Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 424: Professor Oak’s shock

Chapter 424: Professor Oak’s shockThe official authorities in the Galar region remained silent. The only responses came from ordinary trainers and the occasional outburst from members of the royal family who had previously engaged in online arguments with netizens.

Some individuals in the Galar region expressed regret over Calyrex's departure, while others shifted their frustrations toward the Galar royal family, blaming them for the situation. Surprisingly, very few seemed to argue that Calyrex was an indispensable asset to the region, a reaction Naoki had not anticipated.

It was puzzling, considering that a legendary Pokémon of such significance would generally be regarded as a vital part of a region's identity. However, upon reflection, Naoki realized that not all legendary Pokémon bring prosperity to their regions.

For example, Groudon and Kyogre in the Hoenn region often clashed, causing widespread natural disasters during their battles. People in Hoenn likely wished these titanic Pokémon would remain dormant or far from their homeland.

Moreover, Pokémon are autonomous beings, free from the notion of belonging to any specific region or governing alliance. This broader perspective clarified the indifferent attitude some trainers in Galar displayed toward Calyrex's departure.

Naoki also recalled the industrial focus of Galar, led by President Rose. Rose had prioritized Dynamax battles and sought to harness the energy to power the region's economy. Under such priorities, the agrarian legacy represented by Calyrex might have seemed outdated or less critical to Galar's vision of progress.

With Naoki's invitation, Professor Oak decided to stay at the ranch to observe its Pokémon and conduct ecological re

Naoki looked at the girl in her school uniform, his expression calm. He first washed his hands before asking, "So, you want to challenge one of the ranch's trials?"

Leah, brimming with determination, replied enthusiastically, "That's right!"

Naoki tilted his head slightly. "How many Gym Badges have you collected so far?"

Leah blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, I need Gym Badges to challenge the trial?"

Naoki nodded. "That's right. You need to have collected at least six badges to be eligible for the trials here. Whether or not you pass the trial depends on your own efforts."

"Six badges…" Leah's confidence wavered as embarrassment crept onto her face. "But I only have four badges right now. Mr. Naoki, could you make an exception? I came all the way from Mesagoza!"

Naoki gave her a helpless look. "The trials here are designed to be very challenging, especially for Trainers who haven't earned six badges yet. Even those who meet the requirement often struggle to pass."

He continued, "To be honest, I'd recommend these trials for Trainers who are either about to become Gym Leaders or already have Gym Leader-level strength. Early on, they were manageable for newer Trainers, starting with battles against Gogoat. But as the Pokémon in the trials grew stronger, the gap in power became too great. Now, the trials aren't suitable for beginners."

Leah sighed, her shoulders drooping. "I see… But is there really no trial here that I can attempt?" Her gaze remained hopeful. She had read on the forums that Naoki's ranch had several unique trials.

Naoki was about to deny her again when a thought struck him. He smiled faintly. "Actually, there is one trial you can try—but it's very different from the others."

Leah's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? What is it?"

"It's called the ," Naoki explained. "In this trial, Trainers can only use Pokémon that know the move . The battle rules are simple: both sides can only attack using . It's a test of pure luck—there are no strength requirements for this trial. If you have a Pokémon that knows the move, you're welcome to participate."

Hearing this, Leah lit up with enthusiasm. She quickly reached for a Poké Ball at her waist and said, "My Clefairy knows ! I'd love to give it a try!"

With a flash of light, her Clefairy appeared, its soft pink form radiating cuteness as it waved at everyone with its tiny hands.

Naoki raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to participate in the ?" he asked, wanting to confirm her decision.

Leah nodded firmly. "That's right! Once I earn more Gym Badges, I'll come back to challenge the other trials too!"

"Alright then," Naoki said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I accept your challenge." Turning toward the ranch, he called out, "Alcremie, we've got a guest here to see you!"

A short while later, a cheerful Alcremie arrived riding atop a Garganacl. Her face lit up with excitement, and she greeted them with an eager "Mree!"

'It seemed Alcremie had been looking forward to hosting her own trial, just like the Gogoat.'

Professor Oak, who had been observing from nearby, chuckled with interest. It appeared Naoki had set up various trials on the ranch for passing Trainers to tackle. This wasn't a new concept—Professor Oak recalled how, in the past, people who organized such challenges were often referred to as . 

"Fascinating," Professor Oak said to himself. A trial based entirely on luck? He had never encountered such a concept before.

Laughing heartily, he added, "In that case, I'll be your referee!"