They headed south all the way.
Yong and Qingcao rode on Aerodactyl's back. Flying at full speed, they soon returned to Laverre City!
After landing in his Gym's courtyard and straightening his hair, which the turbulence had blown into disarray, Yong finally breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at Qingcao and said,
"Starting tomorrow, you'll be in charge of the Intermediate Battlefield for the week, Qingcao!"
"Yes, Teacher Yong!"
Qingcao nodded earnestly at his words.
Yong smiled.
"Your strength has made you stand out among the Gym Apprentices. Starting today, you're an Elite Class Trainer candidate for the Rock Solid Gym! Keep training Steelix hard, and raise Golett as well."
"Yes!"
With an excited smile, Qingcao answered Yong's instructions, then ran toward the Gym.
Yong walked leisurely toward the cave at the back of the courtyard. Before he could stop, a figure hurled itself into his arms...
"Gah-heh!"
Feeling a sharp ache in his chest, Yong looked exasperatedly at the Gliscor clinging to him and patted its head.
"Have you been training properly, Gliscor? You nearly finished me off with that tackle~"
"Gah-heh! Gah-heh!"
Looking at his beaming partner, Yong finally smiled.
"Have you all been doing well while I was away?"
"Gah-heh!"
"Bee-sha!"
Kleavor ran over too.
The Gym's Pokémon training nearby also stopped what they were doing and gathered around Yong.
But Boldore was nowhere to be seen. It was probably still over at the mine, building up energy. Still, it should be about time for it to evolve.
After spending some time with everyone, Yong left the cave with Kleavor and Gliscor and headed for the Gym.
As Yong entered, the Gym Apprentices greeted him respectfully along the way, their eyes brimming with eagerness...
All the apprentices were deeply envious that Qingcao had been promoted to