Gary arrived at the entrance to the Sunyshore Gym.
He knocked on the doorbell, and a calm, mechanical female voice echoed through the intercom.
"Hello. What is your purpose for visiting the Sunyshore Gym?"
Gary frowned slightly. The voice was clearly artificial.
The Sunyshore Gym had undergone a complete technological transformation under Volkner's personal supervision. Everything inside—from the lighting to the battlefield systems—had been mechanized and automated by his high-level AI engineering. Volkner's talent in technology wasn't just impressive; it was nearly unmatched in the Pokémon world.
"Hello," Gary replied evenly. "I'm here to challenge the Sunyshore Gym."
"Understood," the voice responded. "Please proceed inside."
As Gary entered, he noticed a cold metallic cabinet to his left that resembled a freezer. Without prompting, the device hummed to life, the door sliding open to reveal a large number of Beacon Badges neatly stacked inside.
Gary blinked. "Huh. Really?"
He had expected something like this after hearing rumors about Volkner's mood, but it still felt odd to see the Gym's badges simply lying in a vending machine.
Volkner's Gym was famous throughout the Sinnoh Region. Despite being one of the most advanced facilities in existence, the Leader himself had grown apathetic about battling. Tired of routine challengers, Volkner had automated the badge distribution process.
Gary frowned. What's the point of the region's strongest Gym if you don't even battle? Isn't this the same as Cerulean Gym back when Misty's sisters were handing out badges like party favors?
He asked aloud, "So wait, I just... take one? That's it?"
"For all registered challengers," said the soft electronic voice, "there is no need for combat at this time. Simply claim your Badge."
Gary sighed. "Alright, fine."
He reached into the cabinet, pulled out a single Beacon Badge, and inspected its glossy metallic design.
"System," Gary murmured under his breath. "I've obtained the Sunyshore Badge. Does that complete my task?"
A digital chime sounded in his head.
[Ding! If you do not earn a Gym Badge through an official Gym battle, the mission cannot be completed.]
Gary froze. "Wait—what!?"
He had assumed obtaining the badge, by any means, would satisfy the system's criteria. Clearly, he was wrong.
"Great," he muttered dryly. "Looks like I actually have to fight the Gym—if the machine ever wakes up again."
He slid the badge back into its drawer and turned toward the exit. "Guess I'll wait until Volkner feels like battling again," he said with a sigh.
Then, with a small smirk, he added under his breath, "Well, at least Ash can save this headache."
The Next Morning
Gary soared northward on Garchomp, heading toward the coldest part of Sinnoh. Hours later, the lush coastal skies turned gray, and bitter winds scraped across the clouds. Snow began to scatter over the white expanse below.
"Snowpoint City," he murmured, feeling the drop in temperature as his breath fogged.
Once Garchomp grew sluggish in the harsh cold, Gary released Articuno, whose mighty wings shimmered with frost. The Legendary Ice-type carried him swiftly toward the snow-covered Gym City surrounded by frozen trees.
After nearly three hours, Gary touched down at Snowpoint City, home of the Snowpoint Gym.
He wasn't rushing to challenge the Gym Leader immediately. Experience had taught him patience. Instead, he stopped by the local Pokémon Center to inquire about the Gym's schedule.
Joy at the counter smiled warmly. "You must be the Trainer from Kanto," she said. "Our Gym Leader here, Candice, also teaches classes at the Pokémon Trainers' School nearby. Her lessons run Monday through Friday. She only accepts challengers on weekends."
Gary raised an eyebrow. "So even Gym Leaders have regular school hours. That's… surprisingly normal."
"If you want to challenge her," Joy added, "you'll need to schedule an appointment. Candice strictly manages challengers to make sure she can prepare her students to observe each match."
Gary groaned quietly. "Rules, rules, and more rules…"
He'd challenged many Gyms across multiple regions, but this was the first time he had to book an appointment to battle.
After lunch, Gary climbed onto his Cyclizar—his motorcycle lizard Pokémon—and rode through the snowy streets toward the Snowpoint Gym. Despite the freezing temperatures, Cyclizar's speed only dipped slightly; its warm core energy kept its body functioning efficiently even in snow. Steam puffed gently from its tailpipes as it zipped through icy lanes, making local children gasp and cheer.
