On the way, Luther checked the information about Duckweed Town's Gym Leader and quickly learned this one was no pushover either.
Before Yawen resigned from her position, this man had been a member of the second-tier Gym Leaders, ranking just below Hakuya. No wonder Hakuya had so much to say when introducing him.
Like Candice of Snowpoint City, his specialty was Ice-type Pokémon. However, since both his Gym's rating and his personal strength were slightly inferior to Candice's, his Gym still retained some popularity. After all, there was something to be said for Gyms where rookie Trainers still had human rights.
As for the Snowpoint Gym itself...
When Luther entered Snowpoint City, he found the place eerily quiet. Even at midday, the snow-covered city seemed to be in a deep slumber.
But come on, this was still one of the core Gyms! How could the streets be this silent?
The snow in front of the Gym had been carefully cleared, yet the entrance stood empty. Even the receptionist who was usually stationed at the front desk was nowhere to be seen.
Luther made his way to the rest area and found the lights on throughout the Gym, but there was no sign of any human activity.
Mai wandered around curiously and discovered that the front desk computer showed no challenge bookings for the entire upcoming week.
It was the first time Luther had ever seen a core Gym so deserted. Rorak's Oreburgh Gym and Gardenia's Hearthome Gym were always packed with Trainers waiting in line for their turn to challenge. Earning a Badge from a core Gym was a matter of pride for most Pokémon Trainers. So why was Snowpoint City's Gym the total opposite?
After calling out several times, "Is anyone here?", A Delibird poked its head out and locked eyes with Luther in surprise.
Finally seeing a living creature, Luther crouched down and asked, "We're Pokémon Trainers here to challenge the Snowpoint Gym. Is your Gym Leader not around?"
After hearing that, Delibird turned and ran into the inner room, returning with what looked like a schedule sheet, then pointed to a building on it.
Luther looked at the photo and suddenly remembered: Candice also worked at a Trainer school in Snowpoint City. Looks like they'd come at the wrong time.
Just as Luther and Mai were about to leave, Delibird began setting out teacups and brewing tea, leaving Luther completely dumbfounded.
Then, it waddled over to Luther's feet and started pushing him back toward the rest area, the message couldn't have been clearer: "Don't go. Wait a bit longer."
The two of them looked at each other helplessly before sitting down, picking up the tea and snacks that Delibird had prepared, and waiting.
Once Luther was settled, Delibird grabbed a mop and broom and started vigorously cleaning the rest area. Now Luther was truly stunned.
A ten-in-one multitasking Delibird?
Could it cook, too? Maybe he'd find out soon.
As lunchtime approached and Marill finally polished off all the snacks on the table, Luther caught the scent of delicious food wafting from the side room.
Curious, he peeked inside, and there was Delibird, standing on a cutting board, skillfully adjusting the fire and stir-frying something. The smooth wok-toss, the precise drizzle of oil for aroma—was this Delibird a chef from a Chinese restaurant in a past life?
"So fragrant, Delibird! What's for lunch today?"
A lively female voice called out from outside the rest area.
Luther turned his head and saw Candice walk in, her Abomasnow following close behind. She had her jacket tied around her waist and was wearing a short-sleeved dress.
"A challenger?" Candice blinked in surprise, then broke into a delighted smile.
"...Aren't you cold?" Luther couldn't help asking, even if it felt like an odd question in the moment.
Snowpoint City was the northernmost city in Sinnoh, and it wasn't even February yet; the snow hadn't melted at all. Luther had to wear two thick coats just to endure the chill, while Mai was wrapped up like a snowman, only half her face visible.
But Candice's outfit? It looked like she was dressed for summer.
"It's not that cold, guess I'm just used to it."
Candice's casual reply left Luther speechless in admiration. Right now, you're the strong one here, he thought.
Once she learned that Luther had really come to challenge the Snowpoint Gym, Candice became extremely enthusiastic. She even told Delibird to make extra dishes to properly welcome him.
Luther couldn't refuse; after all, the food that Delibird prepared looked far too appetizing to turn down.
During the meal, Luther finally voiced the question that had been bothering him most.
"Has it always been like this? Snowpoint Gym being so empty, it's not just a recent thing, right?"
"Of course," Candice replied, waving her spoon as she explained. "Snowpoint City's location is remote, the weather's freezing, and there's not much to see here. Once winter sets in, almost no Pokémon Trainers are willing to come all this way just to freeze in the cold wind. I've gotten used to it."
"Besides, being a core Gym means the challenge level's higher. Rorak and Gardenia are much more beginner-friendly, and their regions have warmer climates, so they get tons of visitors. But me? I'm stuck out here in a tiny, icy corner of Sinnoh, nobody bothers to come challenge me."
She gave a small, resigned laugh and continued, "To save on expenses, I only keep the lights on in the rest area; everything else in the Gym stays shut off. The League assigned me staff, but I turned them down. My Delibird handles the maintenance, and the referee role gets filled by local people who have some experience."
Luther couldn't help thinking: this might just be the most pitiful core Gym Leader ever.
Other Gyms were packed to the brim with challengers, but Candice couldn't even find one.
When Candice heard that Luther had previously battled Hakuya, her eyes lit up with curiosity.
"So, you earned your White Wind Badge through the formal test?"
Luther nodded.
"Impressive. Then I know what level to expect. I'll decide on my Battle Team lineup accordingly."
After a moment's thought, Luther said seriously, "I'd like you to fight me with your full strength."
Candice, who had just been cleaning up the dishes, froze mid-motion.
"Snowpoint Gym's standard battle rules are four-on-four. Move restrictions are up to the challenger. So what you're saying is, you want me to use my main team, my full power, in a four-on-four battle?"
Luther's earnest expression told her he wasn't joking.
Candice put down the dishes and wiped her hands dry.
"What was your battle with Hakuya like?"
"Four-on-four. He used Kangaskhan, Ursaring, Dunsparce, and Noctowl."
"And how many of his Pokémon did you take down?"
"Three."
Candice gave Luther another long look, then grinned. "That's basically Hakuya's top-tier lineup, minus Tauros and Slaking. So you're not just someone who scraped by the test, you're something else."
"Alright, I'll accept your challenge. But you'll have to wait a bit. I need to go to the foot of the snow mountain to call back a few of my Pokémon."
With that, Candice dashed out of the Gym, quick as a gust of wind, leaving her ever-reliable Delibird behind to handle the remaining chores.
Chansey followed behind Delibird, watching attentively, clearly eager to learn from the multitasking bird's efficiency.
As she observed Delibird bustling about, a thought suddenly sparked in Chansey's mind: maybe her status in the team could still rise even higher.
Outside, Candice made a quick video call to Hakuya. Once she got his confirmation, she grinned from ear to ear and sprinted off through the snow.
"Finally! A real, all-out battle at last!"
(End of Chapter)
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