You are not allowed to be a Pokémon Trainer!

Chapter 263 Xia Chi: Mikoli, watch closely, this is what a splendid performance looks like! (9k views, please vote!)

"Hey, it's me, Fire Goose. You don't need to say anything, I'll do the talking."

"Your video was amazing!"

Firebird's deliberately hushed voice came through Rotom's receiver.

"The team is in a state of great turmoil right now. Many of the lower-ranking members, especially those who were lured in just to make a living, are terrified after seeing the terrifying scene of the two gods fighting in the video. They are clamoring to quit!"

"Several cadres, along with their trusted followers, forcibly suppressed the situation, which nearly spiraled out of control. In order to stabilize the situation, that old fox Chi Yansong decided to bring the operation forward at the last minute!"

Fire Goose lowered its voice even further.

"We'll make our move on the opening day of the Mikkuri Cup. The specific objective isn't entirely clear yet, but it's definitely related to waking up Groudon. Time is of the essence!"

Before Huoyan could finish speaking, another faint, distant voice came from the other side.

"Fire Goose cadre, the leader is looking for you."

The phone call abruptly ended.

Xia Chi fell silent for a moment, lost in thought.

The good news is that the video did indeed deter many lower-level members of the Lava Team.

This situation will likely be reflected in the naval fleet as well.

This is normal; after all, there's an old saying—

With that little money, why are you risking your life?
But the bad news is that the side effects of this potent medicine are also extremely severe.

This has forced the Crimson Flame Pine Dogs to take desperate measures and move their operation forward to the day after tomorrow, the highly anticipated opening day of the Mikkelsen Cup!

So, how will the Aqua Team react?

Xia Chi frowned.

The disadvantage of not having inside penetration is now glaringly obvious.

He recalled that in the special episode, Team Magma and Team Aqua chose to cooperate at the last moment.

The pressure they've created on this timeline is so intense; I wonder what choices they'll make.
Regardless, Team Lava's actions are certain.

After a moment's thought, Xia Chi said, "Rotom, call Daigo for me."

Although Ponpo and Super Latias are there to hold the fort, Xia Chi is severely lacking in mid-to-high-end combat power.

Team Magma's three executives are all at least Gym Leader level.

I definitely can't handle it by myself.

While Mikuri and Adam are undoubtedly powerful allies, they need to consider the safety of the entire Crystal City and the order of the Mikuri Cup, and cannot devote all their energy to the encirclement and suppression.

In short, it's definitely the right thing to do to inform Daigo, the Hoenn Champion, about this.

The call was answered quickly.

"Hello, Xia Chi?"

Daigo's voice came through the background, which sounded like the wind as he flew, indicating that he was not indoors.

"Red Pine and Lava Team are about to make their move."

Xia Chi stated succinctly, "The time is the opening day of the Mikkuri Cup, the location is Sootopolis City, and the target is clearly Groudon!"

Daigo had absolute trust in Xia Chi's intelligence sources and replied without the slightest doubt, "Understood, I'll set off immediately!"

"Okay, the sooner the better!"

Xia Chi's heart skipped a beat, and he pressed on, "Wait, has anything happened at Mount Songshen recently? Is the pearl safe?"

What he was most worried about was whether the two key pearls had fallen into enemy hands.

"It's business as usual."

Daigo's answer was very affirmative: "My people are working with Xiaofeng and Xiaonan to keep watch around the clock. The two orbs are in stable condition, with no abnormal energy fluctuations or signs of being invaded."

Xiao Feng and Xiao Nan are the gym leaders of Green Ridge Gym and the guardians of Mount Songshin.

Xia Chi remained silent for a moment.

The calmer and safer the sacred mountain seemed, the more worried he became.

It turns out that Chi Yansong and his group had already used some means to switch the real thing out with the fake one, and what was stored on Songshen Mountain was just a counterfeit.

Or have they discovered other ways to awaken Groudon?

Surely there must be more than one crimson pearl, just like the heart's water droplet?

