Challenging the Rock Solid Gym required booking a day in advance.
Trainers could apply directly through their Pokédex or register for an appointment at the Pokémon Center in Laverre City.
And that afternoon, a Trainer had booked a challenge at the Rock Solid Gym.
That was also why Yong had hurried back to the Gym.
There were far more challengers that year. Compared to last year, when a challenger would arrive only once every two or three days, the return of the Lumiose Conference had perhaps reignited the Trainers' enthusiasm. With the conference as their ultimate goal, they had begun actively challenging the various Gyms, though most were newcomers.
The Rock Solid Gym's courtyard was also dominated by rocky terrain.
A river cut through the many artificial hills and boulders scattered across the courtyard. Beyond the stone bridge lay a stretch of grass. Near the courtyard wall stood a large mound.
Geodude and Graveler lay quietly on its slopes, basking in the sun. A group of Dwebble and several Trapinch moved in and out of the mound.
By the river, several Wooper floated on the surface, while an Onix lay stretched along the bank, eyes closed in a light doze.
Most of these Pokémon belonged to the Gym Trainers, though some had been supplied by the Pokémon League for Yong to use in battles. After all, if he always used his own partners, these challengers would probably have a hard time earning the Rock Solid Badge.
No matter how much he held back, once the gap between the two sides reached a certain point, it would be difficult to achieve the purpose of the assessment.
He crossed the courtyard, greeting several Gym Trainers who were tending to their Pokémon.
"Mr. Ishida!"
"Instructor Yong!"
Several greetings rang out. Yong stopped, looked