bookmarkrole Chapter 324 Gadriya: Xia Chi, are you going to kidnap Alice to...
Chapter 324 Gadriya: Xia Chi, are you going to kidnap Alice to...
Chapter 324 Gadriya: Xia Chi, are you going to lure Alice to the Eastern Empire? (5k)
The power of Gadriya's superpowers needs no further explanation.
Perhaps in formal Pokémon battles, there are quite a few people who can defeat her through tactics and Pokémon strength, but there is absolutely no one who can defeat her personally.
It can be said that this is a top-tier expert who can easily guide even a legendary Psychic-type Pokémon like Latias.
Except for Tyranitar, Ponpo, and Milton, who didn't need to attend classes, all the other elves listened attentively.
The reason it's considered "Locked" is because it doesn't possess any psychic-type moves.
As for Ponpo and Milton, this kind of teaching is simply meaningless for their level.
Their understanding and use of energy is almost instinctive. The basic to advanced control techniques taught by Cattleya are of little significance to them, more like college students going back to listen to elementary school math lessons.
The other elves benefited greatly from this "lesson".
It's not that it can directly increase the power of super-powered moves or anything like that.
When judging whether a move is good or bad, power is only one dimension.
Condensation speed, accuracy, release method, energy concentration, and so on are all aspects of training level.
These seemingly subtle differences often become the key to victory in a duel between experts.
And this is precisely the area where Gadriya can provide guidance.
With her unparalleled mental control, Gadria can clearly perceive the stagnation and deviation in the energy flow of each spirit, and guide them in the direction of optimization through the most direct mental guidance.
Latias's [Mist Ball] light became more refined, the pre-animation of Martial Arts Bear Master's [Mind Hammer] was significantly shortened, and even Magic Masked Cat's attempt to attach superpowers to the vine whip became much smoother.
Unfortunately, this high-quality lesson was forced to end after lasting for more than an hour.
It wasn't that Xia Chi and the elves didn't want to listen; it was mainly because the lecturer, Miss Gadria, was sleepy.
Seeing her yawn, barely concealing her weariness, and the slight tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, Xia Chi could only helplessly give up on further extracting knowledge from Miss Cattleya.
For Xia Chi, the nightlife is just beginning.
However, having already spent a long afternoon outdoors, he had little interest in going out.
I'll make good use of these two or three hours before bed to practice the skills I just learned with the elves, turning theory into muscle memory.
One benefit of high-intensity mental exertion is extremely high sleep quality.
Xia Chi slept until she naturally woke up. When she checked her phone with Rotom, it was almost 10 a.m.
The absurd thing is that Cattleya, who came into the room yawning around 8 or 9 pm last night, is still not awake.
Including her afternoon naps that often last two or three hours, Xia Chi roughly estimated that this young lady probably spends more than half of her day sleeping.
Truly worthy of being the reincarnation of the Tree-tailed Bear!
Xia Chi silently complained to herself, got up to wash up, and didn't disturb the sleeping beauty in the next room.
After washing up, he and the elves began their morning training in the training room, which wasn't particularly early, as usual.
When I came out of the room covered in sweat, I was surprised to find that Cattleya was already sitting in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the dining room, having breakfast with an elegant posture.
Sunlight streamed through the glass and fell upon her, as if coating her with a soft halo.
Xia Chi glanced at the dining table and paused slightly.
The food on the table was clearly not intended for one person.
Besides the portions in front of Cattleya and Gallade, there were several steaming baskets of buns and xiaolongbao that looked very much like the Donghuang style, as well as clean bowls, plates and chopsticks.
It was clearly prepared by Gadria for him, and it's very likely that it also included other spirits like the Magic Masked Cat.
This discovery surprised Xia Chi slightly.
For ordinary people, preparing breakfast for their companions might just be a common and thoughtful gesture, but for Cattleya, who has a cool personality and is used to being taken care of, it is all the more precious.
It seems that even the coldest person on the outside can have a warm heart.
