----
As they stepped into the Orange League headquarters' main hall, a male staff member who appeared to be in his sixties, with short silver-grey hair and a small moustache, approached them.
"Good morning. May I ask what brings you two here? Are you here for a tour or to purchase souvenirs?"
Kai stepped forward and politely responded, "Hello, I'm here to challenge the Orange League. Please help me register."
The staff member's demeanour immediately brightened upon hearing that Kai had come to challenge the Winner's Cup.
"Welcome, welcome! You know, we haven't hosted a match in almost a month. Finally, a new challenger has arrived this is certainly a cause for celebration! But before that, according to the regulations, may I see your proof of qualification?"
Proof?
That must refer to the four Badges from the Orange League Gym Leaders.
It seemed that no one had challenged the Winner's Cup in a long time. This indicated that the Orange League had fallen into stagnation a bad sign for its development.
While thinking this, Kai retrieved his badge case from his backpack, opened it, and presented the four shell-shaped badges to the staff member.
The staff member used a small scanner to pass over each badge in turn. A second later, the computer screen beside him displayed Kai's personal information.
How strict they even have anti-counterfeiting measures!
Kai marvelled at this level of security and then glanced at the screen. In addition to his own striking photo, it also stated that he was from the Kalos region and had won the Indigo League Championship.
"Huh? You're the Trainer who just won the Indigo League Championship? No wonder you looked somewhat familiar when I first saw you!"
Upon learning Kai's identity, the staff member's face lit up with joy.
As professionals in the field, people like him paid more attention to news about Trainers than most. They kept track of which Trainers won championships in various regions, who were the top contenders, who had the most influence, and who were the most popular.
Although a new champion was crowned in every major league each year, and the number had grown over time, never before had a champion come to challenge the Orange League.
"A champion is just a title from the past," Kai waved his hand dismissively. "Right now, I'm just an ordinary challenger, no different from anyone else. So don't put any unnecessary labels on me."
Though Kai said this, the staff member wasn't naïve enough to take it at face value.
He wasn't foolish, how could he possibly treat someone like Kai as just an ordinary challenger?
The Orange League was just a minor league, situated in a remote location with a relatively small population. Compared to other leagues, its influence and viewership had always been much lower.
Now, an Indigo League Champion had come to challenge them. This was a major promotional opportunity!
If Kai won, it would only reinforce his rightful status as a champion. But if he lost, it would mean that the Orange League had the strength to challenge the major leagues!
Either way, it was a win-win situation that would boost the Orange League's reputation.
No matter how he looked at it, this was a golden opportunity!
Thinking of this, the staff member's smile deepened.
"My apologies! I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Carl, and I am the Vice President of the Orange League."
Vice President!?
Kai was momentarily stunned he hadn't expected the man before him to be such a high-ranking figure.
To be honest, when he first saw the staff member upon entering, he had found it a little odd.
In most places, front-desk receptionists were typically young and attractive women. Yet, the Orange League had an elderly man handling reception duties it had caught him off guard.
Now that he knew Carl's position, it all made sense.
"To have the Vice President personally receive me now that's an honour!" Kai extended his hand.
"Not at all!" Carl shook his hand firmly and chuckled. "Since challengers are so rare in the Orange League, I can easily handle everything by myself. We simply don't need that many staff here."
He then added, "You must have had a long journey. But the Orange Islands has warm sunshine and beautiful scenery. If you have time, Kai, you should take the opportunity to experience it."
Kai nodded. "I already have. I've seen many rare and breathtaking sights here, and I've even caught a few powerful Pokémon. I have to say, the Orange Archipelago is a great place to relax."
Hearing this, Carl was visibly pleased. He smiled and then turned to Sabrina. "By the way, I haven't asked, who might this young lady be?"
"Oh, she's my travelling companion, but not a challenger," Kai introduced Sabrina.
However, when he turned his head, he saw that she was fixated on a nearby Dragonite statue.
The Dragonite statue appeared to be cast from iron, giving it a metallic green sheen. The craftsmanship was rather detailed. Dragonite had its wings spread wide, its claws extended to the sides, and its eyes fixed intently forward as if standing guard over something.
Noticing their interest in the statue, Carl chuckled. "Dragonite is revered as the guardian of this island. The people here have always held it in great esteem. Speaking of which, our current Chief Trainer of the Orange League owns a very powerful Dragonite! Since he became the Chief Trainer, no one has ever defeated him in the Winner's Cup."
Whether he was talking about Dragonite or the Chief Trainer, Kai could hear the pride in Carl's voice.
However...
Never been defeated?
What a coincidence, I haven't either.
At that moment, Carl tapped a few keys on the keyboard, inputting some information into the computer. Then he turned to Kai and said, "Alright, your registration is complete. According to the rules, your match will be scheduled for tomorrow at 10 a.m. But before that, let me take you to familiarize yourself with the battle arena."
"I appreciate it," Kai replied without hesitation. However, as he watched Carl step out from behind the reception desk and head straight for the main entrance, he couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Are we just leaving like this? What if another challenger arrives? Won't there be no one here to receive them?"
"Don't worry," Carl chuckled lightly. His tone was confident, yet tinged with helplessness. "Like I said earlier, it's been a long time since anyone came to challenge us. Even if I step away for a few hours, it won't be a problem!"
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