Chapter 191: Less Than Half a Year? Isn’t That a Bit Ridiculous?

Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Less Than Half a Year? Isn’t That a Bit Ridiculous?

Following Sonia, the group arrived at the Postwick Pokémon Laboratory.

The cheerful young researcher chatted almost nonstop along the way.

Even though Korrina and Marnie had only just met her, Sonia made sure neither of them felt left out.

Korrina’s outgoing personality matched Sonia’s almost perfectly, and before long the two were laughing and chatting like old friends.

Marnie, on the other hand, remained as quiet as ever, faithfully walking beside Sora.

"This is the laboratory’s backyard."

"We keep the Pokémon that Grandma and the Trainers she’s worked with have collected during their travels here."

Since Professor Magnolia was away on business and wouldn’t return until evening, Sonia decided to show everyone around the lab.

She wasn’t worried about revealing any confidential information.

Kind-hearted people simply didn’t think that way.

She trusted Cynthia completely...

And she was just as willing to place that trust in Sora, despite having only met him today.

"So many..."

Sora looked across the vast grounds.

The enormous backyard resembled a protected wildlife reserve, home to well over a hundred different species of Pokémon.

Many weren’t even native to Galar.

Among them, he spotted Goodra from Kalos...

As well as Dragonite, one of the famed pseudo-legendaries.

One had to remember—

At this point in time, Ash hadn’t even finished traveling through Kanto yet.

This was still an era when Dratini was considered so rare it bordered on being "legendary."

Yet Professor Magnolia kept pseudo-legendary Pokémon in her laboratory simply as research specimens.

That alone spoke volumes about her standing within Galar.

"Pretty amazing, right?"

"They’re all adorable..."

"But taking care of this many Pokémon is exhausting."

Sonia complained playfully about her daily workload.

Professor Magnolia focused solely on research.

Actually caring for all these Pokémon...

That responsibility fell entirely to Sonia.

"You’re complaining while living a blessed life."

Cynthia didn’t let her get away with humblebragging.

She immediately exposed the truth.

"Other laboratories have to submit applications to the League just to obtain legal research specimens."

"...That’s true."

Sonia stuck out her tongue mischievously.

She’d always been cheerful and outgoing.

And standing before the woman she admired most—

Cynthia—

Sonia’s lively personality shone even brighter.

Even the reserved Marnie found herself influenced by the girl’s infectious enthusiasm.

Before long, she was asking questions and joining the conversation alongside Sonia and Korrina.

"So..."

"What are your plans while you’re in Galar?"

After the tour, everyone gathered in the laboratory’s lounge.

Sonia served tea and snacks while asking about their itinerary.

She’d already learned a little about Korrina and Marnie.

Korrina...

The current Gym Leader of Shalour Gym in Kalos.

Young, yet already remarkably skilled.

Marnie...

Sora’s assistant and disciple, currently training under him.

Besides...

She was still too young.

Far below the minimum age required to participate in the League Challenge.

As for Sora...

He was certainly old enough.

Yet his calm, composed demeanor made him seem nothing like the typical hot-blooded challenger.

More importantly...

If a Trainer on Cynthia’s level entered the Galar League...

Wouldn’t that just be bullying?

"I’ve recently become interested in Galar’s Hero Legend."

"So I came here hoping to uncover some related records."

"Oh!"

"You mean the legend of the Sword and Shield heroes!"

Sonia knew that story all too well.

She’d been investigating it herself.

Unfortunately...

Because historical records were incomplete...

And because the Galar royal family continually obstructed her research...

Her progress had been painfully slow.

"Need any help?"

"I already have a lead."

Cynthia glanced toward Sora.

Sonia instantly understood.

Researching history?

Investigating mythology?

Yeah, right.

You’re obviously using this as an excuse to travel around Galar with your boyfriend!

I’m so jealous...

Though Sonia was still young...

She also dreamed of romance.

Of course...

In this world, Sonia had never viewed Leon romantically.

The two were simply childhood friends who’d grown up together.

Leon felt the same way.

He was far too busy building his career to worry about love.

"What about you, Mr. Sora?"

"Are you here to study Galar’s legends too?"

"A little."

As a traveler...

Using that as an excuse couldn’t have been more convenient.

"But besides that..."

"I also plan on challenging Galar’s Gyms."

"...Huh?"

Sonia froze with her teacup halfway to her lips.

"Seriously?"

"My Master is incredibly strong!"

Korrina immediately jumped in to sing Sora’s praises.

"When the time comes..."

"The Gym Leaders are going to experience Pokémon battles unlike anything they’ve ever seen!"

In Korrina’s eyes...

Sora wasn’t "smurfing."

Battling a stronger opponent...

Was every Trainer’s greatest blessing.

Any Gym Leader who wasn’t content with mediocrity—Would dream of becoming stronger.

As the saying went:

A Trainer who doesn’t aspire to become Champion isn’t a good Trainer.

The same logic applied here.

Korrina herself...

Her grandfather Gurkinn...

Even Cynthia...

All of them had benefited tremendously from battling Sora.

"Mr. Sora..."

"Surely you aren’t planning to challenge the League itself?"

"Of course not."

Sora waved dismissively.

"If I entered..."

"That’d be going a bit too far."

"...That’s a relief."

Sonia let out a long sigh.

She couldn’t help it.

This year, she’d personally handed out starter Pokémon to the new Trainers beginning their journeys.

There were a few particularly promising kids she’d been looking forward to watching in the upcoming League Conference.

If they happened to run into Sora...

That wouldn’t just be a difficult battle.

It might completely shatter their confidence...

Leaving psychological scars they’d never recover from.

"Actually..."

"As far as my Trainer career goes..."

"I haven’t even been traveling for half a year yet."

"...Less than half a year?!"

This time...

Sonia was genuinely dumbfounded.

Less than six months...

Yet already possessing strength comparable to Cynthia’s?

What kind of monster are you?

Even Leon hadn’t grown that absurdly fast.

"That’s right."

Taking another sip of tea, Sora smiled.

"So for me..."

"Challenging Gyms and participating in the League..."

"Still feels like a fresh experience."

After all...

Could you really call yourself a Trainer...

If you’d never taken on a League Challenge?

Unfortunately...

His current strength was simply too overwhelming.

If he used Ogerpon...

The League would be a massacre.

Even if he deliberately left all his legendary Pokémon behind...

His primary team would still sweep effortlessly.

Lilligant alone could probably bulldoze the entire tournament.

As for entering with a team of Pokémon he’d just caught...

That felt like forcing himself to suffer for no reason.

After thinking it through...

Sora reached a conclusion.

He would still challenge Gyms.

But...

The Gym Leaders would have to face him with their strongest signature Pokémon.

Of course...

He had no intention of clearing every Gym.

According to their planned route through Galar...

They would naturally pass several Gym cities along the way.

That would provide the perfect stage...

For Sora’s Pokémon to show what they could do.

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