Chapter 71 — Setting a Trap for Cynthia

Unova Region, Undella Town.

This is a small town located on the eastern coast of the Unova region.

It sees few visitors during spring, autumn, and winter, but in summer, it becomes Unova's most lively resort town.

Few people know that Caitlin, one of the Unova Elite Four, has her private villa here.

Female trainers like Shauntal, Roxie, and Skyla often gather here.

Even Caitlin's best friend, Cynthia, occasionally takes time from her busy schedule to join Caitlin and the others for tea parties exclusively for female trainers.

Everyone gathers to discuss feminine topics like Pokémon, swimsuits, and cosmetics.

Today is no different.

In Caitlin's villa courtyard.

Cynthia lies on a lounge chair, enjoying a sunbath.

Instead of wearing her signature black coat, she's changed into a light blue tank top and leggings that accentuate her tall, graceful figure.

"This is why history is so fascinating."

Cynthia says with a smile, holding her phone.

"What are you talking about, Miss Cynthia?"

The other female trainers look at her curiously.

Unova Elite Four members Caitlin and Shauntal.

Gym Leaders Skyla, Roxie, and Iris, who hasn't yet become Champion but is currently the Opelucid City Gym Leader, all turn curious gazes toward her.

Cynthia smiles slightly and shows them her phone screen.

Displayed on it is Sonia's published article—

"The True Heroes Who Saved the Galar Region"

The article details how 3000 years ago, it wasn't the ancient royal family who saved the Galar region as people believed.

Instead, it was the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta.

"It's ridiculous that a lie could persist for three thousand years."

Skyla comments sarcastically.

"Reality is often stranger than fiction."

Novelist Shauntal nods.

Roxie smirks and says: "Just like you can't trust men's words."

"Miss Cynthia really loves archaeology, doesn't she?"

Iris chimes in with a blink.

They all know that Cynthia is interested in Pokémon history and archaeology.

She herself researches the history of Pokémon in the Sinnoh region.

It seems every Champion has a side hobby.

For instance, Cynthia loves archaeology, Steven collects stones, Wallace is a Contest star, Diantha enjoys making movies...

It seems only Leon and Lance don't have side pursuits.

Could that be why those two are the strongest?

"Bzzt bzzt bzzt~"

Cynthia's phone suddenly rings.

Seeing an unknown number, Cynthia raises an eyebrow but answers anyway.

"Hello?"

"Is this Champion Cynthia? This is Rose speaking."

A middle-aged man's voice comes through the phone.

"Chairman Rose?"

Cynthia is surprised.

She's never had any interaction with him before.

Caitlin and the others also show puzzled expressions, wondering why the Galar League Chairman would contact Cynthia.

Soon, Rose reveals his reason for contacting Cynthia—

He wants to invite her to Galar for an exhibition match.

Exhibition matches are nothing new to Cynthia.

Before many official tournaments, local leagues often invite Champions or Elite Four members as star trainers for a match.

It both attracts audiences and creates buzz.

"Would this amount of compensation be sufficient?"

Rose immediately offers a number that Cynthia finds hard to refuse.

Unlike Lance from the Dragon Clan family, or Steven from the Stone family, these silver-spoon heirs of prestigious families.

Cynthia, with just a researcher grandmother, is truly from humble origins.

Though she's not wanting for money since becoming Champion, she still can't match Lance or Steven's wealth.

"You're too kind, Chairman Rose. It's just an exhibition match, no big deal."

Cynthia remains naive, not suspecting that Rose is setting a trap for her.

"Will my opponent be Leon?"

Cynthia asks.

"No, it's a rookie trainer from our Galar region who debuted less than a year ago,"

Rose says with a smile:

"But I believe he has the potential to surpass you, Champion Cynthia, no, even Lance, which is why I hope you'll come for this exhibition match."

When Rose says Cynthia's opponent isn't the "undefeated" Leon,

But rather a rookie of less than a year,

The expressions of all the female trainers present turn into memes.

...

...

And so it was decided.

But after Cynthia hangs up, the female trainers all wear strange expressions.

"Does Rose have too much money to spend, so he's just giving some to you?"

Skyla asks curiously.

If what Rose says is true, daring to have a rookie trainer of less than a year challenge Cynthia,

That's simply asking for death.

"Could it be his illegitimate child?"

Caitlin adds sarcastically.

"Not sure, but at least it's not Leon, so I'll treat it as a trip to Galar."

Cynthia doesn't take it too seriously.

Generally, leagues don't allow Champions to battle freely.

Because Champions represent not just themselves, but the pride of their entire region.

When two Champions battle, winning is fine, but losing means your region is inferior to the other.

That's absolutely unacceptable.

If Rose had said the opponent was Leon, Cynthia would likely have refused.

But he said it was an unknown trainer.

Hmm... Cynthia just sees it as earning some extra money.

As for losing? Please, does Cynthia even need to worry about that?

As the youngest Champion in League history, why would she fear a rookie of less than a year?

...

...

Crown Tundra.

Atop a snow-capped mountain peak.

A Urshifu and a Glastrier face off in battle.

"ROAR!"

Glastrier takes a deep breath, and as it suddenly roars, its body surges with deep pink light.

Its arm suddenly extends ten meters, reaching for Urshifu.

This is Glastrier's signature move—Astral Barrage.

Urshifu's expression remains stern as it slightly tilts its face to the side, avoiding Glastrier's rubber-like extended arm.

In the next instant, Urshifu raises its left hand and suddenly twists Glastrier's arm, pulling it forward.

Glastrier immediately loses balance and flies toward Urshifu.

And in the final moment before they collide,

Urshifu's right hand erupts with dazzling light, landing a direct hit on Glastrier's bridge.

Million Ton Punch!

BOOM!

The sent-flying Glastrier crashes like a baseball into the snow-covered mountainside behind it.

Marnie, wearing a pure white down jacket, turns her head with a panicked expression.

"Come at me again, there's less than two months until your competition."

Sun Wuming behind Urshifu reminds.

— — —

T/N: Did you enjoy reading? If you're interested in more, check out my main profile, MrBlackWing, and read plenty!

And on my Patreon, for just $1 you can access all the extra content of my main novels, descriptive images, and the smuts costs only $2!

That's it and happy reading! (-‿◦)

https://www.patreon.com/mrblackwing