Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 447 - 446: The Meaning of a Gym’s Existence

"Recently, I've been on a mission in the Hoenn region, and then I received a direct order from my superiors to come to Leafy Town in Hoenn and assess whether the town's safety conditions and environment are suitable for establishing a gym," Lance continued explaining.

"This morning, I took a walk around the town and noticed that, although it's a bit underdeveloped, the residents are quite honest."

"However, I heard there's an underground organization called the Black Serpent Gang that often exploits the locals. But after touring the place, I didn't find any trace of them. Do you know anything about it, Cain?"

It wasn't an interrogation, just a curious question given his professional nature.

Cain smiled faintly. "I already drove the Black Serpent Gang out, but I heard there were people in the town collaborating with them. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to operate for so long without the League finding out."

"Oh? Do you know who they are?" Lance's expression turned serious. He disliked people who presented one face in public and another in private.

"The mayor's son. If you investigate a bit, you should find some clues. However, I'm not sure if the mayor himself is involved," Cain replied.

"Understood! It seems Leafy Town is like many other places—a bit corrupt. If it weren't for your decision to open a gym here, who knows when the locals would have been freed from this environment?"

"Thanks for your help," Cain sincerely expressed his gratitude.

"It's my duty," Lance replied with an indifferent gesture.

As an advanced-level investigator for the League, Lance had seen many places where corruption was rampant. However, with his current power, he couldn't bring about significant changes.

If he became one of the Elite Four or even the Champion of the League, he could implement his ideals and reform the system from within, reducing the underground threats lurking around the League.

Lance's primary task was to help Cain clear the environment in Leafy Town to facilitate the gym's construction and operation. Afterward, it was Wallace's turn, representing the gyms of the Hoenn region and the Coordinator Guild.

Although coordinators were still a local organization, in the future, the Coordinator Guild would integrate into the League, becoming an important part of it.

And Wallace's rise to the title of Champion would result from an agreement among many parties. Steven simply followed the natural course of events.

After Lance finished speaking, Wallace smiled and said, "My task is much simpler. I was asked by the Hoenn League to see if there's anything you might need help with."

"Also, I can explain some key aspects of creating a gym. After all, we'll both be leading Water-type gyms, so we could learn a lot from each other."

Cain immediately brightened up. The Sootopolis City Gym was one of the oldest in Hoenn. Wallace's help could be even more valuable than Lance's.

Although Wallace was still the apprentice of Sootopolis City Gym Leader Juan and not the official leader, he was already handling many of the gym's responsibilities, as Juan rarely participated in battles or daily management.

It wouldn't be long before Wallace officially became the gym leader.

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Wallace frequently traveled to participate in contests, and only when he was away did Juan take on his responsibilities as gym leader. This demonstrated Wallace's vast experience in managing and operating a gym.

"I wonder what advice you can give me, Wallace. This is my first time running a gym, and honestly, I'm not very familiar with all it entails," Cain humbly asked.

Wallace nodded and explained, "First of all, Cain, you need to understand that the most important aspect of a gym is not the Pokémon, the gym's type, or even the leader. Those things are secondary. The most important thing is the meaning behind the gym's existence—in other words, what it aims to teach challengers."

"The meaning of a gym's existence?" Cain initially thought of badges.

When a trainer wins a battle, they receive a badge, and by collecting eight, they can participate in the Pokémon League tournament. But clearly, the meaning wasn't something so superficial.

"Exactly, the meaning behind the gym's existence. For example, at the Sootopolis City Gym, challengers earn the Rain Badge if they pass the challenge. However, there are times when, even if the challenger wins, the leader might decide not to award the badge."

"And in other cases, even if they lose, if the leader believes they've demonstrated the necessary qualities, the badge is still awarded. The evaluation is based on the gym's philosophy."

Wallace continued, "Our philosophy at the Sootopolis City Gym is elegance. We teach trainers and their Pokémon to maintain inner elegance and nobility. If a trainer can remain calm and graceful in battle, they'll guide their Pokémon with serenity and efficiency."

Cain understood. At the Sootopolis City Gym, a trainer's evaluation wasn't solely based on strength but on whether both they and their Pokémon could maintain an elegant and calm mindset.

If he were to open his own gym, he needed to define a central concept that would become its main philosophy. Cain fell into deep thought.

Wallace didn't interrupt him. Defining a gym's philosophy was something deeply personal, and it was best for the leader to develop it on their own without external influences.

"Rhythm," Cain said after a moment of reflection.

"Rhythm?" murmured Wallace and Lance.

"Yes, rhythm. The rhythm of battle, the rhythm of life, the rhythm of the relationship between a trainer and their Pokémon. In battle, trainers need to synchronize their rhythm with their Pokémon."

"Whether the Pokémon adapts to the trainer's rhythm or the trainer adapts to the Pokémon's natural rhythm, finding that balance is key to maximizing potential in battle. My gym will teach them how to find that rhythm."

Cain had just defined his gym's philosophy. While it seemed like a quick decision, Wallace and Lance couldn't deny that the concept was interesting and fitting.

Moreover, there wasn't yet a gym in the Hoenn region using this approach.

"Since you've decided, there's no issue," Wallace said. "And since you chose to open a Water-type gym, I imagine you're quite skilled with Water Pokémon. How about we have an elegant battle?" Wallace concluded, running a hand through his green hair with a refined gesture.

(End of Chapter)