After resolving the little episode of Bagon trying to swallow the Mega Stone, Aiden quickly packed his luggage and prepared to set off with Cynthia to Mesagoza.
As for the Mega Stone, Aiden had tied it in reverse on Bagon's back.
It's well known that due to their body structure, Dragon Pokémon almost all have short arms, with few exceptions.
Even mighty Rayquaza couldn't escape this law.
Having them touch something on their backs is practically harder than reaching the sky.
This way, Aiden felt a bit more at ease. At least he didn't have to worry about it swallowing the Mega Stone when he wasn't paying attention.
Even if it really wanted to progress so much that it tried to unlock its item slot like Rayquaza right after being born, it would have to wait until it evolved into Salamence…
Hopping onto his beloved Miraidon-branded motorcycle, Aiden was just about to set off.
At this moment, Nemona and Arven, who had disappeared for a while, suddenly appeared.
"Teacher Aiden, I heard you are leaving today?"
Nemona spoke first, her words revealing a hint of reluctance.
"Mm, next year's Victory Road, you must do your best."
Aiden smiled slightly and patted her shoulder.
During the temporary closure of Sunshine Gym, he heard that Nemona had already completed the enrollment procedures for Naranja Academy.
If nothing unexpected happened, she would likely follow the storyline before the main game plot: take a year off to focus on conquering the Victory Road and become another champion title holder in Paldea as a freshman.
"However, during this time, besides training and battling, physical training can't be neglected either."
Aiden had no doubts about Nemona's qualifications to become a champion trainer.
But whether she could challenge all the gyms in Paldea within a year was uncertain.
After all, the locations of the eight gyms were quite extreme—two on snowy mountains, and towns that required crossing deserts and caves to reach.
When playing the game, it didn't feel like much, but running through it himself would make him realize how tough it was…
Knowing Nemona's weak stamina, Aiden felt that her Victory Road might be quite challenging.
If it becomes too difficult, catching a Cyclizar or Corviknight to travel might work.
After Nemona nodded, she looked at Aiden with a complicated expression.
After an internal struggle, she finally asked the question that had been troubling her for a long time—
"Teacher Aiden, you will come back, right?"
Although most of the barrage in the live stream was joking, Nemona was genuinely panicked.
If Teacher Azure were really taken back to Sinnoh to be some "Sinnoh son-in-law," how boring would Paldea be...
Without him and Sunshine Gym, Nemona guessed that she would still be that clueless rookie who knew nothing about battles.
She wouldn't know any tactics or how to build her tactical style based on Pokémon characteristics.
Without Teacher Azure in Paldea, even challenging the Victory Road wouldn't feel that fun...
Although Cynthia was also her idol, taking away Teacher Azure—
Absolutely not!
Noticing Nemona's almost tearful expression, Cynthia nearby quickly smiled.
It seems that Aiden was really popular in Paldea.
It wasn't just Nemona, the gym apprentice, but also the students from Naranja Academy who were reluctant to see him go.
However, did they misunderstand something?
"What are you thinking? I'm just going back for a visit since it's been a long time."
Aiden was somewhat amused yet exasperated.
No, you really think I'm becoming a Sinnoh son-in-law, right!
"I'll be the leader of the eight gyms for next year's Victory Road. If I don't return, Chairman Geeta will probably chase me all the way to Sinnoh."
"Oh yea..."
After Aiden said this, Nemona quickly realized.
In any case, knowing that Teacher Azure would at least stay in Paldea next year was enough for her.
"Next year, I'll show Teacher Azure my progress!"
Nemona quickly regained her energy.
"Alright, but if you lose, don't keep pestering me for a rematch."
Aiden smiled slightly and turned to look at Arven on the other side.
"Brother Aiden, this is a farewell gift."
Sensing the gaze, he, who had previously made space for Nemona, stepped forward and handed over a familiar-looking plant.
It looked about seventy or eighty percent similar to the sweet seasoning they had previously obtained from the Stony Cliff Titan, only the color was green.
"This is..."
After Aiden took it, he already had a guess in mind.
"A few days ago, Nemona and I went to Western Paldea. Based on the clues we collected, we defeated another Titan, Bombirdier, and found a few Bitter Herba Mystica in its nest."
Arven quickly explained, confirming his thoughts,
It really was a Herba Mystica.
"Just like the injuries on Mabostiff and Miraidon, eating dishes made with this Herba Mystica should help improve bodily functions."
After Arven finished speaking, he quickly smiled.
"Brother Aiden, let's find more Titans together next year!"
Aiden nodded and reached out to accept the Bitter Herba Mystica.
At the same time, a few lines of text flashed in front of his eyes.
[Main Quest "Legendary Path" has been updated.]
[Current Task: Collect Herba Mystica to awaken Miraidon's full power. (Current Progress 2/5)]
[Reward: Random golden item *1, currently being distributed...]
[Reward "Mind Canvas" has been distributed!]
So, it doesn't require me to defeat the Treasure Keeper personally; getting the seasoning also counts as completing the task?
Aiden paused, then quickly understood.
The prop given by the system this time seemed to be for Eevee.
However, due to the time constraints, he didn't rush to check the awarded item.
He would deal with it after returning to Sinnoh.
...
Arriving at the airport outside Mesagoza, before boarding with Cynthia, Aiden saw many somewhat familiar figures nearby.
If he remembered correctly, they should all be students from Naranja Academy.
"Teacher Azure, you must come back!"
"Thank you for your guidance this month, Teacher Azure. We will do our best on next year's Victory Road!"
"If I give positive reviews to Sunshine Gym now, will it make Teacher Azure return earlier?"
Led by Okamoto, a group of children dressed as students were enthusiastically waving at him, seemingly bidding farewell.
"I didn't expect you to hold such a high position in the hearts of Paldea's students."
Cynthia nearby also noticed these adorable students and couldn't help but smile.
"They seem very afraid that you won't come back after going to Sinnoh."
"Tsk, I do have a bit of professional ethics as a gym leader, but why didn't I feel their affection for me in daily life..."
Anyway, the rate of negative reviews for the gym had dropped to the point where he didn't even bother to salvage it anymore.
After complaining, Aiden turned to wave back at the students from Naranja Academy.
"It seems I need to give them a proper cram session before next year's Victory Road."
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