"Since the challenger's Corviknight has lost the ability to battle, the winner of this gym battle is Gym Leader Aiden!"
Nemona appeared at the right moment, making the judgment while feeling a bit sorry for this little challenger.
It was just a tiny difference; what a pity.
Although everything that happened during the entire battle was probably within Teacher Aiden's expectations, it seemed she never had a chance to win...
Nemona always felt that Aiden must have been triggered by the bad reviews from previous students, which is why he brought out such a high-quality tactic this week.
Facing an impenetrable Glimmora, if one carelessly got corroded by its venom, the result of the entire battle would be practically determined.
"Is your Sunlight Gym only 'Sunlight' in name?"
Nemona suddenly recalled a comment she saw on the League app a few days ago.
At this rate of development, it might soon really become like that!
"Good job, Glimmora."
After recalling Glimmora, Aiden also let out a sigh of relief.
He hadn't expected it to turn into a test of endurance and become a drawn-out battle.
It seems that although Glimmora is a popular Pokémon in Paldea, it doesn't quite fit this tactic. It's better suited for 6v6 battles where it can quickly scatter Stealth Rocks with Toxic Debris...
However, after all, it was only serving as the examiner for the gym assessment.
If he had used a self-regenerating, endlessly durable Toxapex, the students challenging him afterward would probably leave more bad reviews...
Thinking about this made Aiden angry.
Practice more if you're weak, don't play if you can't handle it!
Of course, Aiden absolutely didn't choose Glimmora as the examiner for this week's assessment for that reason.
He simply believed that having opponents think about how to find a way out under unfavorable conditions reflects a trainer's skill more than straightforward attack and defense.
Yes, that's exactly right!
"I lost..."
After recalling Corviknight, Poppy, who was once full of energy, lowered her head in disappointment, her tone carrying a hint of grievance.
It was just a small margin. If she had given commands more decisively, maybe Corviknight could have held on for one more move and taken down Glimmora first!
So regretful!
Nemona glanced at Poppy and noticed that she looked like she might burst into tears at any moment. She immediately looked at Aiden and started communicating with her eyes.
Teacher Aiden, think of something to comfort her quickly!
If anyone finds out that a grade-schooler cried and ran out of our Sunlight Gym, our already dwindling reputation will drop even further!
"Shocking! The Sunlight Gym actually did this to a mere 7-year-old trainer?"
She could already imagine what the headline on the League APP would be next!
"Cough—"
After Aiden cleared his throat twice, he quickly caught Poppy's attention.
The little girl, not even reaching his thigh, blinked with moist eyes, looking pitiful.
"Excellent command skills, Poppy."
Aiden walked up to Poppy, clapping his hands with a smile.
"Although you suffered a big setback initially due to not knowing the abilities, you quickly adjusted and continuously made effective counterattacks. This is a true reflection of a trainer's level."
"Being able to seize the opportunity to counterattack after I used Spiky Shield shows that you were continuously observing your opponent's actions during the battle. I think this is a very good habit."
This wasn't Aiden awkwardly praising her; he genuinely thought Poppy did pretty well.
Among the challengers from the past two weeks, many Pokémon were close in strength to Poppy's, clearly outstanding students from Naranja Academy.
But their commanding abilities fell far short of this 7-year-old girl.
Were the students too weak, or was her talent exceptionally strong?
Perhaps both.
At least, after her Pokémon became severely poisoned, she remained calm and used Roost according to the situation, successfully tricking Glimmora into using Spiky Shield.
She almost caused me to lose.
No wonder she was called a "prodigy human" who could become a champion at the age of nine. Her young mind indeed thinks fast.
"Although the outcome of this battle is regrettable, I believe you already possess the strength to rank among the top contenders in the Victory Road."
"Therefore, as the gym leader, I recognize your strength."
After saying this, Aiden smiled helplessly.
"However, the Sunlight Gym currently does not have the qualification to issue badges yet."
Since the Sunlight Gym would officially become one of the eight gyms in next year's Victory Road, he truly didn't have any badges at the moment.
As for the badge design, Aiden had already submitted it to the Paldea League.
Modeled after the Garchompite evolution stone, which he liked most in his previous life, it was exactly the size of a badge.
"Really?!"
Poppy instantly perked up, on the verge of tears moments before.
She could feel that Mr. Aiden was speaking very sincerely, not just comforting her but genuinely recognizing her strength!
"Thank you, Brother Gym Leader!"
To be honest, before coming to challenge the Sunlight Gym today, Poppy wasn't sure about her current level.
Encouragement from family isn't necessarily real, so she had been a bit hesitant about the proposal to participate in the Victory Road ahead of schedule.
In her view, only acknowledgment from an excellent trainer would confirm her strength.
Now, being recognized by this impressive gym leader brother on her first gym challenge gave her confidence to participate in next year's Victory Road.
"By the way..."
Aiden raised an eyebrow and continued.
"Next year's Victory Road, our Sunlight Gym will officially become one of the region's eight gyms. At that time, Poppy, you can come try again."
"If you get stronger, taking the badge from me shouldn't be difficult."
As a reserve for the eight gyms, he was constantly adapting to his role as an "examiner."
Hopefully, by then, he could provide a better challenge experience for the students of Naranja Academy.
Thinking about this, Aiden couldn't help but smile.
"Mm, I will!"
Poppy nodded repeatedly.
This was the first time she had been praised by a gym leader.
Moreover, this gym leader named Aiden didn't go easy on her just because she was young, which made Poppy feel respected.
Though the tactics used were unexpected, this Gym Leader Aiden should be a very gentle older brother, right?
Next year, the first gym she challenges will definitely be the Sunlight Gym!
Watching Poppy leave with satisfaction, Nemona couldn't help but let out a sigh.
Somehow, it feels like that little girl was thoroughly convinced by Teacher Aiden... It must be my imagination...
Unlike Nemona's worried expression, Aiden smiled and nodded.
What a good child!
Wait… I think I forgot to ask her for a good review!
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