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

Chapter 24

As we arrive at Hammerlocke Gate, a staff member stationed there approaches us, clearly checking for gym badges. "Ah, Gym Challengers! Allow me to check your Gym Badges!"

We present our gym badges to him, and he examines them carefully. "You have the Grass Badge, the Water Badge, and the Fire Badge. Meanwhile, the girl with you possesses the same two badges as you but has the Electric Badge as the third. It's confirmed that you've defeated three Gym Leaders, including the leader of Motostoke and the leaders of Generact! I wish you the best of luck in your future battles," he acknowledges, granting us passage with his confirmation of our achievements.

As Bede suddenly appears, our gazes meet, creating an awkward tension. "Oh, it's you..." Bede acknowledges, seemingly uninterested. "Yeah. But I doubt Hop will be coming."

"What? What did you do to him?" Gloria demands, her concern evident, but Bede simply grunts with a smirk.

"It's only natural. After such a humiliating defeat, there's no way he could look the Champion in the eye," Bede remarks confidently. "And I am sure he'll withdraw from the challenge."

"So, let me guess, he lost to you in a battle. I kind of anticipated that might happen," I interject.

"Aren't you worried? Ash?" Alice inquires, clearly concerned.

"Well, to be honest, he is strong, so he might not withdraw from the challenge," I respond, trying to reassure everyone, with the girls nodding in agreement.

Bede then turns to the staff member and presents his Gym Badges for verification. The staff member confirms, "Thank you, Challenger Bede. I can confirm you have the required Badges."

"Anyway, I have a meeting with the chairman, so I must excuse myself," Bede announces, leaving the group.

"I really don't like his all high and mighty attitude," Alice sighs in disapproval.

"Yeah, but we can't focus on him now," I assert as we proceed into Hammerlocke City, determined to move forward despite the distractions.

As we enter Hammerlocke, the grandiose city characterized by its castle-like aesthetics, we spot Bede standing before Chairman Rose and Oleana.

"Mr. Chairman! I've been collecting both Wishing Stars and Gym Badges as fast as I can!" Bede reports eagerly.

"Good work, Bede," Oleana acknowledges. "I'm glad you haven't forgotten that it was the chairman who endorsed you."

"If I gather enough Wishing Stars, that'll help solve the problem that's been bothering you, right, Mr. Chairman?" Bede inquires with determination.

Chairman Rose responds, "Oh, it's not just about me. It's for the future of the whole Galar region. And we'll need more than just Wishing Stars. We need a powerful Pokémon Trainer, too— someone like the Champion."

"With all due respect, sir, I was able to show Hop, one of the Champion-endorsed Trainers, just how outclassed he was," Bede asserts confidently. "I'm sure I'll be able to defeat the Champion. No, I WILL defeat the Champion!"

"That's the spirit! It takes healthy competition to really keep the Gym Challenge energized!" Chairman Rose responds, clearly appreciating Bede's determination and competitive drive.

"Challenger Bede, there is something I wish to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?" Oleana interrupts, indicating she has something important to discuss. Bede promptly follows her into the stadium, perhaps for a more private conversation or a special task related to the Gym Challenge.

"Papa?" Elena questions, catching Chairman Rose's attention. "Elena, Ash, Alice, Flora, Helen, and Gloria. I hope you were listening," Rose acknowledges.