossdeep Contest and recipient of the Mossdeep Ribbon is… Terrance!”

Vivian was smiling brightly, but deep down in her heart, a little Vivian was screaming. There was just one more regular Pokémon Contest in Hoenn, and after that, she could finally take a long-awaited break before the Grand Festival!

Though she wasn’t as exhausted as Raoul Contesta and Sukizo, the two chief judges ,who were constantly traveling, hosting all the Pokémon Contests in one region was no easy task for Vivian either.

…

“An interview?”

Pokémon Contest’s contestants lobby.

Terrance, who was about to pack up and leave, was confused by the security guard standing before him.

“An interview for what?” Terrance asked, puzzled.

“I’m very sorry, but here’s the situation: a group of reporters from various TV stations has suddenly surrounded the Pokémon Contest Hall, and they want to interview you.”

“Our security team has already blocked them off. We just need to know if you’d like to accept the interview, or choose another route to leave?.”

The security guard was acting on orders from his superior to ask for Terrance’s opinion. As for what Terrance would choose, it wasn’t the security guard’s concern.

“Why would reporters from TV stations want to interview me?”

Terrance rubbed his chin with a puzzled expression. Was it because he was about to compete in the Grand Festival?

That didn’t seem likely…

If he had already earned the title of Top Coordinator, an interview might make sense. But right now, he only had the qualifications to compete for the title, so why were the TV stations acting so eager?

Could it be that they’ve predicted his victory?

“I suppose that’s possible…” As a lone wolf, being too excellent can attract unwanted attention.

“Well… Mr. Terrance, what’s your decision?”

“It’s fine, it’s just an interview—”

Terrance lifted his head. He had nothing to hide. If they wanted to ask questions, they could ask away.

Besides, he was determined to win the Grand Festival.

“Alright then…” the security guard responded.

They had come to remind him, just in case Terrance stepped outside and suddenly got swarmed, leading to a bad experience. They didn’t want him to complain later that the Pokémon Contest Hall security hadn’t done their job properly.

Since Terrance didn’t mind the reporters, there was nothing to worry about.

“Reporters, huh…” Terrance murmured to himself as he headed outside.

…

As soon as Terrance stepped outside the Mossdeep Contest venue, the photographers, who had been waiting for him, instantly broke past the security’s barricade. The sheer force of it shocked the security guards. In that moment, all Terrance could see were flashes of cameras going off, capturing him in rapid succession.

“Mr. Terrance, could you answer a few questions? It’ll only take a minute, I promise!”

“I’m a reporter from Hoenn’s Marshtomp TV… may I ask…?”

“I understand, but one at a time, please.”

Terrance, having mentally prepared himself for this, quickly cut off the reporters who were rushing toward him.

The reporters froze for a moment, looking at each other, before a female reporter seized the chance and asked first, “Can you tell us, what’s your relationship with the new Champion, Steven?! Why were you seen leaving Champion Steven’s house?!”

The expressions of the reporters changed immediately…

Terrance, too, had a puzzled expression. What kind of bizarre question was this? Weren’t they supposed to ask about the Pokémon Contest?!

The fact that Terrance had walked out of Steven’s house was only known to one reporter at first. But given how news companies operate, where they insert too many spies in pursuit of the latest scoop, it took only a few days before this piece of information spread.

Terrance’s identity as a Coordinator was easy to find out. Predicting that he would participate in this Pokémon Contest, the reporters had stationed themselves outside the venue in advance.

“We’re just regular friends.”

Terrance quickly regained his composure and calmly answered.

“If these are the kinds of questions you’re going to ask, I refuse to answer.”

“Then, may I ask—Top Coordinator Master Wallace is known to be Steven’s best friend. What’s your relationship with Master Wallace?”

“Yes, you’re both Coordinators. Is there any story behind this?”

“…”

Terrance frowned. These reporters weren’t anything good…They were nothing like what he had imagined. Although they fired off one question after another, Terrance remained silent.

Seeing this, the reporters realized they wouldn’t get anything out of him this way. They shifted their focus to asking about Terrance himself since he was still an interesting figure to interview.

“Do you plan to participate in this year’s Grand Festival?”

“And what are your thoughts on the Pokémon Contest?”

“What about your competitors?”

“What kind of results do you expect to achieve at the Grand Festival?”

Finally, some more normal questions…

Terrance’s frown eased, and he replied, “I’ve already collected five Ribbons, so naturally, I’ll be participating in the Grand Festival.”

“No matter who the opponents are, no matter how strong they might be…”

“If you’re a Coordinator, the moment you step onto the Pokémon Contest stage, you’re already striving for the title of Top Coordinator, aren’t you?”

With a smile, Terrance glanced at the surrounding reporters as he spoke.

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