Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

He tried to respond to the girl with his voice, assuring her that he was alright, but the pain in his body made his self-affirmation hoarse and less credible.

"It's alright. You and Scorpio King have done enough. It was my mistake to put you at a disadvantage."

Lowering her long eyelashes and raising a gentle smile, Nan Yin only unfairly attributed the blame to herself; she would never impose her inner pressure on these children.

This is a promise we made ourselves, and also a mutual support.

In this battle, she did everything a trainer could do, even defeating Garchomp and gaining an early advantage.

However, the gap in physical fitness, the lack of proficiency in techniques, and the lack of essential strength were like an insurmountable chasm, preventing the young girl from overcoming the painstaking trials of time and reaching that towering peak in just six months.

Lost in thought, in the center of the battlefield, the ingenious puppet gently patted Eevee on the shoulder.

"Li Gu".

It tilted its little face to the side, raised its hands, and somewhat clumsily cheered for the former, acknowledging the little animal's efforts.

Their metallic bodies moved sluggishly, but their inner emotions were conveyed through eye contact.

For so many days, Magiana has been confused about her future. She doesn't know where she should go after being freed from the mission she was given.

But it knows that it likes its current life. Nan Yin's meticulous care and the concern of the elves, the days and nights of mending clothes, dyeing with a brush, and helping out at the stove are memories that the ingenious doll will never forget.

Therefore, even if she doesn't have a goal for a while, Maya will take the initiative to shoulder their will for the sake of the girl, the little beast, and the peaceful coexistence of life.

Take the baton.

Without any substantial enhancement, this move became a driving force, the kindling that ignited the soul.

As the wedge stone opened and closed, it wasn't just Nanyin who took turns; the deep purple fan covered in green dots also grinned, seemingly mocking.

That was a strange and mysterious ghost, the Flower Rock Monster.

Now that the battle has progressed to this point, with their physical strength nearing its lowest point, only the uninjured puppet and the demon mask still have the strength to fight back.

However, whether it is the unsolvable defensive combination of the Demon Steel or the deceptive tactics of the Dark Evil, they are both extremely difficult to penetrate.

As the battle continues, the things being compared are no longer related to tactics.

and so.

"I surrender."

Almost simultaneously, Nan Yin and Zhu Lan opened their lips and spoke, their words as if—

There is a connection between the hearts.

Chapter 119 Women's Night Talk and Robbery

There was no hint of resentment in their words; both sides readily and decisively admitted defeat.

When a battle is no longer determined by tactics, the outcome loses much of its meaning, since they were already starting from an unequal point.

The difference between champions and newcomers, between seasoned veterans and newcomers...

Overbearing is not Cynthia's style. When Garchomp loses consciousness, Cynthia realizes her own shortcomings and inadequacies.

Although she was at a disadvantage in this battle due to the information gap, she was convinced by Nan Yin's persuasion.

Planning and execution is no easy task, and the ability to deceive a champion and confuse their judgment is also a commendable talent.

Success or failure is important, but if it harms the child or even causes conflict, then it is not worth it.

Moreover, both sides achieved their objectives in this round of confrontation.

Whether it's satisfying a pastime during leisure time or recognizing one's achievements during this period.

Upon realizing their defeat, the two were surprised to hear each other speak in unison.

From the surging fighting spirit to the measured surrender, they glanced at each other, and even if there was a slight pause, it was only for a moment before they smiled knowingly.

"I lost."

They all spoke up again, but this time, everyone showed humility and deference.

"Then you can go first, Nanyin."

Regardless of the difference in timing, Zhu Lan frowned slightly and generously refrained from speaking.

"Eevee's stamina is poor. Even if Magearna can stay on the field thanks to Soul Heart's ability, Rockruff's Destiny Bond is still the last resort to ensure victory. I have no chance of winning."

Without any intention of concealing anything, Nan Yin frankly admitted the truth and even bent down to help the mechanical doll repair the paint.