"What's wrong? What's on your mind?"

Daigo keenly noticed Natsumi's silence.

"I'm worried this is a diversionary tactic."

Xia Chi voiced his concerns, "The Crimson Flame Pine deliberately created a commotion in Liuli City to attract all our forces there. Perhaps its real target is still the pearl from the Sacred Mountain?"

Daigo on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment, clearly weighing his options quickly.

“That makes sense. I will have Genji and Senri come and garrison here for a period of time to strengthen the defenses and ensure that nothing goes wrong!”

Xia Chi's doubts were immediately dispelled.

One is a superstar, and the other is a near-superstar.

With these two in charge, Songshen Mountain should be impregnable.

"it is good!"

Xia Chi responded, then remembered another important matter: "By the way, that seven-colored meteorite on the seabed near Liuli City. After things here are over, we may need Dewen's equipment and technical support."

"No problem, Dewen is a professional in this area!"

Daigo answered with unusual ease, his voice even carrying a rare hint of excitement.

"Once we have both 'keys,' the secrets of super evolution will be fully revealed, right?"

"Of course, but before that..."

Xia Chi took a deep breath and said, "Let's eradicate these two malignant tumors in the Hoenn region completely first!"

After finalizing the details, Xia Chi hung up the phone and returned to the restaurant.

------

The exquisite dining table was laden with delicacies, but Xia Chi's mind was not on the food at all.

While savoring the sweet and chewy Slowpoke tail sashimi, he informed Mikkuri that Team Magma would be making moves on the opening day of the Mikkuri Cup.

"so"

Xia Chi said with some concern, "At that time, Liuli City will definitely be crowded with tourists from all over the world, and the population density will be extremely high."

"In case of an accident, or even if it involves those two ancient legendary Pokémon, should we consider postponing the Mikuri Cup?"

Mikkuri put down his silver fork and said calmly, "I understand your concerns, but suddenly announcing the termination of the Mikkuri Cup now would be like stirring up trouble."

"Besides, Liuli City is currently in its peak tourist season, so even if the Mikoli Cup is stopped, the crowds won't disperse."

"and"

Mikkel looked out the window at the brightly lit city and the shimmering sea in the distance, his voice low.

"This city, this sea area, is home to countless humans and elves. This is their home. To forcibly relocate them all within two days? Let alone whether it's technically possible, even if it were, what would happen afterward?"

"This mine has been buried here all along. Are we going to abandon this home that countless lives depend on for survival forever, and let organizations like Team Lava threaten it time and time again?"

Xia Chi let out a long sigh of relief and nodded.

“I understand, you’re right, Mikoli.”

He stated firmly, "Two days from now will be the best time for the Lava Team to operate, and also the best time for us to wipe out this organization in one fell swoop!"

After a brief silence, Xia Chi continued, "If... I mean if, the worst happens and Groudon and Kyogre are awakened, I will try to lure them away from Sootopolis City and into the open sea."

Mikoli's expression instantly turned serious, her eyes filled with worry: "No, this is too dangerous, that's..."

"This is a worst-case scenario plan."

Xia Chi interrupted him, her eyes filled with unwavering determination, and said, "Trust me, Mikoli, I'm confident."

Seeing Xia Chi's unquestionable expression, Mikoli pursed her lips, and after much internal struggle, finally let out a heavy sigh.

"Okay, but please be extremely careful!"

------

On the other side, Daigo's mobility was also maximized.

In order to get to Sootopolis City as quickly as possible, he had Metagross and Skarmory take turns carrying him at near-maximum speeds for an extremely long distance.

The next morning, he traveled from Songshen Mountain, over a thousand miles away, to Liuli City.

Daigo and Michael, two close friends, were reunited after a long separation, but they had no interest in chatting, and the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

There is one day left until the opening ceremony of the Mikkelsen Cup.

This also means that there is only one day left before the Lava Team's operation begins.

At Xia Chi's suggestion, the battle plan was rapidly expanded.

