Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

After setting out the bowls and spoons, Nan Yin poured the rich broth over the glossy rice, overflowing just enough to fill the rim of the bowl. Only then did she untie her apron and lean slightly forward.

"Charizard-class, original meat sauce curry rice, please enjoy."

This was obviously boasting; she wasn't sure if her skills were up to the level of the Charizard class as defined by Galar, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and the meaning of travel is to try different things.

However, judging from the way these children twitch their noses, they must look quite good.

Instead of starting immediately, the girl slowed down and quietly savored this tranquil moment of leisure. The warm sun cast its soft light, the babbling brook murmured in her ears, and the chirping of young tits never ceased.

Every region has its own unique charm, and with each trip, our feelings for each other are no longer the same, but the only thing we can retain is this unspoken warmth.

Chapter 247 Mary and Spiketown

The next morning, Korni woke up gradually to the sound of pattering rain outside the tent.

She opened her eyes groggily, and the dim morning light gradually adjusted her to the change in light.

The sound of bubbles rising is called "splashing".

The tent wasn't thick, and even through the dense fabric, sounds from outside could still be clearly heard.

Looking at the side pillow, her friend, though already up early, had thoughtfully smoothed out the bedding and placed toiletries by the bedside.

Without disturbing the few small animals still sleeping, Korni pulled back the curtain and looked outside.

Unlike the grass and bushes in the distance that were completely soaked, the tent at her feet was quite dry, with hardly any raindrops drifting in.

Following her gaze and the fireworks, she caught a glimpse of that familiar silvery-white light.

It's Nanyin music.

Her friend was sitting quietly on a low stool made of stones, cradling Eevee in one hand and grooming its fur, while stirring the hot soup with a spoon in the other.

It's simple and ordinary, yet it perfectly captures the warmth of everyday life.

"woke up?"

Perhaps sensing that her gaze had lingered for a while, Nan Yin turned her pretty face away and asked with a light smile.

"Hmm, it rained quite a bit last night, did you sleep well?"

Feeling the concern in their words, Korni quickly understood why only their tent hadn't gotten wet from the rain; it was because the people in front of her had provided each other with a peaceful night.

With your help, everything is fine.

Without revealing anything, she also gathered up her skirt and sat on the same side as her friend, watching the other person's eyelashes flutter as they carefully and attentively simmered the warm soup, like a scene meticulously painted in fine brushwork.

It's beautiful, very beautiful, and this is something only I and a few children can see.

For no apparent reason, the blonde girl felt a surge of secret delight.

Raindrops steamed into a hazy white mist over the soup pot. Korni saw Nan Yin gently brush away the dewdrops clinging to Eevee's earlobe with her fingertips. The little creature shook its downy fur while resting and buried its face deeper into the girl's arms. This action forced Nan Yin to use one hand, tilting the soup ladle with extra care, the graceful arc of her slender hand like a silent dance.

"Let me do it." Taking the wooden spoon, she couldn't help but touch his cold fingertips. She instinctively wrapped them in her palm to warm them. "You should rely on me more often."

In the instant Nan Yin was stunned, Zhen Yifa suddenly darted out of the tent, his wings still adorned with the mask of Egui Peng. The two little creatures stumbled and fell into the open space in front of the soup pot, splashes of mud landing precisely on the edge of the stone stove that Lucario had just built. The blue-black wolfhound shook its ears helplessly and used its Aura to prop up the soup pot that was about to tip over.

"The morning farce is about to begin again."

With a slight smile, Nan Yin shook her head, took out a handkerchief, and carefully wiped away the mud spots on the pot.

A pale blue figure flashed through the mist. The Scorpion King used its tail to hook the basket of tree fruits, which hovered in mid-air. In the basket, besides orange fruits, there were also a few pear fruits with water droplets on them.

It proudly pushed the basket in front of Nanyin, but one of the Pokémon was snatched away by Zhenyifa. The two Pokémon immediately began chasing each other in the low sky, and the air currents stirred by their wings made the rain curtain swirl.

Well, it's just my own child being naughty, so why should I condemn him?

