"To put it bluntly, things have been going too smoothly for Dawn lately."
"Yes. That business with Cyrus helped her grow even more."
"Mm. That's a good thing, but honestly, I'm still worried. If she wins too much and starts thinking everyone except Yuto and Baina is just a pushover, we'll have a problem."
"...So that's the issue. Honestly, this is my first time in New King, and I don't know anyone here. Is there anything we can do?"
"Yes. I'll see what I can arrange through my connections."
And so, a few days earlier, Cynthia had brought over Bertha, one of New King's Elite Four. Naturally, they battled, and Dawn lost horribly. Dawn apparently hadn't known Bertha was a member of the Elite Four-Bertha herself apparently didn't use that title outside public appearances-and thought she'd lost to an ordinary Trainer Cynthia knew. Honestly, that had been a huge help. If possible, I hoped she would visit regularly.
Now, we had come to Lily of the Valley Island in the New King Region to take part in a major event. Geographically, it was an island north of Nessa City.
Incidentally, between Nessa City and this island lay such obstacles as Route 223 and Champion Road. With treacherous terrain, raging currents, and wild Pokémon stronger than those found elsewhere, these places would undoubtedly bare their fangs without mercy at any ordinary Trainers and Pokémon who tried to pass through.
Thus, anyone hoping to overcome these challenges with only their Pokémon first had to meet the requirement of having at least eight Gym Badges from the New King Region. Otherwise, they weren't even allowed to attempt the challenge. They would be turned away at the door.
And those challenges were part of the major event taking place this time.
Oh, incidentally, New