Three days had passed since Rex's battle with Elesa. Today was the day Caitlin had invited him to visit the Battle Castle.
Since that match, Mira had shown up every morning without fail, dragging Rex along to Nimbasa Gym. Thanks to Elesa's generosity, he'd been given access to the gym's training facilities, where he could use specialized equipment to help his Pokémon grow stronger.
Mira's enthusiasm wasn't just about tagging along—Rex had helped refine her training regimen for her Serperior. With the adjustments, her partner had improved dramatically in just a few days.
Elesa herself would occasionally drop in to discuss advanced training techniques with Rex. In return, Rex learned a lot about how to develop his own Ampharos, soaking up everything she had to share.
"Let's head out," Rex said.
He, Elesa, and Mira had arranged to travel together to Caitlin's castle for the exhibition event. According to them, today's tournament would be a grand affair, drawing trainers from all over Unova. Rumor had it some of the region's Elite Four might make an appearance—and the rewards for victory were said to be exceptional.
Outside of personal invitations like the one Elesa received, trainers who wanted to participate had to first prove their strength by defeating the castle's resident trainers in a qualifying challenge.
With the castle located not far from Nimbasa City, the trio took to the skies on their Flying-type Pokémon and arrived quickly.
The castle itself exuded historic grandeur—high stone walls, elegant towers, and a wide moat surrounding its perimeter. Only a drawbridge provided access.
The area outside the castle buzzed with activity. Trainers arrived by the minute, descending from their mounts. Groups gathered on the grassy lawn, laughing and chatting about their journeys. Dozens of food vendors had set up stalls, lending the scene a festival-like atmosphere that Rex hadn't expected.
They didn't linger long.
Crossing the drawbridge, they entered the castle grounds—and were greeted by a lush garden filled with blooming flowers and well-tended shrubs. Several playful, small Pokémon ran about the paths, treating the garden like their playground.
Elesa immediately drew attention. Being both a Gym Leader and a famous fashion icon, it was no surprise.
"Miss Elesa, welcome," a sharp-looking man in a tailcoat and glasses stepped forward and bowed. "We've been expecting you."
"Hello, Darach," Elesa replied. "Is Caitlin already inside?"
"She's been waiting," he said, then turned to Rex and Mira with a polite nod before gesturing for them to follow.
Rex recognized the name—Darach was more than just a butler. He was also the Frontier Brain of the Battle Castle, the one responsible for its day-to-day operations. As a high-ranking trainer in his own right, Darach managed things while Caitlin fulfilled her duties as a member of Unova's Elite Four.
Soon, Darach led them to the top floor of the castle. There, in a lavishly furnished parlor, a few guests were already seated and conversing.
Rex was stunned when he recognized two of them: Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh, and Diantha, the Champion of Kalos.
Either one would be a rare sight—seeing both in the same room was surreal.
There was also a muscular, dark-skinned man with bright blond hair. Though Rex didn't recognize him, the man's aura spoke volumes—this was someone deeply accomplished in the martial path, a true Fighting-type master.
"Rex, I didn't expect to see you here," Cynthia said warmly, giving him a smile.
"I'm just as surprised," he replied with a respectful nod. "It's been a while, Miss Cynthia."
"You know Cynthia?" Caitlin said, raising an eyebrow. "Then I'm glad I invited you."
She'd extended the invitation to Rex on a whim, more impressed by the berries he grew than his battle prowess. She hadn't expected him to be on a first-name basis with the Sinnoh Champion.
"I stayed at Rex's farm for a while," Cynthia added with a teasing grin.
A wave of curiosity swept through the room. Diantha raised her brows in surprise. Even Caitlin seemed intrigued.
Especially Diantha—Cynthia was both a rival and a friend, and this was the first time she'd mentioned staying with a young trainer like that.
"Alright, alright," Cynthia laughed. "Let's all introduce ourselves properly."
Rex was relieved when the attention shifted. One by one, the others introduced themselves. He finally learned the blond-haired man's identity—Marshal, the Fighting-type Elite Four member from Unova.
With so many powerful trainers gathered in one place, Rex couldn't help but feel anticipation rising in his chest.
The tournament was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)