Besides Michael, Adam, and Steven, who are the three top-tier fighters native to Hoenn.

The other trainers who were invited to participate in the Mikkuri Cup were also formally included in the core plan of the "Sootopolis Defense Zone".

The reason is simple: these individuals are far more than just top-tier coordination trainers.

Melissa, Ami, Fenglu, Maxiu, and Lijia are all renowned gym leaders in their respective regions and are the backbone of protecting their communities!

This also suggests that a top-tier Coordinator is also likely an excellent orthodox Trainer.

All five dojo masters naturally agreed to participate in this plan.

Although there is some healthy competition between the various regions, both overt and covert, they all choose to unite against a "terrorist organization" like Team Lava, which is anti-human and anti-social.

With the addition of Steven and Adam, the ten top Pokémon warriors gathered in Sootopolis City have now joined a Piplup chat group called "Operation Rat Extermination".

When the time comes, we can take action, and real-time information can be easily communicated within the group.

Everything is ready; all that's left is for the curtain to rise!

September 1, Liuli City.

As the most famous seaside tourist city in Hoenn, and even the world.

Early September in Liuli City is the most pleasant time of year.

The sky was clear and cloudless, and the bright sunshine brought a warm but not scorching sea breeze.

At this time of year, the place is always bustling with tourists.

However, Liuli City was more lively than usual today.

The Mikkuri Cup Special Invitational Tournament, a world-class and prestigious event, is grandly opened today!
Unlike the traditional Pokémon Contests, it is not an official event within the Pokémon World Championship system.

As its name suggests, this is a top-tier invitational tournament created by "Water Artist" Mikoli at great expense in his own name.

The reason it has such a great influence is also inseparable from the founder, Michael.

If asked who is the GOAT in Trainer Battles, opinions may vary.

Some would nominate Mastedt, a legendary combat figure who dominated an era.

Some also advocate for Yukinari Ōki, who broke Maastricht's monopoly and thus began a new dynasty.

Some even argue that Pokémon battles are constantly evolving, with Cynthia currently the strongest and a strong contender for the all-time best.

In short, everyone has a different answer in mind.

But when it comes to the GOAT in the world of coordination training...
Without a doubt, Mikkelsen alone reigns supreme for all time!
The statement may sound a bit childish, but it is an indisputable fact.

He is the pinnacle of perfectly blending the artistry, coordination, and competitiveness of Pokémon battles!

That's why the Mikkelsen Cup has such a huge appeal and influence.

Not to mention that this is a special invitational tournament that brings together all the world's top coordination trainers.

Although it's unclear how a strange guy who's never participated in a Grand Contest managed to sneak in...
Fans of the game have been debating Xia Chi's eligibility to participate in the competition.

Regardless of the circumstances, the participation of Xia Chi, a currently very popular celebrity, has undoubtedly further fueled the already high level of interest in the Mikeli Cup.

Not only did the opening day tickets sell out in seconds.

Half an hour before the grand performance was scheduled to begin.

The official live stream of the Mikkelsen Cup has already attracted millions of viewers.

While it may not be comparable to the Eight Masters Tournament or anything like that, for a prestigious event like this, it's already an unprecedented achievement.

------

At 9:00 a.m. sharp, the atmosphere inside the Liuli Dojo was lively.

The main venue can only accommodate a few thousand spectators.

It's not that Mikkuri is stingy and can't afford to rent the Glass Arena, which can accommodate more people.

Rather, the glamorous performance, a form of expression akin to art, is more suited to such an indoor stage.

With an elegant and noble air, Goku Zvoich, dressed in a perfectly tailored dark blue haute couture suit, gracefully stepped onto the dazzling main stage.

Just by standing there, the aura of the Hoenn champion quieted down the noisy venue.

As a result, even before the match officially started, the chat in the official live stream room was flooded with comments!

[Holy crap, the host is the Hoenn champion? This competition is seriously high-profile!]

