"Amazing, Miss Nessa!"
"If you win the next battle against Mr. Gordie, Miss Nessa will qualify for the Champion Cup!"
"To be able to enter the Champion Cup in her first year, is the second Raihan of the Galar League emerging in front of our eyes!?"
The spectators on the stands enthusiastically discussed the just-concluded match, giving extremely high praise to Nessa's unexpected victory.
After all, before the match began, almost no one would have bet on this young gym leader.
Even many viewers thought that under the dual pressures of a vast gap in battle experience and type disadvantages, as long as Nessa didn't get completely crushed like in previous matches, it would already count as a success.
And this sudden magnificent victory announced the return of the Pearl from Hulbury.
After defeating her biggest opponent, her next goal is naturally—
To advance to the Champion Cup!
Even though there's still a gap before defeating that monstrous champion, it's foreseeable that Nessa will become a pillar of the league in the future!
"Victory..."
Returning to the lounge from the player tunnel, Nessa finally came to her senses, instinctively patting her cheeks to regain spirit.
The time of the just-finished battle wasn't long, but she had been fully tense throughout, not even realizing when sweat had dripped from her temples.
Before the match, she thought it would be another incredibly difficult battle like before.
But it turned out unexpectedly easy?
This feeling of victory made Nessa feel wonderful.
Applause thundered, cheers erupted; the most glorious moment for a gym leader is—
All the efforts up to now were not in vain, ultimately turning into a beautiful and melodious victory tune.
There wouldn't be a better sight than this.
Taking advantage of the break while the audience was leaving in an orderly fashion, Nessa opened her phone, intending to share the joy of victory with her friends.
Of course, she also wanted to include Teacher Azure, who provided crucial advice.
If he hadn't enlightened her, perhaps she would still be trapped in her own self-imposed shackles and unable to escape.
There wouldn't have been this delightful victory for both body and mind.
Opening PokéTV, before she could refresh the homepage, Nessa first received a private message from "Azure Wing."
[Azure Wing: Miss Nessa, congratulations on winning such a beautiful victory.
Seeing my suggestions being adopted and playing a significant role in the battle, I am proud of it too.
However, while cheering and celebrating for Miss Nessa, I noticed you seemed to have chosen Kingdra as the team's blind spot filler?
Coincidentally, I know a little about this Pokémon. If you're interested, welcome to the live stream tomorrow night for an exchange and learning experience~]
Such a strange writing style, it feels like he's handling official business.
He could be more relaxed and natural...
After carefully reading the message Teacher Azure sent, Nessa couldn't help but silently complain in her heart.
But she didn't pay much attention to it. After all, they indeed had no real connection, just a coincidental encounter in the game.
Compared to these, Nessa was more concerned about his latter statement.
"Kingdra's usage techniques..."
Nessa muttered to herself.
Among the proud dragon Pokémon, Kingdra was relatively easier to obtain.
Its initial form, Horsea, although not as common as Magikarp, was still widely distributed.
She knew that this Teacher Azure, who refused to reveal his face, was actually a gym leader in the Paldea region and was knowledgeable about many Pokémon, so it was normal for him to know Kingdra's battle techniques.
As for what Teacher Azure called "knowing a little," Nessa remained skeptical.
[Nessa: Okay, I'm looking forward to it!]
After replying briefly, she prepared to stand up and leave, but suddenly encountered a middle-aged man with slightly greasy hair and a smiling gaze upon turning around.
"President Rose."
Nessa nodded immediately.
The person was none other than the president of the Galar League, former league runner-up, and CEO of the world-renowned Macro Cosmos Group, Rose.
For this man who almost single-handedly revitalized the regional competitive ecosystem, the residents of Galar would undoubtedly show heartfelt respect.
"You performed very well today, Nessa."
"Undoubtedly, this battle will remain viral for quite some time."
"As the audience said today, if you continue to grow, you might become the second Raihan."
Unreserved praise entered her ears.
However, regarding Rose's words, Nessa showed no expression.
"President, please state your purpose directly."
She didn't believe this man, who was so busy he barely had time to sleep, came just to praise her.
"Of course, if you are willing."
Even though his words were interrupted, Rose maintained a proper smile and continued:
"For the sake of the competition's ratings, I have a small suggestion, hoping Miss Nessa will consider it seriously."
"In the next battle, perhaps continuing to use Gigantamax Pokémon with more gym leader characteristics would bring more popularity to the gym."
"..."
Nessa fell silent.
She could roughly guess this would be the reason.
Compared to competitive elements, the current Galar League clearly values commercial worth more.
Gigantamax, which attracts more audience attention, has become a standard feature for every first-tier gym leader.
After all, the cost of running and maintaining the Gigantamax stations isn't low, and obtaining Gigantamax energy isn't easy either.
Therefore, President Rose's request wasn't mandatory by the league but rather a consensus among gym leaders.
"I understand."
"In the next battle against Mr. Gordie, I will continue to use Gigantamax for the battle."
After speaking, Nessa turned and walked into the staff passage, leaving behind a beautiful silhouette.
...
November 16th, Sunday.
"Good morning, Teacher Aiden!"
When Nemona arrived at Sunny Gym as usual, she saw Aiden sitting in front of the computer, smiling as he watched her.
For some reason, Nemona suddenly had a strange premonition of being stared into the abyss.
And when she noticed the A4 paper filled with text on Aiden's desk, she quickly realized—
Uh-oh, there's a dangerous aura!
"It's Nemona, right on time."
Aiden maintained a kind smile on his face, his voice akin to the whisper of a demon, making Nemona start trembling.
"Watch carefully, Teacher Azure will teach you another ruthless trick today!"
Meow, I haven't even enrolled in Naranja Academy yet, don't make me do practice exams all day!
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