NOVEL WEB Chapter 132: Chapter 132: The Fishing Competition
"Pavv Town, looks like we're not too late after all."
Pavv Town, nestled by a lake formed by an offshoot of the sea, is a place where the locals thrive on fishing. The town is well-known for supplying fresh, delicious fish to large restaurants.
The crown jewel of Pavv Town's offerings is a fish called Wavefish.
This fish is celebrated for its firm texture and exquisite taste.
Whether used in soups, grilled, steamed, or braised, Wavefish brings out the pinnacle of culinary delight. This delicacy is so integral to the town that it has become synonymous with Pavv's identity.
Ron's reason for coming to Pavv Town was simple—he wanted to try Wavefish for himself.
The timing couldn't have been better, as the town was hosting its annual Fishing Competition, with prizes that were hard to resist.
First place: 10 one-pound Wavefish.
Second place: 3 Wavefish and other types of fish.
Third place: 1 Wavefish and a mix of other fish.
Participants ranked below third would only receive assorted fish.
Each year, the competition drew a large crowd of aspiring anglers, some aiming for glory while others sought to sell their winnings for extra income.
"Alright, Kirlia, you and I will enter the Fishing Competition. Let's give it our best shot!"
The rules of the competition allowed participants to enlist the help of one Pokémon, with the condition that the Pokémon couldn't enter the water. This restriction ensured that trainers couldn't simply rely on Water-type Pokémon to outmatch seasoned fishing experts.
Ron chose Kirlia with a specific plan in mind—to use its psychic abilities to locate areas teeming with fish.
When technique isn't enough, quantity can make up for it.
"Hello, I'm Ron, and this is Kirlia, who'll be helping me in the competition."
"Alright, please wait a moment."
After efficiently registering Ron, the staff handed him a numbered badge and a copy of the competition rules.
Unlike standard Pokémon battles, the Fishing Competition had no restrictions on the participants' backgrounds. The only requirement was strict adherence to the rules—serious violations could lead to expulsion from the event.
Moreover, while Pavv Town was famous for its fresh fish, it didn't mean the town lacked the strength to enforce discipline. Trainers causing trouble here were only making life harder for themselves.
"The competition starts two days from now at 1 PM and runs until 6 PM. Please prepare accordingly."
"Got it, thank you."
Situated on the road leading to Vermilion City, Pavv Town frequently saw trainers passing through.
The allure of fresh fish and the joy of fishing brought many visitors, and the town offered plenty of lodging options.
Even during the busy Fishing Competition, Ron wasn't worried about finding a place to stay.
The only downside was that the local Pokémon Center was fully booked by the time he arrived.
Settling for a nearby hotel, Ron indulged in a lavish diet centered around Wavefish, eating four meals a day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even a midnight snack.
After just two days, despite maintaining his training routine, Ron couldn't shake the feeling that he had gained a few pounds.
On the afternoon of the third day, the weather seemed to sense the arrival of the competition. The sun was warm but not harsh, with a gentle breeze creating a picture-perfect day.
Competitors without their own boats had to rent one, and any damages would incur additional fees. This rental system also served as one of the event's revenue streams.
The silver lining? Participants could keep any fish they caught during the competition.
"Kirlia, it's all up to you now."
With a determined nod, Kirlia stood ready, waiting for the host to announce the start of the competition.
At the lakeshore, countless boats filled the scene, all poised for action.
Moments later, the sound of the host's announcement echoed clearly across the area.
The previously calm lake exploded into activity, with boats racing in all directions, creating waves that rippled like an impending storm.
Unlike most participants who paddled manually, Ron relied on Kirlia's psychic power to steer the boat, savoring the experience of effortless automation.
As Kirlia's psychic energy spread outward, it began scanning the lakebed to identify areas densely populated with fish.
The initial chaos made it challenging for the fish to settle, and Kirlia couldn't immediately pinpoint an ideal spot.
Adjusting his fishing rod, Ron noticed other participants using similar strategies, accompanied by Psychic-type Pokémon.
Realizing he had no immediate advantage, Ron quickly adapted his mindset.
Winning wasn't everything—he could always buy Wavefish if necessary.
Satisfied that he had already enjoyed the delicacy, Ron was content to simply participate and enjoy the experience.
After several minutes, the lake finally began to calm, and Kirlia identified a promising spot with a high concentration of fish.
When Ron arrived, several other competitors were already there.
Experienced anglers, upon noticing Kirlia, gravitated toward Ron, as did others with Psychic-type Pokémon.
Maintaining his composure, Ron cast his line into the water. With so many fish nearby, patience was key.
Soon, other participants began catching fish, with water splashing as they reeled in their prizes.
Around Ron, people steadily pulled up their catches—except for Ron himself, whose rod remained eerily still.
Among the fish caught were not only Wavefish but also Water-type Pokémon, including Goldeen. Some trainers struggled with Goldeen's strength, causing more chaos on the lake.
The commotion escalated as Water-type Pokémon were reeled in, sparking impromptu battles that added to the spectacle of the competition.
Amid the excitement, Ron's area remained oddly quiet, as though cut off from the world.
"Kirlia, are you sure this is a good spot for fishing?"
Ron's skepticism grew as his empty rod sat motionless.
Kirlia offered no response, instead casting a glance at another competitor nearby, who was effortlessly removing a large fish from their line.
Without a word, Kirlia's expression seemed to convey a painful lesson in humility.
Just then, Ron's rod finally jerked with activity.
"Kirlia, help me out! This one's a big one!"
Struggling to counter the immense strength of whatever was on the other end, Ron shouted with excitement.
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