Chapter Forty-Five: Oh My, It's Absolutely Adorable!

Although the Gym Challenge had come to an end, its fervor lingered on. As the heart of the grand event, Gongmen City still brimmed with enthusiasm for the Gym Challenge.

“What’s going on over there? It looks lively—let’s go take a look. Little ones, stay close to me and don’t wander off!”

Su Yi led his companions into a bustling gathering. Merchants had set up tents, energetically selling all manner of Pokémon merchandise, while eager tourists browsed the dazzling array of goods with great interest.

“What’s that, meow?” Dewgrass asked curiously, pointing to a dessert stall.

“That’s ice cream—a cold, sweet treat,” Su Yi replied, watching his little companions eye the colorful ice creams with anticipation. He understood at once.

“Boss, five ice creams, please!”

“Coming right up!”

…

In Galar, there was no Elite Four system; instead, there were ten Gym Leaders, each with their own fan base. As Su Yi strolled by one stall, he discovered that the vendor had turned photos of the Gym Leaders in action into exquisite cards, much like League Cards.

The vendor had an uncanny knack for capturing the perfect moments—be it the leaders’ heroic or graceful poses.

“Hey, did you get permission to use their likenesses?” Su Yi quipped as he flipped through the unique cards, unable to resist a hint of sarcasm. It all reminded him of the counterfeit cards that used to be sold outside the school gates in his childhood.

“If you want the rights, so do I! Take it or leave it,” the vendor retorted impatiently.

Su Yi quickly picked out a batch of cards featuring Beads and Nessa, slapped them on the table, and declared, “I’ll take these.”

The vendor sneered, “Ha! Men!” Nevertheless, he deftly packed them up.

Just as Su Yi was tucking away his new cards with satisfaction, a sudden noise came from underfoot.

“Beh!”

He looked down to find a Pokémon with yellow, brown, and black markings—the appearance of a small rodent—gazing up at him with a mischievous grin.

“It’s Morpeko, the eighth generation’s electric mouse,” Su Yi said, squatting down to observe the adorable creature with curiosity.

But just as he finished speaking, the cute little electric mouse suddenly changed. Its fur shifted to violet and black, and its expression turned ferocious.

“Oh no, it’s switched to its Hangry Mode!”

Morpeko had two forms: Full Belly and Hangry, each affecting the type of its signature move. Outside of battle, however, Hangry Mode meant one thing…

“Beh! Beh!” With a flash, the ravenous Morpeko snatched all their ice creams.

“Munch!” Five ice creams vanished into Morpeko’s mouth in a single gulp.

“My ice cream, meow!” Dewgrass wailed.

“Grr!” Bear Apprentice shouted angrily, striking a fighting pose.

“Beh!” Now sated, Morpeko’s smile returned as it waved a paw, as if to say, “Thanks for the treat!”

Su Yi was left speechless.

“You cheeky electric mouse, aren’t you a bit too bold now?”

“Morpeko!” At that moment, an anxious voice called out.

“Beh!” Morpeko perked up and bounded over to the newcomer.

“Morpeko, you…” The girl saw the trace of ice cream at Morpeko’s mouth and, knowing its nature well, quickly understood what had happened.

She looked up to see a tall young man surrounded by Pokémon who were all glaring indignantly at the Morpeko in her arms.

“I’m so sorry my Morpeko gave you trouble. I’ll make up for any losses,” the girl apologized, bowing slightly. Her attire and hairstyle had a distinct punk flair.

“You’re…” Su Yi was surprised; she was an acquaintance—at least in the game. The girl holding Morpeko was Marnie, sister to Piers, the Spikemuth Gym Leader, and also one of the main rivals in the game.

…

On a bench outside the gathering, Su Yi bought each of his companions another ice cream.

“Here,” he said, handing an ice cream to Marnie and her Morpeko.

“Beh!” Morpeko accepted it gleefully.

“Morpeko, you need to apologize properly and thank him!” Marnie instructed.

“Beh!” Morpeko bowed politely, then immediately began to eat.

“Honestly…” Marnie sighed helplessly.

“What a mischievous little thing,” Su Yi laughed. The form changes were just its natural ability, and it was up to the Trainer to keep an eye on its state. He wasn’t about to be harsh over it.

“Thank you… um…”

After being called “uncle” by Mustard’s son Hyde, Su Yi quickly introduced himself, “My name is Su Yi. I’m still young—just from Armor Island.”

“Thank you, big brother Su Yi. Even though I caused you trouble, you still treated us to ice cream,” Marnie said gratefully, a rare smile squeezing onto her usually stoic and adorable face.

Wow, Marnie’s really cute!

Ahem!

“I’m not that petty. Let’s just say we’re friends now,” Su Yi replied breezily.

“Su Yi! There you are—have you made new friends?” At that moment, Leon and Sonia approached.

“You’re done already?” Su Yi feigned disappointment. Opportunity knocked, but Leon failed to seize it.

“I mainly came to tell you something and invite you along,” Leon said with a smile.

“Invite me?” Su Yi was puzzled.

“That’s right. In a few days, it’s my brother Hop’s birthday. I’ll return to Wedgehurst to celebrate, and I’d like to invite you to join us and prepare a little show for him,” Leon explained.

“A show? No problem!” Su Yi agreed instantly; he was eager to meet the game’s top rival, the “Wooloo Jinchuriki.”

“This Flying Taxi Card lets you ride Corviknight taxis anywhere in Galar. I’ve got some things to take care of, but I’ll see you in Wedgehurst.” Leon handed Su Yi a magnetic card.

“Thanks, go on ahead,” Su Yi replied.

“Sonia, what are your plans?” Leon asked her.

“I’m going shopping with Nessa tomorrow, so I’ll stay in Gongmen City tonight,” Sonia answered.

“Great. Su Yi, if you have any questions, you can ask Sonia. She’s an expert on Pokémon,” Leon said, before leaving on his Charizard.

“Hello, Su Yi. May I see your Pokémon?” Sonia asked eagerly, eyeing the little cat Pokémon with curiosity.

“It’s a bit crowded here,” Su Yi said, glancing at the throngs around them.

“Then come with me,” Sonia suggested after a moment’s thought.

In a city park, at a spacious field set aside for battles, Marnie—who had followed out of curiosity—asked, “You actually know Leon?”

“We’re sort of fellow disciples,” Su Yi replied. After all, having been entrusted with Bear Apprentice, he was nominally Mustard’s disciple.

“No friendship without a fight, huh?”

“You’ve even battled Leon?” Marnie exclaimed in surprise.

Su Yi smiled, “I lost last time, but I’ve gained new companions. I think our next battle isn’t far off.”

With that, Su Yi recalled his Pokémon, switched his traveling companion to battle mode, and took out his Poké Balls.

“Come out, my friends!”