Chapter 486: Shiny Milotic: Xiao Zhi Departs

"To the outside world, they appear as two extremes, but in my eyes, they are both Pokémon with their own unique characteristics."

"Ninetales' sacred beauty and Feebas' unyielding will collided to create this performance; in the future, they will become even better, just as Feebas relied on its will to endure the blizzard and stood on the same stage as Ninetales."

"This is what I wanted to convey to everyone through this performance: a beauty that transcends appearance."

Luo Mu bowed slightly, signaling the end of the performance.

Feebas and Ninetales also bowed their heads slightly along with Luo Mu.

The next second.

Thunderous applause arrived as promised.

Among the audience below the stage, heated discussion immediately erupted.

Even if some of them did not grasp the message the performance intended to convey, merely witnessing the grand spectacle of Ninetales and Feebas, comparable to movie special effects, was already worth the price of admission.

Not to mention, under Luo Mu's deliberate structure, they understood the meaning contained within the performance, recognizing Ninetales' sacred beauty and Feebas' resilient beauty that lies not in appearance but in the heart.

Definitions of beauty vary; even with a humble exterior, inner beauty can still touch people's hearts.

"Moves that are brilliant yet delicate, the vivid combination of water and ice, and most importantly, the perfect display of the Pokémon's own temperament and characteristics—a flawless performance!"

Vivian, having digested the information, commented with an enthusiastic voice full of sudden realization.

A moment later.

The six judges gave their scores.

"I like this one!"

"Subarashi!"

"So moving!"

"Feebas' unyielding will is perfectly suited for promotion within the academy!"

"As expected of you."

"Far more perfect than I imagined; so excellent it provokes jealousy, yet so dazzling and brilliant!"

9.8/9.8/9.9/10/10/10, totaling 59.5 points, a score extremely close to perfection, surpassing Xiao Zhi's 52.6 points to take first place!

Ninetales enjoyed the cheers from the crowd, rarely dropping its "airs," squinting its eyes as it rubbed against Luo Mu's palm.

Seeing such a enthusiastic response, Luo Mu breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed the performance was a success.

Then—

He turned his head to look at Feebas, which had already returned to the water beside him.

Its usually dull, dead-fish eyes, though still staring blankly, now held a hint of radiance representing confidence, the light of knowing it had been recognized by the masses.

An unprecedented sense of achievement filled its heart, making its body feel scorching hot, as if its blood had begun to burn.

Immediately after.

A dazzling burst of light erupted, and before the stunned gazes of countless people, Feebas was enveloped in a dense milky-white halo, beginning to stretch like modeling clay.

Seeing this, Luo Mu first froze, then shouted in panic, "Where's my camera!?"

He had originally planned to use this academy Grand Festival to build stronger confidence for Feebas, then train it a bit more before it would be ready to evolve.

How did it evolve so suddenly!? It was completely caught off guard! From Luo Mu's shadow, Mimikyu darted out with a "swish," rushed to the resting area to rummage through Luo Mu's bag for the camera, then returned to his side and handed it to him.

The entire process took less than three seconds.

After hastily thanking Mimikyu, paying no mind to others' gazes—though others likely couldn't pay attention to him at this moment anyway—Luo Mu skillfully began recording! In the lens.

Feebas was undergoing the miracle of transformation, like a butterfly breaking from its cocoon, about to welcome a brand new self.

Its body began to extend; the emaciated outline of its fish head became full and gorgeous, as if shimmering with a pearlescent luster, while hair-like feelers as fine and soft as silk quietly grew on both sides of its head, and two long whiskers between its brows grew upward, outlining the shape of a heart.

The top of its head slowly bulged upward, giving birth to a full, rounded single horn.

And that tattered tail fin gradually stretched out, transforming into a brilliant golden-red scaled tail; the pitted fish scales seemed to be reborn, becoming beautiful scales that shimmered with a mysterious luster under the spotlight.

The dull, dead-fish eyes also became lively and bright, like a clear spring, making people unconsciously fall deep within them.

As the light gradually dissipated, the Shiny Milotic unfolded its slender body; the surrounding pool water had somehow thawed, and its golden and red scales, dazzling under the light, resembled fine jewelry, emitting a craftsmanship-defying luster.

The cream-colored upper part of its body, along with the light blue hair-like fins that were completely opposite to the color of ordinary Milotic, submerged into the water, inadvertently adding a touch of hazy beauty.