[Nonsense! Everyone knows Daigo and Michael are inseparable (just kidding). They're best friends! Only the Michael Cup could get him to host; no other tournament, not even the Masters Tournament, could!]

[Of course! Daigo himself is a participant in the Masters Tournament!]

[I'd rather know who the judges are? Who can score these top Coordinators? Oh, except for Xia Chi (no offense, just kidding)]

[Judge? That's me! (Hands on hips)]

【Who are you?】

[The rules are online voting, so we can all score. It's just a glamorous performance anyway; there won't be any eliminations. The real highlight is the spectacular battles later on!]

【Ah! A judge? Me?】

[Mikoli understands the power of traffic!]

[Great! From now on, I can put "Served as an expert judge for the top-level Mikkelsen Cup" on my resume!]

While the live chat was filled with random chatter, Daigo, in the center of the stage, had already begun his "minimalist style" hosting.

He nodded slightly and gave the microphone his signature elegant smile.

"Welcome to the preliminary stage of the Mikoli Cup Special Invitational Tournament, a stage for a spectacular competition."

"Next, please welcome our first contestant..."

He paused, then clearly uttered the name: "Feng Lu!"

For someone like Daigo, such a concise script is already his limit.

However, no one criticized it further.

After all, you should be grateful that a champion is hosting for you!

As soon as he finished speaking, Daigo gracefully and swiftly exited the stage, handing it over entirely to the protagonist who was about to take the stage.

Immediately afterwards, a figure as refreshing as a summer breeze leaped onto the stage.

Her healthy, wheat-colored skin glowed with summer radiance, and her sky-blue sleeveless top and hot pants accentuated her vibrant and beautiful curves.

The girl had beautiful red hair and a smile on her face that was brighter than a clear blue sky.

He is none other than Wind Dew, the Flying-type Gym Leader of Fuyu City in the Unova region, and also one of the world's top Coordinators!
She waved to the audience with great enthusiasm.

In an instant, enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted from the audience.

The live stream chat was instantly flooded with enthusiastic comments like "Fenglu's wife!" and "Fenglu's baby!"

[The wind and dew on her buttocks, the united soul of all!]

[Legs touched by wind and dew, water carried by the wind!]

[Feng Lu's waist, Jiuwei's S-curve... cough cough, I won't go into that.]

[Perfect score, no further explanation needed!]

【Ahhhhhh—Baby Wind and Dew, you are a sweet, soft little cake filled with the scent of sunshine!】

【Mother! 】

------

On the stage.

Feng Lu bowed generously to the audience below the stage.

After straightening up, her eyes shone with confidence. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed three Poké Balls into the air in an extremely beautiful arc, as if lifted by the wind!

Three dazzling beams of light shone in the center of the stage.

The elegant and noble Dancing Swan, the majestic and fierce Vulture Na, and finally, the Tanabata Bluebird with feathers as pure as clouds.

Three distinct spirits, yet all symbolizing the sky and freedom, circled the wind and dew in the center of the stage, forming a triangular formation.

The performance officially began as light and lively music filled the venue.

"Swan Dance, with the wind at your back!"

The swan dancer at the very center of the stage took the lead in flapping its wings.

Its broad wings rose and fell gracefully at a rhythmic frequency.

Each flap of its wings creates a visible, gently swirling airflow that spirals upwards, like silken threads of wind circling the center of the stage.

"Bald Eagle, Storm!"

On the other side, Vulture Na's huge wings pressed down sharply, and the air was precisely controlled to form a strong updraft that exploded outwards!

The seemingly violent airflow becomes as docile as a tamed wild beast the moment it comes into contact with the gentle breeze, and the two airflows merge perfectly!
The entire stage area seemed to transform into a domain of wind. "Tanabata Bluebird, Cotton Defense!"

Before Feng Lu could finish speaking, a clear and melodious song rang out, and the fluffy feathers of the Qixi Bluebird seemed to come alive.

