Lance recognized the person at a glance.
Wasn't that the Trainer he sparred with at the banquet in the Unova Region?
What exactly is going on here?
After a brief contemplation, he directly video-called Clair and asked, "What's going on?"
Clair replied in detail, "In short, a Champion Trainer retired and became a Rancher. Some netizens didn't believe in his strength, so they went to the ranch to verify it, and ended up not even defeating the cows and goats that produce milk there."
Lance: "..."
After a moment of silence, Lance spoke, "Indeed, his strength is formidable."
Upon hearing this, Clair on the other end of the call was slightly taken aback, "Oh? You know him?"
Lance nodded, "Yes, we've met once before, and happened to spar during that time."
"Who won?" Clair asked, suddenly interested.
Lance: "...I lost."
"Oh~" Clair said meaningfully, "It seems like ninety percent of the rumors circulating online are true then!"
"What rumors?" Lance asked, puzzled.
"You don't know?" Clair responded, a bit surprised.
"I've been on a mission and changed identities recently, almost no time online," Lance explained truthfully.
Upon hearing this, Clair understood.
She was also quite interested in that Trainer, so she chatted with Lance enthusiastically.
"The man is the most mysterious existence in the Paldea Region. It's said that years ago he traveled the world, and his skills had already reached the peak."
"Afterward, he retired, gave up being a Champion-level Trainer, and took his Pokemon to the Paldea Region, starting a ranch."
"There are rumors online that even if a Trainer successfully completes Gym challenges, collects eight badges, and passes the Paldea League's Champion assessment,
becoming a Champion-level Trainer does not mean it's the end. Only by going to a ranch and defeating the Rancher there head-on can one truly be the strongest in the Paldea Region."
Upon hearing this, Lance was slightly stunned.
He never expected that the young man had such a story...
Did he give up the Champion identity to live a peaceful life with his Pokemon?
At this moment, Clair on the screen suddenly seemed to have made some kind of determination.
"I've decided! I'm going to the Paldea Region to have a Dragon-type Pokemon exchange event with the owner there!" she said.
For Clair, continuing special training in the Dragon's Holy Sanctuary could no longer yield results.
Growing up here, she felt immensely familiar with every plant and tree, every flower and wood, and every Dragon Type Pokemon living here.
As for his cousin's plan, after a brief contemplation, Lance also thought it was a good choice.
"His strength is great, and if you battle him, you might learn something new from the fight," Lance said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, Clair immediately used her Rotom Phone to book a ticket to the Paldea Region.
League Year 201, March 17th.
A plane full of passengers took off from Blackthorn City Airport, flying towards the distant Paldea Region.
Meanwhile, at the ranch, Naoki was communicating with Geeta via video call.
Geeta's face showed a graceful smile.
"Oh my, I watched that tour livestream the other day! Thanks to you, more and more Trainers from other regions are being drawn to the Paldea Region!"
Naoki: "...I've felt it."
I have to say, these netizens are too enthusiastic. Since the day that livestream ended, many tourists have come to the ranch every day.
Some of them are even trend-chasing streamers, who are here not to battle but just to check-in, making Naoki quite distressed.
Until yesterday, he sternly told a streamer, "If you're here to check-in and film videos, then I'll refuse to accept challenges. Only Trainers truly wanting to battle Pokemon are welcome here."
Things only got a bit better then.
"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Geeta's eyes sparkled as she came up with an idea: "I have a good idea, would you like to hear it?"
Naoki was slightly surprised, "What?"
Geeta said, "Collaborate with the Paldea League to impose some restrictions on challenging the ranch."
"For example, if people from outside regions want to challenge the ranch, they need to have obtained the eight badges from the Paldea Region or be recognized as a Champion-level Trainer by the Paldea League to qualify for the challenge."
"With this, the Paldea League can help alleviate a lot of the Trainers coming to challenge you."
Naoki: "..."
He immediately saw through Geeta's plan.
Geeta was secretly plotting to acquire talents coming to the Paldea Region!
First, by challenging Gyms to select outstanding talents, and finally retaining foreign talents with the Paldea League's generous offers.
If many come to challenge, there will definitely be a few willing to stay in the Paldea Region, thus achieving Geeta's grand plan for talent acquisition.
Indeed, it's a good plan!
Especially for the ranch, it would filter out some of the Trainers.
With this thought, Naoki agreed immediately.
However, after pondering for two seconds, he added, "Local Trainers in Paldea don't need this rule, just as before, I will host them based on their abilities and character."