"Phew—"
Xia Yan let out a long breath and looked at the grand hall before him.
This was it.
This was the true crux of this Champion's Path challenge.
Everything before this, aside from facing Aaron, had only been small skirmishes.
He slowly pushed open the doors of the towering building.
Bang—
As the doors opened, bright lights immediately illuminated the previously dim hall.
Across the spacious battle arena stood a casually dressed man with his hands in his pockets and an excited grin on his face—the newly appointed Sinnoh Elite Four member, Gardenia!
"So you were assigned to be first, Gardenia." Xia Yan smiled.
Seeing Xia Yan, Gardenia shrugged.
"Can't be helped. The next two are both big shots."
Bertha was a veteran Elite Four member, and Ground-type Pokémon heavily countered Fire-type Pokémon. He could not beat her.
As for Cynthia, there was even less to say.
Among the people Gardenia knew, aside from Xia Yan, this Tactical Master who could whip out baffling tactics at any moment and make people sick with frustration, Cynthia ranked second.
Cynthia did not specialize in any single type either, and she was extremely seasoned at controlling tactics and pacing. On top of that, she had an absurdly powerful Garchomp. Gardenia had no answer for her at all.
Therefore.
Among the current Sinnoh League Elite Four, Xia Yan included, Gardenia clearly understood that he ranked fourth.
However.
Gardenia felt that this situation would improve soon enough.
Once Xia Yan moved up, would Aaron not take his place?
Gardenia had plenty of experience dealing with Bug-type Pokémon.
Gardenia scratched his head, looking a little troubled.
"Aaron's just too honest. He could've used three Pokémon over only two battles, but he didn't even think to wear you down more."
Xia Yan raised an eyebrow.
Before