Hearthome City.
Wayne came to participate in the Breeder Competition again today.
Today was the round of 32.
One more step, and he would meet the system's minimum requirement.
The judge wasn't Blue yet.
Blue would only serve as a judge in the top eight.
This year's Breeder Competition was highly anticipated because the other three judges were Wallace, Professor Rowan, and Professor Oak.
It was the first time there had been such a lineup.
Four judges, three Champions!
As for who was just there for show, we won't name names.
There was also a League-recognized Master Level Breeder—Joy Snow—making a friendly appearance.
In total, there were five judges, all of them heavyweights.
The judges for the round of 32 were:
One was Nurse Joy from Hearthome City.
As for the other three judges, Wayne had heard a little about them, but not much.
Their information could be found on the League's official website. They were all top-tier Breeders recognized by the League.
On this day, excellent Youth Breeders selected from various regions finally gathered in Hearthome City.
The competition was scheduled to start at 4 PM, but the staff asked Wayne to arrive before 2 PM because he needed to get his makeup done.
Starting from the top 32, the competition was being recorded at Hearthome Television and would be broadcast as a variety show.
When Wayne arrived, seven people had already finished their makeup and were waiting.
Among them, Wayne saw a woman in a pink top with green hair, and for a moment, she seemed familiar.
But Wayne couldn't recall who she was.
The other few people were plain-looking and unremarkable.
When Wayne entered the studio backstage, everyone waiting involuntarily turned their gaze to Wayne.
"Is that Wayne?"
"He really is just like the rumors say..."
"Why does he have a spotlight on him?!"
Coincidentally, a spotlight shone down at the entrance.
After the list of the top 32 was announced, some enthusiasts listed a clear ranking online: who was the first seed, who was the second seed, and so on.
Relying on his impressive popularity, Wayne surpassed the former celebrity Trainer Gold to become the first seed.
Gold also participated in this competition, but because he was the second seed, he was jokingly called "Second Place Gold " in the group chat.
The staff member had a sweet smile on her face. "Please follow me."
"Thank you." Wayne and Lucario followed behind her into the makeup room.
As Wayne sat down, he realized his neighbor was an old acquaintance. "Yo, Second Place Gold."
"You—!"
Before Gold could unleash his fury, the makeup artist held him down. "Don't move around. Your makeup will get ruined."
Gold was angry but dared not speak.
Wayne only needed some simple touch-ups, and it was done in no time. "Alright, your base is excellent."
Wayne's makeup was done, but Gold's was not.
Wayne looked in the mirror and found that he seemed to have become a little more handsome, and couldn't help but exclaim...
The power of makeup is truly amazing!
Wayne pointed to Gold, who was still getting his makeup done.
"Can I wait for him here?"
"Of course, no problem."
Gold, who was getting his makeup done, watched helplessly in the vanity mirror as Wayne, guided by the young lady, sat on a sofa chair and was even served drinks and a fruit platter...
Damn it, I'm jealous!
Why don't I get such treatment?!
Gold always thought he was a somewhat handsome, cheerful guy. I'm not ugly, I just don't stand out in my handsomeness!
It's just that the world's perception is too harsh.
It's not me who's wrong, it's the whole world!
This was a true reflection of Gold's life philosophy.
"Thanks."
Although Wayne didn't actually want to eat.
Wayne picked up his phone, took a picture of Gold in the vanity mirror, and sent it to the group chat.
Gold getting makeup.jpg
This photo instantly caused a stir.
Blue: "What a miraculous transformation, makeup artist."
Red: "Haha, are you going to be on TV?"
Brock: "This time it's going to be a variety show, so everyone in the top 32 and beyond needs makeup."
Lance: "I look forward to your performance. I'll be watching."
Lt. Surge: "Don't bother with makeup. You won't be handsome no matter what."
Crystal: "It's... it's still good."
Green: "@Wayne, what about you? Are you done?"
Wayne opened his front camera and took a selfie.
Wayne, with his strong facial contours, his cheekbones and jawline forming a harmonious structure, and a high nose bridge.
His eyes were large and spirited, with a pair of eyes that seemed to tell a story. Even his eye shape seemed to have a built-in makeup effect.
His cool, pale skin gave Wayne a natural highlight filter, forming a sharp contrast with his thick black hair.
In addition, the makeup artist made some modifications to Wayne, further highlighting the advantages of his eyebrows and eyes.
Lorelei: "Sharp eyebrows and distinctive features—now this is what you call a handsome guy."
Blue couldn't help but send a voice message to complain: "Where did you learn so many elaborate adjectives...?"
Sabrina: "You're suited to be an actor, very photogenic."
Sabrina, who started her career as an actress in Unova's Pokéstar Studios, had never seen anyone more photogenic than Wayne.
Blue: "I've seen him in person. He's actually not that photogenic."
Steven: "I just saw Wayne yesterday. He's even more handsome in person."
Wayne: "You're too kind. We're fifty-fifty."
Crystal: "Well, there is indeed a gap."
Crystal still felt she couldn't lie...
Red: "Indeed..."
...
Gold, with his makeup done, looked at the screen full of messages, and his world collapsed...
Opening strike!
Gold : "Be human, all of you!"
Lt. Surge: "Who told you to be Second Place!"
Gold opened his voice message and roared,
"I'm going to fight you all!"
But Gold completely forgot that this was the backstage of a studio, and silence immediately fell all around.
"Hahahaha——"
When people are speechless, they laugh.
Wayne quietly moved a little further away from Gold.
"Hey! Aren't you being a bad friend?!"
Many people thought there would be a fierce rivalry between Wayne and Gold, that they would be lifelong enemies...
In reality, they were friends.
Friendship first, competition second.
Gold rubbed his nose. "No, competition first, friendship second! This time, I will definitely beat you."
"I'm going to make them call me First Place Gold !"
"..."
Alright, whatever makes you happy.
Gold still quietly put some distance between himself and Wayne.
Wayne was confused. "What's going on?"
"Nothing..."
Gold would never say that he didn't want to be in the same frame as Wayne.
Gold was barely 170cm tall with shoes on, and standing next to the 186cm Wayne put too much psychological pressure on him.
However, once seated, Gold seemed much more relaxed.
Wayne and Gold automatically formed a small group, starting to chat while replying to the group messages.
Bored, Wayne also got the list of the top 32 from Brock.
Although Brock didn't participate, he was following it.
This time, in the Youth Breeder Competition's top 32, there were 20 males and 12 females.
Around 3:30 PM, a staff member pushed open the door. "The competition is about to start. I'll go over some important points with you first."