The Aipom, seeing Phanpy's rolling tactic, gritted its teeth. Purple light flashed across its body as it activated Agility, lightening its weight and gradually closing in on the third-tier competitors.
The Sawsbuck and Nidoking, lacking speed-boosting moves, could only watch helplessly as Phanpy overtook them in its peculiar rolling form. Though Aipom's speed increased, its stamina couldn't match higher-level Pokémon, and it began to falter after its initial burst.
Phanpy, having surpassed the entire third tier, pushed toward the second tier. After relentless effort, it finally reached the tail end of the second group.
Livestream viewers cheered invisibly for the underdog:
[Go, Phanpy!]
[Phanpy's clearly outmatched, but it's catching up through sheer effort!]
[So inspiring! I'm moved!]
[I've decided—my first Pokémon partner has to be a Phanpy!]
Unknowingly, Phanpy had gained fans. In any world, the underdog's struggle resonates more deeply than effortless domination.
Boltund glanced sideways at Phanpy, surprised the little Pokémon could keep pace. But this seemed to be Phanpy's limit—it couldn't climb further in the ranks.
For Boltund, however, this was just the beginning. Seeing Ponyta's lead grow, electricity crackled at its paws as it surged forward!
Middle of the second tier… leading the second tier… then closing in on the first tier!
Boltund's full speed reached 90 km/h, with endurance to run for days. As it overtook Dodrio, the race organizer, it noticed a small Pokémon matching its pace—Heliolisk!
Heliolisk shot Boltund a grin.
(Three years of training… finally paying off!)
(Think you can beat my "Iron Leg Water-Skimming"? Not a chance!)
Electricity surged through Heliolisk's leg muscles, boosting its speed until it nearly led the first tier—until a yellow lightning bolt zipped past. Boltund now dominated the front!
Heliolisk: "…"
Not to be outdone, others in the first tier unleashed their tricks. Hitmonlee's legs stretched mid-sprint, transforming into super-long stilts! Zebstrika's white mane blazed with electricity, its body roaring like a emperor's engine!
[Wow! I thought Boltund was OP, but these two are monsters!]
[Everyone's got hidden skills!]
[Old Feng! Your favorite long legs are here!]
Electric-types clearly dominated speed. Aside from a few outliers, the leading pack was all Electric Pokémon.
As the race neared its end, Ponyta—still carrying Jin—had already lapped the lake and was heading back. Even the first tier's best couldn't close the gap.
Three minutes later, Ponyta crossed the finish line unchallenged. The first tier now battled for second.
Zebstrika's veins bulged as it neck-and-necked with Boltund. Behind them, Hitmonlee's legwork became a blur, while Heliolisk tried in vain to catch up.
Two minutes later, Zebstrika edged out Boltund by a mane's width for second place. Boltund, though third, wore pride—its small frame had claimed a podium spot!
Heliolisk wasn't done. Nearing the finish, it cannonballed forward—only for Hitmonlee to execute a splits-slide, securing fourth place by a toenail!
The move made Su Feng and Jin instinctively cross their legs.
Su Feng: "…"
Determination deserves respect.
Over the next half-hour, the remaining Pokémon trickled in. Last place went to a Farfetch'd that stumbled across the line, gasping.
Su Feng scooped up the exhausted duck, feeding it Pokéblocks. Though dead last, Farfetch'd had refused to cheat by flying—a spirit worthy of admiration.
Exhausted or energized, all Pokémon radiated satisfaction. Watching them, Su Feng envisioned a future where this world hosted every Pokémon competition imaginable: Contests, fishing tournaments, horse races, martial arts festivals…
Beyond battles, these events held their own magic.