I'm Simply Interested in Research (Combined Chapter)

Xia Yan and Cynthia's match had ended.

But the entire Island Challenge was not yet completely over.

After the battle for first and second place, there was still the contest for the top three, as well as the rankings for the top eight.

Previous tournaments had never used such a format.

But since there were still matches to fight, the contestants naturally would not miss them.

Lance, Steven, and Lorelei began seriously preparing for their battle for the top three and the ranking matches.

Others did not know why, but Xia Yan more or less had an idea.

His teacher Agatha and Professor Oak had both told him to strive for a top-three placement and, if possible, compete for the Champion title.

Xia Yan did not yet know the specific reason, but he figured he would find out during the awards ceremony and prize distribution.

Cynthia had been dragged off by Steven and the others to serve as a sparring partner.

With Lance, Steven, Lorelei, and Cynthia, they could pair off for simulated battles.

They had invited Xia Yan as well, but he declined.

He had a perfectly legitimate reason, too.

Lusamine, president of the Aether Foundation, wanted to speak with him.

Sitting in the private car sent by the Aether Foundation, Xia Yan had the well-behaved Lillie beside him and Gladion, who seemed to be pondering something, nearby.

Ash and Gary had not come along.

But judging by Gladion's expression, he seemed to have become fairly familiar with Ash and Gary.

Of course, it was not exactly the positive kind of familiarity.

As their teacher, Xia Yan not only did not stop it, he actively "encouraged" this internal competition.

Even though neither Ash nor Gary had a Pokémon yet.

Still, it probably would not be long.

Gladion and Gary