Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice [151]
A week had passed, and there was only one day left until the Galar Star Tournament.
In the southern part of Galar, the Crown Tundra.
Bea was soaring through the air, each step she took in midair producing a crackling "pop! pop!" sound like firecrackers.
Even so, her speed couldn't match that of Galarian Zapdos.
But if she couldn't compete in speed, she could compete in willpower!
After a week, Galarian Zapdos was already thoroughly annoyed by Bea.
Even though its body still had energy to spare, its mental exhaustion had reached its limit.
As Galarian Zapdos ran all the way from the Icy Snowfields south of Freezington to the Slippery Slope in the north, thinking it had finally shaken off that crazy girl and stopped to catch its breath—
"Hey!"
Bea, covered in snow and mud, suddenly jumped down from a nearby tree, landing right on Galarian Zapdos's back and tightly wrapping her arms around its neck.
"Yeek!?"
Galarian Zapdos let out a sharp cry like a duck being strangled and struggled desperately to shake Bea off.
But Bea clung onto it just like Naruto refusing to get off Gamabunta. Whether Zapdos soared dozens of meters into the sky or plunged into the icy glaciers, she simply refused to let go.
When Galarian Zapdos finally jumped back onto the snowy plains from the frozen river, looking utterly dejected, the drenched Bea flashed a bright smile. "How about that? I caught you… Heh… Hehehe…"
Just as she grinned, a wave of intense exhaustion flooded her brain. Her arms weakened, and she was about to fall off Zapdos's back.
At that critical moment, Galarian Zapdos extended its wing like a cushion and caught her.
"Clap~ Clap~"
A round of applause sounded as Stephen walked over with Sonia, Nessa, and Will, all of them looking dumbfounded.
Altaria, the Fairy-type Pokémon, wrapped Bea in its fluffy feathers, absorbing the icy water from her body and warming her up.
"Amazing girl."
Stephen patted Bea's forehead as she lay unconscious from exhaustion. Then he turned to Galarian Zapdos and said, "But what surprises me even more is that you caught her just now."
"Tch!"
Zapdos huffed and turned its head away in disdain.
"Caawww~~"
A Corviknight's cry echoed as one of Galar's signature Flying Taxis, carried by a Corviknight's sturdy talons, hovered in the sky above Stephen and the others.
A middle-aged man sitting on Corviknight's back called out,
"Excuse me, is the passenger with the online username [Widowed Summoner] here? Your Corviknight Flying Taxi has arrived! Driver ID 114514, ready to serve!"
Stephen turned to Galarian Zapdos and said, "Looks like you actually like this girl quite a bit. What do you think? Want to come watch her match tomorrow? You won't be disappointed."
Galarian Zapdos let out a snort and left without looking back.
Stephen didn't mind. As the Flying Taxi landed, he and his companions boarded it.
And as the Flying Taxi disappeared into the clouds—
On the ground, Galarian Zapdos lifted its gaze, watching the Corviknight fly away.
After a long silence, it too dashed northward.
...
Each region's annual Pokémon League tournament is scheduled in rotation.
For example, this month is the Galar Star Tournament, next month is Hoenn's Ever Grande Conference, and the month after that is Kanto's Indigo League.
It's as if the League officials have a tacit agreement—each competition takes turns so they don't compete for attention.
This way, fans who love watching battles can enjoy the Galar Star Tournament this month, the Ever Grande Conference next month, and so on without any conflicts.
This year, perhaps because League presidents—like Chairman Rose—felt the need to shift attention away from the controversy surrounding the new Pokédex release, or maybe just by coincidence, many regions were undergoing a changing of the guard.
According to the latest online intel:
[Lance of the Indigo League was preparing to challenge Agatha for the Champion's seat.]
[The Sinnoh League wanted to push their prodigious talent, Cynthia, into the spotlight.]
[The Hoenn League was considering having their richest heir, Steven Stone, ascend to Champion status.]
