In a surprising turn of events, the Global Pokémon League's latest news revealed the new Elite Four Champion, Carl, openly declared his affection for Milotic. Meanwhile, the former Champion suddenly resigned, sparking rumors of a broken heart.
Over in the Westvale region, the local champion reaffirmed his support for merging with the region to promote new battle styles, while other regions stirred up fears of Westvale's growing influence.
A hot topic in society: A proposed revision of the century-old marriage law faced a wave of protests from female trainers, who are fiercely protective of their rights to pursue their passions.
International disputes continue to simmer: A neighboring league insists on their claim over the three legendary Pokémon, while the United League vows to free Pokémon enslaved by rogue factions.
In an intriguing development, mysterious signs of a legendary Pokémon have appeared in Westvale, prompting an adventurous frenzy among trainers.
In Havenport, a new star has risen: The youngest ever Gym Leader in Fairfield, Carl, has taken the reins at just 19, stirring up quite the conversation.
Inside the Fairfield Airport lounge, a young man lazily browsed through global updates on his Rotom Dex. When he saw the local news, he tapped the screen, "Let's see the comments."
The smart assistant promptly switched to a lively comments section:
"Havenport really is a place of talent!" one user praised.
"Can this kid really handle the job? Let's wait and see," another scoffed.
"Some people are just bitter," a user replied. "To become a Gym Leader, one must be an elite trainer. Carl has reached this level at such a young age, surpassing most."
"Indeed," agreed another, "he just finished high school and already has professional-level strength, outpacing many college grads. Definitely a genius."
"If I had researcher parents and a Gym Leader grandpa," someone remarked, "I could reach professional level in a year too."
"Don't spread falsehoods," another retorted. "The news reported Carl's parents passed away long ago, and his grandpa just recently, leaving him with little."
"Is it so hard to acknowledge someone else's excellence?"
"Objectively, Carl is a genius in Havenport. He could easily get into a top university and, after graduation, surpass his grandpa. But choosing to inherit the gym directly raises concerns about his experience."
"I agree. A Gym Leader assesses pro-level trainers. Carl is too young; he might be rushing things."
"Then again, geniuses think differently."
"Or maybe he's just overconfident."
"Hope he won't regret this decision."
"Who knows, Havenport might gain a top-tier gym."
"Wake up, stop dreaming."
"..."
The young man, Carl, read the comments and smiled ruefully.
"Seems like online commenters are the same everywhere."
"Rotom, take a break."
He put away the Pokédex, gazing at his reflection on the black screen, lost in thought. His face was strikingly handsome, more so than any celebrity, like a protagonist from a novel. He touched his face, a slight smile on his lips. Perhaps this was the first perk of being reborn.
Carl was the youngest Gym Leader in Fairfield, somewhat famous online. Yet, no one knew this seemingly glamorous youth was actually a transmigrator.
In his past life, he was a web writer. He wasn't a superstar, but writing provided a decent living. Unfortunately, years of desk work took a toll on his health, leading to back issues and weight gain by his late twenties. With scientist parents often away, he was raised by his grandpa. When his grandpa passed, he cried until he fainted, only to awaken in this new world.
This world, called Aqua, resembled Earth but underwent a massive change in the twentieth century. The legendary creator, Arceus, descended upon the highest peak, merging two worlds. From then on, humans coexisted with Pokémon.
The Westvale region seized this opportunity, quickly becoming one of the world's four major leagues. For Carl, who loved Pokémon since childhood, this was a dream come true. He resolved to make a name for himself in this world.
His thoughts were interrupted by a clear, female voice.
Looking down, he first noticed a pair of black sneakers and long, sock-clad legs. Judging by the voice and those legs, he could tell she was a beauty.
Looking up, he saw a black sleeveless top paired with a red skirt, exuding youthful energy.
When he saw her face, Carl was stunned. Delicate features, fair skin, light brown curls, and those striking blue-green eyes combined into a breathtaking visage.
But it wasn't just her looks that surprised him.
"Are you Serena?"
The girl blinked in confusion, then politely bowed: "Hello, Gym Leader Carl. I'm Selena, the one who contacted you about the apprentice position." She emphasized her name slowly.
Carl was momentarily speechless.
This translation issue is maddening!
Of course, he knew who Selena was. With a gentle nature, stunning looks, and talents in performance and cooking, she was the embodiment of the perfect partner.
Having seen famous figures in the news, he had imagined meeting old acquaintances many times. But he never expected to encounter Selena like this, nor that she'd apply as an apprentice.
Such coincidences are too far-fetched even for novels, lest readers dismiss them as unrealistic. Yet reality unfolded just so.
He had his doubts when he received the call. But given the name translation variations, he assumed Selena and Serena weren't the same person.
Experience can be a misleading guide.
"Miss Selena, you're not a local, are you?" Carl asked as he stood.
"Yes, I'm from Kalos."
"What prompted you to come to a Westvale gym as an apprentice?" Carl was curious.
After the world's merging, regions became more interconnected. Kalos became an affiliate of Westvale a decade ago, similar to other regions. The Galar region was also eager to join, with their champion supporting Westvale.
Many travel, but few like Selena, who, being a new trainer, sought an apprenticeship. The gym had modest fame, not even reaching top-tier status.
Could it be because of him?
Carl rubbed his chin, increasingly convinced.
"Actually…" Selena's voice grew softer, her fingers twisting together.
This reaction only confirmed Carl's suspicion.
"Grrr—"
Suddenly, Selena's stomach growled, her face turning crimson.
"Hungry?"
She nodded.
"Didn't eat on the plane?" Carl wondered. International flights offered decent meals and snacks; hunger should be unlikely.
Selena wasn't known for a big appetite. Why was she so hungry today? Carl pondered.
"Actually... I arrived at the airport yesterday afternoon," Selena admitted, head down, voice barely audible.
Carl paused, checking the time on his Rotom Dex. It was past five in the evening, dinnertime. From yesterday afternoon till now, over a day without food explained her hunger.
But why stay at the airport so long? Carl was puzzled.
"Here's the thing..." Selena explained with a blush, "I didn't have anywhere to go, and saw the gym's apprentice ad at the airport, so I thought I'd try."
Faced with Carl's direct questioning, the truthful Selena opted for honesty. She'd run away from home. Her mother, once a renowned rider, now a coach and farm owner, had a sprawling ranch with hundreds of Pokémon.
It turned out, Selena was quite the heiress.