Chapter 217. Sirin: Let Me Show You—The Bond Between Me and Xander!
As one of Gensokyo's early mascots, many viewers were already familiar with Hatsune Miku.
Xander Masato had planned a virtual diva for a long time, but there hadn't been a good moment to launch it. This stage was undoubtedly the perfect debut.
A first performance with hundreds of millions watching—this might be the most high-profile idol debut in the world.
Moreover, as a key pillar in Gensokyo's future development, Xander poured in resources like crazy. He even begged Eden to write this song for her, cranking the show's impact straight to the max.
With a sweet, cute look, a beautiful voice, and that youthful, unbeatable presence as she sang and played, she won over most of the audience in just half a song. Becoming the world's number-one idol felt like only a matter of time.
A few minutes later, when the song ended, Hatsune Miku waved happily to the crowd.
"Everyone, do you like my singing?"
"We do!!!!"
A song composed by Eden—how could it not be good?
"Mhm, mhm, thank you, everyone. Please keep supporting me. I'll bring you more beautiful songs in the future~"
After a few words, Hatsune Miku stepped off the stage amid the audience's reluctant gazes.
This was only her debut showcase, meant to announce Hatsune Miku's arrival. Next, they could ride this momentum to release her first album.
The debut album was planned to include twelve tracks—three written and composed by Eden herself, with the rest by renowned musicians. On the strength of this album alone, they could push Hatsune Miku's popularity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the kings of the music world—and that wouldn't be an exaggeration.
As for the album's title—after thinking it over for quite a while, Xander Masato finally decided:
World's Number One Princess!
After Miku exited, the program moved into a series of performances meticulously planned by Theresa. Besides the music-department students she, out of personal fondness, quietly slipped into the lineup, the rest were well-known masters. They couldn't match the shock delivered by Eden and Hatsune Miku, but overall they were solid, and the audience watched in good spirits.
When the performances ended and the audience began waiting for Xander Masato and Elysia to return to host, all the venue's lights suddenly went dark.
"What—is this a power outage?"
Pitch-black, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. Confused murmurs rippled through the crowd.
As the seconds ticked by and the arena grew restless, a single spark flared to life in the sky.
Against the night, that spark was so vivid, so arresting, it drew every gaze at once.
The flame burned quietly, then a few seconds later exploded. Blinding fire lit the world, and a gorgeous crimson silhouette slowly emerged from the blaze.
It was a giant bird, wings still folded, like a great egg slowly floating in midair.
The audience didn't have to wait long. Wings that could cover the sky snapped open. Scarlet fire flooded the firmament, and a five-colored phoenix let out a clear, piercing cry.
Ho-Oh.
The name rose in every heart.
When it came to Legendary Pokémon, Xander Masato was never going to mess around and turn Ho-Oh into a shiny Fearow—how could that be allowed?
Dignified eyes gazed down on the world, and that razor-sharp look made the audience feel a real, stinging pressure.
It was a god's majesty. For a first appearance, the aura was instantly maxed out.
Its many-colored wings nearly covered the whole stadium. Flames burned along the feathered edges. A gentle flap scattered showers of splendid crimson motes.
The spectacle left the audience stunned, staring wide-eyed at the sky, speechless.
Before long, Ho-Oh drew back its gaze. Its wings quivered, and a rainbow-colored plume fell.
The plume shimmered, became a smaller Ho-Oh-shaped flame, and without hesitation dove.
At the center of the arena, a giant torch had risen at some point. The flame slammed into its crown and, with a boom, roared to life.
Ho-Oh's fire had been lit.
Casting one last look at the people below, Ho-Oh beat its wings. Crimson fire carved a brilliant trail across the sky, and the colossal form slipped into the clouds and vanished.
The venue lights came back on. The audience traded looks, still unable to hide their shock.
Xander Masato and Elysia returned to center stage and smiled. "Let's thank Ho-Oh for its blessing. This Championship will also serve as Ho-Oh's selection of the brave among humankind. As for the specific rewards—please look forward to them~"
When Elysia finished, Xander continued, "The opening ceremony is nearing its end. I trust everyone's had a fulfilling evening, but…"
His tone shifted, excitement sparking. "Speaking of Pokémon, how could there not be battles?"
"Battling is the very soul of Pokémon!!"
"Without further ado, the long-awaited opening match of the Pokémon World Championship starts now! Let's welcome Player No. 1!"
With a thunderous boom, a massive battle platform rose from the virtual grass in the center of the stadium. From one player's tunnel, a young man in a red cap walked out slowly. The look—cosplaying Ash Ketchum—instantly drew excited cheers.
He was a Champion from Central Asia, one of the pre-tournament favorites for the title.
And his opponent~
When the player took his spot on the platform, the corners of Xander's mouth curled. "As Player No. 1's opponent, we've invited a special guest."
The spotlight swung to the opposite tunnel. Under the crowd's expectant gaze, a slender calf stepped out, and Xander's voice followed: "Please welcome our special guest—Sirin!!!"
Sirin's profile filled the big screen, her various Pokémon stats looking quite convincing on paper.
But anyone who knew Sirin couldn't help laughing, and the comment barrage started to roll like crazy.
[Sirin: Eh? I'm fighting a Champion—for real?]
[Sirin: I'll win!]
[Come on, sending the pufferfish up is just asking for a beating! Gensokyo's really doing this… please turn it up!!]
[...]
Hearing the laughter around the arena, Sirin—who had been striking a powerhouse pose—crumpled in an instant. She pointed toward the loudest section of the stands and immediately spotted Kiana Kaslana clutching her stomach and laughing herself silly. Sirin nearly fainted from anger on the spot.
That instant "defense break" made the audience laugh even harder, until Sirin was stomping her feet in fury.
"Just you wait!!"
She drew deep breaths, forced her emotions down, and quickened her step onto the platform. Ignoring the teasing, she folded her arms and resumed her air of a lofty expert.
Laugh all you want, make all the noise you want—after this, she would make every jaw drop.
Clutching the Ultra Ball in her hand, Sirin couldn't help sneaking a glance at Xander Masato—only to meet his eyes head-on. Flustered, she looked away at once, a trickle of sweetness rising in her chest.
In her hand was the new partner she and Xander had captured together. This time, she would be the biggest dark horse.
Ten minutes east of the river, ten minutes west of the river—don't bully a girl just because she's down!
The audience might be laughing, but the Champion didn't underestimate her in the slightest.
He ignored Sirin's disarming cuteness and, like a stalking tiger, studied his opponent in silence.
Women only slow down the speed at which he throws a Poké Ball!
He gave every duel one hundred percent of his focus.
When both sides were ready, the screen overhead began to count down.
"Three, two, one—battle start!!"
With a beep, both players threw their Poké Balls at the same time.
Sirin's eyes lit with heat. She clenched her fists, no longer suppressing the surge in her chest.
Let them see it—the bond between me and Xander!
She tipped her head back and shouted, thrilled, "Come out, Benares!!!"
As the words fell, a silver dragon unfurled its wings and, facing the world, loosed a roar that shook the arena!
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