Let these guys train more to grow up.
Baimu glanced at the bright crescent moon in the sky, pondering whether Mann Chong would agree to battle next time as he headed to the Pokémon Center with his three exhausted Pokémon.
Just stepping out of the inn's doorway, he bumped into Mann Chong who had come around from the back door.
His Roserade was both cursed and burned, so it too had to go to the Pokémon Center.
The two exchanged glances.
"Yo!" Baimu raised his hand to greet him.
Seeing that the former looked calm and didn't show any dissatisfaction, even taking the initiative to greet him, Mann Chong couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Although most trainers are gracious regardless of winning or losing, there are some who lose and become angry, shouting insults. Mann Chong, being somewhat timid, had encountered quite a few such people.
Luckily, this wasn't one of them.
"Um, could I ask you some questions?" Mann Chong quickly stepped alongside, asking softly with a bit of trepidation.
"Ask questions? If it's something I know, I don't mind."
Baimu walked slowly forward, "Besides, I also have something I'd like to ask you."
"Ha."
Upon hearing this, Mann Chong looked as if he was illuminated by light, showing a bright, surprised smile and nodding happily, "I will definitely leave no stone unturned!"
"... It doesn't have to be that exaggerated."
Baimu slightly smiled.
This kid undoubtedly wanted to ask about things related to Pokémon like Porygon. According to himself, he became a trainer to improve his frail physical condition and set out on a journey with Ralts.
Unfortunately, he had only been to two regions so far, making Baimu's Pokémon seem unfamiliar and novel to him.
Although he could learn through the Illustrated Guide, its content was too limited and sometimes exaggerated. Mann Chong hoped to learn about the characteristics of these Pokémon directly from the trainers who raised them.
"Teach me!"
Mann Chong clenched his fists excitedly, his eyes full of curiosity and desire to learn.
However, unlike Courtney, who was curious about people, Mann Chong's curiosity was directed at the unknown Pokémon. Perhaps he was also curious about people but was too shy to ask personal questions.
So what kind of dilemma did he face?
So much so that even his almost obsessive thirst for knowledge could not break through it.
The two handed their Pokeballs to Miss Joy and sat by the window waiting.
After answering Mann Chong's questions, Baimu asked, "So why haven't you continued traveling? Are you trying to help your cousin run the inn?"
"..."
Mann Chong's expression stiffened, and he lowered his head, which was previously held high, and said softly, "Partly, but mostly because I don't know how to move forward."
"Don't know how to move forward?"
"Well... I feel like I can't find the meaning of being a trainer..."
"I see."
Baimu nodded, understanding that Mann Chong had fulfilled his original goal of getting physically stronger but had not found a subsequent aim, lacked any responsibilities to shoulder, and was confused after a setback in the Quartz Conference, not seeing a future. "How did you do in the Quartz Conference?"
"... Runner-up."
Mann Chong grasped the edge of the chair with both hands, his shoulders slightly hunched, and his eyes cast down on the table.
This posture made him, already slender, appear even thinner.
Runner-up twice in a row.
Hearing this, Baimu nodded, thinking it was indeed so, and said, "Then why don't you set a new goal for yourself? With a goal, there naturally will be meaning."
"Is there meaning with a goal?"
Mann Chong looked up, his eyes filled with confusion.
"Of course, think about why you wanted to become a trainer in the first place and just keep extending that original goal." Baimu calmly said, "Any goal is fine as long as it's something you desire."
"Something I desire..."
He murmured to himself, clearly still not understanding.
There was no way, Baimu wasn't much of a talker and couldn't act as someone else's life coach.
Mann Chong pondered for a while, cautiously looking over, "Then... what is Baimu, Mr. Baimu's goal?"
"Just call me Baimu."
Baimu replied, "My goal is to become strong, so strong that one day I return to my hometown, able to defeat everyone and become the strongest champion, then move towards becoming the world's strongest until I reach the peak of being a trainer."
Besides that, smaller goals include winning the Ever Grande Conference, searching for the lost Lugia, and making the Ore region prosperous and thriving.
Of course, there was no need to mention these.
After listening, Mann Chong's face first showed a trace of envy. After thinking for a while, he asked, "Then standing at the peak of trainers, does it count as meaningful?"
"No, of course not."
Baimu shook his head decisively, "The goal of being at the peak of trainers is not meaningful in itself. The true meaning lies in the happiness I feel when advancing or even reaching that peak. This happiness is the meaning and motivation that drives me to do it; living is to make yourself happy.
"Moreover, isn't it the same for you? So happy when you win, so joyful when absorbing Pokémon knowledge, finding a simple goal should be quite easy for you."
"Uh..."
Mann Chong blushed slightly when he heard Baimu's comment, but when it came to mentioning a simple goal, he was still confused.
Really didn't know what he should do or what he could do.
"Take your time to think about it, you're still young, thinking for a couple more years is okay too."
Baimu patted his shoulder and took back his Pokémon from Nurse Blissey.