"Clay."
"Fang Yuan."
Inside Driftveil City's battle facility, Fang Yuan met its founder, Clay.
The man wore a brown Western cowboy outfit and had a burly build.
He looked nothing like a Gym Leader or a boss—more like an underground kingpin.
"Welcome!"
After the two shook hands amicably, Clay burst into laughter.
Clay was quite puzzled now.
He had assumed Fang Yuan was a Trainer newly recruited by Galar, but there were many suspicious points.
For instance, why weren't they battling on Galar's home turf? Why had Fang Yuan come alone? Hadn't Ms. Olivia come with him?
Naturally, Fang Yuan had no idea about Clay's doubts. Still, he figured that although Clay welcomed him now... he probably would not be so welcoming later.
After all, Fang Yuan had come to rack up points and was planning to steamroll this match... Hopefully the venue would be fine, hopefully Renbu, Heavenly King would be fine, and hopefully the Unova audience would be fine.
"Thank you."
Fang Yuan smiled, trying to be as polite as possible.
At the same time, he observed Clay.
Clay was Driftveil City's Gym Leader. Logically, Fang Yuan should have been very familiar with all Gym Leaders, but since Clay was an older man, Fang Yuan had not really remembered much about him.
Among the Unova Region Gym Leaders, the ones who had left a deep impression on Fang Yuan included Elesa, because she was pretty.
Shaga of Twin Dragon City was another, because he was incredibly strong—certainly no weaker than an Elite Four member.
He came from the Tao Trio family and possessed a legendary artifact like the DNA Splicers.
The future Unova Champion, Alice, had defeated Alder under Shaga's training.
Speaking of which...
A legendary artifact capable of fusing Kyurem with the Black and White Dragon... *I