These challengers all spoke highly of Lionel, and some even jokingly advised him to "stay permanently at the Gym."
The trainers' enthusiasm for Lionel infuriated Flannery, who repeatedly stood in front of him, hands on her hips, to argue: "What kind of Gym Leader are you? Giving badges after losing? That's ridiculous!"
Lionel always replied with a smile: "I'm a Gym Leader now; my standards are different from yours. Gym battles don't necessarily have to have a winner and a loser. Besides, I'm not giving them away for nothing. The trainers' tactical commands were indeed impressive, and their Pokémon training was decent. I think giving them badges is perfectly acceptable!"
"I don't care!" Flannery retorted.
"Anyway, without my permission, you're not allowed to post anything on social media!"
But Lionel wasn't going to tolerate her attitude!
He was going to battle Flannery properly, unlike the easygoing challengers.
Milotic and Tyrantrum took turns fighting, bullying Flannery until her face turned bright red with anger.
She ran to Moore to complain, but Moore just chuckled as he watched Flannery and Lionel playfully bicker, trying to smooth things over.
"Everyone has their own thoughts," Moore said.
"Besides, I think Lionel has a point. And right now, he is the 'Flame Gym Leader.'"
Flannery looked at her grandfather siding with Lionel, then at Lionel's grinning face, and clenched her fists in anger.
But every time she tried to physicalize her frustration, she was controlled by Metang's psychic powers and kept levitating while Lionel teased her.
As for Pokémon battles, all her Pokémon were easily suppressed by Milotic or Tyrantrum.
In the end, she could only glare at Lionel resentfully before obediently admitting defeat.
The angry Flannery muttered, "I'll train them some more, and after they evolve, I'll win back my title sooner or later!"
During these seven days, whenever Larvesta was battling as the Gym Leader, Lionel would stream it live.
[Holy crap! This learning speed is outrageous! My Ponyta took half a month to learn "Flamethrower"!]
[How does the streamer train like this? Are there any shortcuts? Please teach me! I'm willing to tip!]
[Don't even think about it; this is definitely Gym Leader Moore's secret training method. It's the core secret of the Lavaridge Gym. Unless you become an apprentice there, how could it be passed on!]
The comments flooded the screen, and the popularity score on the system panel skyrocketed.
Lionel watched the scores fluctuate, filled with joy.
This trip to Lavaridge Town had truly been a windfall.
On the evening of the seventh day, the afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the leaves, casting a warm glow over the training area.
Moore watched Larvesta use its skills and smiled.
"That's about it. It has mastered these three skills quite well. The rest is just a matter of practicing more in actual combat until it can use them proficiently."
Lionel nodded, bent down, and gently petted the Larvesta.
Then, turning to Moore and Flannery, he said earnestly, "Teacher Moore, Sister Flannery, thank you so much for these seven days. You not only taught Larvesta so many skills but also took such good care of it."
Flannery turned her face away and whispered, "No need for thanks—just hurry up and return the Gym Leader title to me!"
Moore waved his hand as well.
"Don't be so polite. By the way, Lionel, are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning. I'm going to Fallarbor Town for the Pokémon Contest. Considering the distance, I should arrive just in time."
"Oh? A Pokémon Contest?" Moore paused, then chuckled.
"I'd forgotten about that. I thought you were going to challenge the Petalburg Gym. Speaking of which, I haven't seen Norman in ages. If you see him, remember to say hello for me."
Moore paused, then added in a low voice, "Also, stay close to him. He's really good at Pokémon training. After the gym challenge, have your Tyrantrum and Metang stick to his Slaking to learn a few moves. Your Tyrantrum is shameless, and Norman's Slaking is practically invincible in close combat. Don't miss this opportunity."
Lionel winked at Moore and smiled.
"Don't worry, I definitely won't."
Flannery, watching the two of them acting so irresponsibly, could only huff.
"Be careful on the road," Moore said, patting Lionel's shoulder.
"Take good care of Larvesta. When it evolves, be sure to take a picture and send it to me."
"I definitely will!"
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the streets of Lavaridge Town still carried a hint of morning chill.
Lionel had already packed his bags and, with his Pokémon, arrived at the entrance of the Lavaridge Gym to say goodbye.
"Teacher Moore, Sister Flannery, we'll be going now." Lionel waved with a sincere smile.
"I'll send you a message as soon as Larvesta evolves."
Moore nodded. "Be careful on the road."
He glanced at the energetic Larvesta, his eyes full of anticipation.
"Little guy, good luck! I'm waiting to see you become Volcarona."
Upon hearing Moore's words, Larvesta ran over and rubbed against his leg, making Moore laugh heartily.
Flannery stood to the side, her face still bearing a slightly coquettish expression, but her eyes were much softer than before.
She took a small cloth bag from her pocket and stuffed it into Lionel's hand.
"This... is for you. They're some snacks I made; Larvesta can have some on the way."
Tyrantrum came over and nudged Flannery's arm with its head to bid her farewell.
This guy had been fed a lot of good food by her over the past few days and had long since included her on its "friendly human" list.
Lionel took the cloth bag; it was warm to the touch, clearly recently made. He smiled and nodded.
"Thank you."
After a brief farewell, Lionel—along with Milotic, Tyrantrum, Metang, and Larvesta—set off on the road to Fallarbor Town.
Behind them, Moore and Flannery watched their figures disappear around the street corner before retreating back to the gym.
The journey wasn't short.
It required navigating a winding path around the foot of Mt. Chimney, crossing a dense forest of hills, and passing through a jagged canyon.
Leaving Lavaridge Town, the air still carried a faint smell of sulfur.
The distant crater occasionally emitted wisps of white smoke, appearing hazy in the morning light.
Tyrantrum excitedly led the way, its massive body occasionally bumping into roadside rocks with dull thuds.
This caused a stir among the wild Pokémon, including some Shroomish in the grass. Larvesta sat on its back, extremely excited, its five antennae standing erect.
It kept making happy noises, thoroughly enjoying the bumpy ride.
Milotic had returned to its Luxury Ball to rest, while Metang hovered beside Lionel, vigilantly observing their surroundings.