Sinnoh-Johto Battle Frontier, Battle Castle.
As one of the most renowned battle facilities in Sinnoh, there is a constant stream of visitors coming every day to challenge. They earn Castle Points through various victory conditions to exchange for rare battle items.
Late at night, while the castle sleeps in darkness, one room remains brilliantly lit.
In the spacious princess's chamber, various cute pink decorations sparkle under the golden chandelier, creating a somewhat sacred atmosphere.
The young girl, dressed in a light nightgown, sits cutely on the carpet with her legs and feet resting outside her thighs. Her long, wavy golden hair defies common sense by floating in the air as if supported by an invisible force.
"So boring..."
Caitlin, who had been meditating with her eyes half-closed, suddenly spoke without any particular reason.
As she opened her eyes, the telekinetic energy surrounding her body quickly dissipated, and the golden waves instantly spread over the carpet.
"Should be about time, right?"
Today's meditation training had come to a temporary end, and the rest of the night was her free entertainment time.
However, before that, she had some things to confirm.
"Darach, are you there?"
No sooner had Caitlin spoken than the door to the room was immediately knocked on.
With a deft twist of the doorknob using her psychic powers, the door was easily pushed open, revealing a middle-aged man with a unique hairstyle and the appearance of a butler, smiling elegantly.
"Miss, what can I do for you?"
The man's name was Darach, the Frontier Brain of this Battle Castle and also served as the butler.
For some unknown reasons, although this Battle Castle was the private domain of Miss Caitlin, the reliable and humble butler was responsible for external communications and accepting trainer challenges.
"Has Cynthia contacted me recently?"
To fully control her potentially unruly psychic powers, Caitlin had been in seclusion for over a month.
This time, she was very serious.
Even her good friend and self-proclaimed destined rival, Cynthia, must not disturb her meditation!
However, being out of contact for so long, Cynthia must have started to get anxious, right?
Could it be that she has already come to see Darach several times?
At this thought, Caitlin's lips slightly curved upwards.
However, Darach's next words instantly turned her into stone.
"Miss, I haven't received any messages from Cynthia."
After a moment of silence, under the gaze of Caitlin's gradually dimming eyes, he continued.
"Also, during your seclusion, Cynthia officially assumed the position of Champion of Sinnoh. She might not have time to visit the Battle Castle for a while."
"Just about a week ago, the Elite Four qualification assessment ended, and the list of new Elite Four members has been announced."
???
Hearing two major events beyond her expectations, Caitlin's mind instantly froze.
Seeing the pink glow beginning to emanate from Miss's body, a sign that her psychic powers were about to spiral out of control,
Darach silently took a step back, preparing to use the wall as cover.
Just as the psychic power was about to explode, Caitlin suddenly snapped back to reality, and the pressure in the air instantly vanished.
"Why didn't you notify me of such important matters???"
Caitlin took a deep breath.
Because her emotions were about to spiral out of control, she couldn't afford to show anger and had to focus most of her energy on controlling her psychic powers.
Otherwise...
Given her current level of anger, the Battle Castle would probably need another full renovation.
She had prepared hard for this Elite Four qualification, and controlling her psychic powers was part of the same goal.
Cynthia had always been the goal she looked up to.
Being able to defeat her when she goes all out once has been Caitlin's goal for a long time.
Now, she finally had the chance to challenge Cynthia head-on in the Elite Four assessment and let her witness her growth during this period, but she missed it because of her seclusion???
Now, Caitlin felt she needed an explanation.
"..."
Darach remained silent and only humbly bowed his head and said:
"Miss, do you remember your last words before you went into seclusion?"
Prompted by Darach, Caitlin recalled the scene quickly.
She remembered...
"Darach, I think I understand how to fully control my psychic powers!"
"So I'm going into seclusion. All the affairs of the castle during this time are left to you to handle independently!"
"Understood, Miss."
"But... What if Miss Cynthia comes looking for you?"
"That's not allowed either. Just tell her not to disturb me no matter what happens!"
"What if the Elite Four assessment..."
"It's impossible, absolutely impossible."
"Given Cynthia's personality, she will definitely procrastinate until the last minute to handle official duties. By then, I will surely have complete control over my psychic powers!"
"Even if the assessment is advanced, no other newcomers besides me could gain Cynthia's approval, so rest assured."
"...I understand."
Recollection ends here.
The previously furious Caitlin instantly fell silent, her expression turning unpredictable.
It seems...
It really was my own problem?
"Slam—!"
The door instantly shut.
Darach gazed at the door completely sealed by telekinesis, sighing in relief while also showing helplessness.
Oh dear, what a capricious young lady...
"Damn it, she doesn't even consider me as a rival. Cynthia, you bad woman who plays with girls' hearts!"
If I say don't come, you really don't look at me even once!
Gradually, moisture began to shimmer in the corners of her eyes. Caitlin collapsed onto the carpet, rolling around in frustration as if venting her feelings this way.
At this point, getting angry was useless.
Although she kept telling herself not to be angry, the still-dissatisfied Caitlin puffed up her cheeks and quickly sat up, using telekinesis to turn on the gaming console and TV screen.
So what if it's just the Elite Four? If there's no place for me in Sinnoh, then I'll go somewhere else!
Cynthia! You've completely lost me!
I'll become stronger, defeat all of you as an Elite Four from another region, and thoroughly humiliate you!
Caitlin decided to vent all her anger into the game.
After about several minutes of agonizing waiting, she finally matched with today's first "punching bag."
The opponent's information also popped up.
Noticing the trainer's image, Caitlin, who had been sulking, suddenly paused.
Trainer ID: Azure Wing.
A familiar yet strange name slipped out.
"Aiden?"
Though it was just an avatar created in the game, she saw that he had grown quite a bit compared to her memory, but Caitlin was certain she hadn't mistaken him.
Even if reduced to ashes, she remembered this man who always seemed to receive special treatment from Cynthia without realizing it!
She heard he later moved to the Paldea region and lost all contact since.
Never expected to encounter him again in the game.
Recalling some unpleasant memories, Caitlin's lips couldn't help but curl into a cold smile, her eyes gradually becoming sharp.
How perfect, encountering this detestable guy when I'm the angriest!
Now I must deliver a heavy blow!
Pay for Cynthia's actions!
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