Chapter 43: Sincerity is the best ultimate move!

By the way, Clemont, you should also occasionally go home and show your face!

This... that...

What's wrong? Do you have some secret you can't tell?

Yurie quickly stood up to help her brother out of the situation, saying, "Let's talk about this next time, Dad; we still have things to do!"

Wait, Clemont!

Limonei promptly shouted to stop the two,

In his mind, he recalled the recent bad reviews challengers had given the Mialei Gym, faintly having the potential to stir up a huge uproar,

While Limonei was worried, he had to remind Clemont,

Although I've said it many times already, being strict with challengers is good, but relying solely on strictness cannot cultivate excellent trainers.

I beg you, you, the trainer that this city's Mialei Gym is proud of!

Oh dear?

Upon hearing Limonei's words, Clemont and Yurie instantly exploded, flailing their hands and feet in panic,

Behind the two, Serena was completely bewildered.

Gym... trainer?!

Ash is a five-time champion, Clemont is a gym leader, and you all secretly possess ultimate techniques!

Am I the only one who doesn't fit in?

Well then, farewell, Ash and Serena; if you have time, remember to stop by my shop!

Riding his beloved scooter, bringing along his obedient electric dragon,

Limonei and the crowd waved their hands, started the motorbike, and rode off into the distance.

Left behind, the brother and sister felt guilty, not knowing how to cover up their lie.

Shouldn't we explain now? Gym trainer Clemont?!

This... well, although saying it is a bit embarrassing, I'll still tell you.

He sighed, and Clemont revealed the information he had been hiding.

Continuous gym battles kept me occupied, so I thought of making an AI robot to help with battles, but during the final stage when checking the password, an error occurred, causing me not to know what the password actually was, and I was kicked out by the AI robot I myself built.

By the end of his explanation, Clemont had already lowered his head almost to his chest,

Being thrown out by the AI robot he himself built, as a scientist, is truly embarrassing.

Seeing Clemont ashamed to this extent,

Serena's slight resentment from being kept in the dark instantly dissipated completely.

Hey, is that so? We misunderstood you.

No, Ash didn't seem surprised from start to finish.

Yurie retorted,

Serena: "Eh?"

Clemont: "Really?"

Both of them stared in shock at Ash,

Ash glanced at Yurie with some surprise; the little girl's observational skills are indeed sharp.

He also did not deny it,

Sorry, before coming I had investigated the local gym leaders beforehand, so...

Ash's face was full of a smug smile after succeeding,

Clemont exclaimed angrily, "So Ash deliberately gave us a hard time earlier?"

Yurie pouted, "┗|｀o′|┛ Ow~~ Ash is so cunning, so cunning, so cunning~"

But I am somewhat curious.

Ash interrupted the siblings' accusations, changing the subject,

Others think of taking on a few gym apprentices to ease the pressure of too many challengers; how come you ended up leaving it to an AI robot?

This... I'm not someone who never goes out, don't you know?" Clemont lowered his head guiltily, "Anyway, let's first go check out the Phantom Color Crystal Tower."

After the group cleared up the misunderstanding, they all headed toward the Phantom Color Crystal Tower.

The four arrived at the base of the Phantom Color Crystal Tower,

At this time, the sky had completely darkened.

However, at the exit of the Phantom Color Crystal Tower, a group of challengers still gathered, holding their phones to record videos, pointing and commenting on the tower.

Ash had already sensed beforehand what had happened ahead using his aura,

Therefore, he didn't need to ask and also knew the details.

Along the way, Ash informed Clemont of the unfavorable situation regarding the Mialei Gym and the news of the online reputation plummeting.

This made Clemont feel a pang of anxiety; indeed, avoidance only makes things worse.

Good thing we came back in time, right?

Thank you!" Clemont nodded emotionally, "Come with me; I know there's a secret passage that leads straight inside."

Before that, I think we need to say something.

Having said that, Ash walked up to the gathered trainers under Clemont's astonished gaze.

Someone recognized Ash, instantly causing an uproar and clamor,

After greeting everyone, he confirmed that the challengers present were giving him face, and their resentment had largely dissipated,

Ash quickly waved at Clemont,

Signaling him to come over and say something.

When Clemont was forced onto the stage, flustered and not knowing what to say,

Ash patted Clemont on the shoulder and quietly gave him advice in his ear,

"Just say the truth straight out; even if it's social suicide, you should know that sincerity is the best trump card for restoring reputation!"

"I... I'm Clemont, the Gym Leader of the Lumiose Gym."

Under Ash's encouragement,

Clemont gradually steadied the nervousness in his Mind, and actually managed to slowly say everything he had in his Heart,

And at the end, he excitedly faced the camera and gave a deep bow, publicly apologizing to the challengers present and absent for his immaturity.

For a moment, whether present or watching via livestream, the challengers were all moved by Clemont's sincerity and their resentment dissipated.

On the contrary, Clemont's high-IQ genius and the moe contrast of his lack of common sense attracted a large wave of fans.

Subsequently, the Lumiose Gym's reputation not only recovered to its former state,

Clemont, who had the personas of sincerity, scientific researcher, and lack of common sense, even gained his own fanbase.

Of course, that's a story for later.

After the sudden speech ended,

Clemont was in high spirits, leading Ash through the vent into the Prism Crystal Tower, constantly thanking Ash along the way.

Thanks to Ash's help!

Otherwise, just by himself, he would definitely still choose to bury his head like an ostrich.

Moreover, those challengers wouldn't so easily just let it go.

"We're friends, aren't we? Friends should help each other!"

Ash gave a slight smile, patted Clemont's shoulder, indicating he shouldn't be too formal.

Clemont thanked him repeatedly,

In the end, he still followed Ash's advice and gradually relaxed.

At the same time,

Outside the Prism Crystal Tower,

A motorcycle was parked at the corner, with Limonnei and Electric Dragon, both wearing helmets, standing there quietly.

Having watched the whole process, seeing Ash and the others enter the Prism Crystal Tower, their faces showed a relieved expression.

"Clemont really made a good friend this time! Right, Electric Dragon!"

"Elec~!" Electric Dragon smiled, narrowing its eyes.

Limonnei likewise laughed along, finally looking up at the sky and sighing with emotion.

"Ash! As a five-time champion, you truly live up to the reputation—Clemont being able to travel with such a legend, this trip is truly lucky!"