[Over in Kalos, child star Diantha was also a rising genius of this generation. Though she was still a bit behind the others, she wasn't aiming for the Champion title just yet—her first goal was to become an Elite Four member.]
And as for this month's highly anticipated Galar Star Tournament—
Although there didn't seem to be a dark horse capable of threatening Leon's Champion title, people shouldn't forget that Chairman Rose still held the Pokédex card in his hands.
As a result, the tournament received a lot of attention.
The day before the opening ceremony, Macro Cosmos Group hosted a grand festival in Wyndon.
All visitors could enjoy free food from Macro Cosmos-owned restaurants and access various entertainment facilities—showcasing pure extravagance.
At subway stations, bus stops, street lamps, and electronic billboards in the plazas, posters of popular Galar Gym Leaders were everywhere.
Rose placed great emphasis on the image and commercial potential of his Gym Leaders.
In Galar, Gym Leaders weren't just Pokémon Trainers—they also had a celebrity-like aura.
Among them, Raihan and Piers, who were of the same generation as Leon and had near-Elite Four strength, were the most popular after him.
Next were the female Gym Leaders Melony and Nessa.
However, whether it was Galar locals or visiting fans coming to Wyndon for the tournament, they were all shocked to see—
The largest poster outside Wyndon Stadium did not feature Galar's most famous star, Leon.
Instead, Dr. Stephen, holding a Pokédex and exuding an inexplicable confidence, occupied the center stage.
His pose almost looked like he was about to transform.
"The Galar Chairman sure is giving him a lot of face."
Gladion tilted his head up, looking at the massive stadium poster.
Beside him stood his mother, Lusamine, and his sister, Lillie.
For the past two years, the siblings had been studying at Naranja Academy in Paldea.
Now that they were on break—and knowing their mother would be attending the Pokédex launch event with Stephen—they decided to come along.
"Chairwoman Lusamine, long time no see."
Chairman Rose approached with his secretary, Oleana, and greeted her with a smile.
"Chairman Rose, it has been a while," Lusamine replied politely with a smile, "though I'm still not a chairwoman yet."
In the past, people generally referred to Lusamine as "President Lusamine" because she was the president of the Aether Foundation.
After the establishment of Rainbow Corporation, she also gained titles like "President" and "Madam."
Now, with the formation of the Alola League, another title has been added—"Chairperson."
Everyone believes that Lusamine will take on the role of Chairperson of the Alola League.
However, she hasn't officially assumed the position yet.
At that moment, a loud commotion erupted from the plaza directly opposite the Royal Gates Stadium.
Lusamine and her two children turned their heads to look.
They saw Galar League Champion Leon in the crowd, striking his signature pose with one finger pointing to the sky.
The local Galar fans showed their enthusiasm, continuously chanting Leon's and Charizard's names.
"He's popular..."
Gladion sighed in admiration.
Lillie was momentarily dazed before curiously asking, "I wonder who's more popular—Champion Leon or Elite Four Lance?"
"I think it's still Leon."
Gladion replied.
It was hard to say who was stronger between Leon and Dragon Master Lance.
But when it came to popularity, Gladion believed Leon had the edge.
After all, Lance rarely made public appearances, while Leon frequently attended promotional events. His cape, covered with sponsor logos, was proof of that.
Moreover, Lance's personality wasn't exactly the kind that attracted fans—setting aside his strength, his temperament didn't make him particularly likable...
"Dr. Stephen!"
"Dr. Stephen!"
"Dr. Stephen!"
Just as the siblings were marveling at Leon's incredible popularity, a cheer just as loud—perhaps even louder—erupted from the crowd.
Hearing the familiar name, which felt slightly unfamiliar due to how long it had been, the siblings stretched their necks to look toward the plaza.
...
"Wow, the last time I saw a reception this grand was when Rainbow Corporation was first established."
Will exaggeratedly spoke, a lollipop in his mouth.
