No matter how much Umbreon indulged in conspiracy theories, it could not change Heiduo's mind about becoming a Gym Leader.
Unless traditional Trainers died out completely, or Trainers from other regions found another way to participate in Regional Conferences, Gyms would never be abolished.
Moreover, the duties of Gym Leaders had expanded far beyond merely handing out Badges.
Protecting the city was also one of their responsibilities.
Even if some Gym Leaders had never actually done such a thing.
On the third day after his match with Du Jian.
Finally.
His Top Trainer Certificate arrived.
Yes, a Pokémon Association staff member personally delivered it to his door. Unlike becoming a Veteran Trainer or Elite Trainer, he did not have to travel all the way to the Association hall, check the rankings like everyone else, then go find Nurse Joy to collect the certificate and prize money.
After all, Top Trainers naturally held a different status from Veteran Trainers, and their numbers were different as well. The vast majority of Top Trainers were employed by the Pokémon Association and enjoyed generous benefits from it. They lacked neither money nor resources, connections nor channels.
Correspondingly, Top Trainers could be assigned and directed by the Pokémon Association to handle matters such as driving wild Pokémon away from the outskirts of cities, resolving disputes between Trainers within cities, and everything from minor issues to major operations like the Rayquaza Capture Plan.
"This is the contract."
The staff member brought over a stack of white papers. It was an employment contract called the "New Era Trainer Employment Agreement," filled with details on what benefits Heiduo could receive if he signed with them and what obligations he would have to fulfill.
This was the fundamental reason Top Trainers could enjoy such high benefits and status within