Though traveling and growing stronger with Pokémon resolved the issue of his weak constitution, after suffering defeat at the Ever Grande Conference and a second defeat at the Quartz Conference, he was genuinely a bit lost.
Where should his path lead next, and can he really become the strongest Trainer?
Without a doubt.
Because there isn't a normal gameflow and Mann Chong hasn't asked Mr. Qianli to help him capture Pokémon, he and Xiaoyou aren't quite fierce rivals and friends—their connection is limited to the one final showdown at the Ever Grande Conference.
Having lost his pursuit target, Mann Chong didn't achieve results in two conferences, leaving him utterly lost.
So, he returned to Verdanturf Town, hoping to find some spiritual healing and discover the path he should follow next.
Perhaps being a B&B owner isn't bad either?
After helping his cousin Aman run a B&B for a few days, he really began to entertain such thoughts.
Though he regretted it for his Pokémon, persuading them to run a Pokémon B&B might be quite nice too, and occasionally, as the boss, he could battle with guests.
Mann Chong kicked the stone under his feet.
Gallade watched his Trainer worriedly, uncertain how to comfort him. Not being one to speak well, it could only quietly keep watch on Mann Chong.
In any case.
Regardless of what choices he made, it would support him unconditionally—
Bang!
The sound of a move exploding erupted from not far away.
Mann Chong and Gallade turned their gaze in unison, involuntarily drawn toward the sound, then exchanged glances, each feeling a bit of an urge to act.
Despite inner confusion, encountering strong Trainers and hearing battles always involuntarily drew them closer, as if driven by instinct.
"Why don't we... take a look?" Mann Chong cautiously suggested.
"Gall!"
Gallade nodded in agreement.
The two then jogged over, approaching the area where the sound of battle was coming from.
At the moment.
They saw a Breloom battling a rather unfamiliar Pokémon. The former was incredibly fast, with each strike seemingly causing significant damage to the latter. Yet the latter always emitted a shining glow, quickly restoring its state.
Mann Chong didn't recognize the Trainer of Breloom, but the Trainer of the unfamiliar Pokémon was a guest who had stayed previously.
"Amazing..."
He watched the Porygon in amazement.
Anyone could tell that this Pokémon's level was clearly inferior to that of Breloom, yet it miraculously persisted and executed timely counterattacks.
Seeing the intense skirmish, Mann Chong couldn't help but feel parched, eager to assist the Breloom's Trainer in commanding.
And finally.
Ultimately, the Porygon couldn't sustain itself against Breloom's endurance and was defeated by its Seed Bomb.
"Finally, finally won! Why is your Porygon so tough!"
The hobbling Trainer gasped for breath, and the exhausted Breloom slumped down, like a wilted mushroom with a drooping face, seemingly unable to endure much longer.
"There are many complex joints inside."
Baimu squatted beside the fallen Porygon, his face showing some surprise.
This was the first time he had pushed Porygon's battle power to the limit, completely unexpected that it could be so tenacious.
Of course.
It was inseparable from becoming a Ghost Attribute through Texture 2, which directly sealed off many of Breloom's moves, such as its most proficient Sonic Fist.
"Well done, you performed beautifully." He lightly caressed Porygon's head and returned it to the Pokeball.
Baimu was about to head to the Pokémon Center when he noticed a familiar figure on the street watching him.
Their eyes met.
Mann Chong hurriedly waved his hand, "Uh! Well, um—"
"Off work?" he interrupted Mann Chong, noticing the lingering excitement on his face, "Sorry, I only have one Pokémon with me, can't battle you, but maybe let that big brother do it."
He pointed to his opponent.
"I'm also done! I'll go home and rest for today!"
The opponent quickly begged for mercy, then with a guilty smile, recalled Breloom and ran off like the wind.
Despite being a half-crippled person, the escape speed wasn't much slower than his Pokémon's, disappearing without a trace shortly after on the street.
Baimu couldn't help but chuckle, "This rehabilitation guy has a weak mindset, played one match and fled, looks like you're out of luck."
"I-I was just here to take a look."
Mann Chong pressed his fingers together nervously, explaining, "I wasn't planning on battling."
"Oh ~"
He nodded, though his face was full of disbelief.
During the brief glimpse earlier, the eager expressions on Mann Chong and Gallade's faces almost blinded him, and now he was being told they were just looking?
Convince a stranger, but don't fool yourself.
This guy probably encountered an obstacle he couldn't pass, so he started avoiding certain things.
Baimu could vaguely discern Mann Chong's current state.
However, not being adept at counseling people, he didn't presumptuously offer useless motivational talk.
He straightforwardly asked, "Well, do you have the intention to battle now? If you're willing, we can have a match at the B&B's arena later."
"Uh..."
Mann Chong felt restless inside but was somewhat hesitant, instinctively turning to look at Gallade.
"Gall!"
Gallade nodded vigorously, realizing that its Trainer truly wanted to battle and had been holding back for a long time. It decided to seize this opportunity and give a gentle push forward.