1. Ash's Story (Part 10: Galar)

Chapter 16: Normal Path

The Wild Area's clear sky stayed with us as we made our way back toward Wedgehurst, but the road felt different from the first time we had crossed it. Back then, Galar had been a new map of stations, homes, and promises. Now Turffield's Grass Badge rested in my case, and every familiar building seemed connected to another path we had not understood yet.

Victor had messaged ahead, saying he was challenging the Normal Gym before heading toward Hulbury. Since Alice and I had already chosen Milo's Gym for our first badge, Wedgehurst would not be our battle today. Still, watching another challenger face a different first path felt worth the trip.

Before the stadium, we passed the Wedgehurst Campus. The building looked quieter than the main roads around it, with neat windows, clipped shrubs, and students crossing the courtyard with books, Poké Balls, and small work bags. Flora slowed immediately, eyes bright with curiosity.

"Wow, this is the Wedgehurst Campus," she said. "How did we miss visiting here before?"

"We were busy with registration, the Wild Area, and Motostoke," I said. "Galar keeps giving us reasons to run past things before we understand them."

Elena looked toward the entrance with a more personal expression. "Hammerlock Academy has two campuses. The main one is in Hammerlocke, and this one handles Wedgehurst programs, records, and some practical classes. Mum oversees the whole academy as principal."

"Relena is principal?" Gloria asked.

Elena nodded. "Yes. And Namie handles much of the Wedgehurst administration when she is not acting as Gym Leader."

A familiar voice called from near the courtyard benches. "Ash? Alice? I thought that was you."

Megan hurried over with a notebook tucked under one arm. I recognized her at once from the Contest in Wedgehurst, though seeing her in academy clothes made the connection feel new. Alice smiled and lifted a hand in greeting.

"Megan," I said. "Are you a student here too?"

"I am," Megan replied. "Wedgehurst Campus works better for my Contest travel, though some lessons still connect to the Hammerlocke side."

Elena glanced between us. "Who is Megan?"

"We met her during the Contest in Wedgehurst," I explained. "She was competing there."

Flora's attention sharpened immediately. "Then how many Ribbons do you have now?"

Megan looked proud without bragging. "Two already. I am trying to keep the performance path moving while the Gym Challenge fills every road with challengers."

Alice smiled. "That is not easy. Contest training and school work both need time."

Megan nodded. "That is why Wedgehurst Campus helps. Namie is strict about records, but she understands that students do not all progress through the same door."

Pikachu leaned forward on my shoulder, ears angled toward the classroom windows, "Different roads still need someone counting who made it through."

"That sounds like Namie's kind of job," I said.

Megan laughed softly. "You will see. She is very precise."

She led us along the courtyard path instead of straight through the front office. Students were moving between rooms in small groups, some carrying fabric samples, others checking maps of the Wild Area, and a few practicing quiet presentation steps beneath a teacher's watchful eye.

"This campus handles students who need flexible routes," Megan explained. "Some are challengers, some are performers, some are job-track students, and some just live closer to Wedgehurst."