Back in his Lounge, Yong frowned.
Gyms had originally been established to hone the skills of Pokémon Trainers, but as the Pokémon League system became formally established and order improved across the regions, Gyms gradually became important facilities for assessing and cultivating Trainers, as well as safeguarding their local areas.
Although Gym Leaders enjoyed considerable autonomy, they were also subject to certain restrictions.
Gym evaluations were merely the most routine of these, but they still had to be taken seriously.
As always, the Inspectors came from the Joy family...
Thinking of the Rock Solid Gym's pass rate, which was only slightly higher than the Shalour Gym's, Yong shook his head helplessly.
He always took things too seriously... perhaps it was the feedback from Mental Will...
"Just as I thought... I really don't like being tied down to one place... once I've completed the Stage Two objectives, I'll go visit the places I want to see..."
The boy sighed.
Silence settled over the Lounge once more.
Celestic Town, Sinnoh.
Cynthia stepped out through the entrance to the ruins.
The girl's presence was somber and menacing.
But she soon reined it in, returning to her usual calm.
"What lovely weather..."
The sunlight was warm, gentle, and bright.
Cynthia lightly brushed her golden hair, which had gradually grown longer, then shaded her forehead with a hand. Closing her eyes, she quietly basked in the sunlight, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.
Only after standing quietly for a while did she start toward the research lab on the outskirts of town.
Knock, knock.
"Come in~"
Creak.
Pushing open the door, Cynthia entered Professor Carolina's cottage.
"Grandma, I'm back."
"Nana!?"
Professor Carolina put down the documents in her hands and rose with a smile, looking at her granddaughter.
Cynthia broke into a smile