"This is a bit surprising."
Stephen remarked.
Even though she had recovered, Bea still looked a little pale as she said sincerely, "Doctor, you fully deserve this kind of welcome. The popularization of Fairy-types and Legendary Pokémon, the research on the Pokédex that made traveling safer for trainers, and even helping Zacian and Zamazenta clear their names—each of these achievements is enough to go down in history!"
The reporters who had been focused on Leon were now frantically taking pictures of Stephen. Even those walking behind Stephen, like Nessa, were not spared.
The rumors about Rose trying to set up Nessa and Stephen had already leaked.
Meanwhile, Bea and Sonia were completely ignored.
Bea was dismissed due to her young age—how could a respected doctor like Stephen possibly do something like that?
Sonia, on the other hand, was simply seen as Leon's childhood friend, so no one thought much of it.
Leon, who had been posing for photos with fans, took the initiative to step forward and extended his hand. "We meet again, Dr. Stephen."
The time they spent on the Isle of Armor, training under Mustard, had left a deep impression on him.
Unfortunately, he had been busy preparing for the upcoming Galar Star Tournament and sending invitations to promising trainers.
Otherwise, he would have loved to battle Stephen.
"Still confident about defending your title this year?"
Stephen asked, though he already knew the answer.
Leon was at the very top tier among champions—he might even have one foot in the Master Class, just like Giovanni.
Although he hadn't reached his peak yet, unless someone like Red—the main protagonist—showed up, no one could shake his position. (In the official mobile game, Leon had even defeated Blue.)
But standing next to him now... there was someone who might give him a small surprise.
"I look forward to seeing new challengers surpass me."
Leon replied with a smile.
"Bea, Nessa, do your best!"
Leon turned to encourage the two newbie Gym Leaders.
When he looked at Sonia, she hesitated to speak, but Leon beat her to it.
"I heard you're not a trainer anymore, Sonia. That's a shame."
"...Yeah, it's a bit of a shame..."
Sonia's expression dimmed slightly.
"Don't let it get to you. There are plenty of people in the world who can't be trainers—you're not the only one."
Leon comforted her.
...Uh...
Bea and Nessa rolled their eyes hard at his attempt at reassurance.
That was not comforting at all.
Stephen also found it amusing.
Leon's fate seemed to be blessed by the goddess of luck—he had extraordinary talent, powerful mentors, and even a childhood friend who was the perfect match.
But his emotional intelligence was a bit lacking.
It was a miracle that Sonia hadn't cut ties with him, thanks to her naturally kind personality.
"Big Brother!"
Lillie ran toward him excitedly but almost tripped in her haste.
"Lillie-chan, how's life in Paldea?"
Stephen quickly stepped forward to steady her.
Lillie smiled gently. "It's been good. The teachers are all very nice, but there are some issues between students that the teachers struggle to deal with."
Stephen thought for a moment. Weren't the antagonists in Paldea just a bunch of school bullies?
"Are you okay? Do you want to come back to Alola?"
Back when he played the game, Stephen thought Team Star felt pretty minor compared to the villains from other regions.
But for kids, school bullying was no small matter.
At that moment, Gladion stepped forward and confidently patted his chest.
"Don't worry, Brother Stephen! I'll protect Lillie."
Lillie's personality did make her an easy target, but he was different.
"Stephen-kun, it's been so long since you last returned to Alola."
Lusamine approached him.
Why does this sound like a wife scolding her husband for not coming home?
"Sorry, I'm busy~"
Stephen smiled.
Lusamine looked at Sonia and Nessa behind Stephen, biting her lip in frustration.
Tsk, so young...
"Dr. Stephen, I hope you can say a few words at the upcoming opening ceremony," Rose approached and said.
Stephen shook his head. "I've already said everything I needed to at the previous press conference. This is Galar's tournament, so I won't steal the spotlight."
