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May never expected that Mammon would challenge her father.
Speaking of which, it's true...
Because she hadn't seen Mammon's name among the top ranks of the World Championship, she subconsciously assumed that Mammon wasn't interested in the World Championship and hadn't participated.
So, Mammon is ranked lower down?
May, of course, wouldn't check the Trainers ranked behind her; after all, her focus would only be on those at the top of the rankings.
And if she remembered correctly, her father's current ranking was 78th. So, Mammon's ranking is even lower than 78th?
How exactly did the Alliance rank them?
May was stunned.
"The ranking battles start tomorrow. May, you can come and watch then," Mammon said with a smile to May.
He still maintained his friendly demeanor, but May was now awkwardly chuckling.
Go and watch? Go and watch you abuse my father?
May grumbled inwardly, but grumbling aside, she still had to go and watch this battle.
After bidding farewell to May, Mammon and the others returned to their hotel.
May, on the other hand, immediately rushed to the Petalburg Gym. At the same time, she was contemplating whether or not to tell Steven about this.
Meanwhile, in Ever Grande City, inside the Alliance building...
"Steven, I've been challenged again."
Mr. Wallace's Handsome face was filled with worry as he looked at the system message on his World Championship app, his tone full of lament.
"Someone challenged you again?"
Steven was taken aback by the news.
Wallace had just been challenged by Blue a few days ago. To be targeted again so quickly? Steven admired this speed.
"Yes, this time it's Drayton from Unova," Wallace said, very troubled.
"Drayton? I remember he's Drayden's grandson, and a Top Executive of Team Rockets."
Steven recalled the information about Drayton.
"If I remember correctly, he's a Dragon-type specialist Trainer, and his ace is Archaludon."
"That's right, it's him," Wallace pouted.
"These young people, really, they don't show any consideration for their seniors."
"You'd better prepare well. To be a Top Executive of Team Rockets, his strength certainly can't be underestimated."
Steven reminded Wallace.
"You already lost to Blue before. If you lose again this time, it won't be good for your reputation."
Losing once could be called a fluke, but if he lost twice in a row to rising stars, Wallace's reputation would definitely be affected, and public opinion would grow.
"Heh~ Steven, you might be underestimating me too much," Wallace scoffed.
"Blue, well, that junior is indeed very strong. I'm not as good as him."
"But this Drayton was still a student last year, and he's a Dragon-type Trainer, while I, Wallace!"
Wallace proudly lifted his head.
"Although I am an artist of water, water and ice are inseparable. In this battle, the advantage is mine!"
"Steven, just you wait and see how I suppress this Drayton!"
"Coincidentally, he's also from Team Rockets. I love battling Team Rockets the most!"
Wallace was clearly very confident about this battle. He was Wallace! The former Hoenn Champion.
Do you think I'm easy to bully just because I lost to Blue once?
He would let that Drayton know that he picked the wrong person!
Steven's expression was very strange at the news, and his gaze towards Wallace became a bit nuanced.
"Well, if you're confident, that's for the best."
Steven hesitated to speak further, but after thinking about it, it wasn't appropriate to dampen Wallace's spirits now. He still hoped he would win.
Otherwise, not only Wallace himself, but the reputation of the Hoenn region might also be affected.
"Hmph hmph~ I'll win, don't worry, Steven."
Mr. Wallace declared with an elegant and self-satisfied smile.
Beep, beep, beep~
Just then, Steven's phone rang.
"Hello? May, what's wrong?"
Steven glanced at it; it was May calling.
"Mr. Steven! I have big news!" May's clear voice came through the phone, reaching Steven and Wallace's ears.
"Mammon is in Petalburg City right now!"
"What?"
Steven didn't react much to the news, but Wallace exclaimed first.
"Why is that inherently evil fellow in Hoenn again?"
Wallace still 'loved' Mammon as much as ever.
Steven gave Wallace a helpless look.
"He's here to challenge my father! Mammon also participated in the World Championship, but it seems his ranking isn't high, so he'll have a ranking battle with my father tomorrow."
May's tone couldn't help but be a little strange.
"Huh?" Wallace was startled. He exchanged a glance with Steven, who also looked surprised.
"May, are you saying Mammon will have a ranking battle with Gym Leader Norman tomorrow?"
After a moment of hesitation, Steven decided it was better to confirm, as the news was truly astonishing.
"Yes, isn't it incredible? But Mammon told me himself, and I just asked my father, and it's really Mammon's ranking challenge against him tomorrow."
May replied immediately.
Silence fell. Steven and Wallace were both silent.
"Tsk~ Mammon, that guy is too mischievous. He must have deliberately ranked low so he could challenge others easily."
Wallace, as expected, instantly analyzed Mammon's intentions.
"Otherwise, if he really wanted to participate in the World Championship, he could easily be ranked No. 1."
Wallace stated with certainty. Although the initial rankings usually place Trainers from the home region within the initial Eight Masters, Mammon's strength was truly too immense. If it weren't for Mammon's own wishes, even Charles Goodshow wouldn't be able to place Mammon's ranking in the middle or lower tiers.
So Wallace was certain that, with Mammon's mischievous personality, this ranking was definitely his own decision.
"Perhaps." Steven had a bit of a headache. Did this mean he might also be chosen by Mammon for a challenge later?
But that was for the future. The key now was... "Should we go and watch?"
Steven asked Wallace. A battle between Mammon and Norman, of course, had no suspense.
But that didn't stop them from going to watch it live, did it?
"Go! We must go!"
Mr. Wallace's voice was extremely firm.
Time came to the next day.
On a battlefield in Petalburg City, the entire arena was already surrounded by many people.
"Hello, hello everyone, who's here to tell the story? Iono is here!"
Iono, wearing delicate light makeup, spun around happily for the camera, greeting everyone with a cheerful smile.
As she started her broadcast, many people had already joined her livestream.
"I'm in Petalburg City in the Hoenn region right now! And today's livestream subject is the Handsome Mammon~"
"He's about to have a ranking challenge, and his target is Mr. Norman, the Gym Leader of Petalburg City. Hmm~ he's a very strong Gym Leader."
"It's said that he's been nominated as a candidate for the Hoenn Elite Four, so he's a very outstanding Gym Leader."
Iono introduced while having her Rotom phone film the surroundings.
"You can see that Mr. Norman's popularity is quite high. So many people have come to watch this battle."
"Wow!! Look over there! Even the Hoenn Champion, Mr. Steven, and the former Champion, Mr. Wallace, are here!! Super~ super eye-catching!"
Iono quickly noticed Steven and Wallace standing with May on the side, and her eyes immediately lit up.
Both Steven and Wallace had highly recognizable features, so Iono recognized them at a glance.
And undoubtedly, the appearance of Steven and Wallace made the livestream much more lively.
Of course, Mammon was unaware of all this.
At this moment, the staff responsible for the World Championship procedures had already confirmed the identities of the two Trainers.
The referee began to enter the field. Mammon stood in the Trainer's position, and opposite him, Norman, dressed in casual clothes, had also entered.
He was a lean, slender middle-aged man with a determined face and sharp eyes; he was clearly no ordinary person.
Indeed, as May's father and a candidate for the Hoenn Elite Four, his aura was truly extraordinary.
Or rather, with Wallace no longer serving as the Sootopolis Gym Leader, Norman could truly be called the strongest Gym Leader in the Hoenn region.
"Now, we will proceed with the World Championship ranking challenge."
"The challenger is Mammon from Kanto, currently ranked No. 102. The defender is Norman, currently ranked No. 78."
"The battle rule is 3-on-3. When all three Pokémon of one side are rendered unable to battle, the other side wins."
"Let the battle begin!"
The referee announced the battle rules and then slowly exited the field.
"I really didn't expect someone to challenge Gym Leader Norman again."
"Isn't this perfect? We get to see Mr. Norman's Slaking again! Mr. Norman's Slaking is super strong!"
"This person named Mammon is so Handsome~!"
"Hiss~ Mammon, I think I've heard that name before. Isn't he the leader of Team Rockets?"
The onlookers discussed in hushed tones. Most of them were local citizens of Petalburg City, mainly there to see Norman.
After all, as the Gym Leader of Petalburg City, Norman was considered their pride.
"Mammon, right? Your name precedes you."
Norman crossed his arms, his steady eyes fixed on Mammon, not letting the surrounding chatter bother him.
Honestly, he was incredibly cautious at this moment.
It was fine that the ordinary citizens didn't know, but he was well aware that Mammon was the boss of Team Rockets, a Trainer who truly stood at the pinnacle of the world.
How to put it?
The pressure... was immense.
"It's an honor. I've admired Gym Leader Norman for a long time. I'm very happy to be able to battle you today."
Mammon replied with a smile, very courteously.
Wallace:?
Wallace's face crumpled into a frown. Looking at the gentle-mannered young man, this was so unlike Mammon!
"I'm also honored to battle a Trainer like you, but..."
Feeling Mammon's goodwill, Norman's pressure eased a bit, but his face immediately became even more serious.
"As a Trainer, I will do my utmost to face this battle! Mammon, I hope you will also give your all!"
"Of course. I also hope to see your limits, Mr. Norman."
Mammon's lips slowly curved upwards, and a Poké Ball in his hand enlarged.
"Well then... it's time to get down to business. Mr. Norman, have you ever experienced power from the ancient future?"
"?"
Norman was stunned by the words. What was that supposed to mean?
"Then, please enjoy this power from ancient times, possessing primitiveness and fundamental nature."
Mammon casually tossed out his first Poké Ball.
"My first Pokémon is it."
"Flutter Mane! Prepare for battle!"