While an ordinary person might be complacent and overconfident after a draw, for her, even if the opponent is the champion of Sinnoh, a draw is still a sign of insufficient ability.

Despite taking advantage of the rules, they could only manage a draw, which shows that there is still a significant gap between them and the champion, and many children still have considerable room for improvement.

Yes, if one is aiming for the summit, how can one let a single shortcut stifle one's ambition?

The young woman thought this way and put her self-reflection into words, while the beautiful woman made no attempt to conceal the loss of dignity that had been lost by the champion.

"Giant's type is not superior in terms of resistance, and it is even inferior to Fairy's Softness. As you said, Destiny Bond is a means of drawing, but not a winning move."

In other words, neither Nan Yin nor Zhu Lan had a guaranteed victory; they both viewed a draw as a defeat.

They shook hands and made peace, reflected on their gains and losses, and their fighting spirit resonated with each other at this moment.

Reflecting on their mutual understanding, the blonde beauty let out a long breath, which also helped to dispel the blush on her face.

That was the feedback when the battle reached its climax, and also the female champion's irrepressible excitement at seeing her prey.

Indeed, she and Nan Yin are several years apart in age, but as trainers and friends, this age difference does not prevent them from forging a deeper friendship.

In life, conversations may be constrained by each other's shyness, but when facing each other in battle, the will of both sides can be expressed through the most straightforward collision.

Yes, Nanyin is the same type as myself.

—Not for the sake of victory, but once a decision is made, one must strive for excellence, whether as a trainer or in any other field.

One can't help but marvel at the strangeness of fate, which sent such a compatible friend and formidable rival when I was still at my peak and full of fighting spirit.

"It seems I can't just stop here."

Softly murmuring, the Eight Masters three years later was the time when Zhu Lan decided to put an end to her journey. After that, she would resign from her champion position and devote herself to studying history and cultivating her interests.

But now...

Looking closely at the girl's delicate eyebrows and eyes, the beauty raised her dark eyelashes, creating a pleasing curve.

That's an expectation for friends, not only in battles, but also in the surprises of life.

It was like meeting an old friend at first sight. Her connection with Nan Yin was accidental. During their time together, Zhu Lan figured out Nan Yin's character and realized how mature this young girl was.

Similar to himself, although he is still young, he is meticulous in his thinking, resolute in his mind, can distinguish right from wrong, and can make decisive judgments.

Now, the reunion in Beishang Township has allowed me to delve deeper into the daily life of Nanyin, and to see the girl's gentleness towards the elves and the languidness hidden in the morning and afternoon.

She was two-faced, cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and everything she saw was an extremely beautiful sight.

Harmonious, tranquil, and pleasant—no one can resist such an atmosphere.

With a radiant expression, Zhu Lan's eyes shone even brighter as she looked at the girl.

She glanced at the former out of the corner of her eye, from his slightly bent-hip squatting posture to the delicate caress of his fingers, and then to his eyes as clear as autumn water.

Without any exclamations of praise, the beautiful woman also took a step forward and walked to Nan Yin's side, bending down to be at the same height as her.

"This child's original name was Magiyana. Would you mind telling me about the soul heart you mentioned earlier?"

"Naturally, I think you, Zhu Lan, have already experienced the special nature of the Soul Heart in battle."

Using her telekinesis to perceive the fatigue in the metal, Nan Yin explained aloud while simultaneously using her slender fingers to gently repair the cracks on the doll's body.

"So, it's similar to the boost you get after defeating an enemy?"

"Ah."

With a gentle nod of agreement, the girl not only had to mend Maya's outer shell, but also had to soothe her Scorpio's wounded little heart.

After all, the little guy felt very guilty for fainting before he could even get a chance to fight, and he was ashamed for not being able to create an advantage.

Ultimately, however, this was due to Nan Yin's misjudgment and the flaws in the lineup.

