Pokémon: Trainer Paul

Reentering the Pokémon Center, Paul handed Ursaring's Poké Ball to Nurse Joy, requesting a checkup and treatment.

With that settled, Paul approached the communication terminal and dialed Professor Rowan's lab.

"Paul? This is unexpected. What brings you to call?"

Soon, Professor Rowan's face appeared on the screen.

"Professor, I recently caught a Turtwig in Eterna Forest. During a battle with Barry's Piplup, I noticed it resembles the Turtwig you mentioned losing at Lake Verity."

Paul stepped aside slightly, allowing the Turtwig to appear on the screen.

"Twig!"

Seeing the familiar face of Professor Rowan, Turtwig called out joyfully.

"Oh? It really is!"

Professor Rowan looked surprised. He greeted the Turtwig warmly. "Turtwig, I'm so sorry for the hardships you've endured while lost."

"Twig!"

Turtwig shook its head with a smile.

Though its time outside had indeed been challenging, it had also grown significantly during this period. This was evident from its recent victory over Barry's Piplup, despite having been with Paul for only a short while.

"Professor, if compensation is needed, I can arrange for a Pokémon Breeder to provide a starter Pokémon to your lab in exchange."

Paul offered a solution directly. The underlying message was clear: "I can provide you with another Turtwig, but this one stays with me."

"No need. Since Turtwig has bonded with you, it should stay with you."

Professor Rowan smiled and shook his head. "The loss of Turtwig was my responsibility. I'll take full accountability. It's clear that Turtwig has grown fond of you, so let's leave things as they are."

"Understood, Professor."

After a brief exchange, Paul ended the call and returned to the front desk, where he awaited Nurse Joy's return with Ursaring's Poké Ball.

"Paul! I'll train hard and beat you someday!"

As Paul collected the Poké Ball and was about to leave, Barry shouted a challenge from afar before running off.

"???"

Paul raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Barry's sudden declaration.

Retrieving Elekid, Paul instructed it to train within its Poké Ball. Then, releasing Vulpix and Turtwig, he let them to stay outside.

Paul had Vulpix practice Gravity and Calm Mind while Turtwig focused on growth training.

Time passed quickly, and before long, Paul arrived at his destination.

Eterna City.

A city rich with ancient ruins and forgotten history, Eterna City is home to the Eterna Historical Museum and the Grass-type Eterna Gym, attracting visitors for both sightseeing and challenges.

Paul planned to visit the museum to check for any records or evidence of Peat Blocks. However, his first destination was the Eterna Gym.

The Gym, like many others, was located in a spacious area surrounded by greenery trees and grass created a vibrant atmosphere around the open Gym entrance.

"Hello, my name is Paul. I'm here to challenge Gym Leader Gardenia."

Paul entered the Gym and explained his intent to a staff member.

"Wow, we've been busy with challengers today!"

The staff member led Paul further into the Gym. "Follow me."

Before long, they arrived at a unique "room."

The battle area was surrounded by lush greenery, resembling a small forest. At the center was the battlefield, bordered by trees.

"You'll have to wait for your turn. Feel free to watch the ongoing battles in the meantime."

After speaking, the staff member left.

Paul made his way to the audience area and noticed a familiar blond-haired boy already watching the match.

Silently approaching Barry, Paul turned his attention to the battle.

On the battlefield, a spirited young woman with brown hair, a cropped top, and a green "cape" was battling a boy wearing a beret.

Paul recognized the both of them—Gardenia the Gym Leader, and Lucas, the "protagonist."

From Paul's perspective, the battle lacked surprises but was steady and well-executed.

Lucas used Eevee initially, followed by Chimchar and Magmar, leveraging type advantages to engage Gardenia's Pokémon in an intense fight.

Ultimately, Lucas claimed victory without much suspense.

What intrigued Paul the most was Magmar—his former Pokémon, which he had released. Seeing it now in Lucas' care made Paul reflect on the strange twists of fate.

"Your Eevee—have you considered evolving it into Leafeon? Leafeon is powerful, adorable, and amazing!"

After awarding the badge, Gardenia enthusiastically promoted Leafeon to Lucas, leaving him bewildered.

"Um... I'll think about it. There are other challengers waiting, though. Maybe we should focus on that?"

Lucas scratched his head awkwardly, declining politely.

In truth, Lucas hadn't planned on evolving Eevee into Leafeon. If he hadn't coincidentally caught Magmar, he would have evolved it into Flareon instead. Now, he needed to reconsider his options.

Hearing this, Gardenia relented and began preparing her Pokémon for the next battle.

"Barry! Paul! Long time no see! Good luck with your Gym battles!"

Relieved, Lucas stepped aside and greeted Paul and Barry with a cheerful wave.

"Ah! Paul! When did you get here? You scared me!"

Barry finally noticed Paul had been standing next to him for a long time and jumped in surprise.

"If you're not challenging the Gym, I'll go next."

Ignoring Barry's reaction, Paul nodded at Lucas and spoke casually.

"No way! I'm going next!"

Barry immediately ran to the battlefield, eager to start his challenge.

With ample resources and backup Pokémon, Gardenia had no problem taking on consecutive challengers.

"Paul, do you think Barry can win?"

While waiting for the match to begin, Lucas asked.

"Under normal circumstances, yes."

Paul nodded calmly.

Gym battles were typically designed to test Trainers, and unless Gardenia intentionally made it difficult, Barry had the skill to earn the badge.

But of course, there were exceptions.

In some cases, Gym Leaders might be particularly strict, requiring challengers to prove themselves by defeating them at full strength or showing exceptional performance.

In rarer cases, the Gym Leader might have a team of Elite Four-level Pokémon, making victory nearly impossible for ordinary challengers.

In such situations, even elite Trainers would struggle.

Paul knew this well—his counterpart in another timeline had become a Gym Leader known for setting exceptionally high standards.

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