It slowly opened its eyes, brimming with tenderness, meeting the shocked gaze of Ninetales and the lens of Luo Mu's camera, flashing with a trace of confusion.

It was clearly still somewhat bewildered, not yet understanding the current situation.

Below the stage.

Countless people widened their eyes, their mouths open wide enough to stuff a duck egg, staring in shock at the Shiny Milotic's soul-stealing beautiful figure, unable to use words to describe their excitement at this moment.

Feebas... had actually evolved into Milotic!

And not just any Milotic, but one with a different color!

In the judges' seats, a smile lingered on Wallace's handsome face, while a light of admiration flashed in his eyes.

What a beautiful figure; at the moment of evolution, he was almost moved to tears.

It was a serene beauty, completely different from his own Milotic.

Merely looking at its appearance was enough to calm a restless heart, bringing an unprecedented sense of peace.

Hailed as the most beautiful Pokémon in the world, it was born at this very moment!

Wallace's heart was already stirring; he really wanted to have a good chat with Luo Mu about Milotic and the Grand Festival, and then introduce him to his acquaintances, such as his master Juan and his friend Steven.

It's decided; I must find an opportunity to visit him later! Milotic lowered its gaze to look at its own reflection in the pool water, immersing itself in its own beauty for a while before finally understanding the situation.

It had completed its evolution.

Just as Luo Mu had said, I am, indeed, very beautiful.

Ninetales beside it nearly failed to maintain its elegant posture, staring at Milotic in shock, its cool fox eyes flashing with disbelief.

Feebas turning into Milotic! This was even more absurd than the fairy tales Slowking once told it about a duckling turning into a swan! The great contributor Mimikyu, however, would not envy Milotic; after all, having this outfit was already enough happiness and satisfaction for it.

It's just that—

After returning to the farm, the Milotic that had previously been his rival would likely feel an unprecedented sense of threat.

Even it, Mimikyu, had to admit that Milotic's beauty transcended species and gender.

Luo Mu pressed the button to stop recording, let out a long sigh, composed his excited emotions, and smiled as he reached out his hand toward Milotic.

"Congratulations on completing your evolution, Milotic!"

The Campus Showcase at Grape Academy concluded smoothly.

The winner was not Luo Mu; after achieving his goal, he had directly chosen to withdraw from the competition.

Under normal circumstances, he had no interest in bullying students.

After returning to the farm, Milotic's post-evolution appearance unsurprisingly stirred up quite a stir on the farm; even the Tinkatink living over by the small hill rushed over upon hearing the news, joining the crowd gathering around Milotic.

It took quite a while for the excitement to finally cool down.

In Thunder Cry Lake.

Milotic was adapting to its brand-new body, having broken through its shackles and completed its life leap through evolution, while experimenting with various new moves.

Luo Mu stood nearby, smiling and continuously recording; after Feefee evolved into Milotic, the increase in strength, energy reserves, and move pool was comparable to Magikarp evolving into Gyarados, and since Feefee's original foundation was already excellent, upon finally completing its evolution, it directly mastered and comprehended a large number of moves.

Looking at it this way, Milotic's strength might be on par with Gyarados, or perhaps even surpassed it.

It was just a pity that Milotic couldn't learn Freeze-Dry; otherwise—

Considering Gyarados's Water/Flying type combination before its Mega Evolution, it would truly have had no day to turn the tables.

No.

In reality, that day probably no longer existed.

Luo Mu's gaze shifted slightly, looking at the Gyarados resting quietly in the water, acting contrary to its usual nature, and a hint of helplessness appeared on his face.

At this moment, Gyarados was staring blankly at Milotic, whose upper body was hidden within the white mist, possessing a hazy beauty that seemed both visible and invisible.

It was clearly still somewhat incredulous.

To draw an analogy.

It was like a human childhood friend; when the friend looked like Feefee (a tomboy), you wouldn't tease her like others did, only feeling she was the best friend who protected you when you were weak.

But after not seeing each other for a period (referring to half a day), you were surprised to discover that the tomboyish childhood friend in your memory had transformed into a goddess brimming with charm.

What would you think? At this moment, Gyarados was distinctly undergoing such a world-view-shattering situation.

Seeing that Gyarados would likely need some time before its crashed brain could start functioning again, Luo Mu simply called over Politoed and Swampert, instructing them to monitor Gyarados's state and prevent it from acting impulsively, before returning home.