Countless fluffy, soft feathers, shimmering with a faint light, drifted away as gently as dandelion seeds.

These cotton fibers, lifted by the rising airflow, did not scatter but were precisely controlled, forming a slowly rotating, dreamlike sea of ​​cotton fibers above the stage!

Feng Lu, at the center of the stage, is like a true spirit of the wind in this realm of wind and clouds.

She didn't use any props; she simply opened her arms and lightly touched the ground with her toes.

call--

A perfectly timed updraft caught her precisely.

Feng Lu's body instantly became incredibly light, and she was gently lifted off the ground by the airflow!
A series of deliberately suppressed gasps came from the audience.

And this is just the beginning.

A smile bloomed on Feng Lu's face as she took a light step, as if walking on air.

The dancing swan understood perfectly, and with a gliding dive, its broad, white wings appeared just in time to where the wind and dew were about to fall!
Fenglu lightly touched the back of the dancing swan with her toes, using the momentum to leap up again.

This time, she leaped even higher, her posture as graceful as a free-flying cotton bird.

"Bald Eagle, the wind is rising!"

With a side spin, the massive body of the vulture Nah created a powerful gust of air, propelling Feng Lu higher into the sky once more, its target the sea of ​​clouds created by the Qixi Bluebird!

The wind and dew swirled lightly in the air, and her red hair danced in the wind like flames.

She stretched out her hands, as if to embrace the soft wisps of cloud.

The bluebird of the Double Seventh Festival let out a joyful cry, manipulating the wisps of cloud like the gentlest silk, swirling and dancing around the wind and dew.

The wind and dew, enveloped in the clouds and air currents, freely roam and wander several meters above the ground.

The entire performance featured no dazzling explosions or intense collisions, only an unparalleled harmonious dance between the wind, clouds, people, and spirits!

Fenglu seemed to have become part of the wind; her heartbeat was in sync with the rhythm of the wind, and her breath resonated with the fluttering of the fairy's wings!
That unbridled sense of freedom and romance touched every audience member at the scene and countless people watching on screen.

The performance was coming to an end.

As Fenglu was lifted up by the air currents of the Dancing Swan for the last time, she opened her arms as if embracing the entire sky.

The bluebird manipulated the clouds to gather beneath her feet into a soft cloud carpet.

Feng Lu lightly stepped onto the cloud carpet, and the cloud wisps, as if alive, gently supported her as she slowly descended back to the center of the stage.

The wind stopped, and the clouds dispersed.

Fenglu and the three elves bowed to the audience at the same time.

The audience, immersed in Feng Lu's free and romantic performance, burst into even more enthusiastic applause after a brief moment of holding their breath!
[Perfect score! Goddess of the Wind! No need for further explanation!]

[Nine points! One point deducted because she's not my wife!]

[It's a pity; it would have been better with a move like Magic Dazzle, which has flashy special effects. I'd give it a nine out of ten!]

[How tacky! If that actually happened, the entire lively and free-flowing atmosphere of the performance would be ruined! I give it full marks!]

That's true, but it's still a glamorous performance; without the colorful and explosive energy, it feels like it's missing something—nine-tenths of its soul! Next time!

[Groudon: Like this, then like that, and then you can fly! Got it! Full marks!]

[They're persecuting Groudon again! If Gutt really awakens, he'll be the first to take down Groudon with Precipice Blade!]

[Okay, everyone! So far, over 300,000 people have rated it, and Fenglu has achieved a high score of 9.6! The pressure is on the next person!]

------

Unfortunately, Xia Chi was the second contestant under immense pressure.

Backstage, in the contestants' preparation area, watching Feng Lu's perfect performance on the screen, he couldn't help but take a deep breath in nervousness.

Ma Xiu, standing to the side, covered her wide, ornate sleeves, which resembled butterfly wings, and said softly with a smile, "Don't be nervous, little Xia Chi. A glamorous performance is very simple~"

The older sister's words of comfort did not have any real effect.

