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The next day, as the first light of dawn broke, the morning at the Ever Grande Conference wasn't as vibrant as usual.
The contestants gathered in small groups, their voices kept extremely low, as if afraid of disturbing some slumbering beast.
"Did you hear? The one from Block B..."
"Shh! Keep it down!"
"Honki... the Seed Player Honki, he's just gone?"
"The official announcement says he fell to his death, but the balcony railing in the Block B lounge is 1.5 meters high. How do you just 'fall'?"
"Who knows, maybe he had too much to drink."
Even the one saying it didn't believe it; his eyes darted around, subconsciously glancing in Ariel's direction.
There are no secrets when it comes to what happened last night.
Honki had gone to find Ariel in a fit of rage, and the next time he appeared, he was a cold corpse that had fallen from a great height.
The official explanation was weak and hollow; in the eyes of these battle-hardened Trainers, it seemed more like a transparent cover-up.
A terrifying suspicion began to sprout and spread in everyone's hearts.
Just what was the background of that young man named Ariel?
...
Contestant Canteen.
The dining tables were arranged in an orderly fashion.
Even the aroma of food couldn't thin the eerie atmosphere permeating the space.
Ariel carried his tray and unhurriedly found a seat by the window.
When he arrived, the noisy discussions in the canteen hit a noticeable break, as if someone had pressed the mute button.
Countless gazes converged on him, only to scatter like startled birds under his indifferent return look.
This time, the contents of his tray were simple: a bowl of plain congee, two side dishes, and a glass of warm water.
Honki's death had indeed saved him a lot of trouble.
He didn't like trouble. He quite enjoyed this quietness born of being kept at a respectful distance.
This allowed him to focus more energy on the upcoming matches.
He had already reviewed the data on his opponents for today's two matches last night.
Their strength was passable, but not enough to be a threat.
Which Pokémon should he use?
Greninja would work, or letting Gyarados out to stretch its bones would also be good.
He stirred the plain congee in his bowl with a spoon; the rising steam blurred his calm face.
In another corner of the canteen, a burly young man with a fierce expression stared fixedly at Ariel's back.
His fists were clenched tight under the table, his knuckles turning slightly white from the excessive force.
He was one of Honki's few close friends.
He knew Honki's personality; though arrogant, he was by no means reckless enough to accidentally fall from a building.
He had also found out that the last person Honki saw before he died was that Ariel, who was currently eating congee so leisurely!
A mixture of grief and fury surged in his chest.
He was going to demand an explanation for his friend!
The young man stood up abruptly; his chair scraped against the floor with a piercing screech, successfully drawing the attention of the entire canteen.
He took heavy steps, walking toward Ariel one pace at a time.
The air around them seemed to freeze.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, looking at this reckless fellow with expressions of shock, pity, and even a bit of anticipation for the drama.
Ariel seemed completely oblivious, still savoring his breakfast in a slow and methodical manner.
The young man reached Ariel's back, took a deep breath, and was just about to speak.
*Slap!*
A large, fan-like hand slapped Ariel's shoulder without warning, with considerable force.
Ariel's movements paused for a split second; the wrist holding the spoon tightened slightly, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
He thought the fool behind him had finally lost his patience.
"You brat! Coming to participate in something as big as the Ever Grande Conference and you didn't even tell me!"
A voice full of sunshine and vitality rang out above him, one that was more than familiar.
Ariel looked up, and that coldness instantly melted away, turning into a helpless smile.
The newcomer had healthy tanned skin and a smile so bright it was dazzling. Who else could it be but Gym Leader Gym Leader Brawly, the Fighting-type Gym Leader of Dewford Town?
"Gym Leader Gym Leader Brawly,"
Ariel put down his spoon,
"How have you been lately?"
"Great! Except for being annoyed to death by Gym challengers every day!"
"The League installed searchlights in every corner of my Gym, and it was mandatory!"
"Now the dark maze in my Gym is as bright as day, and the number of people coming to challenge me has directly multiplied several times over!"
Gym Leader Brawly casually threw an arm around Ariel's neck and sat down beside him with great familiarity.
"On the other hand, you've really been hiding your strength, making it all the way here!"
Ariel smiled,
"Did Shauna come as well?"
Just as he spoke, a small head peeked out from behind Gym Leader Brawly, with two cute hair buns, her large eyes blinking as she looked at Ariel.
"Big Brother Ariel!"
Shauna called out crisply, then ran to Ariel's side, pumping her small fists to cheer him on.
"Good luck! You must defeat my brother!"
"Pfft—"
Gym Leader Brawly nearly spat out his water, his face a picture of heartbreak.
"Shauna! My dear sister! There are hundreds of contestants in the Ever Grande Conference; the probability of Ariel and I running into each other is smaller than finding a Master Ball on the street!"
He clutched his chest, looking utterly devastated.
Ariel was amused by the siblings; he looked at the expectant Shauna and explained gently:
"Shauna, even if we really do meet in the final match, your brother is a Fighting-type expert, while I specialize in the Dark-type. I'm at a type disadvantage, so I'm afraid I won't be able to beat your brother."
"Is that so..."
The little girl's face immediately fell, filled with disappointment.
Gym Leader Brawly felt like his heart had been stabbed again, and his whole being turned grey.
It was one thing for his sister not to support him, but now she was disappointed because he might win?
What kind of situation is this!
Just as there was laughter and joy here, completely out of place with the oppressive atmosphere of the rest of the canteen, two more people walked over.
"Gym Leader Brawly, I could hear your voice from a mile away."
A man as gentle as jade with a noble aura approached. He had a tall, straight posture and a handsome face, and his magnificent attire looked exceptionally dazzling in the simple environment of the canteen.
The Water-type Gym Leader of Sootopolis City, Wallace!
Following beside him was a young girl who greeted them with a smile: "Ariel, long time no see!"
The Fire-type Gym Leader of Dewford Town, Flannery.
"Wallace, Flannery."
Ariel was also somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected them to come to this canteen to eat, let alone run into them.
At this, the entire canteen completely erupted.
Just one Gym Leader Brawly, the Fighting-type Leader of Dewford Town, was already enough to surprise people.
Now Flannery from Dewford Town and Wallace from Sootopolis City had arrived too!
These were three genuine Gym Leaders! Existences that countless Trainers looked up to!
They... they actually all knew that Ariel?
And they seemed to have a very close relationship. The three Gym Leaders and Ariel chatted enthusiastically as if no one else were there, from recent Gym anecdotes to their opinions on some of the popular contestants; the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
As for the young man who had been aggressively preparing to "demand an explanation" from Ariel just moments ago, he was now completely dumbfounded.
His body froze in place, and his mind went completely blank.