053 : Participate in the Bug Catching Contest! The Goal is First Place
Qin Yun had never experienced the Bug Catching Contest before, as there wasn't such a competition in Jiang Cheng. The region around Jiang Cheng didn't have many forests, and the Pokémon population lacked many Bug-type species, making it unsuitable for such an event.
However, Red City was completely different. Surrounded by forests, the city was rich in resources like tree fruits, herbs, and a variety of Bug-type Pokémon. This made the Bug Catching Contest a major local event.
"I wonder if the registration time has ended," Qin Yun thought, his curiosity piqued. According to his system, prizes from the contest could be amplified, which made the event even more enticing.
Following the signs, Qin Yun made his way to the registration center.
The registration venue was the Hongcheng Taoist Hall.
"Excuse me, is this where I register for the Bug Catching Contest?" Qin Yun inquired.
"Yes, young man, you're in luck! You've just missed our registration by an hour," the lady at the desk, wearing a red outfit, said with a sweet smile.
"Well, my luck is usually pretty good," Qin Yun replied, flashing a small grin.
He handed over his Trainer License. In the Pokémon world, this license acted as a trainer's ID card, required for participation in most activities.
"Jiang Cheng, Qin Yun," he said as the lady glanced over his details, especially noting his age — 16. Her smile grew even wider.
"Pity you're not from Red City. But would you consider settling here?" the lady asked with a teasing tone.
Qin Yun coughed lightly, a little surprised at her boldness. He had to admit, the people in Red City were quite forward.
"Hee hee, just kidding! The competition starts at 8:00 AM tomorrow. The registration fee is 200 Pokémon coins. If you don't have a Bug Catching suit, you can buy one for 500 Pokémon coins. It's from the Gym, so it's worth the price," the lady explained.
Qin Yun nodded in agreement and paid the 700 Pokémon coins — 200 for the entry fee and 500 for the Bug Catching suit. The suit would be a good souvenir and come in handy.
The lady, pleased with the swift payment, handed him a small note with her phone number written in elegant handwriting.
Qin Yun's heart skipped a beat at the boldness, but he knew better than to entertain distractions. He promptly took the suit and left, feeling slightly amused by the lady's overt flirtation.
Upon leaving the Taoist Hall, Qin Yun headed toward the Pokémon Center, not far away. Pokémon Centers were usually the tallest buildings in the city, serving multiple purposes: healing, training, lodging, and even dining.
"Get me a deluxe single room," Qin Yun requested, his tone casual. He wasn't short on funds, especially with his system's amplifications.
"Sure, the rate is 500 Pokémon coins per day," the receptionist replied with a faint smile. Ordinary rooms were priced between 120-150 Pokémon coins, but deluxe rooms like this one, located on the seventh floor with training grounds, fitness equipment, and swimming pools, were a luxury.
After receiving the room card, Qin Yun quickly settled in. The space was spacious, and the bathtub was perfect for his little Pokémon companions.
"Very nice, I think I'll always book a deluxe room in the future," Qin Yun mused as he unpacked.
After taking a hot bath with Kirlia, Fomantis, and even Combusken, who was Fire-type and had a surprising fondness for showers, Qin Yun got comfortable and began to unwind. The Pokémon were also becoming accustomed to baths, especially under Qin Yun's care.
Later, he made his way to the restaurant on the second floor of the Pokémon Center, where various delicacies awaited. The Pokémon Center's restaurant was known for catering to trainers, offering meals both large and small. Qin Yun, however, was a man of restraint — though it was easy to indulge in such an environment, he made sure to focus on his training.
Having eaten, Qin Yun decided to rest for the night. He trained only briefly before getting a good night's sleep, ready for the next day's challenge.
The next morning, he suited up in his newly acquired Bug Catching gear and headed to the entrance of the Hongcheng Gym.
Though he thought he had arrived early, the dense crowd suggested otherwise. Pokémon trainers in straw hats, insect traps, and nets were everywhere.
After waiting a while, a man appeared on the scene. Qin Yun recognized him instantly.
"The owner of the Hongcheng Gym, Hongshen."
"Welcome to the 23rd Insect Catching Competition!" Hongshen announced. "I'm your host, Hongshen, and I also happen to be the Gym Leader here. We've had an overwhelming response, so we'll be splitting the competition into two groups."
"The first group will be for trainers under 22, and the second group for those over 22. I'll be participating too, so get ready!" Hongshen added with a smile.
Qin Yun's ears perked up at the mention of prizes.
"First place in each group will be rewarded with a Pokémon of their choice from the captured ones. If you don't find a Pokémon you like, you can opt for a 1 million Pokémon coin cash prize and a year's worth of insect food."
"Don't worry," Hongshen continued, "all participants will receive a small gift from the Gym, and the top ten will get even more generous rewards!"
The thought of a potential reward added a new layer of excitement for Qin Yun, especially since the Pokémon caught in such a competition could be of good potential. He was eager to secure the first-place spot.
The competition was about to begin, and Qin Yun was determined to give it his best shot.
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