Chapter 42: The Patron Saint of Water City
"Empoleon is down, and Carbink wins!"
"Since Gym Leader Jasmine has lost all her Pokémon, the winner is the challenger, Victor!"
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
The audience erupted into applause, having witnessed a miracle today!
Some cheered for Incineroar, others for Victor, who defeated the gym leader just two months into his journey. Many applauded Carbink's outstanding performance.
After handing over her fainted Empoleon to the nurse, Jasmine approached Victor, clapping and smiling.
A staff member came forward, holding a tray. Jasmine picked up the intricately designed, water drop-shaped badge from it and presented it to Victor.
"This is the Junior Water Badge. Your performance today proves you've earned it!"
Victor accepted it solemnly.
"I didn't expect to lose to you today. Once the footage of this battle is shared, you'll undoubtedly become famous~" Jasmine said with a smile.
"I can already imagine the titles the media will give you—something like 'The Strongest New-Generation Genius in the United Alliance.'"
Jasmine covered her cheek with one hand and joked with a smile.
"Well, actually, I don't want to be famous," Victor sighed.
A tree that stands out in the forest is bound to be destroyed by the wind.
Victor's father had warned him that many criminal organizations operated within the crimson Alliance. No matter how much they were cracked down on, those rats always found a way to reappear.
These malicious groups were notorious for targeting young prodigies in despicable attacks.
"If you prefer, we can at least ensure the official battle footage isn't made public," Jasmine said, noticing Victor's genuine concern. Her expression turned serious as she spoke.
"Then I'll have to trouble Auntie Jasmine," Victor replied, nodding gratefully.
"It's no trouble at all. Protecting the younger generation so they can grow safely is what we older trainers should do," Jasmine reassured him.
---
Back in the lounge, Jasmine's eyes sparkled as she examined the report handed over by her secretary.
One, ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand!
Victor, standing to the side, was speechless as he watched the usually composed and elegant Jasmine exude an almost cartoonish enthusiasm for money.
Sensing Victor's thoughts, Jasmine glanced up from the report and explained, "You young folks don't understand. Running a massive gym like the SeawindCove Gym is no easy task. Even with financial support from the Alliance, the budget is always tight."
"This is our time as gym leaders to earn some money~"
"How much did you make today?" Victor asked curiously.
"Thirty million."
"?!"
"Tickets are that profitable?" Victor exclaimed in shock.
"No, that includes merchandise and other miscellaneous revenue. The ticket sales alone were just ten million."
"Ten million is already a lot!" Victor retorted.
"Well, today's event was a rare Junior Gym Challenge, happening just two months after the new trainers received their starter Pokémon."
"It's a rare occasion and a major draw! In comparison, the mid-level gym challenges taken by college students for graduation aren't nearly as popular."
"There are so many graduates every year that the public is bored of watching them."
"Besides, the ticket prices for this event were a bit higher than usual~"
The latter was the key point! Victor felt like he was about to turn into a complainer.
However, earning 2 million as a share from participating in a gym challenge wasn't bad at all. Victor could only hope for more opportunities like this!
After finishing their chat, Victor stood up, ready to take his leave.
Jasmine stopped him and asked, "Do you have any plans for where to go next?"
"I plan to explore SeawindCove City over the next few days, take a tour, and see if I can encounter a Pokémon with exceptional eyesight," Victor replied.
"Then let me recommend a place for you."
"Where?" Victor asked, intrigued.
"It's a popular spot for tourists visiting SeawindCove City. But before I tell you, let me share a story."
---
A long time ago, in an unnamed water town, there lived an old man and an old woman.
One day, they rescued two injured siblings they found by the shore. With the couple's careful care, the siblings gradually recovered.
But one day, dark and evil monsters invaded the island. Just as the island was about to be swallowed by the monsters, the siblings revealed their true forms: they were the legendary Pokémon, Latios and Latias.
The two Pokémon rose into the air, wielding their immense power to repel the darkness. At the center of their power was a gem called the Heart Drop, which restored peace to the town.
From then on, Latios and Latias often visited the town to protect it. No evil ever returned to threaten the place again.
Over time, that nameless water town grew into what we now know as SeawindCove City, the City of Water.
---
"Today, statues of Latios and Latias, the city's guardian deities, stand proudly in the center of SeawindCove City," Jasmine continued.
"For a trainer like you, visiting these Guardian statues could be inspiring, don't you think?"
"Although Latios and Latias haven't been seen in a long time, their statues are still worth visiting."
She then added seriously, "Also, while the official video won't be released, recordings by the audience may circulate privately. That could attract the attention of evil organizations. Be cautious when traveling."
Victor nodded, taking her suggestion and advice to heart. He bid farewell to Jasmine and left the SeawindCove Gym.
By now, it was late at night. Time to head back and get some rest!