Chapter Forty-Three: The Palace Gate Market and President Lotz

"Gulu!" The bear apprentice saw Su Yi and seemed to realize something. It lifted its head and gazed at Su Yi with timid yet hopeful eyes.

Witnessing this, Su Yi knew that any sentimental words would now seem unnecessarily fussy. Though their time together had been short, the Masde couple had always taken good care of him. Perhaps, as Masde once said, he saw echoes of the former Emperor of Alchemy in Su Yi. Now, he intended to entrust the bear apprentice to him.

This was a gesture of trust, of hope—there was no need for Su Yi to prove anything. It was Masde’s own judgment, believing Su Yi was capable.

“I will take good care of the bear apprentice,” Su Yi nodded solemnly, accepting the Poké Ball.

“I believe in you,” Masde replied with a smile.

Su Yi nodded, then crouched down so his eyes were level with the bear apprentice’s.

“Bear apprentice, do you like adventure?”

“Gulu?” The bear apprentice tilted its head, puzzled.

“It means soaring between the giant trees of the forest, trekking across the barren desert, exploring deep valleys, wandering through beautiful plateaus, and challenging the strong in crystalline lands.

Watching the sea at sunset, searching for treasures among coral on land, picking delicious fruit in perilous places, soaking in hot springs amidst snow and ice...

Adventures like these,” Su Yi said, smiling.

“Gulu!” At that moment, the bear apprentice’s eyes brimmed with longing.

...

The dojo was peaceful and serene in the morning.

“Oh? Su Yi, are you planning to head inland?” The image of the Champion appeared on the communicator.

Su Yi nodded, smiling. “Yes, I haven’t seen the splendor of Galar yet.”

“Haha, you’ll fall in love with everything here. Just take a Flying Taxi straight to Hammerlocke,” the Champion replied with a grin.

“No problem.”

After settling the meeting place, Su Yi hung up the call.

“So you’re setting out, Su Yi,” Masde and his wife approached.

“I’m grateful for your care all this time. I’ll return in the future,” Su Yi said in thanks.

“Young people should venture as they wish, but remember to stay safe,” Masde advised.

“Then, I’m off!” Su Yi and Dewgrass mounted the Doduo and headed for the Isle of Armor Station.

...

Upon arrival at the station, Su Yi met Bea.

“Bea? You’re leaving the Isle of Armor too?” Su Yi asked.

Bea nodded. “I’ve been away for quite a while. It’s about time I returned, otherwise Chairman Rose will start nagging me again.”

“If you have time, come find me in Stow-on-Side. We still have a battle to settle,” Bea said, extending her fist.

Su Yi smiled and bumped fists with her.

“When the time comes, you’d better give it your all.”

“I look forward to it,” Bea replied with a smile.

...

Corviknight gripped the carriage and slowly ascended. Su Yi and Dewgrass watched through the window as the station grew smaller, flying away from the Isle of Armor into the roaring winds.

...

Hammerlocke—the most prosperous city in Galar—was a forest of skyscrapers, bustling traffic, and a vibrant modern atmosphere.

Corviknight gently landed in the plaza before the Hammerlocke stadium.

“We’ve arrived, sir,” the goggled driver said from atop Corviknight.

“Thank you very much.” Su Yi opened the door and stepped out with Dewgrass.

Bathed in sunlight, Su Yi looked up and took in the scene.

The massive stadium rose from the city’s heart; on the vast plaza, countless people walked with Pokémon of all shapes and sizes through the urban landscape.

Bustling, lively, crowded—a world apart from the primeval forests and deep valleys. This was civilization and order.

“Meow! What is this place? It’s so bustling and lively, meow!” Dewgrass widened its eyes, surveying the surroundings with curiosity.

“aibo, this isn’t a base—it’s a city. It’s where humans and Pokémon gather, not for hunting or adventure, but for the dazzling lights and endless traffic,” Su Yi sighed. He had finally arrived in a modern city, and almost forgotten what this felt like.

“Meow! How can that thing move so fast, meow? What’s that thing, meow...”

Having never seen high technology before, Dewgrass was full of excitement and curiosity, asking about everything. Su Yi patiently explained each one.

“It’s amazing, meow. Now I finally feel it—this other world you spoke of, Su Yi!” Dewgrass began to sense the wonder of a foreign land.

“It’s marvelous, isn’t it?” Su Yi couldn’t help but sigh. His golden finger allowed him to experience both wilderness and civilization.

“Yo! Su Yi, looks like you didn’t get lost,” a familiar voice called from behind.

Su Yi turned to see the Champion descending slowly on Charizard.

...

“It’s Champion Leon!”

“Leon’s here!”

...

Leon’s appearance immediately drew everyone’s attention. With his immense popularity in Galar, the crowd began snapping photos.

“Thank you, everyone,” Leon greeted the crowd warmly as he walked over.

“I think you’re the one who got lost,” Su Yi teased—no doubt Charizard had chosen the route.

“Roar!” Charizard spread its claws in helplessness.

“Haha, that’s just because Hammerlocke is so bustling,” Leon laughed lightly.

“Su Yi, come with me. I’ll introduce you to Chairman Rose—he’s quite interested in you,” Leon said.

...

Leon didn’t head toward Rose Tower, but instead entered a certain restaurant and walked into a private room.

A cold-eyed woman in high heels stood behind a slightly chubby man in casual clothing.

“This is Chairman Rose, and this is his secretary, Ms. Oleana,” Leon introduced.

“So you’re the interesting person Leon mentioned? The traveler with never-before-seen Pokémon—Su Yi,” Chairman Rose said, intrigued.

“A pleasure to meet you, Chairman of the Galar Pokémon League,” Su Yi replied, neither humble nor arrogant.

“I’ve heard you come from a place with unique Pokémon. The one by your side—is it native to somewhere special? I’ve never seen anything like it,” Chairman Rose observed Dewgrass with great interest.

“Meow?” Dewgrass felt a bit uneasy.

Su Yi stepped forward to block Rose’s gaze and said, “I’m an adventurer who’s traveled through some unusual places.”

“I see. The world is vast and still full of mysteries,” Chairman Rose didn’t press further, but got straight to the point.

“Leon told me about your situation. Since Leon himself vouched for you, I trust his judgment. This ID card is for general use within the League, and it serves multiple purposes,” Rose placed a magnetic card on the table and slid it toward Su Yi.

Su Yi took the card and thanked him, “Thank you, Chairman Rose. And thank you, Leon.”

“I hope your arrival brings something new to Galar,” Rose said, his words laden with meaning.

Su Yi frowned slightly, unsure what he meant.