Chapter 192: The Dynamax Band

Chapter 192: Chapter 192: The Dynamax Band

"So it’ll be a full battle with no restrictions?"

"That’s right."

Sora nodded.

"I’m curious to see just how strong the Gym Leaders of Galar are."

"After all, Galar is probably the region where Trainers compete the fiercest."

"And if I get the chance..."

"I’d also like to spar with Champion Leon."

Leon had never lost an official match.

That didn’t mean he’d won every private battle.

So even if Sora defeated Leon in a friendly match...

Leon would still remain the undefeated World Champion.

That wasn’t something Sora could change.

In a way...

Leon is pretty crafty.

Sora silently teased Leon in his heart.

Meanwhile, Sonia’s eyes lit up.

"Can I come watch when that happens?"

Not Leon’s beginner team used for testing new Trainers...

But his actual championship team.

Battles like that were almost impossible to witness.

"Of course."

Sora smiled.

"I’d be happy to have you there."

"Then it’s settled!"

Sonia clapped excitedly.

"I’ll be cheering for you, Mr. Sora!"

She had long wanted to see someone give Leon a proper beating.

Ever since he’d become Champion, he’d been acting so confident.

One day...

A true powerhouse had to show him there was always someone stronger.

Sora and Sonia got along remarkably well.

That evening, everyone stayed for dinner at the laboratory.

Sora personally cooked the meal.

Although Sonia and Cynthia were both women...

Neither of them was particularly skilled in the kitchen.

At least...

Not compared to Sora.

"I swear..."

"Your cooking keeps getting better."

As Cynthia enjoyed the meal, she sighed in satisfaction.

"Do you secretly have talent as a Pokémon Breeder too?"

"Maybe."

Sora felt his breeding skills had indeed improved considerably.

When he’d first started traveling...

He’d had almost no experience.

With only two Pokémon to care for...

There were only so many meals he could make.

His experience had grown painfully slowly.

But as the number of Pokémon on his team increased—

Especially after Magearna joined...

A Steel-type artificial Pokémon that wasn’t even technically a living creature...

His breeding knowledge had expanded dramatically.

Without realizing it...

His overall skill had risen to another level.

At this point...

He probably qualified as an Intermediate Pokémon Breeder.

"Cynthia."

"Do you think I’m ready to take the Intermediate Breeder certification exam?"

"You probably are."

Cynthia had sampled far more gourmet food than Sora ever had.

She praised his cooking because they were friends.

Food made by a friend...

And food served in a high-end restaurant...

Were two entirely different experiences.

"If we’re only talking about Pokémon food and ordinary cooking..."

"I’d say you’re already on par with most Intermediate Breeders."

"The only thing you’re lacking..."

"Is theoretical knowledge."

"I’ll handle that."

Hearing Sora wanted to earn his certification, Cynthia immediately offered to help.

"I’ll contact some Breeders back in Sinnoh and ask them which books are used for the exams."

"Thanks."

"Why thank me?"

"We’re friends."

"Ooooh?"

Sonia’s curiosity immediately flared.

"So..."

"What exactly is your relationship?"

Cynthia instantly choked.

Embarrassed, she shot Sonia an annoyed glare.

The orange-haired girl only laughed harder.

Meanwhile...

Sora remained perfectly calm.

He’d begun noticing something recently.

Cynthia seemed to have developed a certain affection for him.

Otherwise...

She wouldn’t keep trying to close the distance between them.

Not as a way to recruit him for Sinnoh...

But on a personal level.

Looks like...

Choosing not to make a move that night was the right decision.

Sora wasn’t interested in pursuing only physical relationships.

He wanted emotional connections too.

The kind-hearted, beautiful girls of the Pokémon world...

Each with their own unique charm...

Deserved to be treated sincerely.

"Sonia."

"Have our guests eaten yet?"

Just then...

Professor Magnolia entered through the front door.

The aroma of delicious food greeted her immediately.

She’d already eaten dinner herself.

Compared to the meal...

She was more interested in meeting the visitors.

"...Hm?"

The moment she saw Cynthia...

A hint of surprise crossed her face.

"It’s been a while, Professor Magnolia."

"Oh."

"It’s Cynthia."

Professor Magnolia’s usual stern expression softened into a warm smile.

"It’s been quite some time."

"How has your grandmother been?"

"Thank you for asking."

"Grandma’s still very healthy."

Cynthia’s grandmother...

Professor Carolina...

Was the elder of Celestic Town.

She was also Sinnoh’s foremost historical scholar.

Her reputation in the academic world rivaled Professor Magnolia’s own.

"That’s wonderful."

The two women had known each other for many years.

Since they were young researchers...

They’d met frequently at international academic conferences.

Their friendship stretched back decades.

So Cynthia’s unannounced visit wasn’t an inconvenience.

On the contrary...

Professor Magnolia was delighted.

"And these are...?"

Her gaze soon shifted toward Sora...

Along with Korrina and Marnie.

"This is Mr. Sora."

"An incredibly talented Trainer."

"And these two..."

Sonia wrapped an arm around each girl’s shoulders.

Grinning broadly, she introduced them one by one.

"Hello, Professor."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you."

The girls greeted her politely.

Professor Magnolia nodded approvingly.

She liked well-mannered children.

"Welcome to the laboratory."

"If you need anything..."

"Just ask Sonia."

"Professor Magnolia."

Since she’d said as much...

Sora spoke without hesitation.

"May I ask..."

"How far has your research into Dynamax progressed?"

"If that’s confidential, please don’t feel obligated to answer."

"I apologize if I’m being presumptuous."

"You’re interested in Dynamax?"

Professor Magnolia didn’t know Sora personally.

Still...

A Trainer being curious about Dynamax wasn’t unusual.

Besides...

Dynamax was Galar’s signature battle phenomenon.

It wasn’t exactly classified information.

"I should warn you first."

"Dynamax can only be used within Galar."

"I know."

Sora nodded.

"I’m simply interested in understanding the phenomenon."

"I’m not trying to master it."

"I see."

Seeing his curiosity was purely academic...

Professor Magnolia entered her research room.

A short while later...

She returned carrying two Dynamax Bands.

"One for each of you."

"You can try experiencing Dynamax for yourselves."

There was no need to keep them secret.

Ever since Chairman Rose had promoted the Dynamax system...

These wristbands had become standard equipment throughout the Galar League.

Not everyone owned one.

But most mainstream Trainers could obtain one.

"Really?"

"You may use my backyard."

Professor Magnolia smiled.

"Just remember to keep the damage under control."

"Please don’t destroy my garden."

"I’ll keep an eye on him."

Cynthia teased Sora with a smile.

Sora could only respond with a helpless grin.

—------------------------------

Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer