November 14th, Friday.
The day of the gym assessment, pre-announced by the Top Champion of Paldea, Geeta, had finally arrived.
Early in the morning, Aiden and Nemona were sitting in the gym, waiting.
"So nervous..."
Nemona's hands were tightly clenched into fists, her gaze occasionally drifting towards the closed door; she was clearly on edge.
Seeing her so flustered, Aiden couldn't help but chuckle:
"Isn't it me who's being assessed? Why are you so nervous?"
"But if the gym assessment isn't passed, then the Sunlight Gym won't be able to continue operating, right!"
Nemona's expression was extremely serious.
Although she had only known Aiden for less than ten days, this big brother, who could almost be considered her teacher, commanded a great deal of respect from her.
Whether as a gym leader or a trainer, he was nearly the perfect template.
Unconsciously, Nemona seemed to have taken him as her benchmark for progress.
If she could learn even half of what Teacher Aiden knew, winning a championship wouldn't be a problem!
"Don't worry, it's just a routine assessment. If they just want a passing grade, the League shouldn't go too hard."
Aiden responded calmly.
Initially, he was quite anxious, but after sorting things out, his perspective broadened.
The problem is significant, but panicking won't help.
And...
According to the system's information prompt, his opponent indeed would be Paldea's Elite Four member, Rika, but nowhere did it say he had to defeat her!
From the start, his ultimate goal was simply to win against one of Rika's Pokémon.
Aiden speculated that this was likely the passing criterion for the gym assessment.
As for the Eight gyms, that wasn't something a newcomer like him, still raising two baby Pokémon, should be worrying about.
No failing grades = Success!
Therefore, for the almost guaranteed starter, Clodsire, he had made comprehensive preparations and now awaited practical testing.
With advance knowledge of many details, his operational space had greatly increased.
Information disparity is precisely the reason for dominance!
About half an hour later, there was a knock at the door.
The first person to walk in wasn't the sharply dressed woman Aiden imagined, but...
A figure in a black suit with long black hair flowing freely behind them.
"President Geeta..."
Aiden never expected that such an ordinary gym assessment would actually bring out the league's chief champion?
According to procedure, one examiner and referee should suffice...
After Geeta entered the gym, Rika followed closely behind.
"No need to be nervous, Mr. Aiden."
Noticing the astonishment on Aiden and Nemona's faces, Geeta smiled kindly and explained:
"Because the assessment time was moved up, the League temporarily doesn't have extra manpower, so I'll act as a judge this time. Just consider me an ordinary staff member."
"Got it."
Aiden nodded.
Though this reason was absurd, it was also quite realistic.
Since gym leaders were considered pillars of their region, naturally much thought went into selecting assessors. Having an Elite Four member as examiner spoke volumes.
Moreover, there weren't many elite trainers in the Paldea League; even Larry was promoted from a gym leader to a part-time Elite Four member.
"As for the examiner, that'll be me. Let's get started quickly!"
Unlike Geeta's calm demeanor, Rika strode forward confidently, locking eyes with Aiden.
At a glance, she could tell Larry's judgment was spot on.
Though outwardly composed and humble, the pride and ease revealed in his eyes were unmistakable.
Like a proud lion surveying its territory.
And it seemed he genuinely believed he could pass the assessment easily?
How interesting.
Rika's lips curled slightly upward.
Upon learning from Larry that such a promising young trainer was hiding in Cabo Poco, she and Geeta had been keeping an eye on him these past few days.
Aside from the rising popularity of the Sunlight Gym in Naranja Academy and even across the Paldea region, his other identity was even more striking.
A streamer focused on tactical teaching with excellent command skills, continuously expanding his influence while consecutively defeating several gym leaders and Elite Four members from other regions.
Even Kanto's Dragon Envoy had stumbled under his hands.
Solid command foundation, boundless creativity, calm and decisive decision-making, and absolute confidence in his abilities.
Looking at this kid, his talents were practically overflowing off the screen!
Even having seen countless prodigies, Rika had to admit, this kid was absolutely unique.
Had it not been for the previous accident, perhaps he would already be an outstanding trainer.
With proper nurturing, Aiden's future achievements might not be limited to Elite Four or Champion; he might even have hopes of winning the Master Tournament!
Thus, even Geeta became interested, planning to observe his performance as a gym leader up close.
"Based on the Pokémon Aiden currently holds, this assessment will be 2v2, with the gym leader going first. Any objections?"
After taking her position on the battlefield, Rika spoke again.
"None."
Aiden nodded once more.
"Then let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point."
Rika flashed a confident smile and raised a Poké Ball.
"This child will be my starter!"
After a flash of red light, a deep brown, chubby fish with a seemingly harmless, dopey face appeared.
After locking eyes with Clodsire, Aiden instinctively shivered.
Despite its innocuous appearance, this thing's playstyle was notoriously dirty, a staple in defensive teams!
And Rika's Clodsire was several times larger than the average one, clearly indicating it was from her main team…
To use a main Pokémon against a novice-level gym leader—unethical!
But...
Seemingly 2v2, it was actually 2v1.
You didn't expect it, but from the start, my target wasn't to win the assessment—it was this Clodsire!
The main eight-gym position is too hot for someone my age to handle; it's better left to the older, more experienced gym leaders.
"It's decided! Eevee, it's your turn!"
Noticing that although Aiden was momentarily shocked, he didn't say much, instead appearing even more excited.
Geeta's appreciative look became more evident.
Could it be that he predicted Rika would send out Clodsire?
It must be remembered that the gap between Elite Four members and gym leaders was huge. Generally, aside from retired veterans, those who can defeat two of an Elite Four member's Pokémon in a 6v6 battle are considered elites.
Yet Aiden's eyes clearly regarded Rika's ace as prey...
As far as she knew, Aiden only had two initial Pokémon whose strengths weren't particularly notable.
Before this, several gym leaders had undergone the same assessment, but even those with stronger capabilities hadn't broken through Clodsire, this wall of despair.
Could this kid do it?
With this thought in mind, Geeta slowly raised his right hand and brought it down sharply.
"Then..."
"The assessment begins!"
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