Stephen, Rose, Lusamine, Leon… many major figures appeared one after another.
Finally, reporters couldn't hold back their questions any longer:
"Dr. Stephen, is it true that Chairman Rose is matchmaking you with Gym Leader Nessa?"
"Netizens are very concerned about your mental health. Have you recovered from the trauma of the former Royal Duo incident?"
"Kanto's Elite Four Lance has publicly stated that the death penalty should be added to the League's laws. What are your thoughts on this?"
"How do you plan to handle the relationship between your Bewear and Zamazenta?"
…
Stephen was already used to the reporters' bizarre and outlandish questions.
Just as he was about to ignore them like before and walk away, the last question made him lose his composure completely.
Lusamine's family, Rose, Oleana, Leon, the Galar locals present, the visiting tourists, and even the four brothers from Pallet Town watching on Galar TV at home—all nearly choked on their spit.
W-what? The relationship between Bewear and Zamazenta…?
"Bewear… is that the one who almost smashed that annoying guy's skull and threw Grandpa's Dragonite away in one hit?"
At the Oak residence, Gary blankly recalled the scene from a month ago.
Next to him, Blue's expression was no better. "And Zamazenta… is that the legendary Pokémon in the news recently, the one who truly saved Galar?"
Professor Oak's eyes gleamed. "Do Legendary Pokémon have breeding capabilities?!"
...
Stephen turned to look at the reporter who asked the question.
She was a tall beauty with chestnut-colored hair tied up, leaving a single lock of bangs over her forehead. Holding a microphone, she introduced herself as soon as she saw Stephen looking at her.
"Hello, Dr. Stephen. I'm Alexa, a reporter from Kalos's Lumiose TV Station."
Stephen turned to Will.
Will shook his head frantically. "I didn't say anything!"
The next second, he suddenly reacted and pointed at Bea, Nessa, and Sonia. "They know about it too! Why don't you suspect them?!"
"Because you have a big mouth."
Gladion thought to himself.
Although he hadn't spent much time with Will, he knew well how unreliable he was.
"How did you find out?"
Stephen finally remembered who this reporter was.
She was the older sister of Viola, the Gym Leader of Santalune City in Kalos. In the future, she even briefly traveled with Ash.
"We heard that you stayed in Galar's Crown Tundra for a while. There's only one village there—Freezington—and only one inn. So we interviewed the innkeeper, and he told us that your Bewear and Zamazenta broke seven beds, and you had to compensate for them."
At that moment, silence fell across the entire world.
Meanwhile, Zamazenta, left behind in the Rose of the Rondelands Hotel room by Stephen, proudly lifted its head.
Alexa continued, "Even though you've tied the knot with Bewear, Zamazenta is Galar's guardian deity, so it can't leave Galar, right? Does that mean you're going to release Bewear? Or… will you stay in Galar?"
As soon as she said this, the venue—no, the whole world—erupted in an uproar.
The reporters in Wyndon City were about to smash their camera shutters from excitement.
As Stephen gradually solidified his position as the top figure in Pokémon research, some of his past achievements were being dug up.
Not just his own, but also those of his companions—Will and Morgan—were being thoroughly investigated by the media.
Will's strength was unknown, but because his Psychic Fatty lineup had already been exposed, he rarely fought in public.
However, recently, after consecutively capturing Galarian Articuno, Galarian Slowpoke, and Alakazam, Will started battling in public again.
Regardless, Will was widely recognized as a Legendary Pokémon trainer for owning an Articuno.
At the very least, he should be at an Elite Four level, right?
As for Karen, when she followed Stephen under the alias "Morgan," she had only used Incineroar, but that alone was enough to showcase her potential.
Champion-level potential!
In other words, whichever region won over Stephen wouldn't just gain a top-tier scientific genius, but also two trainers with Elite Four and Champion potential.
Who wouldn't be tempted?
Instantly, Lusamine and her family felt alarm bells ringing in their hearts.