The Roulette of Destiny: Reincarnated in the Pokémon World

The next three days were a flurry of activity at the resort. Ash and his friends eagerly prepared for the Pokémon performance competition, their excitement palpable. Each of them was determined to make a strong impression, even if none had any idea about the mysterious prize.

Ash was particularly energetic, having decided to use a mix of his Pokémon for the competition. Pikachu practiced balancing acts, while Squirtle trained in synchronized swimming routines with Misty's Starmie. Misty, meanwhile, was perfecting her own performances with Psyduck, though his unpredictable nature made it more challenging than she'd like. Brock worked as a behind-the-scenes coach, helping them polish their presentations.

"You've got this, Pikachu!" Ash encouraged, watching his partner leap through a ring of water created by Squirtle. "We're going to blow everyone away!"

Misty rolled her eyes. "Let's just hope you can keep it together on stage, Ash. I don't want to end up bailing you out again."

As they worked tirelessly, Ethan was off in a secluded area of the forest near the resort, focused entirely on his training. He had no interest in the competition itself but saw the event as a perfect opportunity to hone his Pokémon team without distractions.

Scyther was his primary focus. Though slightly smaller than the average Scyther, Ethan's Pokémon was lightning-fast and already stronger than most of its kind. Over the past few days, its skills had reached a point where evolution was imminent.

Ethan watched as Scyther gracefully sliced through a series of flying targets he had set up. The Pokémon's movements were precise, almost artful, as it tore through the last target with a single, clean slash.

"Perfect," Ethan muttered, nodding in approval. But then he noticed the telltale glow starting to emanate from Scyther.

The Pokémon froze, its body shimmering with the energy of evolution. Ethan took a deep breath, stepping forward. "Not yet, Scyther," he said firmly, placing a hand on the Pokémon's shoulder. "We're close, but there's still more to learn before you evolve."

Scyther looked at Ethan, its sharp eyes filled with understanding. The glow faded, and it let out a determined cry, ready to continue its training.

Ethan smiled. "Good. Let's keep pushing. When the time is right, you'll be unstoppable."

Satisfied with Scyther's progress for the day, Ethan returned all his Pokémon to their Poké Balls and started making his way back toward the resort. By now, the competition was about to begin, and he figured it would be worth watching, if only for a bit of entertainment.

As he walked through the vibrant streets of the resort, he could hear the buzz of excitement from trainers and tourists alike. The competition area was set up near the beach, with a large stage and rows of seating for spectators.

Ethan tucked his hands into his pockets, his mind still lingering on Scyther's progress. "This competition might be pointless, but it's a good way to relax after all that training," he muttered to himself.

With that, Ethan headed toward the competition grounds, ready to see what all the fuss was about.

Ethan arrived at the competition area, the sound of bustling trainers and cheering crowds filling the air. The atmosphere was lively, with various Pokémon performing tricks and routines in preparation. Ethan, however, remained indifferent, his mind still preoccupied with training and Scyther's near-evolution.

As he scanned the crowd, he spotted two familiar figures—Green and Pink—approaching him with eager smiles.

"Ethan!" Green greeted, waving her hand. "What a surprise to see you here. Don't tell me you've decided to join the competition?"

Pink chimed in, a mischievous grin on her face. "If you have, I guess we're all in trouble. Especially with that Sylveon of yours. It's not even fair if that beauty takes the stage!"

Ethan raised an eyebrow at their enthusiasm but remained calm. "No, I'm not interested in this competition," he said simply.

Green's eyes narrowed slightly, though she maintained her friendly demeanor. "You're sure? I mean, the prize could be something valuable. Who knows, it might even help with your training."

Ethan shook his head. "I don't care about prizes. Competitions like these are just not my thing."

At that moment, his Bulbasaur emerged from its Poké Ball, as if to add its two cents to the conversation. The Pokémon looked around, still pouting, its sour mood evident.

Pink chuckled. "Looks like Bulbasaur isn't having the best day either."

Ethan sighed, glancing down at his sulking Pokémon. "Yeah, he's been like this ever since I caught him. He's stubborn, but we're working on it."

Green, however, wasn't ready to let the matter drop. She leaned in slightly, her tone casual but probing. "Are you absolutely sure you're not joining, Ethan? I mean, with Sylveon by your side, you'd win hands down. Even if you don't care about the prize, wouldn't it be fun to show off a bit?"

Ethan gave her a deadpan look. "Green, I'm not interested. I don't need to prove anything to anyone."

Green smiled nervously, but a flicker of relief passed across her face. The last thing she and Pink wanted was for Sylveon to enter and obliterate the competition, ruining their chances at the Aerodactyl fossil.

Pink playfully nudged Green. "See? Told you he wouldn't join. Ethan's not the flashy type."

Ethan crossed his arms. "If it'll make you feel better, I promise I won't participate. Not even if someone drags me onstage."

Then, with a glance at his Bulbasaur, he added, "I'll even swear on my Bulbasaur here. Happy now?"

The declaration hung in the air for a moment before Bulbasaur, clearly unimpressed, shot Ethan a withering side-eye. Its pout deepened, and it huffed dramatically, as if saying, Really? You're dragging me into this?

Pink burst into laughter, clutching her sides. "Oh, Bulbasaur's expression is priceless! I think even it doesn't believe you, Ethan."

Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "This is exactly why I didn't want to bother coming here. But no, I'm not participating, so relax."

Green smiled, though her thoughts lingered on her and Pink's plan. Good. As long as he stays out, we've got a real shot at winning this fossil.

"Well, if you're just here to watch, then enjoy the show," Green said cheerfully, patting Ethan on the shoulder.

"Yeah, don't be too hard on Bulbasaur," Pink added with a wink. "It might decide to stage a protest mid-competition."

Ethan smirked slightly, his mood lightening as he watched the two walk away. As much as he didn't care about the competition, he had to admit the atmosphere was entertaining in its own way. With a final glance at his sulking Bulbasaur, he muttered, "Let's just get this over with."

With that, Ethan headed toward the seating area, ready to spectate, while Green and Pink disappeared into the crowd, preparing for their big performance.