Capítulo 230: Chapter 230: Return
"I lost. You gave me a very exciting battle, one that I haven't experienced in a long time!"
After recalling Jolteon, Volker didn't show any signs of disappointment from losing the battle. Instead, he seemed to have a sharpness in his demeanor that he hadn't displayed before, as if he were a rising sun.
It was as if Volker had suddenly transformed from an old man in his twilight years into a young man full of ambition. Rex couldn't understand why there was such a dramatic change in Volker.
"This battle with Gym Leader Volker has taught me a lot. I hope we can have another Pokémon battle in the future."
Rex didn't let victory go to his head. Instead, he sincerely spoke to Volker.
"Haha, I look forward to that day too!"
Hearing Rex's words, Volker laughed heartily for the first time.
"Oh, by the way, please accept this Beacon Badge. I know you're not currently challenging the League, so just take it as a keepsake!"
Volker suddenly pulled a badge from his pocket and handed it to Rex. Rex accepted the lighthouse-shaped gym badge without hesitation.
After watching Rex and his companion leave, Volker returned to the lookout on the top floor. Gazing at the distant scenery, he felt a renewed sense of determination after his battle with Rex. However, he wasn't sure how long this motivation would last.
"Rex, I can't believe you managed to defeat Gym Leader Volker. Could it be that you're some big shot?"
As they walked side by side on their way back, Lenka suddenly asked curiously.
"Haha, no way. Pokémon battles always have winners and losers. My main job now is a farm owner, and the best result I've ever achieved as a trainer was making it to the top 16 of the Hoenn Region's Ever Grande Conference."
Rex naturally didn't mention his mid-tournament withdrawal but wasn't lying either.
"You have to be that strong just to make it to the top 16? It seems there are many strong trainers in the Hoenn Region. But I'll work hard with Buneary from now on. We'll catch up for sure!"
As Lenka spoke, she felt her fighting spirit ignite, eager to find a place to train Buneary immediately.
Buneary, who was being held in Lenka's arms, suddenly felt something was amiss. It sensed that its future days of loafing around might be over. Its upright ears drooped suddenly, and it appeared a bit dispirited.
After leaving the Vista Lighthouse, the two wandered around Sunyshore City until dusk before returning to rest. After all, a whole day of fun was quite tiring.
Back at the hotel, Rex first released the Pokémon that had participated in the battle today from their Poké Balls. Although Swellow wasn't seriously injured, it had been a while since Rex last used his abilities to tend to it, so he decided to take this opportunity to give it some care.
The three Pokémon that received the trainer's treatment were in high spirits, especially Carbink and Sandslash. Even though they were defeated today, they felt their strength had improved through the battle.
"Lenka, why did you come back so early today? As the host, you should make sure to properly entertain your friend!"
Lenka's mother teased her with a hint of amusement.
"Dear, how can you say that about Lenka? I think our Lenka came back too late; she should've let that boy wander around on his own!"
Lenka's father countered immediately.
"What are you two talking about? I'm telling you, we met Gym Leader Volker today!"
Lenka, her face turning dark, interrupted her parents' conversation, but she still eagerly shared today's experience with them.
"I didn't expect that boy to be so strong, to defeat Gym Leader Volker. Fine, I approve of you two being together!"
Upon hearing that Rex was a powerful trainer, Lenka's father immediately did a 180-degree turn in his attitude.
"It seems our Lenka has good taste. You better seize this opportunity!"
Lenka's mother encouraged her with a smile.
"Hmph, I'm not talking to you anymore!"
Knowing her parents were just teasing her, Lenka's cheeks turned bright red, and she stomped off to her room in a huff.
Over the next two days, Rex didn't continue to wander around Sunyshore City with Lenka because the city wasn't very big, and they had already visited all the places worth seeing.
However, they weren't idle either. Rex and Lenka found a relatively secluded spot to train their Pokémon.
Of course, it was primarily Lenka training Buneary, while Rex provided timely suggestions, helping her correct common mistakes new trainers often make during training.
His Pokémon weren't idle either. Sandslash and Carbink were highly motivated after their previous battles and were training with enthusiasm.
Combusken was even more fired up. Not long had passed since its battle with Ambipom, and it was still full of passion. As soon as it was released, it sought out Swellow, wanting Swellow to help it train.
As for Haunter and Lileep, Rex let them manage their own training, while Lapras, due to the training location lacking a water source, was temporarily designated as the team medic, helping injured Pokémon recover.
Oh, and there were also the ten Combees he had recently captured. Worried they might fly all over the place, Rex only released them during meal times, planning to keep them under control for the next few days.
After these two days of hard training, Lenka felt Buneary's strength had improved again, which was completely different from when she trained alone before.
At that time, she had also spent a lot of time training Buneary, but its strength improved very slowly, making her think that Buneary wasn't suited for battles. She gradually became lax in her training.
Lenka knew that Buneary's quick improvement was closely tied to Rex's guidance. However, just thinking about how Rex would return to the Hoenn Region tomorrow made her feel a bit down.
Of course, Lenka also knew that to go further on the path of a Pokémon trainer, she needed to develop a training regimen that suited her. Only then could Buneary's strength improve even faster.
Time flew by, and today was the day Rex was scheduled to fly back to Hoenn. Lenka arrived early to see him off.
"Lenka, thank you for keeping me company these past few days. If you ever visit the Hoenn Region, remember to contact me. I'll make sure to give you a good tour of my farm."
Rex spoke to the girl, who wasn't in high spirits.
"Deal! When I travel to the Hoenn Region in the future, you better not pretend you don't know me!"
Lenka said, trying to lift her spirits.
"Don't worry, I'll definitely treat you well then."
Rex patted Buneary on the head and sincerely spoke to Lenka.
Soon, with Lenka reluctantly watching, Rex boarded the plane to Hoenn.
Although this journey to Sinnoh wasn't very long, Rex felt he had gained a lot. Not only did he obtain a Chimchar egg, capture a Snorlax, and ten Combees, but he also acquired a Magnet, a Dawn Stone, and, most importantly, a Key Stone.
As the plane took off, Rex took one last look at the Sinnoh Region before closing his eyes to rest. What he didn't notice was that a small green hedgehog was lying on the overhead luggage rack just above his head.
(End of Chapter)
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder