Snowpoint Gym
Candice was almost pressed against him—like an enthusiastic fan chasing a star.
Wade was momentarily stunned.
This posture—he could clearly see the twin-ponytail girl's graceful body.
Bound by the thin white top—two smooth, tender, plump Snowballs trembled slightly. Rippling in layers of flesh.
A warm, faint fragrance from her cleavage wafted slowly into his nostrils—difficult to extricate.
If he lowered his head to breathe—his hot breath would naturally climb onto her proud, erect snowy peaks. Causing this dashing girl to let out soft whimpers and delicate moans—just as she had when held in his arms earlier.
He struggled to avert his gaze from that round, soft object.
He seemed to have underestimated the influence of his capture of Hunter J's poaching gang—and his command of Articuno to quell the beast horde.
No Badges. No usual path of League tournaments, Elite, or Champion.
But as Cynthia had said—after the Hiyori Forest incident—whether in the League's promoted image or in the eyes of Trainers who watched the live broadcast—he had clearly become synonymous with a powerful Trainer.
Two feats.
Defeating Hunter J—Elite-level strength. Possessing Articuno—easily quelling a beast horde.
Wade had already gained considerable fame in Sinnoh—and even other regions.
"Ms. Candice—what do you mean by 'the legendary Trainer who controls Articuno'?"
Hilda weakly raised her hand—still confused.
These past few days—constantly training Pignite—busy preparing to challenge Snowpoint Gym.
She seemed to have missed something.
Candice—noticing the plump Snowball wrapped by her top was about to press against Wade—couldn't help but blush. Moved back a few steps.
Coughed. Began answering Hilda's question in detail.
"It was the big news a few days ago! Hunter J—that infamous person in Sinnoh—to capture Celebi—used explosives to blast the forest. Caused a forest fire. A riot of wild Pokémon."
"Huh? That's despicable!"
As a righteous Trainer, Hilda frowned.
"But at this critical moment—Mr. Wade calmly stepped forward. Protected the Trainers behind him. Commanded legendary Articuno—easily defeated the menacing wild Pokémon."
"Of course—there's also a rumor." Candice's eyes sparkled. "The belated Investigator Lance greatly praised him. Offered various conditions. Threatened him at the end—insisting Mr. Wade must join the League Investigators."
"Just a pity—he was ultimately rejected."
Hilda lightly pursed her delicate, petal-like lips. Murmured softly.
"Beast horde... Articuno... Investigator Lance..."
With just a slight imagination—she could visualize the shocking scene.
Alone—directly defeated the notorious poaching gang leader. The menacing beast horde.
Faced with the Johto Champion's coercion and inducements—remained unmoved. Righteously refused.
He's really a bit too cool—
Her beautiful eyes shifted. She couldn't help but glance at Wade beside her a few more times.
Young girl in the prime of youth. Helped her retrieve her stolen Badge case. Heard such legendary, astonishing feats.
Her initial high regard—instantly surged even more.
Wade rubbed his forehead.
His image portrayed as very noble. Whose unofficial version of history was this?
Dragon Tamer—revered as the Flying-type Elite—was having another day of reputation damage.
If this continued by word of mouth for a few more months—it might even evolve into Lance being the final big villain.
"It's true—I commanded Articuno to repel the rampaging wild Pokémon. Though the scene might not have been as grand as you imagine." He paused—amused—but still chose to clear his name.
"And also..."
He might need Lance's help later.
"At the end of the story—Lance didn't coerce or entice me. He invited me. I happened to be running a farm. After some thought—I politely declined."
"Hehe."
Exposed without mercy, the pure, beautiful Candice playfully stuck out her tongue.
Then—finally—back to the main topic.
"Oh—by the way—I didn't realize Mr. Wade was also the president of that company."
She nodded, face full of satisfaction.
"I've looked into it. The quality of your Hiyori brand moomoo milk is many times better than market. I'm interested in cooperating."
"And this cooperation isn't just me personally—but on behalf of the entire Snowpoint City."
Her words paused.
The twin-ponytail girl changed the subject. Her slender finger lightly pointed at Wade.
A faint blush appeared on her pure, pretty face.
"Before signing the cooperation agreement—you must battle me!"
Wade looked at Candice—eyes burning with fierce fighting spirit.
Unlike signing business deals and drinking with clients in his past life.
In the Pokémon world—the best way to build rapport? A passionate Pokémon battle.
Hmm. Aligns with the Pokémon world's characteristics. And this Gym Leader's personality.
"No problem. As you say~"
He nodded—readily agreed.
Snowpoint City's market share—due to remote geography—not as good as some Sinnoh mega-cities.
But Hiyori Industrial Company was still early. Cooperation opportunities needed active pursuit.
"Ms. Hilda—do you mind if I battle Mr. Wade first?"
Candice—excited—didn't forget the true challenger.
"It's fine. I'll watch from the stands."
Hilda lightly shook her head—a smile gracing her face.
She'd come with Wade. Order naturally didn't matter.
Watching Candice's battle in advance—would help her understand the Gym Leader's style.
Once the challenge order was determined—both parties stood on opposite sides of the field.
Wade looked at the icy field—shrouded in mist—covered with condensed ice.
His first Gym challenge since coming to the Pokémon world.
After winning—no Gym Badge. Instead—big business deals. Piles of League coins.
The professional referee—who had arrived—stood in the center of the icy field. Raised a colorful flag.
"Now commencing—battle between Gym Leader Candice and Challenger Wade. Rules: 2v2. Battle ends when all of one side's Pokémon are unable to battle."
"Abomasnow—let's have an energetic battle!"
White light flashed. The mountain-like Ice Tree Pokémon landed—a heavy thud.
Bathed in suddenly falling Blizzard —a pair of crimson eyes slowly opened.
[Ability: Snow Warning] – Changes weather to Hail for a certain period upon entering battle.
"Abomasnow!!!"
The twin-ponytail girl—like her roaring Pokémon—burned with fighting spirit.
"Whether it's Pokémon battles, romance, or fashion—I always give my all. That's my motto!"
Candice cast her gaze toward the black-haired youth.
Her breathing involuntarily quickened.
For every Ice-type specialist—capturing a Legendary like Articuno was a dream. Only achievable with extremely high skill.
The fundamental reason she wanted to battle Wade.
Only by battling such a powerful Trainer—who had captured Articuno—could she better hone her and her Pokémon's strength.
As Candice held her breath—Wade threw his Poké Ball.
"Lopunny. Prepare for battle."