"What incredible determination! The champions of this tournament are Rex from Fallabor Town and his Swellow. Let's congratulate them!"
As the host's words fell, the audience outside the arena erupted into enthusiastic applause.
Turning back a few minutes,
Swellow obeyed Rex's command and unleashed its final, life-saving move against Torkoal.
At this moment, Torkoal had already successfully activated its Sleep ability, but its strength was still recovering. After being struck by Swellow's move, it could no longer maintain its Sleep state.
Before long, Torkoal collapsed, while Swellow stood atop it, breathing heavily.
"Congratulations, Rex, this truly was an exciting match!"
Flannery seemed to harbor no disappointment from losing the match; instead, she extended her congratulations to Rex.
"It was indeed an exhilarating match. I hope we can engage in such battles again in the future!"
After retracting Swellow, Rex earnestly conveyed his sentiments to Flannery.
In this match, his victory was somewhat strained, mainly relying on Swellow's strong willpower and determination.
After the host announced the match result, Rex found a secluded spot to restore Swellow's condition using his abilities.
However, Rex could also discern that even though Swellow's physical injuries had fully healed, it still seemed groggy, evidently exhausted. Its mental weariness would require rest to recover.
"The match is over, Swellow. Rest in your Poké Ball now!"
Rex addressed Swellow, then retrieved it into its Poké Ball.
After completing these tasks, Rex returned to the arena because another Pokémon battle was still underway.
Indeed, it was the showdown between Yuki and Makoto, and the victor would claim third place in this tournament.
"Where did you go just now? You almost missed the most thrilling part of the match!"
Rex approached Flannery, who was fully engrossed in watching the match, and Flannery exclaimed excitedly.
"I had a few things to take care of, but everything's sorted out now!"
Rex casually replied before turning his attention back to the battle on the field.
At this point, the situation on the battlefield was not very favorable for Makoto. His Miltank was not adept at long-range attacks, and he lacked effective means to counter Togekiss flying in the air.
Nevertheless, Miltank, with its outstanding defenses and healing abilities, managed to hold out for quite some time. However, prolonged defense would inevitably lead to defeat if a mistake occurred or energy consumption became too high.
"Miltank, use Tackle!"
Finally, as Togekiss approached Miltank, Makoto issued a counterattack command. Miltank on the field vigorously kicked the ground with its legs, then leaped and lunged toward Togekiss.
"Togekiss, hold steady!"
If Miltank's tackle succeeded this time, the outcome of the match would still be uncertain.
Unfortunately, Yuki issued a timely command, and this time, Togekiss successfully defended against Miltank's attack.
The subsequent battle unfolded as Rex expected. Although Miltank managed to hold on for a while thanks to its advantages, it was eventually defeated by Togekiss's Moonblast skill.
With this, the tournament had concluded.
Subsequently, the award ceremony took place. In addition to the reward of selecting any five Evolution Stones, Rex also received a trophy.
Although it wasn't a major competition, it was the first honor he had obtained since arriving in this world, so Rex was very pleased.
Regarding the choice of Evolution Stones, Rex chose the Fire Stone, Water Stone, Thunder Stone, Sun Stone, and Moon Stone.
Among them, the most useful for Rex now was the Water Stone. After his Poliwag evolved into Poliwhirl, it would need to use the Water Stone to evolve into Poliwrath.
As for using the King's Rock to evolve into Politoed, Rex didn't think he could obtain the King's Rock in the short term. Moreover, he found the appearance of Politoed somewhat comical and unrelated to royalty.
After selecting the rewards, it marked the complete conclusion of the tournament.
"Rex, it's rare that we're so fated. How about we have a big meal together tonight?"
Originally, Rex had planned to return to the Pokémon Center to rest, but at this moment, Flannery, accompanied by Yuki, approached and made the suggestion.
"I have no objection, but isn't Makoto coming?"
Rex didn't mind, but he noticed Makoto wasn't with them. He had planned to take this opportunity to learn more about Makoto's Miltank!
"Makoto had something to attend to and had to leave early!"
Flannery replied.
Then, the group found a very nice restaurant that allowed both Pokémon and Trainers to dine together.
"Come out, Poliwag!"
After sitting down, Rex released Poliwag. These past few days, it had spent most of its time inside the Poké Ball due to the many tasks, so Rex decided to let it out.
As for Gastly, it was hiding in Rex's shadow. It seemed to resist contact with people other than Rex, but hiding in the shadow allowed it to observe the outside world at all times.
"Poliwag, Poli!"
After emerging, Poliwag happily greeted Rex. It was glad to be out of the Poké Ball and spend time with its Trainer.
"Haha, Rex, your Poliwag is really interesting!"
Seeing the interaction between Rex and Poliwag, Flannery couldn't help but laugh, and Yuki next to her also nodded in agreement, apparently very approving.
"Come out, Torkoal!"
"Come out, Togekiss!"
Then, the two also released their Pokémon, and Poliwag, upon seeing them, no longer felt shy and jumped off the chair, greeting the two Pokémon.
"Rex, do you have anything planned for tomorrow?"
After dinner, Flannery suddenly asked Rex.
"I might stroll around Slateport City and then head back!"
Rex didn't know why Flannery asked this, so he answered honestly.
"That's great! Let's stroll together tomorrow. With the company of two beautiful ladies like us, you must be very happy, right?"
Flannery said happily.
"Well, that's okay!"
What else could Rex say? Besides, he was only 11 years old now, what thoughts could he have!
The next day,
At this time, it was already noon, and Rex and Flannery came to the beach to play.
He already regretted it a bit. He didn't know why Flannery and Yuki had such good stamina. They had been out since 8 o'clock in the morning, almost without stopping, and had toured every street and alley in Slateport City.
Even Poliwag, who was excited to go out and play, followed them happily at first.
However, the joy didn't last long. It succumbed during this high-intensity shopping trip. It felt that even Rex's heavy training didn't make it as tired as this.
In the end, Poliwag directly gave up. It leaped with all its strength and hit the Poké Ball hanging on Rex's waist, then was recalled into it, never to come out again.
Rex's only gain this morning was buying a Rest skill CD from the Pokémon
Department Store, priced at 10,000 Alliance Coins. As for other things, they were all purchased by the two ladies.
They bought a variety of items, including clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and even handicrafts.
Because they came out to play today, Rex didn't bring his Space Backpack, so in the end, his body was covered with shopping bags.
Fortunately, after lunch, he sent these things to where Flannery and her companions lived before coming to the beach.
In the afternoon, their itinerary was to stay on the beach and play. After arriving at the beach, Rex saw many people and Pokémon already happily playing.
Children played with Pokémon, adults sunbathed, or went swimming in the sea. Some even surfed with their Pokémon. Everyone had a smile on their face, showing harmony between humans and Pokémon.
Your support is my motivation!
End of this chapter.