Pokemon: I am Gary

After finishing the last match of the sub-arena, Gary had successfully advanced through the preliminaries, officially entering the top sixteen.

The next matches would take place three days later, with the venue changing to the main Indigo Stadium.

This was the venue that Ash had only seen on television and had longed to visit.

However, before that, Ash still had to get through his final preliminary match.

He was scheduled for the third match of the afternoon in the Grass Arena, a day later than Gary.

At this moment, Ash's group was nervously formulating their battle strategy while waiting for the match to begin.

Last night had seen a light rain, and Gary wore a white turtleneck sweater, light blue jeans, and a white knitted jacket, making him look more like the boy next door rather than a fierce competitor.

Holding Togepi and accompanied by Eevee, Gary stood leisurely at the entrance of the player village.

Beep beep~ A horn sounded as Professor Oak drove up in a red sports car, accompanied by a beautiful woman named Delia.

"Grandpa! Aunt Delia, you're here!" Gary smiled as he approached.

"Gary, congratulations on being the first to enter the finals!" Aunt Delia smiled warmly and nodded.

"Not at all; Ash can do it too," Gary politely replied with a nod.

"Alright, let's get in the car. We'll drop off our luggage at the hotel. This time we're going to watch you and Ash achieve glorious victories!" Professor Oak rested one hand on the window while steering with the other, looking like an experienced driver.

"Okay, I'll drive, Grandpa," Gary replied with a smile.

"Haha! It's been a while since I drove your beloved car. Here you go!" Professor Oak chuckled as he moved to the passenger seat, giving Gary his spot.

Speaking of which, this car originally belonged to Gary; he had planned to use it for traveling but decided to walk instead. So now it was left at the lab for Professor Oak's use.

After placing Eevee and Togepi in the back seat with Aunt Delia for company, Gary skillfully got in and revved the engine.

The roar of the sports car made Gary beam with excitement. "This is the feeling! Let's go!"

The sports car roared into the player village; aside from the dormitories where contestants stayed, many high-end hotels were also concentrated here in Indigo Plateau.

The Kirei Flower Hotel was a five-star chain hotel operated by the league. Gary had already booked two rooms.

After parking the car, well-dressed attendants immediately approached to help Professor Oak and Aunt Delia with their luggage and guide them into the hotel.

"Grandpa, you two go rest in your room first. I need to pick someone up; I'll come back later to take you to watch Ash's match," Gary said as he glanced at his phone before looking up at Professor Oak.

"Golden Miner Mo! I've arrived at Indigo Plateau; where can I find you?"

"Wait for me at the entrance of Player Village; I'll be there soon!"

"Alright, I know. You go ahead and be busy; stay safe," Professor Oak cheerfully followed Aunt Delia into the hotel...

Gary drifted his sports car back toward the entrance of Player Village.

As he approached, he spotted two tall figures.

Dressed in a champion's golden-trimmed cloak was Lance, who was conversing with an elegant young gentleman.

Dressed in a black suit with silver-gray hair and striking blue eyes,

On his left suit pocket was a shiny Keystone brooch; in his right hand was a black leather case—this was none other than Steven, a genius trainer from Hoenn and currently one of the top eight Pokémon Masters in the world!

"I'm sorry; I just took my grandpa to the hotel and got delayed," Gary said sincerely as he got out of the car and extended his right hand toward Steven.

"No worries; I just arrived not long ago. You're indeed quite accomplished for your age," Steven warmly shook Gary's hand.

"Ahem! As Hoenn's champion, even though this is a business trip, please do join us for dinner tonight. Chairman Goodshow also wants to meet you," Lance cleared his throat and explained his purpose for being there.

Steven smiled gently. "I haven't seen him in ages; I'll definitely come tonight."

"Great! Then I won't disturb you two any longer. By the way, Gary… good luck in your upcoming matches," Lance turned his head slightly while speaking awkwardly.

"Ha! Thanks," Gary couldn't help but chuckle as Lance turned serious and quickly walked away out of sight.

"Lance is quite cute," Steven chuckled lightly.

"Yes… Lance is a good person~" Gary nodded in agreement.

Just as Lance had run off far away, he suddenly paused. "Oh wait! My card!"

After hesitating for a long time, Lance still couldn't bring himself to ask for it back. "Forget it; it's just some petty cash…"

The Dragonite inside its Poké Ball rolled its eyes—what a wasteful guy!

Since Steven mentioned he had gifts for Gary, they decided to head back to Lorelei's villa together.

Sitting comfortably in the living room, Steven confidently opened his briefcase.

Goodness gracious—it was dazzling!

Inside were various attribute stones surrounding an obsidian-colored bracelet.

"This is an Evolution Keystone originating from Kalos; similar minerals have also been found on some islands in Hoenn. I've made it into a bracelet for your convenience when using it.

This item can unleash unexpected magical effects when paired with corresponding Pokémon Evolution Stones; you can explore its potential gradually." Steven explained.

"Oh—Evolution? I didn't expect Professor Sycamore has already completed preliminary research on this topic," Gary nodded as he picked up the bracelet and put it on his left wrist.

"Oh~ I forgot that you're also a genius scholar," Steven laughed while shaking his head. "I wanted to show off a bit."

"Hahaha! You're joking. This thing is quite precious now," Gary remarked with satisfaction.

"As long as you like it! As Rotom Phone's father, our Devon Corporation must curry favor with you!" Steven teased lightly.

As a qualified businessman, President Stone couldn't overlook the immense profit prospects within the mobile phone industry.

Thus wanting to build good relations with Gary was entirely normal behavior!

"Oh please; it's just mutual benefit," Gary humbly waved his hand dismissively.

"Then let's cooperate happily! If you have time after this tournament, you're welcome to visit Hoenn. My father is looking forward to meeting you!" Steven closed his briefcase and pushed it toward Gary's side.

"I will definitely go; I've longed to visit Hoenn League for ages." Gary accepted the box full of attribute stones without hesitation—these materials were what breeders dreamt of!

As members of elite circles and fellow second-generation wealthy kids, Steven and Gary hit it off well. They left each other with very good impressions.

Since Steven still had an itinerary afterward, Gary didn't keep him around for dinner.

The two agreed to meet again when they had another opportunity to gather properly later on.

After sending off Steven, Gary checked his watch—it was still an hour until his match began.

After getting ready, he drove off toward the hotel. He would pick up Grandpa and Aunt Delia before heading over to watch Ash's final preliminary match.