Chapter 216
I'm the Gym Leader, she's the challenger, right???
"You're amazing too, Champion at such a young age..."
There was a hint of sighing and a hint of envy on the Old Man Nian Hai's face.
The Champion's strength has always been something he could only dream of, like the figure he constantly chased in his youth. It seemed to be standing right in front of him, but the gap between them was something that could not be bridged by hard work alone.
He worked hard his whole life, but never saw the threshold.
The woman before them, judging by her appearance alone, was probably only in her late twenties or thirties. To achieve such strength at that age was even more astonishing than Yi Ruoyun's. Just who was she...?
"Belief and love for my Pokémon are what allow me to stand here."
Even after her victory, the woman with Golden hair showed no arrogance, but simply stated her thoughts in a calm and ordinary manner.
"You'll definitely become even stronger in the future."
Hopefully.
Old Man Nian Hai shook his head and smiled calmly.
He then took out a Badge and handed it to the other person.
"Although I don't know why you've never challenged Gym, your strength deserves this Badge."
"Thanks."
The blonde woman nodded her thanks. Although collecting Badge was just a minor incident that came along with achieving her goal, she had actually become quite interested in the Pokémon League and Gym of this world after the battle.
Even the Gym Leader has the strength of Elite Four...?
Of course, her purpose in coming here today was not just these things. She originally thought she would need to ask the Gym Leader or others to gather some clues, but unexpectedly, the people she was looking for had already gathered here on their own.
"..."
The battle ended, and the woman with long Golden hair stepped down from the Battlefield, walking step by step towards where Qiao Ran and the others were.
All eyes were on her.
"... Do you have time to talk to me?"
She slightly tossed her hair, and although she spoke in a question, her words carried an air of unquestionable authority.
You should know me, right?
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Know?
The answer to this matter was predetermined from the very beginning.
Qiao Ran swallowed hard, watching the other person approach little by little, and his heart inexplicably began to pound with nervousness.
Even when he first met Mei, Lillie, or Sabrina, he had never felt so nervous.
--Champion.
This is a term used to describe the strongest small group of people in the Pokémon World.
In each region, only a handful of people earn this title, let alone the current regional Champion.
To retain the Champion title, one must constantly face and Defeat the challengers who come one after another. If there is any failure, the so-called Champion is no longer Champion.
How could he not recognize such a person?
"... Cynthia?"
Sabrina tried calling out the other person's name, and soon she received a response—the woman with Golden hair nodded gently and called out her name in return.
"Sabrina... is that right?"
It wasn't just Sabrina probing the other person's identity; the other person also seemed cautious. After all, this was a strange Otherworld for them, and it was understandable that they would be more careful when they met in such a special setting and at such a special time.
"Hmm." Sabrina nodded, waved her hand slightly, and demonstrated her Psychic to the other person.
Even if Ditto Mimic her appearance, it couldn't Mimic her special abilities.
The two nodded to each other, and then Cynthia looked at the others.
"And this one, he must be the Trainer in the video, right?"
Cynthia focused her gaze on Qiao Ran and stared at him intently for several moments.
A large part of the reason she was in such a hurry to come here was because of this boy.
--What kind of person is he to have earned the trust of so many Legendary Pokémon?
Legends and anecdotes have always been a focus of Cynthia's research. In addition to Pokémon battles, she is also a researcher at the Pokémon League.
The Sinnoh Region is a place full of Ruins and legends, with a rich history. This land is full of unsolved mysteries. Even the Type: Null developed by the Aether Foundation used some technologies related to the Sinnoh Region's Canalave Library.
Born on this land, Cynthia was naturally drawn to these things, which is why she continued to dedicate herself to exploring and researching Ruins even after becoming Champion. Of course, even after arriving in this world, she remained deeply immersed in the atmosphere of exploring Ruins.
These things are the Key to unlocking some mysteries.
Of course, her thoughts were influenced by her grandmother. Like Sonia from the Galar region, Cynthia's grandmother Professor Carolina, was a renowned researcher with a high reputation in history and mythology, and also served as the Director of the Historical Research Institute. However, unlike Sonia, who had already obtained a doctorate, Cynthia had not yet received such recognition.
Compared to her talent in combat, her talent in research doesn't seem as extraordinary, but it's still at a level that's difficult for ordinary people to reach.
"That's definitely me in the video."
Qiao Ran extended his hand and shook hands with Cynthia.
"My name is Qiao Ran, nice to meet you."
"Yes, I am Cynthia."
The group introduced themselves to each other. Cynthia didn't know Mei and Lillie, but she was still slightly surprised after hearing about their deeds.
"To have reached this level at such a young age... and that gaze, it really reminds me of a certain Trainer I've seen before."
"Eh? Hehehe." Mei smiled shyly after receiving praise from a Champion. Although she didn't understand who "a certain Trainer" Cynthia was referring to, she was still very happy to receive the compliment.
This shows that her skill level and potential have been recognized by the strongest Trainer.
"And this lady, so she's the heiress of the Aether Foundation, the daughter of Professor Mohn and Dr. Lusamine?"
Cynthia looked at Lillie, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
"You know my parents?" Lillie blinked, somewhat puzzled.
"They spent a long time in the Sinnoh Region, published many meaningful papers, led numerous research projects, and had many interactions with my grandmother. They are excellent researchers."
Cynthia was lost in memories. Back then, she was just a little girl, but Mohn and Lusamine were already well-known researchers, not only knowledgeable but also accomplished through their research.
Harvest considerable wealth and could easily be considered a rising star within his small circle.
However, the two eventually left Sinnoh and went to a place called Alola to work as Pokémon protectors...
"I never expected to see their daughter again."
Sabrina, who was connected to her friend, was one thing, but Cynthia never expected to run into the daughter of an old friend here.
"If there's anything else, let's leave first and then talk."
Sabrina hadn't anticipated that these people had such a complex connection, but continuing to chat here wasn't a wise choice.
Gym are places where the Pokémon League's spies are everywhere.
"Shall we go to the nearby dessert shop?" Cynthia asked.
However, Sabrina shook her head seriously. "Come to my house."
"..." A barely Frisk hint of disappointment flashed across Cynthia's face.
After some discussion, they had basically reached a consensus and left the Magic City Gym one after another.
Watching their departing figures, Nian Hai, who was resting not far away, sighed deeply.
"Gone... finally... no, really gone."
Not long ago, he also heard that Hangcheng had been attacked, with not only the Gym being completely destroyed, but also the Gym Leader being Shutout two challengers in the subsequent challenges.
This story became a popular tale among the entire circle of Gym Leader. But what Old Man Nian Hai never imagined was that he would soon experience a similar feeling himself...
"Trainer with Champion- level skills... I'm afraid the Pokémon League should take notice of this."
Although it's unclear why the other person hasn't obtained Badge yet, since they've come to the Gym and challenged someone, this information will be obtained by the Pokémon League.
This level of bombshell information is impossible to suppress, even if he wanted to.
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On the way back, Sabrina drove again. Although Cynthia said she was also a skilled driver, Sabrina was unwilling to give up the steering wheel. Besides, it was Cynthia's first time meeting them, and she probably didn't even know where their destination was.
"I didn't expect you to have a house here."
Upon arriving at Sabrina's house, Cynthia looked around thoughtfully.
"It's just a perk of becoming Gym Trainer."
"That's still better than my situation."
Cynthia gently shook her head. Since arriving in this world, she had been constantly wandering in the wild, practically buried in the Ruins, and had no intention of getting her hands on these things.
Sabrina, on the other hand, not only got a house, but is also trying to get the position of Gym Leader. She's so ambitious!