Chapter 267

The Hero, gripping their Sacred Sword, charged directly at their opponents, determined to fight to the very last moment, regardless of victory or defeat!

The yellow sand settled, and the shaking ground calmed down once more. The Battle Court after the battle had long since become a paradise of rubble. If any Gym staff member were to enter, they probably wouldn't be able to tell whether this was a junkyard or the neat and clean Battlefield it once was.

At one end of the battlefield, Garchomp was still standing properly. A flash of light appeared on its body, and it exited its Mega Evolution state. It looked somewhat tired and disheveled, but compared to Zacian, who had collapsed on Qiao Ran at the other end of the Battle Court, it looked much better.

"Are you alright, Zacian?"

The moment Zacian collapsed, Qiao Ran rushed forward to support her body and used the Tokiwa Power to slowly restore her strength.

"Aww--"

Her pride wouldn't allow her to falter in front of others, and it was precisely because she understood this that Qiao Ran rushed out immediately.

The power of Tokiwa Power was rapidly healing her injuries, but— Qiao Ran had never used this ability in battles against other Trainer; he only used it in battles in the wild.

This is not just about following the Rules set by the Pokémon League, but also about setting limits for oneself. Only by limiting battles with Trainer, allowing Pokémon to train and perform better, can they survive in other, more dangerous battles.

"Zacian is unable to fight! Therefore, the winner of this friendly Competition is— Cynthia!"

As the Referee, Sabrina announced the result of the battle with a complicated expression, emphasizing the words "friendly match." However, no one present understood the hidden meaning in her voice.

Everyone was still caught up in the afterglow of the battle and the astonishment at the outcome.

However, this result did not surprise Sabrina at all. She knew Qiao Ran's strength, and it was too early for him to think he could Defeat Cynthia's ace with just this level of skill.

Let him train for a few more years before coming back.

"Clap... clap... clap clap."

"Congratulations!"

"Miss Cynthia... so your name is Cynthia."

The Gym Trainer watching the battle applauded. Only now did they learn the name of this powerful Trainer. Although they had never heard of those two words before, they would probably never forget them from now on.

They were also on the scene of the battle, witnessing the pinnacle of achievement.

"Thank you, Qiao Ran."

Unlike the other victors who waved to the audience, Cynthia, together with Garchomp beside her, came down from the few remaining flat areas in the room to stand in front of Qiao Ran.

"... A fantastic battle."

"But even such a wonderful battle must eventually come to an end."

Her face was radiant with a beautiful smile; it was a genuine smile from the bottom of her heart.

Despite the difference in strength, Zacian still put immense pressure on the Mega-level Garchomp, and Qiao Ran truly witnessed the feelings and emotions between her and Zacian.

Not only is he concerned about Pokémon, Pokémon are also concerned about him.

Only those who love Pokémon can become incredibly powerful.

"Thank you too, for showing me what a truly skilled Trainer looks like." A smile appeared on Qiao Ran's face. The battle with Cynthia had also shown him the direction he should take.

"You're very capable too," Cynthia replied.

Watching the boy supporting the giant wolf and gently stroking its body, Cynthia couldn't help but wonder if, one day in the future, he possessed strength similar to hers, the outcome of today's battle would be entirely different.

By then, perhaps the one racking their brains trying to break the deadlock will be themselves?

I'm leaving tomorrow.

Cynthia reached out and Qiao Ran up from the ground, while the giant blue wolf seemed to have regained its strength and stood up straight.

"How about it? Could you show me around the city for the rest of the time?"

In the very end, she wanted to rest and take one last look at the city—most importantly, nothing was better than enjoying ice cream and dessert after a fierce battle.

"You two really think I don't exist?"

Looking at Qiao Ran and Cynthia, who were already talking together, Sabrina was furious. Before she was the Gym Leader, she didn't have to put up with this, but now that Gym Leader was, seeing the ruined Battle Court made her blood pressure spike.

Alright.

"What happened to the friendly match? You call this a friendly match?"

"This is just a friendly match between Trainer, huh?" Cynthia brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and voiced her thoughts.

Sabrina: "..."

This is no friendly match at all; you guys are here to wreck my house!

"Oh well, it's already like this, and I doubt the Pokémon League here can do anything about it."

With a Champion- level Trainer and another Trainer who can rival the Elite Four, as long as they don't demolish the Gym, the Pokémon League here probably won't have any objections. After becoming the Gym Leader, Sabrina has a basic understanding of the Pokémon League's strength structure. There are only a handful of Elite Four who can be brought under the Pokémon League's command, and as for Champion, there is only one right now.

Of course, there may be many more hidden powerhouses on this land, but they are no longer within the Pokémon League's sphere of influence.

Therefore, given the combined influence of Cynthia and Qiao Ran, it's understandable that she, as a mere "Gym Leader," couldn't interfere. Even if she slacked off to be the Referee for their Competition, it would be perfectly justifiable.

"So—you come along when we go out to have fun, is that part of the Gym Leader's job?"

Seeing Sabrina following their group out of the Gym, Qiao Ran couldn't help but ask a question.

"Of course, I'm gathering intelligence for the Pokémon League."

Sabrina's lips curled into a mysterious smile. In the Pokémon World, she could juggle two jobs, acting and being Gym Leader at the same time, so naturally she had her own ways of slacking off.

How do you squeeze out time?

Of course, it was squeezed out with all my might.

"Alright, alright, stop talking about her. Let's find a place to rest for a bit."

These past few days, Cynthia has been holed up at Sabrina's house researching various materials. Today, she finally managed to go out for a stroll, which was a very rare experience.

