Not only Wude and Azumi, who had been there from the start, but Xinyan also hurried over after finishing his morning work.
More than a dozen senior members of the Fighting Dojo gathered in the Saffron Gym's lobby. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought they had come to challenge the gym.
"Shen Qi's out!"
"Oh no, he didn't pass!"
There was no need to ask. One look at Shen Qi's state and expression told them he had failed the assessment.
Outstanding though he was, Shen Qi had only spent three months undergoing systematic training at the Fighting Dojo, and he hadn't participated in many regular Arena Battle matches. Failure was perfectly normal.
There was no need to offer too much comfort at a time like this. That would only put more psychological pressure on Shen Qi.
Although the Fighting Dojo wasn't on par with the Saffron Gym, it had trained many students. Everyone understood young Pokémon Trainers' mental health well enough to know they should simply brush the matter aside for now, then slowly reflect on and review the shortcomings in his training once his emotions had settled.
Shen Qi looked up and found everyone from the Fighting Dojo sitting there.
Sigh...
All of them showing up was an entirely reasonable turn of events.
There was no question how much the senior members of the Fighting Dojo cared about Shen Qi.
Even if that concern stemmed from having an exceptionally outstanding student, Shen Qi still had to be grateful.
But... why did their expressions look so strange?
They were filled with barely concealed reassurance and sympathy.
"Ah, Shen Qi." Xinyan laughed casually. "I happened to be passing by and heard from Wude that you'd come to the Saffron Gym. Now that you're done, let's all go have a