Pokémon: Encounter

"...".

Everyone present was silent.

Perhaps it was because the ending came too quickly and no one had time to react; or perhaps it was because the battle between the two was too exciting and everyone was still immersed in the aftertaste.

"Although it's a bit sad, I have to admit that the marsupial and I have already used all our strength."

"But I still lost so completely."

"Once again, it proves that my cultivation is really not yet good enough..."

Qianli broke the silence and patted his head helplessly.

Two consecutive days of defeat were somewhat of a blow to the "strongest gym owner" of the South Island Alliance.

However, one is a super trainer who can be ranked among the top few among many league champions. The other is a super "newcomer" who is called the "Raging Star" by people in the future.

If you think about it carefully, it won't be that difficult.

As for the origin of Nan Fang's nickname "Zhong Ni", that is the story that follows.

"We were just a little bit lucky. If we had delayed it any further, the outcome would have been unpredictable," Nan Fang said modestly.

"You could have chosen a more stable and effective way to fight, but in the end you still chose to face your opponent head-on."

"Nanfang, you deserve this victory."

"Although your purpose is not to collect badges, I still want to give you this Libra badge."

"Just consider it as a souvenir."

Qianli said as he took out a black and gray badge from his arms.

It looks a bit like the shape of a dumbbell, with a short line connecting two circles that are balanced against each other.

Nan Fang took it with both hands.

"Thank you so much!"

“No matter what the final outcome of this trip will be, I think this memory will definitely be the most unforgettable for me.”

"Well, is that really the case? Hahaha, I don't know if you will forget it, but I will never forget the experiences of these two days (?? ﹏ ?? )..."

Qianli made a joke.

In just three days, the journey to Chenghua City was over.

After a brief rest, Zhulan was the first to say goodbye to everyone. She heard that an ancient relic had appeared in a deep mountain, and Zhulan had to rush to explore it.

Although the journey of the two rookie trainers, Xiaoyou and Xiaoyao, was delayed for a few days, what happened during those days made them feel like they had found a treasure, and they were more confident about their adventure.

Qianli, who was originally worried about whether his daughter would be impacted by his two consecutive defeats, now felt mixed emotions.

On the contrary, Xiaoyao felt that her goals had become clearer and more specific.

This made Mr. Qianli feel both relieved and sad.

As for Xiaoyou, he is still the same. He still has some resistance in his heart towards such an intense Pokémon battle.

He didn't really like the idea of ​​his partner getting hurt so badly.

"That's it for now. Thank you Mr. Qianli and Sister Mizu for taking care of you these days."

"We're ready to head to the next gym."

Nan Fang said as he put on his backpack.

"Okay, then the closest city to us is Kanaz City. Go north along Route 104, then go through the Orange Forest in the north and you will reach Kanaz City directly."

"The leader of the Kanaz Gym, Du Wan, is a Pokémon trainer specializing in rock-type Pokémon."

"Her strength is above average among us gym leaders, so you should not be careless when the time comes."

"It's just...her personality is a little unpleasant, and she kind of falls into...that category."

"You must be careful when the time comes."

Qianli didn't express his words very clearly, but Nanfang basically understood them immediately.

My purpose is to break some people's illusions.

Nan Fang nodded in agreement.

"Wait...wait a moment..."

Bai Ruoruo, who was standing aside, suddenly spoke up.

"Can I ask Mr. Qianli for a favor before I leave?"

Although a few people were a little surprised, they didn't say anything. After all, they were all relatively close to each other, and they would certainly not refuse to help if they could.

"Ruoruo, do you need any other equipment? No problem, just ask. Just take whatever we can help you with!"

Mizuki said from the side.

"No, it's not..."

"I just..."

"I also want to apply for a gym challenge from Mr. Qianli!"

Bai Ruoruo took a deep breath, bent down and spoke firmly to Qianli.

Um! ?

Even the two little ones beside him were stunned for a moment. They didn't understand why Sister Ruoruo would make this request at this moment.

Qianli's eyes sank and he said nothing.

"I didn't come up with this somewhat rude idea just because I wanted to get the Libra badge."

"I just want to see where my limits are!"