When he arrived, the wide sliding doors of the Snowpoint Gym opened automatically, revealing a warmly lit hall.
A Gym assistant was waiting at the counter. She looked up as Gary stepped inside, rubbing his gloved hands from the cold.
"Welcome. How may I assist you, Trainer?"
Gary approached the counter confidently. "I'm here to register an official Gym Challenge against Candice. I understand I need an appointment?"
"That's correct," she said cheerfully. "Could I please see your Trainer credentials?"
Gary took out his Pokédex, displaying his Kanto Region registration and Sinnoh visitor license.
"Oh, a Kanto Trainer!" the woman said in mild surprise. "Are you planning to use Pokémon from the Kanto region for your challenge?"
Gary arched one eyebrow. "Does it make a difference?"
"Not at all," she laughed lightly. "Just curiosity."
She tapped on a sleek touchscreen. "Alright, Mr. Gary Oak… I'll schedule your official Gym battle for tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. Will that work for you?"
"No problem," Gary replied.
She nodded. "Excellent. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes early."
Gary gave a brief smile. "Got it."
With the appointment set, he left the Gym and found lodging for the night at the Snowpoint Lodge.
Tomorrow, another step toward the League.
The Following Morning
Gary arrived at the Gym right on time, twenty minutes early.
As he entered the brightly lit arena, he was surprised to see an unusual crowd. Dozens of small children—most appearing around five or six years old—sat on the floor in organized rows, whispering excitedly.
Gary blinked. "Uh… did I walk into a nursery instead of a Gym?"
One of the little boys pointed. "Teacher! Is he the challenger?"
The woman standing nearby turned at the sound. She had long, dark blue hair tied neatly in twin braids, wearing a white coat trimmed with fur—Candice, the Snowpoint Gym Leader herself.
The Gym assistant stepped forward and said, "Candice, this is the Trainer who made an appointment yesterday. His name is Gary."
Candice smiled brightly and approached. "Hello! I'm Candice, the Snowpoint Gym Leader. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, go easy on me!"
Gary chuckled. "I'll do my best."
Behind her, one of the children whispered, "Teacher, are you going to beat him fast again?"
Candice flushed slightly. "Hey, that's not polite! Every challenger deserves respect."
She turned to Gary apologetically. "Sorry—my students are full of energy today. I teach them Pokémon fundamentals at the Trainers' School. I let them observe real battles to learn about tactics and sportsmanship."
Gary smiled faintly. "That's fine. I don't mind an audience."
Candice nodded. "Good. The Gym battle will start shortly—and just so you know, it will be public. I like my students to see how Trainers face real pressure."
Gary smirked. "Pressure doesn't bother me."
Candice gestured for her students to take their seats near the viewing area while she and Gary moved to opposite ends of the battlefield.
The crystalline ice floor gleamed beneath them, light refracting in shining blue currents. Breath clouds misted in the air from the chill.
From the audience, a cheeky boy called out, "Hey, Mr. Trainer! Are you strong enough to beat Teacher Candice?"
Gary smirked, not taking the bait. He knew the type—mouthy kids trying to sound brave in front of their friends.
"Speak up!" another shouted. "Are you scared?"
"I think he's too nervous to talk!" a girl giggled.
"Hahaha!" the chorus of voices echoed across the frosty room.
Gary stood, silent but smiling, focused entirely on the field ahead. His calmness only seemed to make the kids heckle louder.
Then Candice clapped her hands sharply. "Alright! Quiet now, everyone!"
Instant silence.
Her authority filled the room effortlessly.
She turned back to Gary with a friendly but firm smile. "Don't mind them. They're good kids—just a little too enthusiastic."
"No problem," Gary said. "I've handled worse crowds at Professor Oak's summer camps."
Candice laughed. "Then we're in for a fair match."
The referee stepped forward, raising a flag. "This battle is between the challenger, Gary Oak, and the Snowpoint Gym Leader, Candice! Each side will use three Pokémon! The battle begins—now!"