Chapter 6: Learning Brings Me Joy

"Are you planning to participate in the Hoenn League?" Cynthia stood beside Zhao Fang, watching the training grounds. Gyarados was working hard to learn the move Hurricane under Yuga’s guidance, though the results were not yet apparent. In Cynthia’s estimation, it would likely take Gyarados some time to master it.

"Yes, Cynthia. I’ve already collected two badges, and once I have the rest, I’ll be able to enter the Hoenn League," Zhao Fang nodded. He was indeed determined to compete; after all, his dream couldn't be realized without participating in the Hoenn League.

"With your current strength, challenging some of the gyms shouldn't be a problem. I’ve seen the gyms in Hoenn myself—aside from the Fire and Water-type gyms, and perhaps Norman’s gym, which is worth mentioning, the other gym leaders are..." Cynthia smiled without finishing her sentence, but Zhao Fang understood exactly what she meant.

Given Cynthia’s own strength, she certainly had the right to say that. That being said, the current Fire-type gym leader would still be Flannery’s grandfather, wouldn't he? Zhao Fang recalled that Flannery only inherited the gym later, and in her attempts to look like a proper gym leader, she had even tried to mimic her grandfather’s aura.

Zhao Fang felt a spark of interest. He was eager to see the true strength of a Fire-type gym leader who was once a member of the Elite Four. However, he needed to improve his own standing first. The League had requirements for trainers challenging gyms, though the flexible policies made things easier for many; otherwise, facing a gym leader’s primary team every time would be a nightmare.

"Cynthia, did you ever attend a League academy?" Zhao Fang asked, curious. Cynthia didn't look much older than him, yet she was already the Sinnoh Champion. Such talent was nothing short of terrifying; perhaps only Red could compare to her.

Yet, thinking about it, Cynthia would eventually be defeated by the protagonist of the Sinnoh region games.

"No. What they teach at those academies is too boring and far too dogmatic. They’re just a bunch of academics. If you run into them later, make sure to teach them a lesson," Cynthia said with a look of disdain. Zhao Fang was even more baffled. The League academies were the dream of most aspiring trainers, and he had even considered taking the entrance exams after arriving in this world. He hadn't expected Cynthia to look down on them so much.

Although he wanted to ask why, seeing Cynthia busy with her coffee prompted him to drop the subject. Instead, he sat to the side and watched Gyarados and Amaura train.

Yes, Amaura had also been brought into the training area—a privilege granted only after Zhao Fang spoke with Cynthia. Amaura was being coached by Milotic, a truly beautiful Pokémon.

When Zhao Fang first saw Milotic, he was stunned. He knew that Milotic was considered one of the most stunning Pokémon in the world—even the Pokédex described it as such—but seeing one in person, he realized those seemingly hyperbolic descriptions were not exaggerated at all.

With its magnificent posture, scales that shimmered in the sunlight, and its slender form, Milotic was as beautiful as its name suggested. Yet, beneath that beauty lay formidable and ferocious power.

Even when using Ice Beam, Zhao Fang’s Amaura couldn't compare to Milotic’s. In the end, Amaura was completely frozen solid, which left Zhao Fang wide-eyed. Now, Milotic was in charge of training Amaura, honing her Special Attack capabilities.

"How is your study of ancient scripts coming along?" Cynthia asked, finally setting her Pokédex aside.

"I’ve made some progress, but I still can't fully grasp it all," Zhao Fang said, rubbing his temples at the mention of the subject.

Learning the ancient scripts was far more troublesome than he had imagined. It wasn't just about understanding the meanings of those strange, twisted characters; the grammar and intonation were equally complex. It gave him a nostalgic, albeit painful, reminder of his school days.

"Once you’ve mastered them, remember to tell me the information you’ve recorded. Of course, there will be a reward. If your findings are useful, I wouldn't mind providing some personal instruction," Cynthia said, taking a sip of her coffee. Zhao Fang’s eyes lit up, and he nodded immediately. Suddenly, those complex characters didn't seem quite so difficult after all.

Cynthia only stayed for an hour; it was a rare moment of free time she had managed to carve out. As the Sinnoh Champion, she had many responsibilities, and even stealing a moment of leisure was a luxury.

After she left, Zhao Fang continued studying the ancient scripts at the table. These twisted characters were incredibly challenging, but for the sake of earning Cynthia’s reward, he put in the same intensity he had once reserved for his college entrance exams.

"Zhao Fang, you’re losing hair by the handful~ It’s not good to have such a weak constitution at such a young age~" Yuga’s playful laughter made Zhao Fang’s head spin. After spending a few days with her, he finally understood that she was exactly as Cynthia had described: a seasoned veteran of life.

"Yuga, how much longer until Gyarados masters Hurricane?" Zhao Fang ignored her teasing and skillfully changed the subject.

"Hmm, looking at your Gyarados, probably another three days," Yuga replied, her tone becoming serious when it came to training matters.

Zhao Fang nodded thoughtfully. He had already been in the Sinnoh region for four days; waiting another three was nothing. He could also use this time to reflect on his own affairs.

First, there was the realization that Amaura’s base stats had finally hit a bottleneck. Zhao Fang had tracked it and discovered that after increasing by thirty points, the growth had slowed significantly. He recorded this observation, knowing that further rapid increases would now depend on higher-grade Berries and rare treasures.

On another note, Zhao Fang wasn't quite sure what to do with the Giratina scale. He had originally intended to use it for his Dreepy, but the warning about the danger of world-ending destruction made him hesitate. For now, he kept the scale tucked away in a small box, leaving it untouched.

"There’s still so much to do," Zhao Fang sighed, then lowered his head to focus once more on his ancient scripts.