Xia Chi was still a little nervous about her first grand performance on stage.

At crucial moments, it's always Mikey who matters. He patted Xia Chi on the shoulder and said, "Go ahead with peace of mind. The most important thing for a splendid performance is to be relaxed and confident. If you can't fully immerse yourself in and enjoy the stage, how can your partners shine?"

Xia Chi looked down at Ponpo, whose eyes were sparkling with trust and expectation as she gazed at him, and let out a long sigh of relief.

I understand, confidence!

He was no longer anxious or nervous. He strode towards the door and said firmly, "Watch closely, this is how a magnificent performance is performed!"

Mikoli: "."

No, are you saying that to me?
The longest river and the highest mountain in the coordination training industry fell into self-doubt.

Never mind, just find your confidence.
On the stage.

Daigo, who had just left the stage, returned to the stage with a slightly strange expression on his face, clearly having heard Xia Chi's boastful words backstage.

He cleared his throat and said, "Thank you for the wonderful performance, Feng Lu. Next contestant, Xia Chi!"

Because it was a glamorous performance, Xia Chi didn't wear his usual "bug catcher" outfit of a T-shirt and shorts.

It was actually a set that Michael, with his outstanding aesthetic sense, put together for him.

A pair of sharply tailored, dark-colored slim-fit trousers paired with a silver-gray silk shirt with a subtle pattern, the cuffs casually rolled up and the top button undone at the collar—

It doesn't appear overly formal to the point of being ostentatious, but it exudes a refreshing youthful vibe with a touch of nobility.

In short, it can be summed up in one word: handsome!

[Hahaha, Daigo's expression is starting to crack!]

[Even Xia Chi, a complete novice, put on a spectacular show; I almost laughed!]

[A splendid performance is considered a success if it doesn't turn into the "Don't Laugh Challenge"!]

Let's wait and see. You can question the prison water, but you can't doubt his spirit!

To be honest, Lao Shui looks a bit too handsome today!

[Indeed, I'm starting to understand now (Shinya Neko peeking with heart-shaped eyes.jpg)]

What on earth are you talking about?!

【Chi Bao, Chi Bao, Mommy's baby~】

Amidst the audience's fairly enthusiastic applause, Xia Chi stepped onto the glamorous stage for her first experience in life.

With arms raised, the four Poké Balls traced graceful arcs as they were tossed into the air.

Immediately, a dazzling white light burst forth in the center of the stage!
The Magic Masked Cat landed gracefully with its slender and agile figure, surrounded by lush green grass.

Latias's streamlined figure hovered under the spotlight, its red and white feathers shimmering with a jewel-like luster.

Egui Peng's petite figure exuded a strange tranquility, with water-like energy flowing and rippling across the well mask.

Victini flapped its small wings and hovered beside Xia Chi's shoulder, its pure, sky-blue eyes revealing eager anticipation.

The audience was in an uproar!
[Four Pokémon and three Legendary Pokémon, what an all-star lineup!]

[Such a large magical masked cat is quite rare.]

【The Four Heavenly Kings!】

[Even a glamorous performance needs to rely on stats (like a pet's appearance). Are you some kind of poet, Prison Water?]

However, four is a bit too many; if not coordinated well, it could easily make the performance chaotic.

Even Mikuri, most of the time, only uses two or three Pokémon for his flashy performances.

------

On the stage.

As rhythmic electronic music began, Xia Chi snapped his fingers.

“Bictigini, V Flame”.

"Tini~"

With a joyful cry, the tiny body of the Victini burst forth with astonishing energy.

The iconic V-shaped ears on his head lit up, and a V-shaped golden flame suddenly took shape!

With masterful control of his superpowers, the flames transformed into countless fist-sized, warm, and bright orange-red fireballs.

Precisely suspended in every corner, at varying heights, they illuminated the entire stage as if countless warm starlights had been lit.

"Magic Masked Cat, Seed Bomb!"

