Chapter Forty-One: Scholar Zhulan

Garchomp, a formidable Ground and Dragon-type Pokémon, is also one of the quasi-legendaries among Pokémon. Just looking at the Garchomp before him, Zhao Fang could feel a powerful and overwhelming aura. With his current team, there was simply no way to contend with this Garchomp—not even to mention fighting it; even injuring it would be nothing short of a miracle.

Where did this Garchomp come from? Was it a companion of the woman before him? Friend or foe?

Zhao Fang’s mind was in turmoil. If this was an enemy, then he was truly doomed this time. Even though he had already pressed the distress button, whether the arriving Pokédex holder could handle this Garchomp was still uncertain.

“Who’s there?” The beautiful woman took a fearful step back. She knew her own situation well: her companion was indeed a strong trainer, but his ace was a Crobat, so how had this Garchomp appeared?

“It’s not good to be so ruthless, especially since what you’re doing is an illegal wager battle,” came a lazy voice. Zhao Fang and the woman saw a blonde woman step out from the nearby woods. Her figure was slender, dressed in black, and although she wasn’t wearing that highly distinctive headpiece, the Garchomp at her side allowed Zhao Fang to instantly deduce her identity.

The anxiety gripping Zhao Fang’s heart finally eased. Although he didn’t know why this person was in the Hoenn region, she was certainly not an enemy, which meant he was safe.

“Who are you!” The woman stared at the newcomer in terror. She wasn’t stupid; her companion had yet to appear, which surely meant something unfortunate had happened. How powerful was this trainer, to silence her companion so completely?

“Me? Just a passing scholar of legendary Pokémon. You can call me Scholar Cynthia,” Cynthia said with a gentle smile, though her beauty was cold and striking.

Zhao Fang rolled his eyes inwardly. Scholar Cynthia, a legendary Pokémon researcher? Why not just say she was Sinnoh’s Champion Cynthia outright. Still, Zhao Fang wisely chose not to expose Cynthia’s identity; it seemed Cynthia used the name “Scholar Cynthia” as a cover.

“I…I…” The woman’s legs trembled, Lotad had lost all will to fight and lay flat on the ground, while Weedle was visibly contemplating escape.

“Oh? Your Weedle wants to abandon you, it seems you haven’t been very attentive in its training,” Cynthia remarked, her expression half-smile, half-serious. Zhao Fang couldn’t help but shiver.

“Dragapult…” Dragapult floated to Zhao Fang’s side.

“Dragapult…you’ve suffered, thank you for your hard work.” Zhao Fang stroked Dragapult’s head tenderly and took out some medicine to care for his Pokémon. As for the woman on the field?

With Cynthia here, that woman could forget about escaping, even if she sprouted wings. Garchomp’s Ground typing might suggest vulnerability, but facing Flying-types, Garchomp could easily bring them down. A champion was not so easily matched.

Just as Zhao Fang expected, the trainer who had challenged him to a wager battle pulled out a rope and bound her own feet, sitting listlessly on the ground with vacant eyes.

Though this line of work brought quick money, it came with heavy risks. If caught by the Officer Jenny family, several years in prison were inevitable, and if her past offenses were uncovered…

At the thought, the woman glared at Zhao Fang, grinding her teeth. It was all this brat’s fault! If he hadn’t been so difficult, she would have taken the money and left long ago, never falling into the hands of such a powerful trainer!

“Thank you very much, Scholar Cynthia.” Zhao Fang knew Cynthia’s true identity, but to expose it would be foolish, so he thanked her earnestly.

“It’s nothing, Pokédex holders should help each other,” Cynthia’s stern demeanor softened a little when facing Zhao Fang; this child possessed genuine talent for battle.

Moreover, he truly loved his Pokémon, especially his unique Magikarp. Cynthia had seen many Magikarp, but never one quite like Zhao Fang’s—their indomitable will deeply impressed her.

“Pokédex holder? Holder! I should have realized!” The woman was shocked; she had heard Cynthia’s words. Thinking back, why hadn’t Zhao Fang moved his bag but only slapped his thigh? He must have pressed the distress button then.

She was filled with regret. If she’d known he was a Pokédex holder, she would have called her two companions, gone all out, and stolen Zhao Fang’s Pokémon.

“Is Scholar Cynthia here to investigate Celebi?” Zhao Fang paid no mind to the woman’s muttering; criminals soon to be taken away by Officer Jenny were not worth his concern.

Cynthia was Sinnoh’s Champion, but beyond that, she had a deep interest in mythology and history. So, seeing Cynthia reminded Zhao Fang of the legend in Petalburg Woods, the Celebi of Lake Island.

“Oh? I didn’t expect you to know, but yes, I’m here to investigate the rumors about Celebi, hoping for a chance to meet the Forest God who can traverse time,” Cynthia nodded with a smile. Indeed, if she did not purposefully display her champion aura, she looked just like a scholar.

“This legend is quite famous, so I know a bit,” Zhao Fang replied cheerfully.

“Your Pokémon is Dragapult from Galar, isn’t it?” Cynthia asked, looking at the Dragapult coiled around Zhao Fang’s neck, curiously observing her.

“Yes, I caught it by a stroke of luck. It’s thanks to Dragapult that I received the Pokédex,” Zhao Fang nodded; it wasn’t surprising that Cynthia knew this.

“Dragapult’s evolution requirements are strict. I think you should travel to Galar, find its kin, and increase your chances of successful evolution. Da… Of course, the airfare is expensive,” Cynthia spoke naturally, though she paused at “Da.”

Zhao Fang smiled inwardly; she must have meant Champion Leon, the formidable champion. It seemed the champions of this world do keep in touch, though he wondered how—perhaps through the Pokédex?