Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Naturally, his gaze involuntarily drifted to the two people's linked arms.

Somewhat dazed, her lips parted slightly. For some reason, Korni felt a tightness in her chest, and a sense of irritation and grievance welled up in her heart.

This land was completely unfamiliar to her, but in order to catch up with that unreachable figure, she still patiently challenged others, honed her skills, and honed herself. The Niangguang Dojo was the test of her achievements as a stage goal.

"Southern music..."

She usually receives a lot of care from her friends, and the notes left in the morning showed meticulous consideration for her needs. Naturally, she shouldn't have any other thoughts, but... but...

"I'm here."

With her mind at ease, hearing the familiar reply and glancing into those clear, unchanging eyes, the girl gradually calmed her panic and felt a sense of peace and tranquility.

Nanyin music hasn't changed, so—

"Kiki, I challenge you to a full-scale battle!"

"Huh? That's so sudden!"

Startled by these abrupt words, not only Qi Shu but also many viewers in the live stream were taken aback.

[She bluntly asked for a full-scale battle on our first meeting—what a unique girl! Besides, I think I've seen her before; she seems to be Korrina, the Fighting Gym Leader of the Sala Dojo?]

[Oh my gosh, I want to see a battle! I want to see blood flowing like a river!]

[Am I the only one finding this strange? This girl has such sharp eyes, does she have some misunderstanding about Kiju-chan?]

[Didn't you guys notice? The way that girl was looking at Nan Yin just now was practically drooling. It's obvious that Xiao Qishu's actions misled her.]

[I totally understand now. There were rumors before that they were travel companions, but seeing this today, it seems there's more to it than that. They should stick together!]

The numerous comments turned into bullet screens and disappeared before my eyes, but Nan Yin noticed a few that were rather special.

She glanced at her friend, who was clenching her fists and looking extremely serious. She had been focused on her studies and had never considered this possibility before, but now that someone else had pointed it out to her, and she recalled the strange things that had happened between them in the past, it seemed that everything had a concrete answer.

For the first time, she truly understood the situation and had to re-evaluate the person in front of her.

P.S.: The timeline of Padia in this book differs from the game's, but it aligns with the Horizon animation.

Chapter 178 Thanks to You

Without uttering a sound, Nan Yin simply gazed at the girl, as if meeting a friend of her own family for the first time.

With her flowing blonde hair, neat ponytail, and well-proportioned figure, if she were to be called a gym leader, one would have to admit that she is a charming and talented young woman.

In front of her, Korne never displayed the slightest arrogance; in fact, she was cautious and humble.

Recalling their reunion at the Twin Star Dojo, the sharp fang that had been given to him...

Her brows furrowed, her thoughts growing heavy, but a few calls from nearby temporarily halted her reverie.

"Hey, Nan Yin, would it be convenient for you to be the referee for this match?"

With a wave of his sleeves, the strange tree raised its lips in a smile to greet him.

"of course."

Of course, Nan Yin would not refuse this small favor. She took the flag and patted her friend's shoulder as she approached.

Without needing to speak, the slightly parted lips conveyed the encouragement—believe in yourself.

"Ah."

Clenching her fingers, Korni suddenly raised her head and looked directly at the pink-haired girl in front of her.

There is no obvious counter relationship between electric and melee types, but past records have clarified the variability of crystallization in battle.

Since it is a full-scale battle, it means that both sides must use their full strength as gym leaders.

Perhaps she was just temporarily taking over her grandfather's position before, but now she can stand on this stage with dignity.

"Jiang Jiang, everyone, today we are fortunate to have the straightforward and cool roller skating girl, Ms. Kerni. This is truly a lucky day for Qishu!"

They put away their rackets and, with a brief respite, arrived early at the center of Niangguang City, at the incredibly spacious battle platform.

"Thanks to Nanyin and Ke'erni, my channel's follower count has been rising like the Eel King leaping over the Dragon Gate."

"And this is the final stage! A battlefield where fierce battles rage back and forth!"

Several screens in the distance lit up one after another, displaying the live broadcast, and the wide-angle lens perfectly highlighted the two men's stern gazes at each other.