With a graceful flick of its tail, Miaoha sent countless seed bombs, shimmering with emerald light, hurtling towards the stage floor like fireworks.

The seeds burst open the moment they hit the ground, transforming into tendrils that emitted a shimmering green light.

They grow upwards with vibrant life, forming a huge natural vine stage in the center of the stage.

"Latias, Light Wall Fold!"

"Ooh-ee!"

Latias let out a clear dragon roar, and his powerful mental energy spread out like a tangible tide.

Supernatural energy, almost tangible, condenses and refracts in the air, forming countless dreamlike light walls and prisms!

Meanwhile, Victini also used her superpowers to control fireballs, making them slowly move and rotate along the paths guided by the vines.

The orange-red flames pierced through the prism, instantly decomposed and recombined, intertwining and flowing above the vine stage, forming a dreamlike and mesmerizing aurora dome!

"Ponpon, Water Thorn Stick!"

"Boni!"

Ponpo, wearing a well mask, gave a crisp response.

A thorny vine stick made of abundant water energy instantly solidified.

With a wave of her little hand, countless crystal-clear water droplets condensed out of thin air beneath the thorny vine, instantly transforming into countless smooth, flowing ribbons of water that shimmered with a deep blue light!

After releasing the light wall, Latias took control of the Water Silk and used his psychic powers to guide it to surround himself.

It caused countless shimmering blue ribbons of water to dance gracefully upwards in the air.

As the water sleeves rise, they continuously refract the rainbow light decomposed by the light wall above.

The deep blue water sleeves were instantly tinged with a dazzling seven-colored halo.

Countless shimmering, iridescent sleeves of light rose from all around the stage like an inverted galaxy, converging towards the seven-colored aurora on the dome.

The entire stage seemed to transform into a dreamlike crystal kaleidoscope, with mesmerizing colors and shifting light and shadow, breathtakingly beautiful.

Unlike Feng Lu's performance, Xia Chi did not make herself the protagonist, but instead let Peng Peng stand in the center of the stage.

The magnificent performance has entered its final chapter.

Magical Masked Cat manipulates the vines to lift Ponpo into the air.

As Latias murmured, the flowing sleeves of light danced around the rising Ponpo, as if weaving a skirt of light for it.

Beside him, countless orange-red fireballs, under Victini's control, burst forth like fireworks, transforming into clusters of warm golden halos.

In this dreamlike scene, Ponpo reached out her little hand and gently removed the mask from her face that looked like a crying face.

It was as if the heavy past had been removed.

Beneath the mask, Ponpo revealed a smile even more radiant than the dreamlike scenery around her.

at the same time.

The countless light walls and prisms on the stage dome, resembling aurora curtains, shattered instantly.

Along with the refracted rainbow light, it transforms into billions of stardust shimmering with seven-colored light, creating a magnificent rain of light on the stage.

As this rain of light fell upon the fireballs, vines, and ribbons of water, it seemed to dissolve, with orange-red, emerald green, and deep blue energy particles merging into the light rain and gently sprinkling it upon the focal point at the center of the stage—

Having just removed his mask, Egui Peng's face beamed with a smile more dazzling than the fireworks behind him.

Ponpon was bathed in this unique star shower, her small body seemingly enveloped and supported by countless gentle starlight.

At this moment, it is no longer the cursed evil spirit, but a stage princess bathed in starlight and blessings!

The star shower gradually subsided, and the light dimmed.

Ponpo landed lightly back in the center of the stage, her body still seemingly bathed in the faint glow of starlight, her smile dazzling and captivating.

Magical Masked Cat gracefully stood beside her, Latias hovered behind her, while Victini merrily circled around the stage.

Xia Chi stepped forward, stood shoulder to shoulder with his companions, faced the audience, and bowed deeply.

After a moment of silence.

next second!
wow——

The applause was even more enthusiastic than when the previous performance by Feng Lu ended, sweeping across the entire Liuli Dojo like a tsunami!

[Perfect score! No need for further explanation! Let the haters speak!]

