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"Mm, no need to see us off, we know the way. We'll head out on our own…"
Early the next morning, after spending the night, Liam and Delia bid farewell to Max and Lina, preparing to head to the Goldenrod Gym in the city for a Gym Challenge.
"Hey, Max, take this. Give it to Charizard to drink later—it should heal its injuries."
As they were leaving, Liam pulled two Full Restores out of his backpack and shoved them into Max's hands with a smile.
Hearing that these two medicines could heal Charizard's wounds, Max didn't hesitate to accept them. His eyes shone with gratitude as he looked at Liam.
"Ugh—don't look at me like that! You're giving me goosebumps! I can't stand it! Bye now, let's meet again sometime!"
Unable to endure Max's gaze any longer, Liam shivered, grabbed Delia's hand, and dashed away.
...….
"Liam, where are we going now?"
After running all the way to the bottom of the apartment building, Delia tilted her head and asked.
"What do you think? Of course to the Gym Challenge! Unless you'd rather go sightseeing first. I don't mind either way."
Liam was easygoing about their next step.
"Gym! Gym! I want to go to the Gym first! I'm going to earn my third Badge! Lets hurry!"
Without even thinking, Delia chose the Gym Challenge, happily dragging Liam along without caring where the Gym actually was.
"Delia! You're running the wrong way! The Gym's over there!"
Speechless, Liam quickly grabbed her and pointed toward another street.
"Oh! Hehe… Let's go!"
And once again, Liam was pulled along as Delia bolted toward the Gym. As they ran, Liam looked at the beaming Delia leading the way and couldn't help but smile.
Since they'd set out together, he noticed how much she had changed. She had become more cheerful, more confident, more outgoing than before—and yes, even more charming. …Wait, something feels off about that. Well, no need to nitpick the details.
Goldenrod City was a highly developed metropolis, filled with skyscrapers. The Goldenrod Gym matched the city's style, built like a towering office building.
"Hello, we're here for a Gym Challenge. Is this a good time?"
After entering the building, Delia dashed straight to the front desk and stated their purpose.
"Understood. Please wait, I'll notify the Gym Leader right away."
The receptionist, a girl in a cute uniform, quickly picked up the phone and reported. After a short conversation, she smiled, put the receiver down, and stepped out from behind the desk.
"The Gym Leader has accepted your challenge. Please follow me. He'll be waiting on the battlefield."
She bowed politely and led Liam and Delia onward.
After several minutes through winding corridors, they entered a large, dimly lit room. At its center was a flat battlefield. When the girl switched on the rest of the lights, a figure appeared at the far end.
"Haha! I knew it was you, kid! Yesterday's battle was incredible—too bad we didn't get to finish the last round. You're really strong. If it's you, then I'll have to give my all today! Hahaha, just thinking about it gets me excited!"
The laughing man stepped into the light—it was none other than Mr. Howard, whom they'd met last night. His eyes glowed with anticipation as he looked at Liam.
"Ah… Mr. Howard, we meet again. I'm honored to be here, but…"
Liam scratched the corner of his mouth, a little awkward, and began to explain—but before he could finish—
"Hey, old man! Today's challenger is me! Liam's just here to watch. I'm the star today!"
Delia bounced forward with a confident grin, cutting Liam off.
"Oh? You're not battling? What a pity…"
Howard's expression immediately fell, disappointment clear on his face.
"Hey! What's with that look? I'm strong too, you know!"
Delia pouted at his reaction.
"Oh? And how many Badges do you have, young lady?" Howard asked, curiosity returning.
"This will be my third!" Delia declared proudly.
"Good spirit! Very well, then let's get started. Since you only have two Badges, we'll battle two-on-two. But don't expect me to hold back. Show me whether your strength matches your confidence!"
Delia's fiery determination lit up Howard's fighting spirit. With that, he strode to his position and threw out a PokeBall.
"Aipom~!"
From the flash of light emerged an Aipom, balancing on its tail and grinning mischievously at Delia.
"This is my first Pokémon, Aipom. Goldenrod Gym specializes in Normal-types. Remember, Normal is the best, the strongest! So, little girl, are you ready?"
Howard's smile widened as he waited to see her response.
"Hmph! Of course I'm ready. Aipom, huh? Cute, but I won't go easy! Go, Riolu! Time to shine!"
Delia tossed her PokeBall, and a flash of light revealed Riolu. The sky-blue Pokémon landed with a serious expression, its sharp eyes locking immediately onto Aipom.
"Oh-ho! A Riolu, eh? That's a rare one. I'd only ever heard of it during my travels—never thought I'd see the real thing today. Fascinating!"
Howard's excitement grew as he laughed heartily. By now, the receptionist girl had taken her place as referee, flags in hand, her expression serious.
"Goldenrod Gym Challenge! Aipom versus Riolu! Trainers ready… Battle, begin!"
"Alright, Riolu, let's go! Show the power of your training! Charge in with Quick Attack!"
"Rii!"
At Delia's command, Riolu crouched low like a sprinter at the starting line, then exploded forward in a streak of light, dashing straight toward the grinning Aipom.
The battle had begun!