Including Diancie, the Diamond Princess, I'm practically becoming a Fairy-type trainer myself.

"You really do have a knack for attracting those kinds of people."

"It seems so."

With a smile, Nan Yin did not deny Zhu Lan's teasing. She was proud of these children and even more grateful that she could accompany them for so long.

"Bonnie!"

The sounds of the battle gradually faded, and the morning warmth also disappeared. When it was time to finish, the little devil just woke up from his sleep and realized that the girl had left.

Feeling lonely and helpless, it sniffed the fruity fragrance of Nanyin music and felt the tremors caused by the battle, filled with worry and fear.

Egui Peng never wanted to experience loneliness again, but seeing that Nan Yin was unharmed, the child angrily put down the thorny vine stick he had been pointing at Zhu Lan, and even withdrew the tiger teeth he had used to intimidate her.

"It's alright now."

It was somewhat amusing; the girl gently poked the little devil's forehead, and she was increasingly satisfied with her current life.

Everything is steadily improving, both for her and for them.

This view is held not only by Nanyin music, but also by Zhulan herself.

In just six months, this friend had reached a point of equal skill, even slightly superior tactically. If given a little more time to solidify her foundation, she could not only satisfy her hunger for victory on one side, but also...

and so.

"Nanyin, would you be interested in joining me for a tour of Sinnoh's mainland?"

Before the invitation could be uttered, a blond figure forcefully squeezed between the two.

She spread her hands, staring at the person in front of her like a bird protecting its young, her demeanor fierce.

"No, I can't. I'm the champion of Bamboo Orchid, and the Miare Tournament is just around the corner. Nan Yin is going to attend the tournament with me!"

P.S.: Happy 520! Love you all, yours truly! ~

Chapter 120 Shame and Possibility

"The Miare Conference?"

Ignoring Korni's subtle actions, Zhu Lan was instead drawn to the word itself.

“Yes.” Korne, mustering her courage, spoke to the Sinnoh champion, “Nanon and I made a promise a long time ago to settle our differences at the Lumiose Conference and acknowledge our growth.”

"so?"

With great interest, Zhu Lan looked at the girl who seemed to be protecting her own, and asked a question she already knew the answer to.

She knew that the owner of the Sala Pavilion had traveled with Nanyin all the way, and she understood that there must be a deep friendship between the two.

However, Nan Yin's maturity far exceeds that of her peers, approaching her own age. Judging from Ke Erni's words and actions, this child's emotions lean more towards a hazy affection than simple longing.

Just like she was with Karuni back then.

"Therefore, Nan Yin will be busy for a while afterward, and it will be difficult for her to go to Sinnoh with you!"

With her chest heaving, under the smiling gaze of the former, Korni finally managed to utter a shout.

"Well, I understand the situation roughly. So, Nan Yin, what's your reply?"

"As Korne said, I did indeed register for the Miare Tournament, and I have to decline your invitation, Zhulan."

Brushing the dust off her boots, Nan Yin apologized, thus affirming her friend's explanation.

Upon seeing the girl's rejection, for some reason, Korni also breathed a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart.

"It's a real shame, but there will be many more opportunities to travel together in the future."

She took a towel from the inside pocket of her trench coat and handed it to the former. While wiping away the sweat, Zhu Lan also spoke in a lazy tone.

"If it's the Miare Conference, I have less work to do lately, so I might have time to participate as a guest."

With her arched eyebrows and clear grey eyes, she is unpretentious and approachable. Outside of battles, this beautiful woman is more like a gentle older sister next door.

"Then we'll be waiting for your arrival."

With this as the conclusion to their battle, they packed their belongings, intending to return to their Japanese-style residence before the morning light faded.

Along the way, apart from Ke'erni's timid inquiries, both Danyu and Wuli came closer, either occasionally striking up a conversation or hiding their longing.

Even if both sides concede defeat, drawing with a champion is still a remarkable achievement.