A warm feeling welled up in Xia Chi's heart.
"I didn't know what you liked to eat, so I had them make these."
Hearing the noise, Cattleya looked up and said in her characteristically calm tone, "If you don't like it, you can tell me, and I'll have the kitchen send over something else."
The arrogance revealed in this casual remark would have moved Xia Chi, who was struggling to make ends meet a year ago, to tears, and she would have cried out, "Rich woman, I'm hungry!"
Gadriya is a good person to get along with; she really spends her money on her brothers!
Xia Chi smiled and replied, "No need to trouble yourself, these are all my favorite dishes. I'll go take a shower first, you guys eat first, no need to wait for me."
Cattleya nodded gently and continued to savor her breakfast in small bites.
After taking a quick cold shower, Xia Chi felt refreshed.
Having just finished his morning exercise, he was already starving, so he sat down at the dining table and began to eat heartily.
The steamed buns have thin skins and generous fillings, and are bursting with juice. The xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are especially delicious, bursting with flavor in every bite.
It's safe to say that it's not much different from what I ate in Donghuang.
Magic Masked Meow and Latias, among other Pokémon, also enjoyed the energy cubes and berries specially prepared for them.
That little guy, Bictini, came all the way here to steal food from Xia Chi.
Having already finished breakfast, Cattleya did not leave. Instead, she sat opposite Xia Chi, holding a cup of floral tea, quietly watching the city view outside the window.
After Xia Chi had finished eating, she finally asked, "Where are we going later?"
Xia Chi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and subconsciously asked, "Uh, don't you need to catch up on your sleep?"
He immediately realized his mistake; the question sounded like an implication that she was a heavy sleeper.
As expected, Cattleya frowned slightly, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible dissatisfaction.
"Even a tree-pillow bear isn't so sleepy that it would immediately go back to sleep after just waking up and having breakfast, right?"
Wow!
She even knows that I mistook her for a tree-pillow koala spirit?
Could this guy really have mind-reading abilities?
Xia Chi felt a chill run down her spine and quickly changed the subject, saying, "That's not what I meant. By the way, I ran into Alice from the Twin Dragons Dojo yesterday, and she invited me to the dojo today. Do you want to come along?"
Although the way she changed the subject was a bit abrupt, the name Alice did indeed catch Gadria's attention.
"Alice?"
She repeated the name softly, her slender fingers gently caressing the warm teacup. She lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, let's go together. It just so happens that I also have some things to discuss with Master Shaka."
As Xia Chi picked up a small steamed bun, he said, "Then you might be disappointed. Alice said that Mr. Shaka went to Snow City these past few days and isn't at the gym."
"Go to Xuehua City."
Cattleya murmured to herself, a thoughtful look flashing across her eyes.
Just then, Xia Chi suddenly remembered something, "Oh no, I haven't contacted Alice yet!"
After completing his mental training last night, he immediately put his phone into Do Not Disturb mode to avoid being disturbed.
Given Alice's lively and eager nature, she's probably sent countless messages by now.
I quickly called my phone, Rotom, and the screen lit up. Sure enough, I saw "99+" unread messages next to Alice's avatar on the Pogaman chat app.
Xia Chi replied quickly, slightly guilty: "Just woke up. I'll come to the dojo to find you after I finish breakfast."
After sending the message, he looked at Cattleya across from him: "I'm planning to leave after I finish eating, do you want to come along?"
Cattleya gracefully set down her teacup, nodded, and replied, "Yes, okay."
------
Shuanglong Dojo is located at the intersection of the old and new town areas of Shuanglong City, and is a building with great symbolic significance.
Even in a city already known for its unique architectural style, it is a landmark.
The building features an antique-style exterior design, exuding grandeur, but its construction materials are modern alloys and reinforced glass, shimmering with a cool and solid luster under the sunlight.
This design style, which blends the ancient and the modern, is full of artistry and aptly reflects the inclusive and forward-looking spirit of SsangYong City and the entire Unova region.
