Most of the attendees at the awards ceremony were this year's participants.
Although the spotlight was on the top three individuals, all players who ranked in the top 20 would receive either valuable Pokémon-related items or monetary rewards. Additionally, they would gain extra points on their college entrance exams.
The majority of the top 20 finishers would be offered early admission to prestigious universities.
However, some participants might not get into their desired universities through early admission. In that case, they could choose to take the regular college entrance exam in hopes of securing a spot at their dream university.
The top three, however, were prime recruitment targets for the top five universities, with the Champion being the most sought-after.
By around 8:30, most of the individual competition participants had arrived.
A few lucky spectators were also present. They had won entry through a lottery organized by the event's sponsors, making them the envy of many.
"Did you hear? The award presenter this year isn't going to be the Association President."
"Really? He has presented the awards for the past few years, they're changing it up this time?"
"No, I heard he had something come up at the last-minute, so they replaced him."
"But the event organizers didn't announce who the replacement is, it's all very mysterious."
"Could it be Elite Walker?"
"Hmm… that actually seems possible."
There were always some people with insider information—individuals who could find out things before the general public, and more often than not, their intel was surprisingly accurate.
Time quickly ticked away, and at 9:00 PM sharp, the stage lights illuminated as the host stepped onto the stage.
The host was the newest rising star of Yale Province's TV station. With her sweet, charming appearance, she was adored by most viewers.
Her arrival drew the attention of many male spectators, even the male students couldn't help but steal glances at her.
Her co-host was a playful and adorable Clefable, adding a fun and lively touch to the event.
"After half a month of intense competition, the Yale Province High School League has finally come to an end!"
She started with a typical opening speech, which didn't offer much substance. This was where the presence of an attractive female host made a difference—if it had been a middle-aged man delivering the same speech, most of the audience would have tuned out.
First, the rankings for places 4 through 20 were announced.
Then came the highlight of the evening—the award ceremony for the top three individual competitors.
"Congratulations to Eric for winning third place in the Yale Province High School League's individual competition!"
The crowd erupted in applause, and many of the students looked at Eric enviously.
For most of them, placing third was an unreachable dream.
Eric stood on the podium, looking a bit shy.
The host asked, "Student Eric, would you like to share a few words with us?"
This was part of the standard procedure—giving the winners a moment to share their thoughts.
Eric took the mic and said, "First, I'd like to thank—"
The acceptance speech was nothing out of the ordinary—simple and standard.
Once he finished, the host smiled and said, "Originally, the President of Lake City Trainers Association was supposed to present the awards. However, due to a last-minute conflict, he couldn't make it."
Upon hearing this, many people looked visibly disappointed.
After all, the Association President was an Elite-level Trainer.
If he had attended, they would have had the rare chance to meet an Elite up close. Just being able to say they had been in the presence of an Elite would have been a brag-worthy story.
"However, even though the Association President couldn't come, we have someone you'll all be thrilled to see."
Looking at the eager faces of the students and audience, the host decided not to keep them in suspense any longer.
"Let us welcome the award presenter, the one and only 'King Julian,' Elite Julian Walker!"
Since Julian was now officially an Elite, it was fitting to address him with that title.
The moment his name was announced, the entire crowd erupted with surprise and excitement.
For the people of Lake City, John, Jake, and Julian were their pride and glory. John was now a Champion, Jake was the Steel-type Elite, and Julian had risen to become the most promising young trainer of his generation.
The Walker family, spanning three generations, was filled with prodigies—there wasn't a single weakling among them.
Moreover, Julian's current potential even surpassed that of John and Jake, making him the most dazzling star of the trio.
Backstage, Julian slowly walked out, accompanied by Metagross.
"It's really King Julian! So handsome!"
"This was totally worth the trip!"
"Julian is way better than the Association President!"
"Thank goodness the President had a last-minute conflict!"
The Association President: 'Do you people have no shame?'
Many in the crowd were secretly glad that the President had been unable to attend—if he had, they wouldn't have had the chance to see Julian up close.
Compared to the older generation like him, it was no surprise that the younger audience was far more excited to see a rising young trainer like Julian.
After accepting the trophy and medal from the event staff, Julian handed them to Eric and encouraged him with a simple, "Keep working hard."
"Yes! I will!"
Eric nodded excitedly.
Although Julian was only one year older than him, the difference in their achievements was like the gap between the sky and the earth—completely out of reach.
"Next, let us welcome the runner-up, Ryan, to the stage!"
As Ryan stepped forward, both Julian and the host's expressions turned slightly weird.
It was because Ryan's outfit was completely covered in logos from head to toe. Perhaps it was just his personal fashion choice.
"Student Ryan, how do you feel about winning second place?"
The host handed him the microphone, Ryan took the mic but didn't immediately speak. Instead, he took a deep breath, clearly a bit nervous.
Then, with a completely straight face, he blurted out:
"Tired? Sleepy? Drink Red Tiger!"
"Feeling overheated? Try Golden Logic!"
"Feeling drained? Take Huiren Kidney Vitality Pills!"
"Northvolt Batteries—one lasts longer than seven!"
"Bebe Reading Device—so your mom never has to worry about your studies again!"
The entire award ceremony was being broadcast live. Initially, the viewership had been around 10 million, but ever since Julian appeared, the live audience had skyrocketed, breaking through tens of millions.
The runner-up was now blatantly advertising products in front of 50 million live viewers.
Julian: 'Damn… this guy's a genius.'
Meanwhile, the host's once-sweet smile had become increasingly strained. Through her earpiece, she could hear the director's angry voice urging her to cut Ryan off immediately.
This was turning into a broadcast disaster.
Just as the host was about to interrupt him, Ryan suddenly stopped on his own. Then, with a straight face, he added, "To all the businesses I just mentioned—you'd better remember to pay the remaining balance."
The host's expression darkened instantly.
Without spending a single cent, Ryan had managed to sneak in nearly ten ads during the live broadcast.
Now she finally understood why his clothes were plastered with logos—he had turned himself into a walking billboard.
The live chat exploded with reactions.
> "We're all humans, but this guy is a business genius!"
> "The host's smile is practically frozen!"
> "Look at King Julian—he actually looks impressed. Love it!"
> "This is like a Spearow pecking a Tauros right in the rear—absolutely savage!"
> "He may be the runner-up, but he totally stole the spotlight from the champion!"
> "The king of freeloading has been crowned!"
When Julian placed the medal around Ryan's neck, he leaned in slightly and asked softly, "Your university plans aren't set yet, right? If not, consider Imperial University."
"If you're interested, come find me after the ceremony."
In Julian's eyes, Ryan was far more valuable than someone like Luke, who was distracted by romance.
Even though Ryan was only the runner-up, Julian believed that Luke would most likely waste his potential once he entered Shu University to be with his girlfriend. With his mind preoccupied with love, Luke would inevitably fall behind.
As someone who greatly appreciated talent, Julian felt that Ryan was exactly the kind of person who would thrive at Imperial University.
Thanks to Ryan's bold stunt, Luke's victory speech no longer seemed all that significant.
*****
Upto 30 chapters ahead on patreon :-
patreon.com/ReduxMagister