[Exquisite and ingenious moves! Unparalleled energy control! This is the essence of a spectacular performance! An undisputed perfect score!]

[And the storyline is so clever! The starlight coronation gift woven for Princess Ponpon is so heartwarming! Ponpon is so cute~]

[Let go of sorrow, embrace the starlight—a perfect theme!]

[Minus one point, why isn't my sister Fa in the picture! It would be so much more relaxing to have it cosplay as Tao Dailang getting chased and beaten up by Ponpo 2333]

[Are you putting on a stage play here?]

Holy crap!! That's awesome, guys! 400,000 people, 9.9 stars!!!

[Well deserved! For someone who had never participated in a Grand Contest before, this is the best I could do!]

[Mikoli: Ah, the pressure is on me now?]

------

Backstage.

Watching Xia Chi and his elves take their perfect bow on the screen.

As Mikoli watched Xia Chi and the elves take their perfect bow amidst the roaring waves, a complex and indescribable smile appeared on his face.

"What's wrong, Ms. Mikoli? Are you feeling pressured?"

Ma Xiu, who was watching the performance with her, had a mischievous glint in her eyes. She deliberately imitated Xia Chi's tone and teased, "Now, you should understand what a 'spectacular performance' is, right?"

Upon hearing this, Mikoli smiled wryly and nodded frankly: "Indeed, a little."

To be fair, Xia Chi's dazzling performance was indeed stunning.

So stunning that she would be able to sweep aside everyone else with an absolutely high score on any stage, even the grand finale of the most prestigious competition.

Pressure, yes, it certainly exists.

But the pressure doesn't come from not being able to put on a better, more spectacular performance.

Just kidding. As the recognized GOAT in the field of Coordinator, and revered as the "Water Artist", how could Wallace's foundation and strength be "suppressed" by a newcomer?
The root of this pressure lies in the gap between expectations and reality.

Given the difference in their status, if he, who appeared later, cannot deliver a sufficiently convincing performance...
The audience might not necessarily buy into Xia Chi's spoiled tastes.

After all, everyone has a preconceived notion—

You're already a Mikoli, your dazzling performance must be more amazing than Xia Chi's, a complete novice, right?
If it is not done
Mikoli gave a slight, wry smile.

Then I'll just have to become this guy's stepping stone.
on the stage.

Daigo took to the stage again, his expression carrying a hint of anticipation.

"Next, let's welcome the founder of this year's Mikkuri Cup, the 'Water Artist'—Mikkuri!"

Under the spotlight, Mikoli made an elegant entrance.

No need for many words, a smile is enough to command the entire room.

"Milanos, dance, Water Waltz!"

ten minutes later.

When the waterspout transforms into a gentle drizzle, it refracts dazzling light under the lamplight.

The audience burst into warm applause.

[So elegant, so incredibly elegant! The art of water has been taken to its ultimate expression! A perfect score!]

It was indeed spectacular, especially Milotic's control over the water, which remains unmatched. However...

[Did it feel like something was missing from Xia Chi's "Holy crap!" exclamation just now?]

It's not that Mikoli isn't strong, it's that the person before her was overpowered!

I'd give it a 9 out of 10. It's beautiful and evocative, but I didn't find anything particularly surprising or innovative.

[I also gave it a 9 out of 10. It feels like just another ordinary work from Wallace's career as a Coordinator.]

[Currently rated... 9.8! That's quite high!]

[That's reasonable, let's give Teacher Dami some face!]

[Did Prison Water outscore Michaely in the dazzling performance? How could I have such a dream!]

On the stage.

Michael made a perfect farewell, basking in the same enthusiastic applause that was rightfully his.

But as perceptive as he is, he could also sense that while the audience's enthusiasm remained, it lacked a certain "soul-stirring" excitement.

He looked towards the backstage corridor and smiled helplessly.

Xia Chi, he's pulled it off again!

(Bonus chapter 8/20 for monthly pass winners)

(End of this chapter)