Ren stepped into Slateport City's bustling marketplace, the salty sea breeze ruffling his hair. The chat buzzed with anticipation as he closed the stream temporarily:
[Livestream Paused: "BRB – Big Slateport Surprise Soon!"]
Lisia, the Contest Star, greeted him with a flourish. "Darling! Ready for your 'transformation'?"
Two hours later, Ren stood in front of a mirror, barely recognizing himself. Gone were the grass-stained jeans and plain shirt. Now, he wore a sleek black jacket with gold trim, tailored trousers, and a scarf that shimmered like a Milotic's scales.
"Perfection!" Lisia declared. "Now go surprise your little fanclub!"
---
[Livestream Resumed: "New Look, New Me!"]
[Viewers: 3,817 ➔ 10,402]
The chat exploded as Ren's upgraded appearance filled the screen:
PokefanDawn:REN LOOKS AMAZING!!!
RivalBrendan:Since when do you care about fashion?!
TrainerEthan:Bro went from rookie to rockstar!
ContestStarLisia:A masterpiece, if I do say so myself. 💅
MudkipFan4Life:MUDKIP'S EVOLVING NEXT, RIGHT?!
ChampionSteven:A sharp look for a sharp Trainer. Well done.
TrainerRed: …(sent a **TM93 Cut** as a joke—Ren's scarf 'did' look sharp)
Ren grinned, spinning to show off the outfit. "Thanks, Lisia! And thanks for the TM24 red!"
[Special Donation: Anonymous has gifted 1x Exp. Candy L!]
PokefanDawn:WHO'S THE MYSTERY FAN?!
MudkipFan4Life:STEVEN? RED? LANCE?!
Lisia nudged him. "Now, how about a 'real' challenge? Enter a Contest! My treat!"
---
Slateport Contest Hall – Mini-Showcase
Ren stood backstage, Ralts trembling with excitement. The chat scrolled with advice:
[Mission: Win a Mini-Contest!]
[Reward: 3,000 PokéDollars]
[Audience Gift: TM99 Dazzling Gleam]
ContestStarLisia:Focus on elegance! Ralts' Confusion can create sparkles!
PokefanDawn:Use the scarf's shimmer to your advantage!
Ren whispered to Ralts, "Ready to dazzle?"
Onstage, Ralts spun gracefully, Confusion weaving psychic energy into glittering waves. The crowd—and the chat—cheered:
MudkipFan4Life:RALTS FOR MISS HOENN!!!
TrainerEthan:10/10, would watch again!
When the judges awarded Ren first place, the system pinged:
[Contest Victory!]
[Reward Received: TM99 Dazzling Gleam + [Custom Title: "Rising Star"]
---
Post-Contest Stream
Back outside, Ren addressed the chat. "Next up: catching an Electric-type! What should I name it?"
[Audience Poll:]
1. Voltz
2. Tesla
3. Pikaboo
RivalBrendan:Pikaboo? Really?
PokefanDawn:Voltz is cute!
As votes rolled in, a notification flashed:
[Anonymous Donor has gifted 1x Thunder Stone!]
MudkipFan4Life:MYSTERY DONOR STRIKES AGAIN!!!
Ren pocketed the stone. "Whoever you are… thanks. Now, let's hunt!"
---
End of Chapter 5