How many tactical plans were prepared?
When Rika asked this question, Aiden was also a bit bewildered.
He didn't know how to answer this question either...
Because the system had hinted, he knew his opponent in the gym assessment would most likely be Rika and her Clodsire.
After that, he spent considerable effort every day figuring out how to counter it.
Clodsire only had so many moves; he made corresponding countermeasures for everything he could think of. But since this was his first battle against a Champion-level opponent, he really had no confidence...
In the end, one thing was proven:
In the face of overwhelming strength, tactics might help a little, but not much.
His attribute-locking tactic indeed caused Rika some headaches, and the counters to various possible moves were effective, but relying on these to win was still too difficult.
From the moment he discovered Clodsire using Stockpile, his pre-battle arrangements had already collapsed, and he was mostly relying on quick thinking to save the day.
Fortunately, Riolu was decisive enough, and if Rika hadn't revealed a flaw that was seized upon, it probably would have been very hard to win...
Is this really the level that a newcomer like him can challenge?
Thinking about this, Aiden couldn't help but doubt whether there was something wrong with the difficulty judgment of the system task.
According to the task description, defeating at least one of Rika's Pokémon was considered passing...
How did the other gym leaders pass this assessment?
Could it be that I'm the only incompetent one?
"Well, let's talk about this issue later."
Seeing Aiden's expression change continuously, Geeta stepped forward appropriately and broke the originally silent atmosphere.
"Then this assessment is over. The specific results will be announced in the league group after all the gym leaders' assessments are completed."
Aiden nodded, indicating understanding.
After all, the main purpose of this gym assessment was to fill the eight-gym slots, naturally selecting the best from the best.
With Rika holding back, even fighting so hard against her, he basically barely passed...
The smaller the ability, the smaller the responsibility. Such tasks should be left to those older ones who are still in their prime!
...
"What do you think of that kid?"
After leaving the Sunlight Gym, Geeta looked at Rika and asked.
Rika didn't reply, just rolled her eyes slightly to express her inner dissatisfaction.
What else could she think?
Could she say that this small gym leader who defeated her ace with two baby Pokémon was not strong enough?
Then what level would she, as a league Elite Four member, be if one of her main forces got countered...
This was her first failure in a gym assessment, which felt a bit like rubbing salt into her wound.
However, despite her complaints about Geeta pointing out her wounds, Rika finally organized her words and spoke calmly:
"In terms of talent alone, he is absolutely above Grusha and Iono, especially in preparation before the battle and quick thinking during the battle, completely unlike a beginner just starting out."
"But Aiden is indeed a new trainer. With the strength of his two current Pokémon, there is still a gap to qualify as a member of the main Eight Gym circuit, the starting point for the Victory Road assessment."
This was the most contradictory point Rika found in Aiden.
It could be determined that he started breeding Pokémon only about half a month ago, so it was normal that his overall strength was relatively weak.
Even champions generally need one or two years of growth; there's no such thing as sudden enlightenment where one's Pokémon suddenly evolve from babies to being able to cut through the entire league.
But if he lacked combat experience, where did his rich theoretical knowledge and application abilities come from?
Perhaps it can only be explained by talent.
The children of two elite trainers were originally trained as successors to gym leaders, so they must have received plenty of education in this area from a young age, which makes sense.
However, being able to fully apply all Pokémon-related knowledge solely through self-study under extreme lack of combat experience itself reflects talent.
It's like a pure monster born for battles.
"It seems our thoughts are quite similar."
After hearing Rika's complaints, Geeta couldn't help but smile.
Their perspectives may differ, but the result was surprisingly consistent.
Aiden's talent is undoubtedly the strongest among the new generation and deserves special attention.
"The position of gym leader itself provides a lot of combat experience for some young people, helping them quickly establish their direction."
"Although, measured by the standards of a 'main Eight Gyms' leader, he still falls short for now, but don't forget, he still has a long time ahead to grow rapidly."
Upon Geeta's explanation, Rika then realized her meaning.
This gym assessment was advanced by two months because Brassius suddenly went off on his own, but next year's Victory Road is still on schedule.
Before the new semester starts next year, Aiden still has at least two months.
With the talent he's shown now, plus the gradually accumulating popularity of the Sunlight Gym, there will be no shortage of students challenging him.
By then, who knows what level he might reach.
At the very least, being a gym leader should be more than enough.
"Since that's the case, do the other gyms still need to be assessed?"
Understanding Geeta's implication, Rika decisively asked.
She realized it now—perhaps even this gym assessment was arranged specifically for Aiden.
Maybe from the moment Larry recommended him, Geeta had already planned to pave the way for the younger generation.
Otherwise, with Geeta's authority as the Top Champion, she could have directly rejected Brassius's leave application, and none of this would have happened.
From the start, this was a fixed target!
"Of course, even if the answer is predetermined, the process still needs to be followed."
Geeta smiled slightly, everything was implied without words.
Once this batch of the league's new generation grows up, perhaps Paldea can slowly recover from setbacks.
...
"Achoo!"
After gratefully seeing off Geeta, the sun of Paldea, and her loyal subordinate, Elite Four member Rika, Aiden suddenly sneezed while standing at the entrance of the gym.
Strange, why do I suddenly feel like I've been arranged...
It must be an illusion.
Aiden shook his head and turned back into the gym's living room.
"You're amazing, Teacher Aiden, that was Lady Rika of the Elite Four!"
Nemona's eyes were already full of admiration; she always respected powerful trainers immensely.
"Hmm... Anyway, the gym should be safe now."
Aiden exhaled in relief; the biggest crisis around him had been resolved.
Phew, one step further and I might have ended up as a son-in-law in Sinnoh!
At this moment, several lines of text began to float before Aiden's eyes again.
Looks like the system task was completed?
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