"Everyone, are you ready? Let's grab your attention with this eye-catching electric net! Who's speaking? It's me, Qi Shu! Good morning, noon, and night, hello ciao~"

With graceful steps and a loud voice, the girl's fair skin was partially concealed by her oversized windbreaker, but the curves of her slender shoulders could not be hidden.

"Today's challenger is... Korni, who's on fire and can even shoot down the giant electric seagull flying in the sky! Yay!"

"Oh, right, Ms. Corne, tell me how you're feeling right now. After all, I still have a little bit of fame, so I'm actually quite... popular, you know~"

Despite being impressed by Qishu's eloquence, Korni would not act rashly in a battle.

"I will win."

"Hmph, you really dare to say that. But that's how a streamer should be! So, the rules will be three-on-three singles. I'll ask you to bring a thrilling battle to all the viewers!"

The flag fell, the horns rang out, and the battle cry was sounded here.

"This is the first time the Strange Tree has made a serious appearance! Open your eyes wide like a Magneton and enjoy the view, Electric-belly Frog!"

"Go, abandoned monkey."

With its belly bulging like thunder, the adorable electric frog swayed and landed in the center of the field, while on the other side, a monkey with disheveled pale fur lowered its head, only half revealing its pair of fierce red eyes.

Since Nan Yin mentioned the unique evolutionary path of the Infernape, Korni has kept it in mind. Therefore, after arriving in this land, she has honed her hatred through continuous battles, tempering herself and others to achieve her current form.

"Build a glittering barrier, use reflective walls!"

"Invisible Rock."

Layered crystal walls are hidden in the void, cutting off the rush of airflow, while the abandoned monkey also strikes the earth heavily, shattering stone and wood, and spreading blessings in the darkness.

Having considered Qishu's lineup and knowing about the existence of Da Dian Haiyan and Taijing Feixing, Korni naturally anticipated the confrontation.

Plan before you act, and think deeply for the long term – this was the teaching her friend personally imparted to her.

"That's quite something, Electric Belly Frog, Electric Terrain!"

Lightning flashed everywhere, electric snakes crackled, and the scorching heat made the air hoarse, but the next moment, those crimson eyes glanced at the one in front, stirring up anger in his heart.

The preparations for the area were interrupted by the monkeys' mockery before they could be finalized, and the girl's instructions were given in the end.

"provocative."

"Wow, Ms. Cornel, can't you give me a little more face?"

Electric Belly Frog's ability to switch to electric mode requires it to take damage in order to enter a charging state and increase the power of its next attack. However, every move the opponent makes seems to be premeditated, hitting the most vulnerable spot.

The laying of the Invisible Rock extinguished the opportunity for rotation, and the effect of Provocation hindered the creation of an advantage. It can be said that the only choice left for the Strange Tree is—

"Attack! Use parabolic charging!"

However, Cornet was well aware of the former's intentions.

"Body building."

With its arms outstretched in front of it, the monkey roared. Waves of electricity penetrated its fur and struck its body, but the abandoned monkey remained unmoved, only becoming more ferocious and aggressive.

"Oh no, this is really bad!"

He raised his sleeves and covered his face, revealing the little magnetic creature with moss-like eyes, almost fainting.

But the next moment, Qi Shu blinked, revealing a hint of cunning.

"Just kidding~ Come out, you little lightbulb with a brilliant idea, Misdreavus."

Floating above the field, the little beast wearing a pointed hat covered its mouth and laughed, while the punch that was meant to harass the electric frog passed through its body and landed in empty space.

"Ghost-type attributes have their strengths and weaknesses, Korne, now it's my turn to counterattack, use Shadow Ball!"

"Hold."

With a heavy blow to its body and the towering rock wall as a defense, the Abandoned Monkey, being at a speed disadvantage, may only be able to remain on the defensive.

When the condensed strength fades, and when the defensive posture can no longer be maintained, the balance will be broken in an instant.

"It's no use, let's go! Attack alert! Shadow Ball!"

"Time is up."

"Eh?"

