Though Cynthia couldn't help feeling a little wistful, she didn't voice her thoughts.
After all, Qingyu's career in Paldea had already taken off. As one of the Paldea League's eight Gym Leaders, he held an honor far beyond what an ordinary mythologist could achieve.
And his fame wasn't limited to Paldea. Thanks to his rigorous, conscientious livestreams and instructional videos, there was hardly an ace trainer in any region who didn't know him, and countless trainers had been subtly influenced by him.
Among those Cynthia knew in the Sinnoh League alone, there were the three young men in the Elite Four, along with Volkner of the Sunyshore Gym and Gardenia of the Eterna Gym.
Strictly speaking, Qingyu's advice had also played a part in her catching Kommo-o as a companion.
Then there were Kanto Elite Four member Lance, Hoenn Champion Steven, and Galar's "strongest Champion," Leon, all of whom had meaningful ties to Qingyu.
Before anyone realized it, Qingyu had become an outstanding trainer with influence across the world, quietly building a formidable network of connections that was clearly going to keep expanding...
In a sense, Qingyu could no longer be viewed as merely a Gym Leader.
What's more, one position in Paldea's Elite Four was still vacant.
Given Qingyu's skill and how highly League Chairwoman Geeta valued him, his chances of promotion might be quite good.
At that thought, Cynthia couldn't help smiling.
Had that earlier accident not only failed to crush him, but instead awakened his hidden potential?
At this point, she could no longer bring herself to invite him back to Sinnoh.
Seeing that he could live well on his own in Paldea put Cynthia's mind much more at ease.
Qingyu, who was on a video call with Cynthia, soon noticed her smile and gave a faint