Pokémon have arrived, and they're really not called magical beasts.

After his battle with Jin, Su Feng retreated to the presidential suite. The room's opulence—crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling ocean views—nearly overwhelmed him, though Jin seemed unfazed.

"My room's next door. Call if you need anything," Jin said before leaving.

Inside, Su Feng's eyes fell on the incubator housing the still-unhatched egg. "When'll you finally crack, little guy?" He sighed, tapping the glass. A faint click echoed, but he missed the tiny fissure forming on the shell.

A knock interrupted him. "Mr. Su, your lunch is here."

The suite's meal service delivered a feast: seared scallops, truffle risotto, and a chocolate fondue tower. Su Feng, Combusken, and Haunter devoured it all—though Haunter's bottomless appetite baffled him. "Where does it even go?" he muttered, eyeing Haunter's gaseous form.

Haunter shrugged. "Gheh?" (Dunno?)

By evening, the ship's grand hall glittered with chandeliers and velvet drapes. Su Feng took his seat at the judges' panel beside Mick, an avant-garde artist with a penchant for neon scarves.

"Rules are simple," Mick explained. "Contestants showcase their Pokémon's beauty, elegance, or cool factor. We score based on creativity, skill, and flair. Top eight made it through prelims—hundreds tried, but most didn't even know their Pokémon's moves."

Su Feng raised an eyebrow. "Prelims?"

"Oh, you missed the chaos. One guy brought a Jigglypuff. Sang the entire crowd to sleep. Nearly derailed the event."

Su Feng winced. Classic Jigglypuff.

He launched his streaming drone, ignoring the chat's usual antics:

[Livestream Chat:]

[Bro's streaming THREE TIMES today?! Legend!]

[Rich people parties look exhausting. Pass the ramen.]

[Is that a BUTTERFREE?!]

The lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the stage as the first contestant stepped forward—a girl with a Butterfree.

"Butterfree, Quiver Dance!"

The moth Pokémon twirled mid-air, shimmering scales cascading like glitter. The crowd gasped, but Su Feng stiffened. Those scales are toxic!

The girl smirked. "Now, Gust—direct them out!"

A whirlwind trapped the shimmering dust, funneling it through an open window. Safe and spectacular.

Su Feng nodded, impressed. Risky, but brilliant. He scored her a 7/10.

Judging Criteria (Simplified):

Aesthetic Appeal: How visually striking is the performance?

Technical Skill: Precision and control of moves.

Creativity: Unique combinations or storytelling.

Safety: No audience endangerment (cough Jigglypuff cough).

The next contestant, a boy with a primped Furfrou, commanded a synchronized "Charm" and "Baby-Doll Eyes." The crowd swooned. Mick gave an 8. Su Feng, less impressed: 6.5.

[Livestream Chat:]

[Furfrou's haircut costs more than my rent.]

[Butterfree girl was robbed!]

[Where's the BATTLE round? I need DRAMA!]

As the event continued, Su Feng noted the stark contrast to proper Pokémon Contests. No multi-stage battles or intricate scoring—just raw creativity. Yet for a grassroots effort, it held charm.

When a teenage girl sent out a Lumineon to create rippling water illusions, even Jin—lingering at the back—nodded in approval.

"Final contestant!" the announcer called.

A man in a tuxedo strode out, releasing an Alolan Ninetales. "Aurora Veil!"

The Pokémon conjured a prismatic shield, refracting light into a miniature aurora. The hall fell silent, mesmerized.

Su Feng leaned forward. Now this is artistry.