Of the few people ahead of Xia You, some won and some lost, but all were dealt with in this seemingly casual way in just a few minutes.
Some left immediately, while others stayed to watch how everyone else would do.
Soon, it was Xia You's turn.
Holding his number ticket, he calmly walked forward under the curious or expectant gazes of the children around him and stood before Skyla.
Seeing him, Skyla winked and gave him a bright smile. "All right, our seventh challenger is here! Now, let's see your Pokémon. Show me what kind of lineup you have!"
Xia You did not move. He simply looked into Skyla's eyes and said calmly, "Sorry, but I refuse to take part in this childish 'Imagination Battle.' Please conduct this Gym battle with me the normal way."
His voice was not loud, but in the relatively quiet surroundings, everyone heard him clearly.
The slightly noisy waiting area fell silent in an instant. Everyone looked at Xia You in surprise, and even Skyla's smile froze.
"What did you say?" Skyla thought she had misheard.
"I said I refuse to accept a battle format where the Pokémon don't actually fight and the outcome is decided solely by a simulation in your head." Xia You's tone remained steady, but held an unquestionable firmness. "This disrespects the Pokémon Trainers who have come from far away, and it also makes a mockery of a Gym Leader's duties. As an official Gym Leader certified by the Pokémon League, I believe you should show your real strength and give us a proper, fair battle instead of relying on imagination alone."
Xia You was not spouting high-minded platitudes or taking some supposed moral high ground to criticize Skyla indiscriminately.
This was genuinely how he viewed the position of Gym