“The children are unusually energetic today.” Korne added slices of berry to the soup, and the sweet and sour aroma immediately filled the air. She stole a glance at the profile of the person next to her, illuminated by the firelight, and recalled the hands clasped together in the tent last night.

As the night rain began to fall, the gentle patter startled the sensitive little devil awake. Nan Yin hummed a lullaby to soothe the little one while secretly using her superpowers to create a barrier outside the tent. She pretended to be asleep, but secretly longed to reach out and intertwine her fingers with his.

"What are your plans?"

It was a light inquiry.

After several days of leisurely travel, they visited three magnificent cities that symbolize the past, present, and future, enjoyed tranquility in towns with different scenery, and met the enthusiastic Yaro and the calm Lulina. There were not many landscapes left to see.

"How about going to Spiketown? I heard it's the only gym town in Galar that doesn't use Dynamax."

"it is good."

They responded in perfect unison, and did not set off immediately. Instead, they waited until the rain subsided before packing their belongings and heading towards Spike Town.

As you proceed, passing through the canyon on the east side of Reverse Scale Lake, the landscape gradually changes from lush green to dark brown, with drought-resistant vines clinging to the exposed rock walls.

“It’s completely different from the style of Motostoke City.” Korrina stood on tiptoe to look around, and Lucario’s ear tips twitched slightly. “I think I heard… music?”

As you cross the last ridge, the outline of Spiketown comes into view. This rebellious town looks like paint that has been splattered on the gray rock walls by someone, with neon graffiti covering every inch of the brick walls, and even the streetlights have been modified into speaker shapes.

The gym's exterior wall is painted with a giant skull and musical note pattern, and the posters feature trainers in studded leather jackets striking provocative poses.

However, before they could get close, a punk-style man and woman rushed to the town entrance and blocked their way aggressively.

"Stop! You are not allowed to pass through here!"

Singing in unison, they played their instruments, producing a surge of intense and piercing music.

"reason?"

Unsurprisingly, the striking attire and hoarse whistle made Nan Yin recognize the group at a glance.

"Hmph, danger is most effective when it is prevented before it happens! With your status and appearance, if you were to participate in the championship through the dojo challenge, it would have an impact on our idols."

The group, which called itself the Shouting Team, showed no intention of making any concessions and stubbornly blocked the way ahead.

"Pfft."

It wasn't her friend's laughter; Korne couldn't help but chuckle, unable to suppress the slight smile playing on her lips.

"Is this some kind of novel way of advertising?"

She could tell that the group had no intention of hurting anyone, and also because of their peculiar speech patterns and feigned laughter.

"Hey! Are you underestimating us?! Damn it, I'll stop you, for Mary's sake!"

"Watch closely, this is the power of our cheering team!"

Mary?

Her thoughts lingered in her memory, but Corinne couldn't quite recall the specific image associated with that name.

"Go, snake-patterned bear!"

After saying that, the other party threw out a Poké Ball and summoned several badger bears.

Zigzagoon, the Pokémon of the Galar region. Unlike other regions, the Zigzagoon in the Galar region has black and white serrated stripes, and its type has changed from Normal to a hybrid of Dark and Normal.

Moreover, the vicious serpent bear is even more explosive in temperament, and will fight at the slightest disagreement.

However, before the girl could give any instructions, Sylveon took a step and stood in front of the two of them.

"Buyi!"

Despite her sweet appearance and graceful figure, the moment the leader revealed her small, sharp teeth, making no attempt to conceal her true nature, the snake-patterned bears instantly protected their heads, curled up into balls, and trembled in fear.

"How utterly vicious this is!"

The cheering team was taken aback. Just as they were about to regain their momentum, a slightly annoyed shout came from behind.

"What are you doing!"

Following the sound, a thin girl came into view.

She wore a black studded jacket over a pink dress, with small studded boots covering her feet, leaving a glimpse of her fair skin for admiration.

With short black hair reaching one eyebrow and stubble on the other, he looked like both a rock musician and an energetic idol.

Unfortunately, her slightly furrowed brows ruined the cute atmosphere.

"It's Miss Mary!"

Chapter 248 Reputation and Prestige

"Miss Mary?!"