First, she was looking for a place where she could buy desserts and cold drinks.

"Miss Cynthia is really happy."

"Yes, the battle just now was truly spectacular."

Mei and Mei were also still reeling from the battle. These two people who spent every day with them were still able to create such Ember on Competition field, showing a completely different side of themselves than usual.

"Miss Cynthia..."

Gazing at the beautiful woman with long Golden hair, Lillie clenched her fists. She had always admired her mother and wanted to follow in her footsteps to become a scientist, but in the realm of Trainer, she had finally found a new goal.

If I could become a Trainer like Cynthia, would I be able to become better too?

"Um..."

Standing in front of the ice cream vendor, Cynthia stared at the densely packed various flavors for a long time, but still couldn't find an answer.

"Come here, come here."

She waved to Qiao Ran, calling him over. When Qiao Ran walked to her side and saw her, he couldn't help but smile helplessly.

Why is this guy stuck here again?

Is this some kind of bug?

Despite being such a bold and decisive person when it comes to Pokémon battles and mythology research, she is often troubled by various choices in her daily life, just like now—she is once again caught in the dilemma of choosing a flavor.

What flavor do you prefer?

"I..." Although Qiao Ran really wanted to say that he liked fruit and see Cynthia's reaction, he ultimately gave up on this extremely risky idea.

I like strawberries and pineapples.

"Okay, then I'll have this one too."

After Qiao Ran expressed her thoughts, Cynthia indeed stopped hesitating. She also bought a serving for everyone—the same flavor as hers.

"Wait, why am I the same one?"

Sabrina didn't like being like everyone else, but since she had already bought it, she had no choice but to take it with her.

Before Sabrina became Gym Leader, she was just an ordinary "Performing Family and elite Gym Elite Trainer". However, after that Competition, she became a household name in Magic City. Just during their stroll in this commercial district, they encountered many fans and citizens who wanted to take photos with Sabrina. Some people even recognized Qiao Ran and Lillie.

As for Cynthia, she has become the most low-key one. The only people who can recognize her now are probably those in the Gym.

However, she didn't care much about it. She didn't care much about such superficial fame and reputation. If she really cared, she wouldn't have chosen to become a mythologist and deal with mud and antiques every day.

What she is searching for is the past of humans and Pokémon, the "root" that can heal and help her grow.

There's still plenty of time today.

"Yes."

The day will eventually come to an end, but at least before leaving, she will make sure to leave behind some memories here.

After arriving at Zhenze Lake and meeting up with that Elite Four, it is estimated that...

There's not much time left for relaxation.

Whether it's searching for the past of this world, finding other ways to return to the Pokémon World, or searching for Caitlin's whereabouts, these are all things that require our attention.

What gave Cynthia the most uneasy feeling was the mystery surrounding the past of this world. Whether it was the birth of this world or the sudden appearance of Pokémon, it all gave her a strong sense of unease.

These days she has tried to find information in publicly available books, but those vague and speculative opinions are not what she wants to see.

To truly understand this, we must obtain firsthand archaeological data; only that data is truly reliable.

"Hey beautiful, do you want this sausage spicy?"

Do you want it spicy?

"That..."

Hearing the voice beside her, Cynthia fell into deep thought once again, and she couldn't help but wave to the side.

"Qiao Ran, come here for a second--"

This is a very complicated issue.

Everyone had a great day in Magic City, and at the end, they took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

"After Cynthia leaves, you'll probably be heading to other cities soon."

On the way back to Sabrina's house, Sabrina couldn't help but ask about Qiao Ran and the others' itinerary.

Meeting and parting are the natural order of things in this world. As Gym Leader, she has met many people in her life and seen their futures. At that time, she could even foresee their fates.

However, after coming into this world and losing her ability to foresee the future, she became somewhat afraid of the departure of others.

"Let's wait a few days. There are still some things to take care of in Alola. We'll consider going to the next city after we've dealt with those matters."

Qiao Ran hummed in agreement, without denying it.

"Next, we'll probably continue South, first to Rongcheng, and then to Yangcheng."

There are many other famous Gym in the Huaxia Alliance. Besides Old Man Nian Hai of the Magic City Gym, the Gym Leader of Yangcheng is also one of the most famous Gym Leader in the South. Only by challenging different strong opponents can one learn more. Even if he lost to Cynthia, he cannot be discouraged.

Remember to call me when you get the Badge.

Cynthia looked at Qiao Ran and gestured with her hand as if she were using a mobile phone.

"Come and fight me again after you've finished challenging the Pokémon League Competition in this world."

She still remembered the Competition from earlier that day. Although she won as always, she didn't think that was Qiao Ran's limit.

Perhaps when he grows a little more and matures, he will be more suitable for her now, and only then will she be able to experience the joy of battle.

Those who have stood on the mountaintop for too long will also look forward to the next challenger.

"I'll contact you as soon as the time comes." Qiao Ran would never forget this promise. If that day ever came, he would definitely avenge himself.

On the last night before Cynthia left, Qiao Ran stayed at Sabrina's house. As for how to deal with Acerola when he returned to the Aether House, he would think about that later.

Aren't you going to Rest?

"I'm having a little trouble sleeping."

Thanks to Sabrina's newly bought bed, everyone no longer has to squeeze together. However, perhaps for some reason, Qiao Ran, who sneaked out of the room to go to the toilet, still encountered Cynthia sitting on the balcony in a daze.

"What are you thinking about?" Qiao Ran couldn't help but walk over to her side.