Reentering the Pokémoer, Paul handed Ursaring's Poké Ball to Nurse Joy, requesting a checkup and treatment.
With that settled, Paul approached the unication terminal and dialed Professor Rowan’s b.
"Paul? This is ued. What brings you to call?"
Soon, Professor Rowan’s face appeared on the s.
"Professor, I retly caught a Turtwig ierna Forest. During a battle with Barry’s Piplup, I noticed it resembles the Turtwig you mentioned losing at Lake Verity."
Paul stepped aside slightly, allowing the Turtwig to appear on the s.
"Twig!"
Seeing the familiar face of Professor Rowan, Turtwig called out joyfully.
"Oh? It really is!"
Professor Rowan looked surprised. He greeted the Turtwig warmly. "Turtwig, I’m so sorry for the hardships you’ve endured while lost."
"Twig!"
Turtwig shook its head with a smile.
Though its time outside had indeed been challenging, it had also grown signifitly during this period. This was evident from its ret victory over Barry’s Piplup, despite having been with Paul for only a short while.
"Professor, if pensation is needed, I arrange for a Pokémon Breeder to provide a starter Pokémon to your b in exge."
Paul offered a solution directly. The underlying message was clear: "I provide you with aurtwig, but this oays with me."
"No need. Siurtwig has bonded with you, it should stay with you."
Professor Rowan smiled and shook his head. "The loss of Turtwig was my responsibility. I’ll take full atability. It’s clear that Turtwig has grown fond of you, so let’s leave things as they are."
"Uood, Professor."
After a brief exge, Paul ehe call auro the front desk, where he awaited Nurse Joy’s return with Ursaring’s Poké Ball.
"Paul! I’ll train hard a you someday!"
As Paul collected the Poké Ball and was about to leave, Barry shouted a challenge from afar before running off.
"???"
Paul raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Barry’s suddeion.
Retrieving Elekid, Paul instructed it to train within its Poké Ball. Then, releasing Vulpix and Turtwig, he let them to stay outside.
Paul had Vulpix practice Gravity and Calm Mind while Turtwig focused on growth training.
Time passed quickly, and before long, Paul arrived at his destination.
Eterna City.
A city rich with a ruins and fotten history, Eterna City is home to the Eterna Historical Museum and the Grass-type Eterna Gym, attrag visitors for both sightseeing and challenges.
Paul po visit the museum to check for any records or evidence of Peat Blocks. However, his first destination was the Eterna Gym.
The Gym, like many others, was located in a spacious area surrounded by greerees and grass created a vibrant atmosphere around the open Gym entrance.
"Hello, my name is Paul. I’m here to challenge Gym Leader Gardenia."
Paul ehe Gym and expined his io a staff member.
"e’ve been busy with challeoday!"
The staff member led Paul further into the Gym. "Follow me."
Before long, they arrived at a unique "room."
The battle area was surrounded by lush greenery, resembling a small forest. At the ter was the battlefield, bordered by trees.
"You’ll have to wait for your turn. Feel free to watch the ongoing battles in the meantime."
After speaking, the staff member left.
Paul made his way to the audience area and noticed a familiar blond-haired boy already watg the match.
Silently approag Barry, Paul turned his attention to the battle.
Otlefield, a spirited young woman with brown hair, a cropped top, and a green "cape" was battling a boy wearing a beret.
Paul reized the both of them—Gardenia the Gym Leader, and Lucas, the "protagonist."
From Paul’s perspective, the battle cked surprises but was steady and well-executed.
Lucas used Eevee initially, followed by Monferno and Magmar, leveraging type advao engage Gardenia’s Pokémon in an intense fight.
Ultimately, Lucas cimed victory without much suspense.
What intrigued Paul the most was Magmar—his former Pokémon, which he had released. Seeing it now in Lucas' care made Paul refle the strawists of fate.
"Your Eevee—have you sidered evolving it into Leafeon? Leafeon is powerful, adorable, and amazing!"
After awarding the badge, Gardehusiastically promoted Leafeon to Lucas, leaving him bewildered.
"Um... I’ll think about it. There are other challengers waiting, though. Maybe we should focus on that?"
Lucas scratched his head awkwardly, deing politely.
In truth, Lucas hadn’t pnned on evolving Eevee into Leafeon. If he hadn’t tally caught Magmar, he would have evolved it into Freon instead. Now, he o resider his options.
Hearing this, Gardenia relented and began preparing her Pokémon for the battle.
"Barry! Paul! Long time no see! Good luck with yym battles!"
Relieved, Lucas stepped aside and greeted Paul and Barry with a cheerful wave.
"Ah! Paul! When did you get here? You scared me!"
Barry finally noticed Paul had been standio him for a long time and jumped in surprise.
"If you’re not challenging the Gym, I’ll go ."
Ign Barry’s rea, Paul Lucas and spoke casually.
"No way! I’m goi!"
Barry immediately ran to the battlefield, eager to start his challenge.
With ample resources and backup Pokémon, Gardenia had no problem taking on secutive challengers.
"Paul, do you think Barry win?"
While waiting for the match to begin, Lucas asked.
"Under normal circumstances, yes."
Paul nodded calmly.
Gym battles were typically desigo test Trainers, and unless Gardenia iionally made it difficult, Barry had the skill to earn the badge.
But of course, there were exceptions.
In some cases, Gym Leaders might be particurly strict, requiring challeo prove themselves by defeating them at full strength or showing exceptional performance.
In rarer cases, the Gym Leader might have a team of Elite Four-level Pokémon, making victory nearly impossible for ordinary challengers.
In such situations, evee Trainers would struggle.
Paul khis well—his terpart in aimeline had bee a Gym Leader known for setting exceptionally high standards.
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