5 PM that afternoon.
The first round of the main tournament has concluded.
After the intense battles of three rounds of doubles, thirty-two of the original 256 participants have advanced to the second round of the main tournament.
The competition has entered a fever pitch.
But to ensure the Pokémon of the participating Trainers receive adequate rest, the tournament committee has decided to give the participants a day off.
"Two more matches, huh..."
Baimu looked at the schedule, noting that a few years ago, making it to the top 32 meant reaching the knockout stage of the championship. Nowadays, the knockout stage begins at the top 8, mainly due to the pressure full battles—six versus six—place on participants.
Not all Trainers have trained more than six Pokémon, and continuous full battles may be too much of a burden for their Pokémon.
Taking into account the recovery abilities of Pokémon, the next two matches will follow a six-to-three selection format.
However, don't let the reduced number of matches fool you. The intensity hasn't decreased; on the contrary, the variations in the six-to-three format lead to a level of excitement that rivals full battles.
"Baimu! Let's go out and have fun tomorrow! Relax!"
Liuqia burst in excitedly.
Baimu glanced at the lazy Pokémon in the room and nodded, "Sure!"
Although most of the Pokémon haven't had their turn yet, balance is important in everything. Even if their bodies aren't exhausted, giving Pokémon some mental relaxation is crucial.
Staying cooped up in the room all day isn't great either.
Happy with the affirmative response, Liuqia left with the hope of persuading the hesitant Mann Chong, who had a psychological shadow about being dragged to a women's clothing store.
Upon learning that Baimu was also going, Mann Chong finally agreed, seemingly forgetting who really started his torment.
Inside the room.
Baimu stood behind the altered-color Gengar and Dreepy, who were playing a fighting game on the computer.
One poked at the keyboard with puffy paws, eyes wide like lanterns; the other lay half on the keyboard, its yellow eyes unblinking.
In reality, there was a lot of clacking, and on the screen, there was a lot of clacking.
As expected.
Playing games doesn't require much intelligence.
He glanced at the air beside him, "Don't want to play?"
The "air" was silent for a few seconds before making a low grunt, "Waddles~"
Dragapult expressed a preference for watching, finding enjoyment in spectating.
Baimu couldn't see its expression, making it hard to tell if it was genuine, but indeed, many enjoy watching games for entertainment.
Just check to see if the computer screen suddenly lights up at midnight.
He reached out to stroke Dragapult's head, who hadn't yet adapted to the environment and was unfamiliar with the altered-color Gengar, so it didn't show itself often.
Returning to Ore would give it a sense of safety and belonging from its familiar home.
Things should improve significantly then.
Suddenly.
Blissey hurriedly ran in, holding a phone.
"Happy~"
"An incoming call?"
Baimu saw that the caller ID was a string of garbled characters, causing him to frown.
Phone scam?
Hackers?
He looked at Porygon II, which had joined him without him realizing, and seeing it nod, he pressed the answer button, "Hello?"
A hearty laugh immediately followed.
'Hahaha Baimu! I saw your match! Porygon II's excellent three-time battles! I knew I didn't misjudge your talent! Porygon II has finally become a hot topic!'
"Dr. Akihabara!"
Baimu didn't expect the person he had been thinking about just days ago to call him, "Where are you? Why can't anyone reach you?"
Dr. Akihabara: 'Me? Well... alright, I'll tell you. I'm in the Data Space!'
"Data Space? Are you capturing the Zeroth Machine?"
'Exactly! I've already discovered its true form! It won't be long before I catch it!'
Dr. Akihabara said enthusiastically.
He had been trying to capture it since that incident in Mauville City nearly half a year ago, and now he was chasing it in the Data Space...
Baimu suspected the Zeroth Machine was mocking Dr. Akihabara, leaving traces to lure him in each time.
"Please be safe."
Dr. Akihabara: 'Don't worry, I know this place well; nothing will happen. By the way, didn't you use the substitute hard drive I sent you last time?'
Baimu replied, "I did use it. I've already mastered it. I just think it's unnecessary to play that card too early."
Dr. Akihabara: 'I see! I don't quite understand specific tactics, but you have to keep it up! I've sent you a new hard drive. Let your Porygon II practice with it, and it will surely give you a surprise!'
Another new patch?
He glanced at the eavesdropping Porygon II. Both seemed excited, knowing how powerful the special substitute was.
Although Dr. Akihabara's intention in creating the substitute patch might not have been for battles, Porygon II undeniably became extremely powerful with it.
Thus, they eagerly anticipated the new patch.
Blissey looked enviously at Porygon II since it's natural to hope for a windfall after putting in effort with no desired outcome.
Porygon II is fortunate.
"Happy~"
But after the envy, it felt happy for its companion growing stronger, as it meant the Trainer was one step closer to their dream.
Blissey doesn't have dreams, but it can guard the Trainer's dreams.
Baimu sensed Blissey's change in emotion and gently pinched its curls.
"Pali~"
Porygon II also tried to share its joy, rubbing its body against the plump one.