Everyone had gathered in the President's Office.
Apart from Takuya Ruri, whose brow rose slightly when he saw Yong walk in, everyone wore a relaxed smile.
Steven sat behind his desk. As the two boys entered, he gestured for them to sit, then glanced around at everyone present before saying with a faint smile,
"That was a wonderful battle, A-Hao. You've improved a great deal. You no longer recklessly choose to meet every attack head-on."
Wuneng Hao clearly hadn't expected Steven to address him so suddenly. He scratched his cheek sheepishly, glanced at Yong, and said with an honest smile,
"Steven, I have your guidance to thank for that. But Shiyan Yong really is strong. I admit defeat!"
Yong smiled faintly without saying anything.
Steven smiled as well.
"You don't need to compare yourself to him. This boy's strength... honestly, even I can't quite gauge it anymore. So the best thing you can take away from this battle is experience that helps you improve."
Steven's words startled everyone present!
Who was he?
He was Steven Stone!
Even though he had stepped down as Champion, no one would forget Steven's strength!
Drake of the Elite Four remained expressionless, though he agreed wholeheartedly. Beside him, Roxanne smiled faintly, a trace of pride and joy in her eyes.
"I understand, Steven! Giving up isn't in my vocabulary!"
Wuneng Hao spoke firmly, then looked at Yong sitting across from him and declared with determination,
"Shiyan Yong! I'll train hard, then challenge you again! Until then... don't you dare lose!"
Yong nodded with a smile.
"I'll be waiting!"
Steven smiled and clapped his hands, breaking their gaze before speaking again.
"Yong, it's time to make your decision..."
At those words, everyone turned their eyes toward the boy. Drake even furrowed his brow, looking at Yong