As it was the first open day after the gym closed, there were an unusually large number of trainers coming to challenge the gym, and long lines formed in the waiting area early on.
When Xia Chi and Jia Deliya arrived, this was the lively scene they saw.
Alice, who hadn't received a reply from Xia Chi in time that morning, had obviously already started operating the gym according to its normal procedures.
Xia Chi was too embarrassed to cut in line, so he simply took Gadriya and ran to the spectator stands.
Just like in the game, the interior of the Twin Dragons Gym is much more spacious and deep than it appears from the outside, giving it an ancient and desolate feel.
Statues of Lehiram and Zekrom also stand in prominent positions.
Although not as large as those in city squares, they are carved more delicately and vividly, possessing more dynamism and a sense of awe than those massive stone statues.
The entire arena was enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, which instilled a sense of awe in the challengers who were there.
Alice, who appeared as the gym owner today, was dressed very differently from her casual outfit during yesterday's street battle.
She changed into a gorgeous yet understated dress, with delicate dragon patterns embroidered on the hem. Her long purple hair was also carefully styled, making her look capable and elegant.
This solemnity and imposing presence easily reminded Xia Chi of the Champion Limited Alice who fought against Cynthia in the Eight Masters Tournament in the anime.
The dojo challenge has already begun.
As the gym leader, Alice clearly plays more of a guiding and assessing role, and the Pokémon she sends out are roughly the same strength as the challengers.
The outcome of the battle is not the only objective; it is also about testing the challenger's tactics, will, and bond with the spirit.
Therefore, the match itself did not have much suspense or thrills; rather, Alice skillfully guided the pace of the battle.
Cattleya, on the other hand, watched very intently.
Xia Chi glanced at her sideways with some surprise, not quite understanding why she would be interested in this kind of competition.
Noticing Xia Chi's questioning gaze, Gadriya didn't turn her head and calmly explained, "Mr. Shaka mentioned to me before that he plans to completely hand over the responsibilities of the Twin Dragons Gym Leader to Iris this year. I'm taking this opportunity to test whether she has the ability to stand on her own."
Upon hearing this, Xia Chi said half-jokingly, "Huh? Shouldn't this kind of thing be reported to the League Champion, Mr. Ardek? You're the 'Regent' of the Union! It's getting cold, Miss Cattleya, you should put on a coat."
Gadriya didn't quite understand the historical references to the Eastern Empire, and glanced at Xia Chi with some confusion, her tone remaining calm: "I'd rather have a more relaxed life, but there are some responsibilities I can't shirk."
His words carried a hint of helplessness at being forced to take over the affairs of the alliance.
Xia Chi smiled and turned her gaze back to the confident and spirited purple-haired girl in the arena below, speaking with certainty.
"It's okay, wait two more years, until she's really grown up and can help you a lot."
This time it was Cattleya's turn to look at her in surprise. "You actually think so highly of her?"
Alice's talent is undoubtedly outstanding, but no one can predict how high she will reach in the future. Xia Chi's tone, however, sounded like a prophecy.
Xia Chi simply smiled mysteriously, offering no further explanation, and said only, "Let's wait and see."
I didn't get to watch the game for very long.
Because they arrived late, they only managed to watch two dojo challenge matches before the dojo closed for lunch.
Xia Chi had arranged to meet Alice at the medical center inside the Twin Dragons Dojo.
After a morning of intense, continuous battles, even a well-equipped medical center like the Twin Dragons Gym was quite busy.
At least a dozen or twenty Pokémon from different challengers need to receive treatment and recovery.
However, the gym leader who was being challenged wasn't much better off.
When Xia Chi found her, Alice was sprawled out on a soft sofa in the medical center's lounge, staring blankly at the ceiling.
He looked utterly exhausted and listless, a stark contrast to his earlier radiant performance on the field.
"You've finally arrived."
Seeing that it was Xia Chi, Alice mustered her energy, jumped up from her chair, grabbed Xia Chi's arm, and her eyes instantly lit up. "Let's have a game while we have time!"