"I...I'm afraid I won't have this opportunity after I leave Chenghua City!"

"This is just a private challenge! I hope Mr. Qianli can fulfill it! Please!"

Bai Ruoruo lowered her head and pleaded again.

Nan Fang suddenly remembered what Bai Ruoruo had said to him last night, and he understood.

He did not stop Bai Ruoruo's actions, but just looked at Qianli helplessly, shook his head, and nodded.

"Ruoruo, have you really thought it through?"

Qianli saw Nan Fang's reaction and asked Bai Ruoruo seriously.

In response to him, he was given an increasingly determined look by a young girl.

"Well, although this is a bit against the rules, as you said, let's just treat it as a private exchange between our friends."

Qianli nodded in agreement.

Just like that, several people returned to the battlefield again.

Mr. Qianli sent out his hyperactive ape, while Bai Ruoruo sent out her Nidoqueen.

As expected, under the continuous quick attacks of Hyperactive Ape, although Nidoqueen managed to counterattack once, she was still easily defeated by Hyperactive Ape.

"Although your Nidoqueen has been well trained, it has more strength than skills. If you want to become a trainer, you still need more training."

Qianli said it very tactfully.

Bai Ruoruo stroked Nidoqueen's broad back with a sense of loss.

"Thank you, Mr. Qianli."

Perhaps because he couldn't bear to see the girl's dejection, Qianli turned around and looked at his own daughter.

"Xiaoyao, come here for a moment."

Xiaoyao was slightly stunned, but still walked obediently to his father.

"Ruoruo, I remember you still have a Lalulas that you just captured not long ago? How about trying to fight with Xiaoyao again?"

"She has just become a rookie trainer. I think this battle will have a very good effect not only for the two of you, but also for your partners."

"Eh!?"

Xiaoyao was confused at first, but soon became excited.

She looked at Bai Ruoruo.

"Sister Ruoruo! Let's have a fight too! I also want to see if I'm qualified enough as a rookie trainer!"

"Seeing these powerful adults fighting each other really inspired me!"

"Although I may still be a little short... hehe~ but don't hold back!"

"I will also try my best!"

Look, such a young child, his emotional intelligence is at the highest level!

Nan Fang just thought that Qianli's purpose might be to simply make Bai Ruoruo no longer feel so lost. To put it bluntly, he was sacrificing his own daughter to help others regain their confidence. This awareness and pattern, worthy of being a full-strength gym owner!

But it cannot be said to be a complete sacrifice, because the battle among the newcomers is also a good experience and growth for Xiaoyao.

The child Xiaoyao also understood his father's thoughts, but more importantly, he was longing for and eager for the battle.

Nan Fang patted Bai Ruoruo, who was standing there in a daze, and gave her an encouraging look.

"You didn't focus on battles in your early years. In fact, you were just a rookie trainer."

"Then let's start over again and become stronger together!"

Hearing Nan Fang's encouragement, Bai Ruoruo's fighting spirit was rekindled in her eyes.

"Okay! Thank you, Mr. Qianli!"

"I'll do my best!"

So, the battlefield returned to its position.

"Fire Chick! Use Spark!"

"Lalulas! Shadow clone!"

"A flash of lightning!"

"Use telekinesis! Take it!"

In this evenly matched battle, the final result was a miraculous draw.

But the two girls' emotions did not diminish at all, and they looked at each other excitedly.

Nan Fang, who was watching the battle from the sidelines, felt disappointed.

Think about it, most of the experiences I had before were battles between very strong opponents, and I even had to fight with some mythical beasts from time to time.

It has been a long time since I last experienced this kind of simple and pure battle.

This is the most sincere happiness between humans and Pokémon.

People are iron, and rice is steel, so you panic if you don't eat a meal.

After eating the last lunch prepared by Mitsu for everyone.

Nan Fang and Bai Ruoruo also embarked on their journey to Kanaz City.

However, there are actually two more "happy guys" around me.

"Xiaoyou! Pokémon battles are really fun! Why don't you like it!?"

"Leave it to yourselves! Fighting and killing every day! What good is that!"

“Hmph!╭(╯^╰)╮!”

"Tsk! (￣-￣*)!"