Qingcao lowered his head and fell silent.
Yong simply watched him quietly, waiting patiently.
His first Onix had been given to Qingcao as his starter partner at Steelix's suggestion.
Back then, Qingcao had been nothing more than an orphan who had come to work at the Gym, recommended by the Welfare Home in Laverre City.
But the boy possessed a rare affinity for Rock-type Pokémon, which Yong soon noticed.
That talent made him exceptionally suited to raising Rock-type Pokémon, and even gave him an advantage when raising Ground-type Pokémon.
So Qingcao was assigned to the backyard, going from a cleaner to an apprentice Pokémon breeder who specialized in cleaning Rock-type Pokémon.
Qingcao had no complaints. In fact, he was delighted.
Because he could finally spend time with Pokémon...
In particular, he could sense the gentle, honest hearts beneath these seemingly cold Rock-type Pokémon.
He soon became friends with the Pokémon.
Yong was very pleased.
This was a boy with a pure heart and sound character.
So, at Steelix's suggestion, Yong gave Onix to Qingcao as his starter partner, letting them grow together while teaching him the most basic knowledge about Pokémon...
Although Qingcao had not chosen his first Pokémon himself, he loved Onix and was deeply grateful to Yong for changing the course of his life.
Yes.
The moment Qingcao received Onix, he became tied to the Rock Solid Gym, but he also truly changed his destiny.
And now... could he actually choose his second Pokémon himself?
"Teacher Yong..."
"Hmm?"
Qingcao looked at the boy before him, finally gathered his courage, and said firmly,
"Could I... get a Mudkip?"
Yong paused, looking into Qingcao's eyes.
Then he suddenly smiled.
"I understand... For now, focus on overseeing the Intermediate Battlefield. You can temporarily choose two Pokémon from the backyard to form