At this moment, Ash was scratching his head, smiling awkwardly as he watched Oranguru take over his task and help him organize his luggage and clothes.

It was because Oranguru couldn't bear to watch him fold things in such a messy manner that it had stepped in to help.

Seeing this, Luo Mu spoke from the perspective of someone with experience, asking, "Are you sure you've recalled all your partners into their Poké Balls? If you miss anyone, it will be difficult to coax them later."

"Everyone has been accounted for!"

Ash stated with certainty.

He might forget to pack a change of clothes or forget to bring his plane ticket, but he would absolutely never forget a single companion! "I thought so."

Luo Mu smiled, then stroked Pikachu, who was greeting him, lifted it up in his arms, and began massaging its electric sacs—

Or, as commonly known, rubbing its face.

Pikachu thoroughly enjoyed it, emitting bursts of "Pika~" sounds expressing its comfort.

It felt as though all the fatigue brought on by releasing an excessive amount of electricity today had vanished into thin air.

"Don't forget what I taught you during this time; only when a Trainer personally cares for their Pokémon can they grow closer in emotion, better understand the Pokémon's condition, and formulate more suitable plans."

Ash had a plane ticket for early tomorrow morning, flying directly to the Johto region to meet up with Brock and Misty, who had already departed, before heading straight to Mount Silver.

With the time for the Silver Conference approaching, it was time for him to leave as well.

"Yes, I have received your teachings!"

Ash stood up with a "swish," straightened his back rigidly, and responded with a salute.

In today's first performance round, if Mr. Luo hadn't spent this time teaching him how to care for Tauros and the others, he wouldn't necessarily have been able to command them steadily.

After all, once the Tauros got excited, they wouldn't hear his commands.

In a certain sense, it was precisely because his relationship with the Tauros had improved recently that he was able to complete this performance.

It was just that, in terms of points, he had still lost to Mr. Luo.

Ash had slightly come to understand the principle that being a Trainer isn't just about knowing how to command battles.

Many of his partners had successfully evolved, Charizard's combat skills had advanced and it had learned many moves, and the food on the farm had even taken their physical constitutions to the next level; he had learned too many things here.

Even, he had become partners with Tan Xiao Shi.

Luo Mu discussed the issue of Larvitar with him again.

Ash said he still intended to take Larvitar to meet its mother; Luo Mu did not stop him, merely offering a suggestion.

If he couldn't bear to let Larvitar leave, then he might as well persuade Tyranitar to agree to move to Professor Oak's backyard in Pallet Town.

In this way, mother and child could be reunited.

The next morning.

Luo Mu got up very early, called upon Dragonite, and flew with Ash and Pikachu all the way to Levincia City to board a plane at the international airport there.

Watching Ash complete his ticket check and luggage check-in, and seeing that he was about to board, Luo Mu waved his hand as a farewell and prepared to turn and leave.

But just then, Ash suddenly bowed deeply and shouted with a decibel level large enough to attract the attention of every traveler in the airport, "Thank you very much for your care during this time, Master!"

"Pika Pika, Pika Pika Chu!"

Pikachu was imitating the example.

Luo Mu paused in his steps, turned around, and said helplessly, "I never said I would accept you as my disciple."

"I will strive to make that my goal!"

Ash declared with forceful conviction.

"Let's win the Silver Conference first."

Luo Mu waved his hand, turned around, and under the curious gazes of all the airport travelers, hurriedly left the place.

"I will definitely win the championship."

Watching Luo Mu's retreating figure fade into the distance, Ash pressed down the brim of his cap and murmured softly.

It was as if he were making a promise to his own heart.

Soon after.

The pristine airliner broke free from gravity's bonds; its roaring engines, like a steel behemoth of the sky bellowing in fury, carried the boy who dreamed of becoming a Pokémon Master toward the place where he wished to realize that dream.

At the same moment.

Riding his Dragonite, Luo Mu took off from the outskirts of Lumiose City and returned directly to the farm.

But just as he arrived back at the farm, he was seized by Lei Guan Wang and Oranguru, who seemed to have been waiting for quite some time, and was dragged all the way to the pasture area.

Inside the small hut built to shelter Da Nai Guan and the others from the cold, Luo Mu stared at the Pokémon eggs carefully preserved within the haystacks; his gaze went blank, his fingers trembled slightly, and from his mouth escaped a monotonous yet brief sound, laden with the shock stirring within his heart, uttering his disbelief.

"Huh?"

(End of Chapter)