After leaving the Pokémon Researchers Guild, Ethan walked along the main avenue.
Although the fishing contest had already ended, people could still be heard constantly talking about it in the streets.
Moreover, through those casual conversations, news of the Water-type Pokémon Tournament, the Coral Cup, was quietly spreading.
"The Coral Cup?"
"Compared to the Coral Cup, that Water-type Secret Kingdom that might house a Water-type legendary Pokémon is perhaps even more attractive."
Ethan's gaze turned toward the direction of Coral City Lake, recalling the scene where the earth had trembled violently. All signs indicated that when the Water-type Secret Kingdom opened again, Coral City would become extremely lively.
"Forget it, for now that's not something I can get involved in."
"Legendary Pokémon..."
Withdrawing his gaze, Ethan looked at a traffic sign and headed toward the Pokémon Trainers Guild.
Now that the fishing contest had ended, it was time to begin the gym challenges.
However, when he submitted his application for the gym challenge, the gym informed him that the Gym Leader was currently cooperating in the investigation of Coral City Lake.
"The investigation of Coral City Lake, huh?"
"It seems it won't be possible to challenge the gym anytime soon."
Ethan pondered for a moment and looked at the map.
In any case, he would have to return to Emberfall City later for a rematch, so he could take that opportunity to come back to Coral City and complete the gym challenge without rushing.
After making his decision, Ethan bid farewell to Coral City and set off toward the next city.
...
Gullhaven City was located in the middle of a vast prairie.
A gentle breeze blew slowly, and in the sky a group of Hoppip drifted along with the wind.
"Ah, how comfortable. No wonder Gullhaven City is known as the most livable city in the southwestern region of the League."
Ethan walked across the grass, feeling the atmosphere of the vast prairie before him, and couldn't help but narrow his eyes in pleasure.
"Pijid!"
"Pijid!"
"Pijid!"
Looking up at the sky, a group of Pidgey could be seen flying in the distance.
In the vast and boundless sky, all kinds of birds flew freely.
Gullhaven City also had another nickname: the City of Freedom. Every year, countless travelers came here to let themselves go.
"A city where Pokémon and humans coexist in harmony. In that sense, it's a bit like the original Pokémon world."
Ethan looked at the Pokémon flying freely in the sky and showed a faint smile.
This city also had another name: the City of Pidgeot. Moreover, it was the largest breeding center of the Pidgeot clan in the entire League. Most of the Pidgeot used by Pokémon Hunters came from this city.
Because of that, it was not at all strange to see Pidgey, Pidgeotto, or Pidgeot in any corner of the city.
"Charrzz!"
Suddenly, a dragon's roar echoed through the sky.
Immediately afterward, a red silhouette streaked across the sky at high speed and dove straight toward the ground.
"Charizard, how do you feel?"
Ethan smiled faintly as he looked at the figure descending from the sky.
The Flying-type energy around Gullhaven City was very abundant, and combined with the vast sky, it was undoubtedly an excellent place for Flying-type Pokémon to train their flying abilities.
"Charrzz!"
Charizard nodded excitedly and descended, panting enthusiastically with its tongue sticking out.
Not long after, a strong gust of wind rose in the sky, and Vibrava's figure arrived a moment later.
"Viiibbrraa!"
Vibrava descended slowly, breathing heavily; it seemed to have consumed a lot of energy.
"Charrzz!"
Seeing Vibrava land, Charizard enthusiastically patted its body.
Earlier, the two Pokémon had been competing in an aerial race, and judging from the results, Charizard's flying speed was slightly superior to Vibrava's.
"The race is over—Charizard wins. So, in the Gullhaven City Gym challenge, Charizard will be the first to go out."
Ethan smiled slightly as he announced the final result. The expressions of the two Pokémon were different.
During the journey, everything was peaceful. Ethan entered this tranquil city like an ordinary traveler.
"Looks like there's nothing else to do. I might as well challenge the gym directly."
After a short rest, Ethan went to the Pokémon Trainers Guild to apply for the gym challenge.
Everything went very smoothly; before long, the staff informed him that the test could begin immediately.
When he arrived at the gym, the most eye-catching thing was undoubtedly a small airplane parked there.
It seemed that the Gym Leader, in addition to being a trainer specializing in Flying-type Pokémon, was also an aviation enthusiast. Riding Pokémon was not enough for her; she also liked piloting aircraft herself.
Upon arriving at the battlefield, Ethan discovered that the protective walls were surprisingly tall.
Normally, the walls of battlefields were only about three meters high, but here they reached ten meters. Standing at the edge and looking down was quite intimidating.
Fortunately, there were railings at the top. Even so, if a challenger suffered from vertigo, their legs would probably go weak.
"So this is the aerial battlefield."
"At this height, for Flying-type Pokémon, it's nothing more than normal flying altitude, right?"
"In this way, the Pokémon fly practically at the same height as the trainer. It's a very different experience."
Interest appeared on Ethan's face. This height was very similar to giving orders while riding a Pokémon, so it was obvious that the Gullhaven City Gym had taken this into account in its design.
"Hello, I'm Andrea Williams, the Gym Leader. Welcome, challenger who has come from afar."
The Gym Leader, Andrea Williams, was a young woman with a sweet appearance. She wore aviator goggles on her head and was dressed like a pilot.
"Hello, my name is Ethan Black, and I'm the challenger this time." Ethan also smiled as he greeted her and took out Charizard's Poké Ball.
"Now the Gullhaven City Gym challenge begins. Each side will use three Pokémon. When all three Pokémon on one side lose their ability to battle, the match will end."
After seeing that both sides were in position, the referee immediately announced the battle rules.
"Oh great sky above, I ask you that you grant us wings. Grant us your power to conquer even the strongest of stormy winds."
The moment the battle began, Gym Leader Andrea suddenly knelt down, clasped her hands in front of her chest, and murmured a few words in a low voice. Then, suddenly, she stood up, opened her arms toward the sky, and exclaimed loudly:
"And please guide us to your great blue world and let us share its infinite power and majesty!"
"This is... a prayer?"
"Wait, why do these words and movements feel so familiar to me?"
Ethan watched the Gym Leader's movements, frowned slightly, and fell into deep thought.
Suddenly, his expression froze.
Wasn't this the signature action of the Fortree City Gym Leader, Winona, from the Hoenn region?!
(End of chapter)