After breakfast, Zhang Tian, Cynthia, and Bea once again rode the Rathalos, flying toward the Water-type Gym. It was located in the center of the capital, one of the most prosperous districts in the entire city.
Whoosh!
The Rathalos soared above the skyscrapers, its massive wings casting a large shadow over the streets below, startling many a wealthy scion and business elite.
"Such a huge Pokémon, it must be incredibly powerful!" one rich young man said, his eyes filled with envy as he watched the figures on the Rathalos's back. Many people envied his wealth, but he knew better than anyone that without strength, he was just a fat sheep. There were some things money simply couldn't buy.
The Water-type Gym was a towering, 300-story skyscraper, nearly two kilometers high. It was the tallest building in the world, a vantage point from which one could overlook the entire capital.
"It's really tall," Zhang said with some surprise. Before he had transmigrated, the tallest building he knew of was only a little over 800 meters. Clearly, the existence of Pokémon had pushed this world's architectural technology far beyond that of his previous life.
"Hmm?" On the top floor, a young woman in a blue dress with the elegant air of a mature and confident lady looked out at the approaching Rathalos. "What a huge Pokémon. And it has an extremely terrifying wildness about it. Interesting. It seems this year's newcomers are much stronger than those of previous years. I'll go take a look." The woman raised her hand and vanished in a flash of light. She was clearly a psychic powerhouse.
Zhang landed in the square in front of the gym, and the three of them hopped down from the Rathalos's back.
"And what might your name be, young friend?" a charming voice asked. The woman in the blue dress appeared before them.
"Bella, the Master of the Water Gym. An Elite Four-level psychic," Zhang instantly recognized her. He had done his homework. He remembered that Bella was only twenty-six years old, the most famous genius in the Daxia region, and the person most likely to become its next champion. She was young, and youth represented potential.
"Greetings, Gym Master. My name is Zhang Tian," he said with a slight smile.
"Zhang Tian?" A flicker of recognition crossed her face. "So it's you," she smiled lightly. "Old man Shilong told me about you. He said you were very strong, and it seems he was right. To have reached the quasi-Elite Four tier at such a young age… you're no weaker than I was at your age. If you had been born a few years earlier, you might have been my competitor."
"You praise me too highly, Gym Master," Zhang replied with a modest smile, though a thought remained unspoken: I don't need to have been born earlier. In a little while, I'll be your strongest competitor. The title of Champion was one he coveted as well.
"So humble for one so young," Bella shook her head, smiling. "You're here to challenge the gym, I presume?"
"That's right," Zhang nodded.
"Your taste is excellent, but you're a bit too greedy. The blessings of having such beautiful companions are not so easily enjoyed," she said, her gaze shifting to Bea and Cynthia with a teasing glint.
Zhang was a little speechless. He felt this Water Gym Master was a lot like Yomogi a gossip who loved to poke fun at people.
"Gym Master Bai, it's not like that," Bea said, blushing slightly. Cynthia's face was also tinged with red.
"Young people these days…" Bella glanced at the blushing girls, then gave Zhang a look of admiration. "Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Let's go. Follow me." She beckoned and led them to the side.
Unlike the Rock Gym, the Water Gym's battleground was outside. It made sense; at this height, a powerful battle could easily cause the building to collapse. Next to the skyscraper was a specially constructed battle hall, even larger than the arena at the Rock Gym.
"Zhang Tian, that old man Shilong gave you a Tera Orb, so I naturally can't be stingy," Bella said. "This is a Dynamax Band. If you defeat me, it's yours. For now, I'll lend it to you." She raised her hand and tossed him a brand-new bracelet.
Zhang caught it. In the games, Dynamaxing was a phenomenon that only occurred in specific locations in the Galar region. But in this reality, it could be used anywhere in the world. This was because hundreds of years ago, Eternatus had appeared and nearly destroyed the world. As a result, its energy had been scattered across the globe, enabling the Dynamax phenomenon everywhere.
I wonder if my monster Pokémon will grow larger when they Dynamax, Zhang thought curiously as he put on the band.
Bella led them into the battle hall.
"It's Miss Bella!"
"Miss Bella!"
"Miss Bella!"
The moment she appeared, the crowd erupted in cheers. Being young and beautiful, her popularity was far greater than Shilong's.