Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 621 - 620: Cynthia

After settling Altaria and the Carbink, Cain returned to his backyard.

Originally, he planned to train with his Pokémon, but he received a message from Skye. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

After his return, Cain decided to accept a few challenges at the gym, but only if the challengers were strong enough.

Skye had informed him that a very powerful trainer had arrived to challenge the gym.

Cain paused his training with his Pokémon, returned them to their Poké Balls, and headed to the gym.

Skye hadn't mentioned who the challenger was, but Cain knew Skye wouldn't disturb him without a good reason. If the challenger weren't exceptionally strong, Skye, as the interim leader, would have taken on the challenge himself.

Cain didn't live in the gym, but right next door, so it only took him a few minutes to get there.

When Cain entered the gym through the side door, he saw a crowd had already gathered to witness the challenge, along with some others waiting their turn to challenge the gym.

However... all the challengers were off to one side, while one person, arms crossed, stood at the forefront, ignoring the murmurs around them, waiting for Cain to arrive.

It was a woman.

She had long, golden hair, incredibly refined features, like a perfectly crafted doll. She wore a fitted black cape and black pants, giving her an air that was a mix of angel and demon.

When Cain saw her, he was stunned.

"Cynthia?"

There was no doubt—this trainer standing before everyone was Cynthia, the future Champion of the Sinnoh region.

Cynthia was a trainer who mastered multiple types of Pokémon, allowing her to adapt her strategies to any opponent.

She had reached such a level because, when she was younger, she traveled across regions, challenging strong trainers and actively participating in tournaments organized by the Pokémon League.

Thanks to her battle experience and her powerful Pokémon, she became the Sinnoh Champion.

In the Pokémon world, many Elite Four members and Champions specialize in a single Pokémon type. This allows them to reach high levels of power quickly, though it comes at the cost of having clear weaknesses.

Cynthia, on the other hand, had no such weaknesses, as she used a wide variety of Pokémon types. While this made her journey more challenging, it also gave her the advantage of having no limits to her growth.

It's a choice many trainers must make: a fast but limited path, or one filled with difficulties but with limitless potential.

Of course, there are exceptions, like Steven Stone, who has a pseudo-legendary Pokémon as his trump card, along with the vast resources of the Stone family. But cases like Steven's are extremely rare.

Steven also specialized in Steel types, and while this was partly due to his passion, he also had to dedicate time to his future role at Devon Corporation.

Cynthia, on the other hand, had earned her title as Champion purely through her knowledge and battle experience.

Of course, the support of the Sinnoh League also played a key role in her rise.

At this point in time, Cynthia should be traveling across regions, facing strong trainers and accumulating experience. This also helped her gain popularity.

Cynthia often appeared on news programs and TV shows, which had earned her many fans, though she paid little attention to that.

Looking at the gym's stands, it was clear how many people had come just to see her.

With a smile, Cain walked from the locker rooms to the battlefield, where Skye was waiting to make the handoff.

The residents of Leafy Town filling the stands erupted in applause and cheers when they saw Cain.

Cain had single-handedly contributed to Leafy Town's growth, and the locals respected him deeply.

This was Cain's first time accepting a gym challenge as the official leader, making the event even more special for the townspeople.

Cain greeted the crowd, thanking them for their support.

Although he wasn't particularly handsome, his warm and genuine smile managed to move the audience.

"Cain! Cain! Cain!" The crowd enthusiastically chanted his name.

Even Cynthia looked somewhat impressed. She had challenged many gyms, but this was the first time she had seen a leader so beloved by their community.

She could tell the people in the stands truly admired Cain, with an intensity in their eyes similar to what she saw in her own fans.

Cynthia recalled what she had heard about him.

A young man from Kanto who, upon passing through Leafy Town, decided to establish a gym after seeing the town's struggles. He had worked hard to bring facilities like the Pokémon Center, the police station, and the Breeders' Association to the town.

This was what Cynthia had heard from the locals.

Looking again at Cain, who was now smiling on the battlefield, Cynthia felt a spark of interest in him.

Unlike other gym leaders who sought only power or profit, this man had done so much for his community.

A trainer worthy of respect.

At that moment, Cynthia decided to face him with all her strength.

She took out a Poké Ball and, with a confident smile, prepared for battle.

Her assured demeanor sent her fans in the stands into a frenzy of excitement.

If Cain knew this challenge would compel Cynthia to go all out, he would probably feel a little worried.

After all, Cynthia was the future Champion of Sinnoh. While she might not yet be as strong as Lance or Steven, she was likely very close to reaching their level.

Perhaps she was even stronger than Steven.

(End of Chapter)