Steven was the first to arrive at the Pokémon Center after the Gym battle to have his Pokémon treated.
While waiting in the lobby, Wallace called him on his PokéNav.
"Thank you, Steven."
Hearing the gratitude coming through the device, Steven slowly smiled.
It seemed the plan had been a success.
However, Wallace's next statement made Steven's body stiffen abruptly.
"But I don't plan to make this public just yet."
"Winona only recently adapted to her role as Gym Leader, and I don't want sudden public attention to overwhelm her."
No, Wallace.
That public attention is going to overwhelm me instead!
Do you know what's scarier than public opinion?
It's a Garchomp that's been considering crushing my skull!
"It's... it's fine. After all, I acted on my own initiative..." Steven said helplessly, massaging his forehead as he slumped onto the lobby sofa.
"But how did you figure it out?"
"Your history—you can find it by searching online," Steven repeated the words Wallace had said to him earlier.
"No, what I mean is, how did you know I still had feelings for Winona?"
Uh...
I can't exactly tell you that I've always known you as someone deeply devoted who silently loved her even after the breakup, can I?
"I guessed. Just a lucky guess."
"I noticed you didn't become Champion but became Sootopolis Gym Leader instead, and coincidentally, Winona also took office as Gym Leader around that same time. So I simply connected the dots."
There was a long silence on the other end of the line. Just as Steven was considering whether to end the call, Wallace spoke again.
"Still, thank you very much."
Please don't thank me, Wallace.
If you really want to thank me...
Could you announce your relationship publicly?
Let those shippers focus on you and Winona instead?
I'm begging you!
I really don't want my head crushed!
"There's no need to thank me, Wallace. I should be the one apologizing for my presumptuous behavior," Steven said helplessly.
"If you need anything in the future, feel free to contact me. I'll definitely help if I can."
Hearing Wallace's sincere tone, Steven nodded and replied:
"Don't worry. I won't hesitate to ask."
In the end, it seemed his friendship with Wallace had deepened a step further.
After a few casual exchanges, Steven said goodbye to Wallace.
Once he collected his fully recovered Pokémon, he headed to Battle Hotel and rented a room.
He let his Pokémon enjoy a large meal.
After they were satisfied, Steven made his way to the top floor of the Battle Hotel.
Since it was named a Battle Hotel, it naturally attracted the most local Trainers as well as traveling Trainers from other regions.
Therefore, the top floor featured a spacious battle arena.
However, there were certain restrictions: no excessive damage to the arena structure, and battles involving Champion-level Pokémon or stronger were prohibited.
Excessive damage probably referred to situations like Lairon using parts of the arena itself as weapons during battle.
After all, the open-air battle arena on the top floor was expensive and time-consuming to repair.
However, the Pokémon Steven chose when he arrived was Piplup!
Since Piplup had joined the team, Steven had consistently sent it into battle against various Trainers.
This was to accumulate battle experience and provide proper training.
"A ten-win streak earns three high-quality Water Stones?" Steven read the sign posted beside the battle arena, a smile crossing his face.
Perfect—let Piplup earn some resources for itself.
Winning ten consecutive battles wasn't particularly difficult. The real challenge lay in facing continuous opponents, which placed significant demands on a Pokémon's stamina.
Bang—
"Piplup?! (⊙o⊙)"
Where did you bring me? It's so high up!
Piplup waddled over to the glass railing at the floor's edge, pressing its face against the transparent barrier as it looked down.
Oh no! I'm getting afraid of heights!
"Your mission is right here, Piplup."
Steven extended his hand and pointed toward three Water Stones displayed in a box on a nearby table.
"Piplup!" Piplup's eyes narrowed as its gaze swept across the surrounding crowd.
Understood! I need to steal those three Water Stones!
Piplup grabbed onto Steven's clothes and climbed up to his shoulder, immediately beginning to rummage through Steven's backpack.
"What are you doing?" Steven turned his head, watching Piplup search for something.
Could it be looking for Mystic Water to hold, to be stronger during the upcoming battles?
That would be a smart choice. Although Mystic Water was consumable, it contained substantial energy.
It wouldn't be depleted by Piplup in a single battle.
"Should I get some Mystic Water for Piplup to equip?"
"Piplup!"
Found it!
Piplup, clutching Steven's black jacket, jumped down from his shoulder.
It pulled Steven's jacket over itself. Although half the jacket dragged along the ground, Piplup didn't seem bothered at all.
"Piplup!"
Preparation complete!
With that declaration, Piplup began tiptoeing forward in an exaggerated sneaking motion.
Steven's mouth twitched. Even a fool could tell what Piplup was attempting to do.
He reached out and grabbed its collar, lifting the entire Piplup into the air.
"I told you to battle and win the prize fairly! Not to steal it!" Steven said helplessly, massaging his forehead.
"And..."
"I told you to stop watching so much television at night!"
Steven immediately tapped Piplup's round head in reprimand.
"Piplup... /(ㄒoㄒ)/~~"
I understand...
"Are there any more challengers available?"
Steven looked toward the Trainer who had already achieved an eight-win streak on the arena and set Piplup down.
"Piplup! (╬▔皿▔)╯"
Let me end their winning streak!
Honestly, Piplup was truly dominant when facing these ordinary casual Trainers.
Before Piplup joined the team, Skarmory and Lairon had been the undefeated champions.
The battles continued late into the night, and an exhausted Piplup finally flopped onto the soft hotel mattress.
"Piplup~"
This penguin is completely exhausted...
Steven placed the prize Water Stones into his backpack and patted Piplup's small rear.
"You performed quite well today."
"Piplup! ╰(艹皿艹)"
Who gave you permission to pat my rear!
Ring ring—
Steven restrained the indignantly furious Piplup with one hand while pulling out his PokéNav with the other to answer the incoming call.
"Hello? Who's calling?"
"Already asking 'who's calling'? It seems you and Wallace are getting along exceptionally well."
Hearing the cool female voice through the speaker, Steven's entire body trembled.
He abruptly withdrew his hand, causing Piplup to tumble headfirst into the thick white comforter.
Steven awkwardly scratched his face, genuinely puzzled:
"Um... Cynthia, what about me and Wallace this time?"
"Shouldn't you be asking yourself that question?"
Steven was startled. With lightning speed, he sat down at the hotel room's computer.
He tilted his head, holding the PokéNav between his ear and shoulder while his long fingers furiously typed on the keyboard.
Today's Trending News!
Steven clicked it open and saw the headline content:
Steven Challenges Fortree City Gym—Wallace Rushes to Scene to Support Him!
The article included photos of Steven climbing the stone steps leading to the Gym and Wallace arriving at the tall tower on his Pelipper!
Furthermore!
It thoughtfully included timestamps for both events!
Steven's mouth twitched involuntarily.
Damn it!
I can understand following Wallace around, but why are there photos of me climbing the stone steps?!
Steven glanced at the author's name on the news article.
It was anonymous, just like the previous gossip piece!
Damn paparazzi!
I hope you and the author of that other article are the same person!
Don't let me catch you!
Otherwise, it won't be 'damn.'
It'll be 'I'm going to—'!