Chapter 358: The Grand Awards Ceremony!
A few days later, at the Phoenix Nest Battle Arena.
The stands were a solid sea of humanity, every seat occupied by eager fans. The arena floor, which just days ago had been a landscape of scorched craters and a fifty-meter-deep abyss, had been perfectly restored to its pristine condition.
The Sacred Flame roared atop the massive pedestal, its golden light dancing against the morning sky.
Five podiums stood quietly in the center of the battlefield, waiting for the victors.
High above, the master of ceremonies spoke into a microphone, his voice resonating through the stadium.
"Honored trainers, esteemed spectators, and dear friends from across the globe:
The Huaxia League Conference, a journey spanning days of blood, sweat, and determination, finally draws to its grand conclusion today...
In this time, we have witnessed countless spectacular battles. We have seen the unbreakable bonds between trainers and their partners, and we have felt the raw passion and perseverance that define the spirit of Pokémon...
While the light of the Champion is blindingly bright, we must remember that the true victory lies in the growth we achieve and the limits we shatter along the way...
Thank you to every trainer, every staff member, and every fan who supported this event. May you carry this fire within your hearts as you continue your own journeys...
Now!! I officially declare the matches of the Huaxia League Conference concluded! Let the Awards Ceremony... BEGIN!!!"
BOOM!!! —
As the MC's voice fell, the stadium lights dimmed. The roar of the crowd softened into a hushed, respectful silence.
THUD!!!! —
A single, brilliant spotlight flared to life, illuminating the podium on the far left.
Simultaneously, one of the massive stadium gates slid open. A pair of spotlights created a path of pure light from the tunnel to the podium.
Two small Pokémon trotted out of the shadows. They were Growlithe, moving in perfect synchronization. One on the left, one on the right, they gripped the edges of a rolled red carpet in their maws and sprinted forward. Within seconds, a magnificent ceremonial carpet was laid across the path of light.
Having completed their task, the Growlithe barked and trotted back into the tunnel.
The MC's voice boomed again.
"First to the stage!! Representing one of the three ancient Pseudo-Legendary Guardian Clans of Huaxia! The trainer who claimed Fifth Place in this year's Conference... Hu Ren!!!"
FLASH!!! —
The virtual screens above the arena flickered to life, showing a montage of Hu Ren's most dominant moments—his Garchomp tearing through sandstorms and crushing opponents with its jagged fins.
"The bloodthirsty shark of the dunes! With fins that rend the very air!! Throughout this tournament, Hu Ren and his partner Garchomp have shown us the meaning of raw, predatory power!"
"KAAAA!!!! —"
A roar of recognition erupted from the tunnel. Hu Ren stepped out, his pace measured and steady as he walked the red carpet. Behind him, Garchomp followed, its posture regal and dangerous, letting out another roar that showcased its dominance as a Pseudo-Legendary.
When Hu Ren reached his podium, the stadium erupted in applause. He gave a sharp, respectful wave to the crowd, while Garchomp looked around and, mimicking its trainer, raised its claws to the fans.
As the cheers died down, the spotlight shifted to the far right podium.
A second gate opened, and the red carpet treatment was repeated.
"Next, the trainer who secured Fourth Place! The victor of the previous Conference and a veteran who has stood at the very threshold of the Elite Four... Li Xisheng!!!"
"With a mind as sharp as a blade and a bond that acts as its hilt! Li Xisheng and his partner, the elegant blademaster Gallade, have fought side-by-side to cut through every obstacle in their path! Let us welcome the Fourth-Place finisher of the Huaxia League Conference!!"
Li Xisheng walked out with his head held high. Beside him, Gallade moved with the poise of a knight, its elbow-blades glinting.
On the screen, a highlight reel showed Mega Gallade's surgical precision in battle. To the fans, Gallade was one of the most popular Pokémon in the tournament due to its chivalrous and heroic appearance.
Li Xisheng stepped onto his podium, his eyes burning with a quiet fire. This wasn't the end for him; it was just the start of his revenge tour against the Elite Four.
The third spotlight hit the podium second from the left, closer to the center.
"Coming to the stage now is the most discussed trainer of the tournament. A prodigy of the 'House of Champions,' a soul meant for the top! Although the road had its bumps, his light remains undimmed! The Third-Place finisher... Xun Zhurong!!!!"
"With a Houndoom blessed by the Sacred Flame of Ho-Oh, he entered the arena like a messenger from the underworld! His violet fires incinerated everything in their path, leaving only awe and terror in their wake! Please welcome Xun Zhurong and Houndoom!!"
Xun walked out with his hands in his pockets, his long red hair swaying in the wind. Beside him, Houndoom slunk forward in a low, aggressive trot, the purple embers in its armor flickering.
The jumbotron replayed the devastating Mega Houndoom sweep against Li Xisheng.
Xun took his place on the podium. His face held no joy. To a Zhurong, anything less than first was a defeat. He didn't look at the crowd; his gaze was fixed on the final entrance gate that had yet to open.
The crowd gave a massive, prolonged ovation, acknowledging the Zhurong legacy, but the tension in the air was palpable.
Finally, the spotlight hit the podium second from the right.
"Our Second-Place finisher! The most mysterious competitor of the era and the only woman in the Top 5! In her hands, every Poison-type became a tool of surgical lethality!"
"Her Ace, Gengar, is the undisputed Shadow Queen! A being that dances between dimensions, toying with hearts and souls before ending the match in a heartbeat! Let us hear it for the 'Deadly Flower of the Toxic Sea'... Elder Venom and Gengar!!!!"
Grandma Liu walked out, leaning on her gnarled cane. She moved with a slow, deliberate pace that felt weighted with history.
She was still wearing her mask, but it didn't matter. The secret was out. Huaxia was a big country, but it was full of brilliant minds—some researchers had already dug through old archives and matched her face and style to the legendary Poison Queen of a century ago.
She had become the second-most talked-about person in the nation, right behind the champion.
Kenji watched from the shadows of the final tunnel, his heart beginning to thrum with a heavy, rhythmic beat.
It was time for the final spotlight.
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