"Trainer Sieg, since the campus is quite large, why don't we hop on the sightseeing tram?"
Roxanne raised a hand and flagged down one of the electric trams weaving lazily through the academy's vast grounds.
"That would be for the best," Sieg chuckled wryly, glancing around at the luxury that seemed to define every inch of the school. "Your campus really is something else."
Under her guidance, the two boarded the tram. What followed was a near half-day journey, one that took them across the entire academy.
Eventually, the tram gave a long screech and came to a halt at its final stop. Sieg stepped off, and what stretched out before him was an expansive battlefield, wide, open, and alive with energy.
Countless students were locked in intense simulated battles, commanding their Pokémon with practiced voices.
"This is our open training zone," Roxanne explained, raising her voice to compete with the noise. "Students come here to challenge one another freely, hone their skills, and apply what they've learned."
Almost immediately, a chorus of greetings rang out.
"Miss Roxanne, good afternoon!"
"Have you eaten yet, Miss Roxanne?"
"Do you have a boyfriend? Can I ask you out?"
Sieg raised a brow as he observed the reactions. It seemed Roxanne wasn't just a teacher, she was the teacher.
As the Gym Leader of Rustboro and a beloved instructor at the academy, Roxanne enjoyed a popularity that bordered on stardom. The moment she appeared, students swarmed to her with unfiltered admiration.
"Back to your training, everyone," she called out cheerfully. "Don't embarrass our school in front of a guest, alright?"
Despite their prestigious backgrounds, the kind of kids teachers usually avoided disciplining, the students actually listened. With some grumbling, they returned to their battles, though not without casting curious glances toward Sieg.
"Who's that guy?"
"Must be someone important. Miss Roxanne greeted him personally..."
"Tch. Looks like some pampered pretty-boy to me," one boy sneered.
"Don't be stupid. If Miss Roxanne herself is giving him a tour, you can bet he's got some serious background."
"Background, my ass," the same boy snapped, narrowing his eyes. "Look at his plain clothes, the way he moves, no manners or class... Definitely a country bumpkin."
There was a pause. The others exchanged uncertain glances.
Truth be told, Sieg's outfit was simple, almost too simple for someone walking beside Roxanne. Compared to the students clad in designer uniforms with Pokéballs polished to a shine, he looked more like a civilian trainer than a noble heir.
"Lucius, since you've got so much to say, why don't you go test him yourself?" one of the students teased, nudging the boy forward.
Lucius scowled. He came from a powerful family; his cousin was Phoebe, one of Hoenn's Elite Four, but he wasn't stupid. He could see through their provocation instantly.
Before he could respond, someone shouted, "Hey, look! I think that guy's about to challenge Miss Roxanne!"
A ripple of excitement ran through the crowd. Students rushed over, eager to witness what might become the most entertaining battle of the day.
Sieg, however, remained blissfully unaware of the commotion he was causing.
Not that it would have mattered.
He is the kind of person who doesn't actually care for the opinions of others.
"Living by the standards of others is a path for the pitiful."
That was a creed Sieg had long since embraced.
He walked calmly behind Roxanne, listening as she delved into the school's legacy with passion.
"Our Trainer Academy exists to nurture the next generation of League pillars. We strive to cultivate excellence, leadership, and strength for the sake of all League citizens..."
Her voice started to grow hoarse. She paused briefly, her tongue brushing over dry lips.
Sieg waited until she finished, then spoke.
"Miss Roxanne," he said quietly, "would it be possible for me to challenge you to a Gym Battle... with a badge on the line?"
Roxanne paused for a brief moment, then chuckled lightly, teasing,
"So that was your real intention all along? Touring the school was just an excuse to find me?"
She smiled wryly.
"As a Gym Leader, I really am quite derelict in my duties, huh? To the point where challengers have to hunt me down inside the academy."
Roxanne's words carried a touch of self-mockery. Her role as Rustboro's Gym Leader had indeed been rather lax lately, and there were already rumors circulating online.
Some said she got the position too young, undeserving of the honor. After all, she was made Gym Leader before even turning twenty. Many believed her reputation didn't match her title.
"But I accept your request, Trainer Sieg."
Her eyes gleamed with sudden determination, steady and unyielding, like the very Rock-type she commanded.
"If you don't mind, how about we hold the battle right here? It'll be a good live demonstration for the students."
Roxanne's elegant demeanor returned as she spoke softly, her tone almost gentle, as if requesting rather than declaring.
"Of course, I don't mind at all," Sieg replied politely.
Though he was aware this meant being watched by a large crowd, an enormous psychological burden for most, he didn't hesitate.
If he intended to compete in the League Championships someday, he would face not dozens, but tens of thousands of spectators. This was as good a chance as any to start training his mental resilience.
"Then the rules shall be a two-on-two match. Sieg, you may freely switch your Pokémon. I'll send out my first Pokémon, and you may choose your response after."
Her voice was warm, yet carried the clarity of formal protocol.
The setup was nearly identical to the standard beginner challenge rules of Petalburg Gym, the most basic level of Gym challenge.
Indeed, Gym battles were divided by tiers.
The lowest level required no entry fee. Winning earned you a badge.
The next tier required a 10,000 Pokédollar deposit. Winning that not only earned a badge but also bonus rewards.
Then there was the high-tier challenge, costing 50,000 Pokédollars. Winning that earned you a TM, a rare and valuable prize.
Naturally, the difficulty increased with each tier. The challenge Sieg had chosen was the simplest kind.
"Go, Geodude!"
A flash of white light, and a round rock Pokémon with muscular arms landed with a thud in the arena.
Sieg smiled to himself.
As expected.
A Rock-type.
He had two Water-types that could counter it easily.
Rock-types were weak to Water.
The advantage was his.
Sieg confidently pulled out a Poké Ball, and with another burst of light, a Pokémon emerged.
"Get ready for battle, Carvanha."
A fierce-looking Carvanha appeared, floating slightly above the ground. Its sharp fangs gnashed together with an audible crack.
By now, the students had caught wind of the unfolding battle and surged in like a wave, forming a tight circle around the arena. Their faces were alight with excitement.
Yet, not everyone in the crowd was so supportive.
"Tch. I thought he was something special," one student sneered. "But he's just using a common Carvanha? What a disappointment."
Another snorted in agreement.
"Yeah, not even evolved into a Sharpedo. That thing probably isn't even high-level."
Someone else chimed in mockingly,
"Does he really think a type advantage is enough to beat Miss Roxanne? What a joke. He clearly doesn't understand what real battle tactics are."
Their voices weren't quiet. Sieg heard every word.
But he merely curled his lips in disinterest. He didn't care.
Roxanne, on the other hand, frowned slightly. She turned toward Sieg and gave him an apologetic look, bowing slightly in formal apology.
Then, she faced the crowd of students. Though her expression remained graceful, a hint of anger surfaced in her eyes, enough to silence the crowd. Even the ribbons in her hair seemed to tremble.
The students froze as though they'd just encountered their natural predator. One by one, they fell silent, none daring to speak another word.