Among the most popular characters in the Pokémon world, Cynthia had always held a firm place. No matter how many new fan favorites appeared, her standing never showed any sign of wavering.
That was not just because of her stunning looks and figure, or her cool, poised, and graceful demeanor. She also had the strength to match.
In her very first appearance, she had Garchomp take every attack from the Pokémon of Paul, who was riding high at the time, head-on, then defeat them.
In Pokémon Generations, even knowing that Team Galactic could already summon Dialga and Palkia, she fearlessly took Garchomp to Mt. Coronet to try to stop them.
In the games, her Pokémon lineup was extremely strong, making her a tough opponent to beat.
Before Leon of the Galar Region appeared, Cynthia had always been a strong contender for the title of the Pokémon world's strongest Champion.
"If it's her, clearing this Lost Tower is perfectly normal. Or rather, it'd be strange if she couldn't."
Not only that, but much as Candice had said earlier, collecting all eight Badges and winning the Lily of the Valley Conference would pose very little difficulty for Cynthia-even if she had not yet reached the age Qingliu remembered, and even if... that proud Garchomp had not yet fully evolved.
Qingliu shifted his gaze slightly, settling on the figure beside Cynthia. Its eyes were fierce, its bearing savage, and its entire body was blue except for its red belly.
The panel opened, and its information appeared before his eyes.
[Species] Gabite [Category] Cave Pokémon [Type] Dragon, Ground [Ability] Sand Veil (raises evasiveness during a sandstorm) [Level] 30 [Exclusive moves] None [Known moves] Sand Attack, Dragon Breath, Sand Tomb, Bulldoze, Bite, Dragon Rush [Base stat total] 410 (HP 68, Attack 90, Defense 65, Special Attack 50, Special Defense 55, Speed 82) [Friendship] -1 (has noticed you staring and considers it a provocation) [Condition] Healthy [Information summary] Gabite uses the protrusions on either side of its head to emit ultrasonic waves, allowing it to navigate places where directions are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Its shed scales are a valuable ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and can restore an exhausted body. When it possesses something glittering, its temperament becomes very docile. If that glittering object is stolen or comes to harm, it reverts to its fierce, frenzied nature, tearing the offender to shreds with its fangs and claws.
That's seriously impressive.
Looking at Gabite's information, Qingliu could not help marveling inwardly.
It was the highest-level Pokémon he had encountered since arriving in this world. Moreover, it was a Gabite-a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon known as a late bloomer, one that grew increasingly powerful as its level rose.
Most importantly, it was Cynthia's Gabite.
No wonder it already knows a devastating move like Dragon Rush at level 30.
While Qingliu was lost in thought, a hand reached over from beside him and waved in front of his eyes.
"You've been staring at her this whole time. Love at first sight?"
Candice looked at Qingliu and asked in a teasing tone.
"No. I'm just a little surprised to run into her here."
"You know her too?"
Candice looked visibly surprised, but then murmured to herself, "Though I guess that's normal. She's a leading figure among the younger generation, after all, and her grandmother is a famous Mythology Professor in the Sinnoh Region."
"I only know a little about her. You seem to know her pretty well."
Qingliu went along with Candice's explanation before asking about her.
"Of course I do. She's the classic 'neighbor's kid who does everything right.' Dad was always telling me I should be more like Cynthia in one way or another. After hearing that long enough, I got to know her."
Candice spread her hands and said helplessly, "If she'd ever seriously started challenging Gyms and entering League tournaments, I'd probably have heard her name several times more often. But it looks like she really intends to enter this time. She never used to make such a high-profile appearance."
Not far away, amid bursts of camera flashes, reporters had already begun interviewing Cynthia with microphones in hand. She smiled and answered their questions with perfect composure.
Solaceon Town was home to well-known media outlets in the Sinnoh Region. For someone as low-key as her to appear before them of her own accord, she clearly had another purpose.
Most likely, that purpose was to build publicity ahead of the Lily of the Valley Conference a little over half a year away.
Qingliu withdrew his gaze and looked at Candice. "So, since she's that 'perfect neighbor's kid,' how do you feel about her? Do you instinctively dislike her?"
"I did at first, but after spending time with her a few times, I stopped feeling that way. She's an amazing person. I really admire her."
Candice pressed her lips together, her tone somewhat conflicted.
"If you admire her, that means part of you wants to be like her. So why not give it a try? If you could battle her to a draw, or even beat her, I think you'd have no regrets, and your dad would see how much you've grown," Qingliu said slowly.
"...Forget it. My goal is to become a Gym Leader and take over my family's Gym. Her goal is to become the Sinnoh Champion at the very least. We're not on the same pa-"
Before Candice could finish, Qingliu cut her off. "Do you even believe that yourself? Besides, even if your goals are different, there's no rule saying a Gym Leader has to lose to a Champion. Why not become the world's number one Gym Leader?"
"The world's number one Gym Leader..."
Qingliu's words genuinely stunned Candice, but then she could not help laughing. "Easy for you to say. You won't understand how strong she is until you've actually battled her. And you're a Trainer too, right? Why don't you try challenging her?"
"I will. But not now."
Qingliu spoke seriously.
His suddenly serious tone made Candice pause. She clearly had not expected him to genuinely mean it when she had only been joking.
Even if you're much stronger than me, you still couldn't be a match for Cynthia, Candice wanted to say. But over their brief day together, she had already figured out a few things about Qingliu's personality-he liked to be prepared.
Someone who liked to be prepared would not make wild boasts.
At that thought, Candice could not help holding her breath. Then... does he really intend to challenge Cynthia?
Qingliu did indeed have that intention.
The moment he saw Gabite, a Pokémon so powerful that he was currently no match for it, Qingliu had thought of nothing else. He only wondered whether, once Agumon evolved and reached the same level as Gabite, the two could go toe-to-toe.
Or, more directly, could Agumon gain the upper hand-or even win?
Qingliu did not know, but he was eager to find out. He looked forward to seeing a Digimon, a creature outside the Pokémon system, battle one of the Pokémon world's top combatants.
Of course, before that, he had to improve Agumon's strength quickly and close the gap. Otherwise, by the time he caught up, his opponent would have pulled far ahead again.
Once I've sold all the Oran Berries, I'll start training to build up our strength fast!
That was what Qingliu thought.
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