Chapter 210: A Pokémon Trainer's Responsibility
"Withdraw?"
Shen Qi set down his cup. "Of course I won't withdraw."
Lilligant raised her puzzled eyes. Shen Qi had just said that competing in this state was meaningless and would only backfire...
"Yes, you're in no state to compete, and I can't enter a Pokémon-spec race as a Driver either. But we're still going to keep going."
Whether human or Pokémon, how could anyone casually listen to a few words and naturally grow enough in mind and soul to overcome a crisis?
Perhaps it happened, but it was exceedingly rare.
Shen Qi knew perfectly well that words alone couldn't guide Lilligant to a sudden, complete awakening.
"As her Pokémon Trainer, I have to show Lilligant the right way forward through my own actions."
For tomorrow's race, Shen Qi wouldn't offer any more meaningless platitudes like "relax" or "don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Lilligant would drive in her current state, while Shen Qi would devote himself wholeheartedly to delivering an excellent performance in the support role alongside Chansey and Dodo.
When the Driver was off form, the support crew could hardly salvage the result. But Shen Qi had to do this. The result was part of his aim, but more importantly, he needed to show Lilligant through his actions how to face pressure and setbacks.
Mere words were too pale and feeble. Shen Qi could only lead by example, embodying lofty, elusive words like "resilience" and "composure" to guide his Pokémon through action.
Shen Qi...
Lilligant was a little moved, but inner growth didn't happen overnight. She saw a glimmer of light in Shen Qi, yet she still couldn't follow it out of the dark cave.
"That's enough talking." Shen Qi gently stroked Lilligant. "Let's go. We don't have much time. A