'Imprisoning and controlling Pokémon... even humans, stripping them of their freedom and turning them into slaves. That's evil. We're only trying to carry out justice!'
Unown A twisted in Shiro's hand, its black body rippling like a wave, making him sigh helplessly.
"You're just an Unown," he said, setting the little creature on the armrest of the sofa.
'But you're the Sword and Shield hero!' it protested.
"I'm just a lucky worker who got paid," Shiro replied lazily, opening two chat windows on the research site. He began casually chatting with Professor Rowan and Professor Elm, who were mostly reporting on their latest research progress.
Both Rowan and Elm were top researchers in their own regions. It had been a long time since they'd found a researcher with whom they could share common ground. Meeting Shiro online had given them someone they could talk endlessly with.
From the origins of Pokémon to the legendaries, there was no shortage of topics.
Especially now, with research in the academic world becoming more detailed, and cross-field studies were more common. Researchers often needed discussions with peers to spark inspiration.
Shiro typed at lightning speed, pulling knowledge from Kanto all the way to Galar. He had particularly deep insights on Pokémon types and evolutions.
There was still one type not yet discovered, the Fairy type. He had to watch for the right moment to push that research forward.
But that would only be possible once he left Galar. Without even a proper lab, it would be too shabby to start anything serious.
It took him about an hour to finish his passionate exchange with the two professors. Finally, he let out a long breath and closed his laptop. When he looked up, Unown A was still perched on the sofa armrest, glaring at him with its single eye.
"?"
Two eyes stared at one eye.
Following a few minutes of silent staring, Shiro gave in first, rubbing his eyes and sighing.
"What is it now? Don't tell me you're still thinking about rescuing Mesprit. Why don't you dunk yourself in ice water and remind yourself, 'None of my business.'"
Hearing this, Unown A lowered its head. Looking rather downcast, it used its psychic power to hide its body and vanished from the sofa armrest.
"Ughh..."
Yawning, Shiro sighed again and got ready to sleep.
* * *
The next morning.
The TV, turned on early, echoed with an excited shout.
"Good morning, everyone! The highly anticipated Gym Challenge continues! We've reached day two, and next up are Gordie of Circhester and Raihan of Hammerlocke! Many have been waiting for today's battles, eager to see the Circhester sibling rivalry unfold and to watch the famous Dragon Tamer Raihan in action!"
Shiro brushed his teeth while listening, planning his day in his head.
This was the second day of the Gym Challenge and every TV channel was focused on promoting the upcoming matches. As for yesterday's incident, they didn't mention a word, not even much about Milo.
After defeating Piers, he had earned the man's Gym Challenge rights. By logic, today's broadcast and challenge order should be:
Gordie versus Circhester Gym, Shiro's journey to Circhester for his challenge, Marvin's roadblock battle, Raihan's Gym Challenge, and then Milo reaching Hammerlocke for his match.
Today's schedule was much more packed than yesterday. Programs were lined up one after another, and battles would happen constantly.
Almost all the staff of Macro Cosmos had been assigned to assist with the live broadcasts, along with League officials. Cameramen had already been stationed in Circhester and Hammerlocke.
"Stay tuned for today's Gym Challenge! This is Morning Entertainment, don't go anywhere—"
The voice cut off abruptly as Shiro reached out and turned off the TV.
It was all just for show. Gym Challenges and 'journeys'... Outside of Galar, no region had gym challenges with only a handful of participants. The others were either prepared NPCs or stepping stones.
And live-streamed in full? Yesterday's broadcast accident was probably spun as another kind of "special effect."
Shaking his head, he packed up, threw his bag over his shoulder, and stepped out of his room.
The moment he opened the door, he saw Marvin leaning against the wall, wearing the white uniform of Macro Cosmos. His hands were tucked behind his head, and his face held a smug grin. It looked like he had been waiting for quite a while.
"Up this early?" Shiro asked with mild surprise, giving him a once-over. Marvin, unusually, looked sharp and spirited, his uniform neat and pressed.
"Of course!"
His excitement was overflowing as they strode toward the elevator.
"I've been waiting for this day forever. I just want to get to Circhester and beat Gordie into the ground."
"Hah." Shiro chuckled, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for the first floor.
Family conflict. Brothers going at each other. Well, not like they were all that close anyway.
In Circhester, blocking the road and fighting was enough.
With Marvin's strength, it should be an easy win.
The elevator hummed and reached the first floor. The two walked out briskly.
The normally busy lobby of the building was nearly empty, with employees dispatched to help with today's events. Outside in the square, a single Flying Taxi was parked.
Since both of them were headed to Circhester, they went together.
Officially, Shiro was supposed to be "traveling" from Spikemuth to Circhester. By foot.
But the viewers didn't know that. It didn't matter. The TV crew wouldn't follow him around the way they did with Milo. It was just a formality.
They climbed into the Flying Taxi.
* * *
Circhester.
A big, ancient, quiet city located in the cold northeastern part of Galar.
It had three main streets running north to south and three crossing east to west, all paved with stone bricks. The buildings were old-fashioned, built entirely of stone.
What drew the most attention from visitors was the massive hot spring flowing beneath the city. Steam seeped out everywhere, with small pools dotting the streets. A particularly large pool sat in the southern circular street, and at the very center of the city stood the Hero's Bath.
Due to the cold climate, snowfall here was heavy. Thick layers of snow blanketed the streets, rooftops, and surrounding mountains. Ice-type Pokémon thrived across the snowy terrain.
Inside the Circhester Gym's hot spring hall, Gordie was relaxing.
The plump man leaned comfortably against the edge of the steaming pool, a damp white towel pressed to his forehead.
Gentle streams of hot water poured continuously from the four corners and middle of the pool.
The surface rippled with heat, yet he was the only one inside.
To give him enough rest and focus for the Gym Challenge, his mother Melony, the Gym Leader of Circhester, had cleared the pool of everyone else, leaving it for his private use.
She wanted him completely relaxed, his body and mind in their best state for battle.
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