In the gentle breeze, Mayor Thomas walked to the podium with a microphone, smiling at the townspeople and nearby ranchers.
His kindly voice spread through the microphone to everyone's ears:
"I'm very pleased that everyone could make time today to attend this year's Spring Livestock Competition."
"And I'm also glad that the ranchers and farmers who provide us with milk and vegetables have raised such excellent Pokémon livestock."
"Now, I announce that the twenty-first Spring Livestock Competition officially begins!"
"First, let's welcome the renowned Advanced Breeder, Mr. Eric! Mr. Eric will be our judge for this competition!"
A burst of cheers erupted from the crowd below.
Next, a middle-aged man, about thirty years old, wearing glasses and casual clothes with a gentle expression, walked onto the stage.
Seeing his figure, the crowd below stirred.
"It's Mr. Eric!"
"He's a very famous breeder! It's said that every Pokémon he has bred is outstanding."
"I didn't expect the town to invite him as a judge this time."
A breeder is a profession similar to a trainer but distinct.
Trainers focus on training Pokémon to command them in battles.
Breeders, however, pay more attention to the Pokémon themselves, using careful care and professional breeding methods to help them grow stronger and healthier, with shiny and slippery coats.
The former doesn't have significant barriers, but in contrast, becoming an excellent breeder requires not only love for Pokémon but also a wealth of knowledge.
Knowledge such as "Nutrition," "Mathematics," "Herbal Medicine," "Medicine," and "Basic Chemistry."
Not only the townspeople but also many ranchers were discussing.
Naoki also cast a curious glance at him. Since coming to this world, he had seen many trainers, but this was the first time he'd seen a breeder.
"I wonder what the difference is between a Gogoat and Pokémon cared for by a breeder."
Naoki looked down at the three Gogoats beside him and then turned his gaze to the Wooloo led by the nearby rancher.
Uh… there doesn't seem to be much difference.
He didn't understand such things; only professional breeders could probably tell the difference, right?
Eric walked to the stage, introduced himself briefly, and handed the microphone back to Mayor Thomas.
The two nodded to each other, and Thomas formally announced, "Now, the competition officially begins! Let's first welcome Mr. Lei from Thunder Ranch!"
Soon, Naoki saw a young man leading a Miltank onto the stage.
Eric stepped forward and began to carefully observe the Miltank, using touch and observation for a professional evaluation.
"Hmm, a very robust Miltank. It's evident it has been carefully cared for!"
"Its mental state is also very healthy. It looks very happy, clearly well taken care of!"
He pinched the Miltank's teat, and a stream of milk flowed out immediately.
Eric caught it in a pre-prepared cup, sniffed it first, then sipped it, savoring it closely.
"Hmm… The fresh milk aroma is very strong, and the taste is rich and creamy. It seems the pasture at Thunder Ranch is of very high quality, excellent!"
Mayor Thomas asked, "So, how many points will Mr. Eric give this Miltank?"
Eric said without hesitation, "96 points!"
Hearing this, everyone gasped, and a murmur spread through the crowd below.
"It's actually 96 points! If I remember correctly, last year's champion was also 96 points, right?"
"That's right, it seems Thunder Ranch has a great chance of winning the championship!"
"But speaking of which, Light Green Ranch is also participating this year. I wonder how many points he'll get."
The first ranch got 96 points, and that man happily led the Miltank off the stage.
Next, the second competing rancher led a Wooloo onto the stage.
Eric observed it carefully, then gave his evaluation without reservation.
"The wool is very smooth and fluffy, with an extremely soft touch, making it excellent material for clothing. However, the wool is very messy, affecting its appearance. I can only give it 93 points."
The rancher left the stage feeling disappointed.
Following this, several other ranchers participated in the evaluation, but because they weren't specialized breeders, the Pokémon they cared for had more or less some flaws.
The scores Eric gave mostly hovered between 87 and 91 points.
Until a green-haired girl brought a Flaaffy onto the stage.
"Light Green Ranch, this must be last year's champion!" Naoki considered her his rival as he watched the girl.
Over the course of a year, the Mareep had successfully evolved into a Flaaffy, and judging by its energetic demeanor, it had been very well cared for.
Sure enough, when Eric saw the Flaaffy, his eyes instantly lit up.
The Flaaffy was very lively and gave Eric a happy smile, even enthusiastically waving its little arms.
"Wow! What a cheerful Flaaffy!" Eric began his evaluation.
"The wool feels soft and smooth, its body is very healthy, and it's very energetic. This Flaaffy has been very well cared for!"
"Now, show me your control of electricity, don't be nervous, give me a little electricity and try using Volt Tackle."
The Flaaffy obediently released a small current.
Eric touched it with his palm, carefully feeling it before saying, "A bit tingly, the control over the energy is excellent! Once it evolves into Ampharos, it should become very strong!"
"Very good, I'll give 97 points!"
97 points, the highest score of the competition so far. If nothing unexpected happens, she will be this competition's champion.
The green-haired girl's face lit up with a happy smile upon hearing the score, and she patted the Flaaffy's head before leading it off the stage.
The competition reached a fever pitch.
Mayor Thomas spoke into the microphone to the crowd: "What an intense and exciting competition! Light Green Ranch scored a high of 97 points, showing progress compared to last year."
"Now, can Light Green Ranch win the championship this year? Next, let's welcome the final competitor! Naoki Ranch!"
Naoki: "..."
Oh dear, they really arranged for him to go last?
He took a deep breath and said to the Gogoats beside him, "Let's go!"
The Gogoats felt a surge of primal energy within them, their eyes filled with determination.
"Maa!" Charge!
Mayor Thomas continued introducing the newly operated ranch to everyone.
"I believe everyone has heard of Naoki Ranch. The miracle goat milk sold exclusively at Porto Marinada Market is produced by Naoki Ranch's Gogoats!"
"So, what score will Naoki Ranch achieve? Let's wait and see!"
As he spoke, Naoki stepped onto the stage.
Mayor Thomas nodded to him warmly, then handed the spot to Eric.
Eric adjusted his glasses and carefully observed the Gogoats' condition.
"Amazing!" He exclaimed while reaching out to touch them, "The smoothness of their coats, the robust goat bodies, the determined eyes, simply more perfect than Pokémon raised by professional breeders!"
After completing the external inspection, Eric said, "Now, release a bit of Grass Type Energy for me to see!"
Hearing this, the Gogoats moved.
"Maa!"
They instantly burst forth with powerful Grass Type Energy.
The energy quickly spread around, almost enveloping the entire Festival Plaza within seconds.
It was as if thousands of tiny, light-emitting grasses swayed in the breeze.
This scene stunned the entire venue, leaving everyone gaping in awe.
Even the mysterious Pokémon in the tree was surprised, and the Berry it held dropped to the ground with a plop.
"miu?"