Hearing the angry voice, the members of the shouting team shuddered in unison, their movements stiffening. "No, let us explain..."

“I know you care about me, but it’s wrong to hinder other gym challengers because of this. I’ve never wanted this kind of fake victory.”

She suddenly waved her hand, a hint of anger appearing on the girl's face.

"Mah!"

Morpeko, in his evil form, also made a sound.

But her anger didn't last long. After taking a deep breath, Mary lowered her head and apologized to Nan Yin and Korni.

"I'm very sorry, you two. The cheering squad is actually my support team, but they went too far today, and I apologize for that."

“It’s alright. It’s not a bad thing to support your idol out of good intentions, but the timing and method of promotion should be the priority.” Nodding slightly, Nan Yin looked at the former with gentle eyes. “Besides, we haven’t been harmed.”

Similarly, Korne chuckled and waved her hand, "Yes, this kind of enthusiasm is quite interesting, and your outfit is very trendy too."

It's a comforting thought that's been overlooked.

Mary's ears turned slightly red; she was clearly not used to such direct praise.

She coughed lightly, trying to maintain a serious expression. "Thank you. If you're here to challenge the gym, I can take you there."

"No need. We don't have that kind of goal. We're just visiting Spike Town for sightseeing."

"travel......"

After dispersing the shouting team, the black-haired girl's brows furrowed with worry upon hearing this.

"What's wrong, Mary?"

Noticing this change keenly, Nan Yin inquired about it with a slightly deliberate air.

In fact, she did know the girl in front of her; in the Sword and Shield generation of games, this character was undoubtedly one of the most popular.

As the younger sister of Nie Zi, the owner of Spike Dojo, she is resilient and reserved, with an indomitable spirit. She has a delicate appearance but possesses an indomitable fighting spirit and is a well-deserved trainer.

"It's nothing, just consider it an apology. Let me show you both around Spike Town."

"Then I'll have to trouble you." Nan Yin nodded in agreement.

Led by the girl, they walked through streets covered in graffiti, their eyes taking in the shops on both sides, their windows displaying all sorts of musical instruments and trendy clothing. The rock music emanating from the speakers had a strong rhythm, yet it unexpectedly evoked a rustic feeling, a sense of tranquility beneath the noise.

"This atmosphere seems different from the previous towns; it's simple yet distinctive."

Listening closely, Korni remarked with such emotion.

"That was the arrangement and accompaniment by my brother."

His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of pride.

"Is he the owner of the museum in Galar, known for his rock music?"

"Ah."

Mary tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and sighed softly.

Dynamax battles are popular throughout the Galar region, but these competitions are not without restrictions. To Dynamax, a gym must be built next to a Power Point. Therefore, most towns with Gym Arenas are built around Power Points.

Dynamaxing is impossible without Energy Points, and towns far from anchor points are generally not preferred for Gym Battlegrounds. However, Spiketown is an exception among these few towns.

Currently, Spike Gym is the only gym in Galar that refuses to use Dynamax. Because of the lack of Dynamax, Spike Gym is rarely the first choice for tourists and cannot stand out from the competition with other towns.

With scarce resources, mediocre scenery, and outdated infrastructure, this small town, riddled with flaws, is naturally declining and unable to keep up with the tide of development.

Would you like to hear a short story?

Perhaps, as someone she only knew by face, Mary shouldn't have opened up and talked about her pent-up emotions. But perhaps because of the understanding and patience of her peers, she actually wanted to take the initiative to confide her bitterness and helplessness.

"of course."

Although she knew the truth, Nan Yin was still happy to listen and learn about the past of Jianding Town and the brother and sister.

"Actually, at the beginning, my brother didn't have so many ideas. If it weren't for supporting the family and revitalizing Spike Town, he would never have gone to such lengths to become a singer-songwriter and gym leader."

“The lyrics are composed from the local flavor, and the main theme of rock is just to make it easier to express the bitterness and hardship of life. Dark type, if it weren’t for the fact that dark type elves are the most common around the town, he would not have been willing to easily decide on his first partner.”

"When passion becomes work, the leisure that once existed becomes incredibly heavy."