Behind the Pokémon Center, Sieg was training Carvanha.
Ever since he returned to the center after completing the cleanup mission two days ago, he had hurried to exchange for Carvanha's training manual.
"Carvanha's teeth are its primary weapon. Moves like Crunch, Ice Fang, and Psychic Fang, these biting techniques are its main attack methods."
Sieg flipped through the manual while formulating Carvanha's training routine.
"Carvanha, your task today is to bite through this reef!" Sieg pointed to a large piece of reef in the corner of the pool.
In the water, Carvanha swayed its body as if protesting Sieg's command.
Sieg squatted down and gently extended his hand into the water, stroking Carvanha's rough body with a calm voice: "Carvanha, if you want to become stronger, you must adapt. Even if your teeth break, your powerful regenerative ability will recover them quickly."
Sieg would not pamper the Carvanha. As his future mount for sea travel and one of his core Pokémon, Carvanha needed to quickly adapt to pain and the exhaustion of training.
"Pff~"
Carvanha pitifully spat out a small puddle of water.
But ultimately, under the pressure of its trainer's authority, it continued swimming in the pool and gnawed repeatedly at the reef. Judging by the current rate of wear, it would be hard to bite through such a large reef...
...without spending at least half a day.
Sieg then walked to another pond, feeling a sense of comfort as he watched Corphish training energetically.
"Corphish has always been very enthusiastic about training. But that move Crabhammer…"
Just as Sieg was mulling over the problem, a childish voice called out behind him.
"Sieg, Sieg, I came to play with you~"
May, her hair in pigtails, was cheerfully waving at Sieg by the poolside while hugging a giant plush toy.
Sieg felt a bit helpless. Since May's family had just moved to Petalburg City recently, they had many things to take care of.
So no one was available to watch over May, and she had been running to the Pokémon Center every other day to play with Sieg.
Faced with this young lady, Sieg had no choice but to set aside his training and manuals, treating it as giving himself a short break.
"But this might not be a bad thing. May is still very young, her worldview hasn't fully formed yet. If I can become an important figure in her heart, then in the future…"
A bold thought rose in Sieg's mind.
As someone with memories of a past life, his actions were often wild and unconstrained, just like the Dark-type Pokémon he loved.
Crazy, daring, and unafraid to take risks!
Sieg walked forward slowly, squatted down to meet May at eye level, and gently stroked her silky hair. "May, have you had lunch yet? Want to eat something with me in the cafeteria?"
May seemed to enjoy the touch, rubbing her little head against Sieg's palm.
"Nope~ Big brother Sieg, I'm here to invite you to my house. Mom cooked lots of yummy food!"
May stretched out her tiny hand, grabbed Sieg's finger, and started pulling him along.
Sieg reluctantly recalled both of his Pokémon and was dragged out of the center. As they passed through the main hall, he noticed the envious stares of several people.
Sieg thought, "Lately, with the construction of the new gym, a lot of people have been flocking to Petalburg City. Many of the local noble families want to visit Mr. Norman."
But unfortunately for them, Norman was focused on pursuing strength and was unlikely to be entangled in worldly matters.
As a result, these people had shifted their attention to Norman's daughter, May.
"This little girl keeps coming to find me every few days. She has no idea how many eyes are watching her... and now I've been dragged into this mess too."
Sieg looked down at May, who was still holding his finger, and sighed silently in his heart.
Thankfully, these people didn't seem to have malicious intent. After all, Norman, who would soon become the city's Gym Leader, was incredibly strong.
...
A quiet and elegant wooden house nestled in a lush bamboo grove.
Sieg took in the fresh air and said, "Mrs. Caroline, you truly live up to being Norman's wife. The pairing of this bamboo forest and the wooden house is exquisite. And your attire is simply breathtaking."
Caroline wore a simple, elegant kimono that blended perfectly with the natural scenery. Her graceful bearing exuded the charm of a noble lady.
She smiled softly, like a gentle spring breeze. "Sieg, thank you for the compliment. May hasn't been bothering you too much these past few days, has she?"
May, standing nearby, immediately protested.
"No way! I didn't bother my Sieg at all! May is a well-behaved, obedient girl!" she pouted, her cheeks puffing out with frustration.
"And besides, you and Daddy have been so busy lately. No one played with me at all!"
May clutched Sieg's finger tightly, full of righteous indignation, as if accusing her own mother of a crime.
"You little rascal, saying that is the behavior of a naughty child…" Mrs. Caroline frowned, ready to scold her.
Frightened, May quickly hid behind her new big brother Sieg.
"Sieg, save me~" she pleaded pitifully.
"Uh… well…"
Just as Sieg was at a loss, Norman entered the gym's backyard.
"Sieg, now that the gym is built, I'll be busy these next few days. Please take care of May."
"I remember you're aiming to compete in the League Tournament next year, right? Then, how about a Gym battle?"
Norman's words immediately caught the attention of everyone present.
Battle intent surged in Sieg's eyes as he accepted the challenge. "Mr. Norman, being able to battle you is an honor I could only dream of."
On the battlefield, a mechanical voice rang out.
"Ding ding~~~"
"The following battle is a Gym Challenge Match for a Gym Badge. The rules are simple:
This is a 2v2 match with no switching. The Gym Leader sends out a Pokémon first, and the challenger chooses one to counter. The challenger has the initiative."
"During the match, the Gym Leader may not switch Pokémon, but the challenger may switch freely. Any side losing all Pokémon will be considered defeated."
As the referee waved the flag, they declared, "Let the Gym Challenge Match begin!"
Sieg looked at the middle-aged man standing opposite him and felt an unexpected pressure, not just because it was his first Gym Challenge.
But also because, with the memories from his past life, he knew just how powerful the man before him truly was.
A powerful Trainer known for his versatile tactics and pursuit of strength.
In past battles, he had used Slaking, Vigoroth, and Slakoth in various flexible strategies.
His well-rounded development philosophy left him with no obvious weaknesses.
"What a troublesome opponent… Facing such a powerful foe in my first Gym match?"
Sieg calmly drew a Poké Ball, trying to contain his inner excitement.
A flash of white light.
"Go, Corphish!"