"That was amazing, big brother! How did you do that?"
Light footsteps pattered from the stands.
Miss Hilda bounded over—bright, fluorescent blue eyes even more radiant now.
On the other side, the twin-tailed girl—having recalled her dazed Weavile and finished reviewing the battle—slumped to the ground.
Completely led by the nose.
Her tactics—easily seen through. Abomasnow's Wood Hammer—continuously dodged. Lopunny's one-hit knockout—decisive.
Aurora Veil + Hail field—turned against her. Ice crystal and snow curtain reflections—used to defeat Weavile.
From start to finish—her battle rhythm controlled. No power to fight back.
Candice raised her pale face—shifted her gaze.
The black-haired youth—who had decisively defeated her two main Pokémon—was now gently ruffling Hilda's hair. Explaining his tactical ideas with a smile.
Hiyori Forest—quelling rampaging wild Pokémon relied on Articuno's power.
This battle—besides his Pokémon's immense strength—also demonstrated equally impressive on-the-spot command.
Even among Sinnoh's top Gym Trainers—she still had a gap compared to Wade.
Her momentum—suppressed to the core.
A hand reached out to her.
"Miss Candice—your tactical command was very seasoned! This is my first Gym battle. I really enjoyed it!"
Though enjoying his conversation with Hilda—Wade hadn't forgotten the defeated Gym Leader.
Energetic, vibrant girl—outwardly carefree and fiery. Deep down—held her own unique pride.
Must be disheartening—to have her proud Pokémon battle end in such crushing defeat.
"What... what seasoned?" She pouted—turned her head away. "I was still decisively defeated."
Two faint blushes appeared on her cheeks.
Noticing the concern in Wade's words—warmth welled in Candice's heart. Adorably charming—like slight intoxication.
The black-haired youth's gaze—gentle as autumn water.
Her delicate body—burning with unexpected heat.
Cold and ruthless during battle. Completely opposite in everyday interactions. Truly...
After a while—she took the offered hand. Stood up. Leaned slightly closer.
"N-no—but I feel the address is too formal. Just call me Candice~"
After their battle—the remaining time was Hilda's Gym challenge.
Four-on-four. Candice didn't send out her main Pokémon—intentionally chose slightly weaker ones from second and third teams.
Gym Trainers never exist solely for victory.
Instead—mentors. Providing appropriate guidance to challengers.
Though Hilda was far less skilled than Wade—after an exhilarating four-on-four battle—Candice felt she deserved a badge.
Recalling the fainted Swinub—Candice handed over a badge engraved with two ice mountains.
"Congratulations. Proof of defeating Snowpoint Gym—the Icicle Badge. Please accept~"
"Thank you, Miss Candice!"
Putting the badge into a metal box—Hilda's fair face beamed.
Five badges!
Wade looked at the signed contract—nodded with satisfaction.
Cooperation agreement: supply Snowpoint City with no less than 50,000 bottles of 500ml Hiyori Brand moomoo milk per month. Purchase price: 1000 PokéDollars per bottle.
Almost all Pokémon shops in Snowpoint City—involved. Candice even planned an independent counter at the Snowpoint City Pokémon Center—specifically for passing Trainers.
Her support was immense. This trip—well worth it.
"Mm-hmm As long as big brother is satisfied"
Signing her name—the twin-tailed girl smiled brightly.
Task Completed: Cooperation with Snowpoint City Gym Leader.
Task Reward: Fairy Feather (Red).
"Oh—by the way, big brother~"
Candice suddenly remembered something.
"Do you have free time in three months? Can you come to Snowpoint City again?"
Wade considered. Nodded.
"Taking a few days off is fine. What's up?"
"Yay!"
She beamed with joy.
"Three months from now—Snowpoint City will host a super-large battle gala. Many Ice-type specialists will come to participate."
"But before the official competition—there will be a master-level exhibition match. If possible, big brother—would you be willing to participate as a battle guest?"
Wade wasn't a conventional battle Trainer. But with a Legendary Ice-type like Articuno—and impressive battle tactics—Candice ultimately believed he was qualified.
She emphasized at the end.
"The exhibition match isn't official. Just an opening ceremony. Winning or losing doesn't matter."
"Besides—since it's a super-large battle gala—there will be many advertising booths. Big brother's farm and company can both be promoted. As the organizer—we can grant this special privilege."
"So that's how it is."
Wade looked at her expectant eyes—smiled—nodded.
Not to mention the company of a beautiful girl—the free advertising booth alone made it worth the trip.
And though just an exhibition match—the thought of battling a top Ice-type master made him look forward to it.
"I'll arrive on time. Just confirm the specific date."
"Great!"
After confirming his participation—Wade followed his original plan. Left the Gym with Hilda for dinner.
The afterglow of the setting sun was about to fall. Their figures cast long shadows in the sunlight.
Candice watched Wade's retreating figure—until he pushed open the Gym door and disappeared.
After a while—the pigtailed girl seemed to awaken from a dream. Patted her flushed cheeks.
Then—she pulled out her communicator. Dialed a familiar number.
"Teacher—I met the Trainer who uses Articuno today."
"Mm."
A pause.
The lazy, charming female voice—unconsciously raised its volume.
"Hm?"