"Mudsdale, keep it up!"
Watching the figures racing on the track, Allen couldn't help but shout out loud from the sidelines, cheering for the competitor he supported.
The atmosphere at the scene was thoroughly ignited, with cheers and shouts echoing in Naoki's ears.
The passion deep inside him was sparked too, and he shouted along with the people around him: "Come on!"
All the competitors on the track were already speeding ahead.
Currently, the first position was held by the Rapidash which Naoki had high hopes for, closely followed by the rainbow horse from the Galar Region and Zebstrika.
Mudsdale was slightly behind, and as for that Hippowdon, it had fallen to the back.
The commentator excitedly watched this scene and explained with an animated voice:
"The Rapidash that used Flame Charge is in the lead! Following closely is the Galarian Rapidash! It's using Agility!"
At this moment, Zebstrika in third place suddenly let out a long neigh, and immediately afterward, a burst of spark emerged from its body, sweeping towards the two Rapidash ahead.
The trainer of the Rapidash sensed the attack from behind and immediately pulled the reins sharply, causing the Rapidash to veer off its original path, but it also managed to dodge the attack just barely.
However, the Galarian Rapidash wasn't so lucky and got hit, causing its speed to drop, and it was instantly overtaken by Zebstrika.
The first to attack always easily attracts hatred.
After steadying itself, the Galarian Rapidash immediately used its spiritual power to materialize Psycho Cut, slicing towards Zebstrika.
The leading Rapidash also used Fire Spin as a counterattack.
Facing the simultaneous front and back attacks, Zebstrika emitted a powerful burst of spark from its body.
Basking in the spark, its speed suddenly increased, and it then dashed through the Fire Spin blocking in front.
Seeing this, the commentator was greatly shocked: "Wow! It's Charge! That Zebstrika used Charge to trigger its own Motor Drive ability, surpassing the leading Rapidash in one fell swoop!"
"Darn it!"
The trainer of the Rapidash gritted his teeth, just about to let the Rapidash attack when the whole track suddenly underwent a violent tremor.
The ground in front cracked, and Zebstrika, being careless, fell to the ground, with its trainer also tumbling off.
The Rapidash, due to focusing on Zebstrika, was also caught off guard by this sudden change and fell alongside Zebstrika.
"It's Mudsdale!" the commentator shouted: "Mudsdale used Earthquake! Rapidash and Zebstrika are in trouble! What? The Galarian Rapidash is levitating?! It's actually running on air! It's almost at the finish line! Can Rapidash and Zebstrika catch up? Keep it up!"
The finish line was just ahead, and the Galarian Rapidash was just about to reach there when suddenly an unexpected event happened.
Rocks surged from underground, blocking its path.
The trainer of the Galarian Rapidash hurriedly pulled the reins, but still crashed into them.
The female trainer flew out, landing on the grass, but thanks to her protective gear, she appeared unhurt.
Instead, she stood up and commanded her Pokemon to attack as she watched Mudsdale overtaking Rapidash.
"The Galarian Rapidash used Psybeam! It's a direct hit! Oh my god, Mudsdale has fallen into a state of confusion and veered off course!" The commentator quickly shouted loudly.
But right after, everyone at the event site noticed an incredible scene.
The four leading contestants were fighting fiercely, both getting injured.
Before they could remount, a plump Hippowdon nonchalantly rushed past them and dashed straight to the finish line.
"Oh my god! What happened? The supposedly overlooked Hippowdon contestant reached the finish line first?!" The commentator's tone was filled with shock.
The audience collectively gasped in astonishment.
Immediately, a voice filled with elation rang out: "I've struck it rich! I bet on Hippowdon!"
"What's the deal?!" Allen clenched his fists, furious: "We lost!"
Naoki also felt like he could cough up blood.
Seriously?! Did that Hippowdon actually win the championship?!
But that's how things turned out.
Mayor Thomas came forward to present the championship trophy to the Hippowdon and took a photo with them using a camera.
Meanwhile, the other four competitors, with dirt-stained faces, removed their helmets, looked at each other in utter dismay, and then shrugged helplessly.
When all was said and done, the time was approaching three in the afternoon.
Naoki and Allen leaned against the racetrack railing with their respective Pokemon, watching the crowd in the distance.
Allen looked pained, took out his wallet, and counted the money inside: "My ten thousand League Coins! Just went down the drain, darn it!"
Naoki: "..."
He looked at the sunset on the horizon, offering words of solace: "Failure is a constant companion throughout life; such is life!"
Allen wasn't comforted at all; remembering that Naoki also lost ten thousand, he couldn't help but ask: "Aren't you heartbroken?"
Naoki shrugged nonchalantly: "Not really, my Naclstack coughs up a bit of Rock Salt and it's all earned back."
"Darn it!" Allen was so frustrated that he banged his head against the railing.
Then, realizing that Naoki was a rancher who was skilled in breeding Pokemon, he quickly stopped and inquired:
"Aren't you planning to raise a Horse-type Pokemon?"
"I'd like to, but as you know, there's no Horse-type Pokemon around Porto Marinada Town," Naoki spread his hands helplessly.
Moreover, his ambition had shifted; he didn't want a regular Horse-type Pokemon anymore, he wanted Calyrex's two Sovereign and Steed horses!
Thinking of this, Naoki glanced at the vast racecourse.
Just wait! One day he would ride upon a Spectrier and Glastrier to compete here, reclaiming his lost ten thousand League Coins with interest!
"It's over," Allen had a despondent look: "I was counting on you to breed a powerful Horse-type Pokemon to win back my ten thousand League Coins, like those three Gogoat you bred."
Naoki: "…The success of those Gogoat is not something that can be replicated."
"I believe in you!" Allen patted his shoulder: "If you can breed the first one, you can breed a second one! Don't worry Naoki, I'll inquire for you while delivering messages about where Horse-type Pokemon might roam!"
However, the Paldea Region harbored no Rapidash nor Zebstrika, only a single Mudsdale.
The Rapidash here today all belonged to trainers traveling from other regions.
After pondering for a moment, Naoki said: "Rather than Horse-type Pokemon, I'd prefer if you helped me find a housekeeper-type Pokemon."
"Housekeeper Pokemon?" A few figures popped up in Allen's mind: "You mean like Mr. Mime, Audino, or Indeedee, those adept at housekeeping?"
Naoki nodded: "Yes, there are too many Pokemon on the ranch, and I'm barely managing alone."
Hearing this, Allen patted his chest and promised: "No problem, leave it to me! I'll find out for you!"
"Thanks a lot!" Naoki responded.
Allen stretched, glanced at the sky, and said: "It's evening, time to go home! See you around, Naoki!"
"Mhm."
Naoki nodded, watching as Allen and Tatsugiri left, then patted the Koraidon beside him, smiling as he said: "Let's head home too!"
Koraidon: "Argh~"
It's getting dark, time to go home!