Guardian God, Crystal Steelix!

Shen Gong.

A former Professional Trainer who had raised a few Pokémon but retired early.

On the surface, he made a living by running a shop on Champion Road that sold all kinds of souvenirs and rare stones.

But beyond that public identity, he had another, far more impressive hidden role.

He was the guardian of the Guardian God Level Pokémon Crystal Steelix that dwelled within Champion Road's Crystal Cave.

Though he was called its guardian, Crystal Steelix had no need for a trainer's protection at all. Besides, Shen Gong was merely an ordinary Professional Trainer.

His task was simply to occasionally bring some tasty Pokémon Food to Crystal Steelix and maintain their relationship.

It was a friendship passed down from his father's generation, and it was also something the Trainer Association wished to see. Having a human trainer remain on good terms with a wild Guardian God was naturally a win-win situation.

Thus, although Shen Gong was only an ordinary Professional Trainer, his status as Crystal Steelix's guardian had given him no small reputation among the top circles.

Still, Shen Gong did not particularly pursue strength. After getting married and having children, he cared even less about matters in the Trainer Domain.

Pokémon Battles... Pokémon Battles... How could they compare to spending time with his wife and child?

Yet there were still occasional times when Shen Gong received assignments from the Trainer Association.

"The Champion Road Challenge has opened again?"

After receiving a temporary invitation from President Wen of the Trainer Association, Shen Gong sank into thought.

"That's right. Your father once commanded Crystal Steelix as a gatekeeper on Champion Road. Now that it has come to your generation, I wonder if you would be willing to become a gatekeeper once more."

Crystal Steelix did not reject battle, and