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After leaving the secret realm, Liam and Delia first headed to the finish point of the race. They found the organizers, compensated them for the damage to the circular boat, and then happily departed—continuing their journey through Alto Mare.
Over the next two days, Liam and Delia explored much of Alto Mare. They visited its famous museum and memorial sites, saw the beautifully preserved skeletal fossils of Aerodactyl and Kabutops, and after completing all their sightseeing plans, they boarded a cruise ship on the third day and arrived directly at Olivine City.
Delia had visited Olivine City before and even challenged the Gym there, earning the Steel Badge.
Although the current Olivine Gym was not officially a Steel-type gym, its Gym Leader used Pokémon like Magnemite and Magneton. Perhaps because their metal-like bodies were extremely sturdy, the badge earned there became known as the Steel Badge.
Afterward, Liam and Delia returned to Ecruteak City, where Axu's four Joy sisters warmly hosted them. However, Axu himself was no longer in Ecruteak. His sisters explained that he had already begun his journey days earlier, traveling to challenge Gyms and preparing for the Johto League Silver Conference.
And as fate would have it, Axu's travel direction was the complete opposite of Liam's. So until the League tournament began, Liam likely wouldn't see him at all.
...…
After resting in Ecruteak City, Liam and Delia set off once again—destination: Mahogany Town.
It had already taken half a month to travel from Olivine City to Ecruteak. Only about a month and a half remained before the Johto League began.
But that was fine. Mahogany Town wasn't far from Ecruteak—three to four days of travel if they didn't stop along the way.
That was the plan…
Yet after only a single day of traveling, Liam and Delia ended up staying in a small town.
It wasn't because of trouble. It was because Delia wanted to study Pokémon breeding and hatching.
The town they had arrived at was called Swiftstrike Town, a historic breeder's settlement. Ever since breeders unlocked the mysteries of Pokémon hatching, this place became known as the Incubation Town. Most residents operated breeding houses and possessed great experience.
Taking advantage of such a rare opportunity, Delia immersed herself in professional breeding knowledge. After three full days of study, she gained an incredible amount.
Finally, with the town's residents gathering to send them off warmly, Liam and Delia reluctantly left Swiftstrike Town.
...…
Time passed quickly. After several days of walking and resting, Liam and Delia eventually reached the area above Mahogany Town—resting near a large lake known as the Lake of Rage.
The lake contained a large population of Magikarp, but with Team Rocket no longer experimenting here, there was no chance of encountering a red Gyarados. After a short break, they continued onward to Mahogany Town, which was now very close.
Mahogany Town had a somewhat suspicious aura. It was said to have once been home to ninja clans, which supposedly explained its quiet and hidden nature.
Rumor also claimed that a poaching team once had their base here—but it was destroyed recently. Whether true or false, no one knew.
After finally arriving in Mahogany Town, Liam and Delia went straight to the Pokémon Center to rest and recover. They planned to challenge the Gym the next day.
To be honest, Liam was a bit nervous. He feared that old man Pryce's situation might affect the Gym challenge… and after injuring him to that degree, Liam wasn't even sure Pryce could return.
But Liam's worries proved unnecessary.
The next day, when Delia went to challenge the Gym, they were greeted by a cheerful woman.
"Hahaha! You're here for a Gym challenge? Wonderful! My name is Sima. I'm Pryce's neighbor, friend, and acting referee. Yanagi was seriously injured recently and is currently recovering, so he can't battle challengers."
Sima spoke kindly, though a hint of worry flashed in her eyes.
"Eh?! Then what do we do? Without a Gym Badge, we can't enter the League tournament!"
Delia exclaimed in shock.
Liam also frowned internally—astonished that old Pryce had already returned here. It was unbelievable.
"Hahaha, you didn't let me finish! Since the Gym Leader can't battle, Pryce entrusted me to fight in his place. If you defeat me, I'll award you the Gym Badge! So then, young lady—interested in battling me?"
Sima laughed heartily, her smile bright and full of energy.
"Really?! Battling Auntie Sima still counts for the Gym Badge? Yay! That's great!"
Delia's mood instantly flipped from gloomy to sunny, and she jumped excitedly.
"Hehe, but you must defeat me to earn the badge. Don't underestimate me."
Sima chuckled, holding up a hexagonal snowflake-shaped badge and waving it slightly in front of Delia.
"Mm! I won't underestimate you! Let's begin right away!"
With the badge in sight, Delia's fighting spirit surged.
"Very well. Then here are the rules. The Mahogany Gym is an Ice-type Gym, so the battlefield is an ice arena. Each challenger may use two Pokémon in total. Standard elimination rules—when one Pokémon faints, you switch to the next. When one side loses both Pokémon or surrenders, the other side wins. And because I can't use Pryce's Pokémon, I'll be battling with my own team. Don't worry about the type situation."
Holding a PokeBall, Sima explained the rules and, to Delia's surprise, immediately threw it out!
"Go! Farfetch'd!"
"Gwaaah!"
From the burst of white light emerged a Farfetch'd holding its leek stalk firmly under one wing, landing sharply atop the icy battlefield.
"So it's not an Ice-type Pokémon after all. Normal/Flying—Farfetch'd, huh? Well then! I choose you! Go, Quilava!"
Seeing Sima send out Farfetch'd, Delia sighed helplessly but quickly made her choice—sending out her Quilava.
"Cynda!"
Quilava appeared on the icy ground, letting out a displeased cry as the cold seeped into its feet.
"Good! Now both Pokémon are on the field. Farfetch'd versus Quilava. I am also acting referee today, so there will be no additional judge. I will be fair—don't worry."
Sima's expression grew serious as she raised her arm.
"Now—battle start! Farfetch'd! Use Swords Dance!"
"Gwaaah!!"
With Sima's command, Farfetch'd gripped its leek stalk in its beak and began to spin rapidly. A red glow flared around it as four shimmering blades appeared above its head, crossing together in formation!