Unable to understand the meaning of Korni's words, just as the deep, dark sphere pierced through the air and was about to land on the ape's body, the struck body hid in the shadow beneath it, avoiding the explosion of energy.

A stealthy attack.

Silently reciting the name of the move, the girl had been calculating the remaining balance of the Reflection Barrier since early morning, and this unexpected attack was the perfect opportunity to seize the victory without any mishaps.

"How, how could this be possible!"

The presence of Stealth Rock is enough to weaken the status of the rotating Pokémon, the ability of Phantom Strike makes it impossible to defend, and the type of Crystal is Electric, which offers no resistance. It can be said that no matter what is done, losses are inevitable.

As its form reappeared, the ape had already crept out of the shadows and behind its opponent, gathering its strength to push out a palm strike, venting all its anger.

With a muffled thud, the dream demon fell to the ground and lost consciousness.

[It's rare to see the little strange tree suppressed like this.]

[Isn't it amazing? The switching of offense and defense, and the sudden reversal of the situation.]

Upon catching a glimpse of the audience's comments, the pink-haired girl puffed out her cheeks slightly, yet couldn't help but admire Korni's quick thinking and improvisation.

"This is still a bit of a crisis! So, everyone—come on, let's cheer each other on!"

After much coaxing and hesitation, Qishu had no choice but to make a final decision.

The Electric Belly Frog's body was too bulky, and none of the other companions had the type to counter the Forsaken, so even with the Stealth Rock on its back, it had no choice but to send it out anyway.

Grip the ball tightly and throw it with all your might. As soon as the golden-feathered petrel appeared, it was scratched in the flesh and bones by the hidden rock spikes and lost its form.

"It really is the Great Electric Seagull."

With a knowing look in his heart, after a brief exchange of glances, the Abandoned Monkey slowly raised his red eyes, his shoulder propelling his elbow, his elbow propelling his fist, adding the force generated by his fascia layer as he leaned forward, and condensing the energy contained in his five internal organs with his resentment.

"If you get numb from the cut, then I'm sorry, it's too crystallized, like a giant electric seagull!"

Holding the glistening beads, the pink-haired girl shouted loudly, and the crystal-clear light, like glass, covered the birds and then formed a bunch of balloons on her forehead.

"As expected, the flying type is crystallized."

Just as Korne had expected, the yellow and black petrel flapped its wings, slashing down several sharp blades of air, while the furry ape suddenly stomped the ground, raised its limbs, and, against the gale, unleashed its final, powerful punch.

Fist of Fury.

Their figures intertwined, and the force of the airflow's strikes was limited, failing to subdue the resentment of abandoning the world. However, a punch delivered in venting anger struck the chest, penetrating deep into the internal organs and determining the fate of consciousness.

With its head drooping and white foam bubbling from its beak, Haiyan also succumbed to a single move.

"Waaah, Korini is too amazing! Although I'm very unwilling, it's unlikely that Electric Belly Frog can change the situation. I admit defeat~ But—"

"The number of viewers for this episode of Strange Trees and Strange Tales has skyrocketed! Ah~ I'm so happy! It feels like I'm ascending to heaven!"

Despite the regret of retrieving the unconscious bird, Qi Shu couldn't help but smile as he watched the popularity of the live stream.

"The power of internet celebrities to attract attention is truly extraordinary! You two should collaborate regularly in the future! Also, please don't upload other streamers' videos!"

She hurried forward, about to express her gratitude, when she saw that the victorious girl had already walked to her friend's side, with an expression of excitement and anticipation.

"Cornie."

Gazing at that familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar pretty face, now that she knew the truth, Nan Yin felt a little lost and flustered as she looked at him again. Speechless, she finally spoke after a long pause.

"...You've really grown up."

"Mmm." Although she hesitated a little about her friend's reaction, Korne took the arm as usual and smiled happily.

"Thanks to you."

Chapter 179 Seemingly Liking and the Occurrence of Accidents

As dusk settles and a cool breeze stirs my hair, the journey home seems long, and the evening lights are already twinkling through the windows.