Read up to 30 advanced chapters exclusively on my Patreon at - patreon.com/LoverrBoy
---------------------------------
Blaine still had a look of astonishment on his face as he recalled his Magmar and Rapidash. He then rubbed his face vigorously before finally managing to change his expression.
"Hahaha! I really didn't expect your Nidoking to use such a powerful Water-type move! And for it to be this strong too! I lost my composure there. I assume this is another one of your and Professor Oak's research results? Truly remarkable..."
Blaine spoke in admiration, his eyes practically glowing as he looked at Liam.
Lorelei also recalled her Slowbro, stealing a curious glance at Liam but refraining from asking anything. She was likely planning to press him for details once they got back.
Hearing Blaine's assumption, Liam only chuckled without offering an explanation. Letting Blaine think this way saved him the trouble of giving a lengthy clarification.
"Ah, I've lost, lost completely! The younger generation these days is truly incredible. Here, these are the Volcano Badges—one for each of you."
Blaine shook his head as he walked over, reaching into his pocket and taking out two deep-red Gym Badges. He handed one to both Liam and Lorelei.
Liam didn't hesitate to accept his badge. Then, just as Blaine was about to withdraw his hand, Liam reached out and grasped it firmly, giving him a strong handshake. Smiling, he said,
"Gym Leader Blaine, thank you for your guidance. I've learned a lot from this battle. If I get the chance, I'll come visit again. Please take care of yourself."
Feeling the strength in Liam's grip and hearing his deliberately emphasized words, Blaine showed a bitter smile.
"Haha, there's nothing dangerous for me here, so of course, I'll take care of myself. But if you do visit next time, make sure to bring some friends along. That way, I can properly host you all."
Liam nodded before saying his goodbyes. Together with Lorelei, he left the Cinnabar Gym.
As they stepped outside, Liam turned to look at the now tightly shut doors of the Gym. Rubbing his smooth chin, his expression grew serious as other thoughts occupied his mind.
During this trip to the Cinnabar Gym, Liam had noticed something troubling.
Blaine, the Gym Leader, seemed to be under someone's control. Throughout their conversation, Blaine had tried to subtly indicate that his freedom was being restricted and that he was unable to leave at will.
Moreover, those controlling him didn't seem to be few in number, as he had hinted that Liam should bring more people if he ever returned.
This information, combined with what Liam already knew—such as the presence of a poacher group on Cinnabar Island—made things clear.
Yesterday, the leader of the poachers had been seen heading in the direction of the Cinnabar Gym. From this, it wasn't hard to deduce that the ones controlling Blaine were likely the poachers.
But why?
Why would these poachers restrain Blaine?
Was it because of his status as a researcher, or because he was a Gym Leader?
Liam couldn't figure it out just yet.
Lorelei, noticing Liam deep in thought, let out a soft cough and spoke quietly.
"Liam, are you thinking about that old man from the Cinnabar Gym?"
"?! Ah! How did you know?"
Liam was momentarily startled before turning to her with curiosity.
"Hmph, don't underestimate me, okay? These glasses aren't just for show—they're a symbol of intelligence. That old man tried multiple times to hint at something. I just didn't mention it at the time."
Seeing Liam's surprised expression, Lorelei proudly adjusted her glasses, as if she had already seen through everything.
"Heh, so you noticed too. Yeah, I think something strange is going on. Gym Leader Blaine seems to have some kind of predicament he can't openly talk about."
But Liam quickly added, "Not that it really matters to us. Blaine is a strong adult; whatever problem he's facing, it's not something rookies like us can solve. We should focus on getting back. Now that we've collected all eight Gym Badges, we qualify for the Indigo League. There's still about a month before it starts. Do you have any plans during this time?"
Liam clearly didn't want to get tangled up in Blaine's affairs, so he swiftly changed the subject, asking about Lorelei's next move.
"...Actually, I've already made up my mind. Since there's still plenty of time before the tournament, I'm going home for a while. My hometown is on Four Island, and I want to use this time to train harder. Today's battle made me realize that I'm still not strong enough—I need to improve. When I return, I'll be so much stronger that you won't dare underestimate me anymore!"
Lorelei shot Liam a sidelong glance, unimpressed by his clumsy attempt at changing the topic. Still, she answered honestly.
Though she wasn't thrilled about leaving for a while, she understood that she needed to get stronger—otherwise, she might not even be able to keep up with someone's pace in the future.
"Oh! Four Island! I remember that place—it's supposed to be beautiful. I'd love to visit someday when I have the chance."
Four Island, one of the Sevii Islands, was known for its perpetual snow and as an ideal habitat for Ice-type Pokémon. It was said to be breathtakingly beautiful, and since it was also Lorelei's hometown, Liam really did want to visit it someday.
...Preferably with Delia.
"Hmph! I can tell just by looking at you—you don't want to visit alone. You totally want to go on a romantic getaway with Delia, don't you? Fine by me, but don't expect me to play third wheel."
Lorelei wrinkled her nose, scoffing playfully before turning the question back on him.
"What about you? What are your plans for the next month?"
"Ah, me? I'm in a bit of a bind, actually. When I first left home, I made a bold claim that I wouldn't return unless I won the championship. Now that I've collected all eight Badges, going back feels kind of awkward. Ugh, why did I have to be such a loudmouth? So annoying!"
Liam groaned in frustration, clearly caught in a self-imposed dilemma.
"Pfft! Hahaha! Serves you right! That's what you get for flirting with such an innocent, sweet neighbor girl! Now you have to suffer!"
Lorelei burst into laughter at his misery, taking the opportunity to tease him.
"Huh? How do you know she's the 'innocent neighbor girl'? And don't go making things up! When did I ever flirt with her? It's not my fault my charm is too overwhelming for young girls."
Liam tossed his head back dramatically, as if he had luscious locks to flip.
"Ugh!! Gross! I never realized you were this full of yourself! Hmph, you think I didn't hear all that stuff you said yesterday? I remembered just enough, okay? You totally took advantage of an innocent girl's naivety! No way—I need to have a serious chat with Delia when I see her. I won't let you bully her!"
Lorelei shuddered exaggeratedly, pretending to shake off goosebumps.
Liam: "..."
Lorelei: "Pfft! Hahaha!"
The two bickered the entire way back to the Pokémon Center. Upon arrival, Liam handed his PokéBall to Nurse Joy before heading to his room.
To his surprise, Bruno was nowhere to be found. His luggage was still there, but he had apparently gone off somewhere again.
Knowing Bruno had his own business to take care of, Liam didn't dwell on it. Instead, he quickly stripped down, collapsed onto the bed, and checked his latest rewards.
[Ding!]
[Mission: Kanto Summit! Gym Challenge 8/8 Complete!]
[Obtained: Volcano Badge.]
[Rewards: 500 Exchange Points, TM Ice Beam x1.]
[Ding!]
[Hidden Achievement: Bloodline Awakening.]
[Defeated Cinnabar Gym—Acquired Cinnabar Gym Fragment x1.]
[Obtained: 500 Exchange Points.]
[Current Fragments Owned: Viridian Gym, Pewter Gym, Cerulean Gym, Vermilion Gym, Saffron Gym, Celadon Gym, Fuchsia Gym, Cinnabar Gym.]
After reviewing his rewards, Liam rolled over and promptly fell into a deep sleep.
By the time he woke up, the sky had darkened. He had even skipped lunch. Just as he was about to get up and freshen up, his backpack suddenly emitted a series of beeping sounds.
Liam froze for a moment before quickly realizing what it was. He reached into his bag, pulled out his Black Mask, and put it on.