She had had enough of the dojo challenges that morning and desperately needed a close match to reignite her fighting spirit.
Xia Chi shook her head and refused, saying, "Forget it, you should rest now."
Alice quickly retorted, "But I just used the Pokémon that the gym usually has. My Salamence and Dragonite rested in their Poké Balls all morning, and they're full of energy now!"
Xia Chi flicked her forehead with his index finger and said irritably, "You're the one who needs rest! Driving while fatigued... no, giving directions while fatigued is a big no-no!"
Seeing Xia Chi's resolute attitude and the lack of any room for compromise, Alice deflated like a punctured balloon, pouting as she slumped back into the sofa chair, muttering under her breath, "Fine."
Just then, she suddenly noticed Gadria, who had been standing quietly behind Xia Chi with a low profile.
Her attention was completely focused on Xia Chi and the battle, and she didn't notice that this important figure had also arrived.
Alice immediately stood up with a start.
This is her boss's boss.
It can be said that without Aderc, Gadriya is the rising sun of the Unova region.
While flattery is unnecessary, due respect and courtesy must be shown.
Cattleya's expression was tense. "Queen Cattleya, what brings you here!"
"It's nothing, I just happened to come and take a look."
While speaking in a street-smart tone, Gadria revealed a rare, faint smile and added, "You performed exceptionally well in the gym challenge this morning. Your actions were measured and your guidance was excellent. It seems that Gym Leader Shaka made the right choice. You should be able to officially take over the Twin Dragons Gym from him this year."
Cattleya's words were not entirely based on Xia Chi's previous "prophecy," but rather on her observations just now.
As a dojo owner, knowing how to adjust strategies based on the challenger's skill level and providing appropriate guidance and pressure is far more important than simply pursuing victory.
Clearly, Alice did a great job in this regard.
However, despite receiving the "Regent's" designation, Alice showed no joy, but rather some surprise.
She quickly waved her hands vigorously and said repeatedly, "No, no, no! Queen Cattleya, you flatter me. I don't think I'm ready yet; I need to reflect more!"
Gadriya hadn't expected Alice to refuse so decisively, and she couldn't help but ask, "Do you have some kind of plan?"
Alice nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with longing: "Yes, I want to participate in the Alliance Conference!"
Cattleya pondered for a moment, then indicated her understanding: "The Higanbana Tournament? Indeed, going out to gain experience and accumulate more tournament experience will be very beneficial for future growth."
Alice scratched her head sheepishly and said, "Uh, no, what I want to participate in is the Eastern Empire Tournament."
Gadriya: "."
She was momentarily speechless and subconsciously glanced at Xia Chi beside her.
Didn't you just say she could take over Adek's responsibilities? And then you turn around and tell me she's going to Rundonghuang?
You didn't instigate this, did you?
It's not that we can't develop in other regions.
Many of the gym leaders in the region are not from my hometown, and there are even Elite Four members among them.
For example, Senri from the Hoenn region comes from Johto, and Masya from the Carlos region is from Kanto.
Even Gadria herself is a Sinnoh.
However, Alice was, after all, Shaka's personal disciple and a genius on whom he placed high hopes.
Gadalia was still somewhat disappointed at losing such a future elite of the alliance.
Alice seemed to see through her thoughts and added, "I will still join the group in the future, but I really want to participate in the Eastern Empire Tournament."
She looked at Xia Chi and smiled, "Because I really want to know what the Alliance Conference will be like in a region where a monster like Xia Chi can appear."
Xia Chi: "."
This time, Xia Chi was speechless.
He was speechless. "You two were having a nice chat, how did you suddenly start insulting me?"
But then again.
Not only Alice, but Hoenn's "Divine Beast Girl" Kanon also said she would participate in the Eastern Tournament.
Nemo had been talking about it for a long time, and even a few days ago Professor Oak mentioned to her that Green also had this plan.
It seems the next Donghuang Conference is destined to be very lively.
(End of this chapter)