As we step outside the Gym Stadium, we spot Professor Magnolia and Sonia waiting at the entrance. "Hey there, Ash and Alice! You gave Raihan a good thrashing, and that means you've completed the Gym Challenge! Congratulations, from the bottom of my heart!" Sonia beams.

"Thank you, Sonia," Alice responds with a grateful smile.

"I really wish we could go celebrate, but I think there's some things we should talk over." Sonia says, turning her attention back to Professor Magnolia. "That light that covered Hammerlocke... It was just like the Darkest Day, where it's said that giant Pokémon went on a rampage and almost destroyed the entire Galar region."

"It certainly seems to be that way, my dear."Professor Magnolia acknowledges with a nod. "As you know, we Dynamax our Pokémon today using the energy from Wishing Stars that have fallen to us. But we still don't know how to fully control the energy behind Dynamaxing or how the two heroes managed to do so. In fact, we're not even really sure who—or what—the two heroes actually were."

"The legendary sword and shield..." we mumble, contemplating the connection to Galar's ancient lore.

As the moment unfolds, Professor Magnolia unexpectedly removes her lab coat, presenting it to Sonia. "Sonia, my dearest... My lab coat is yours now." she declares solemnly.

A collective gasp of astonishment escapes our lips as we witness Professor Magnolia's unexpected decision to pass on her mantle. Sonia is taken aback, exclaiming, "Are you sure, Gran? I still haven't finished the work you've assigned me."

"Think of it as something to help you finish that work." Professor Magnolia reassures her. With that, Sonia removes her own brown coat and slips into the white lab coat, leaving us all in awe. "Professor Sonia!" we exclaim in unison.

"Y-yeah!" Sonia stammers, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, visibly overwhelmed by the honor bestowed upon her.

"The two heroes that protected the Galar region from the Darkest Day... And the legend of the sword and shield you just mentioned... It's up to you to figure out the truth behind it all," Professor Magnolia entrusts Sonia with a solemn tone.

"I know, Gran! I'll do what I can! You two or Hop could be the one to take down Leon, and I don't want to miss that! Not to worry—you can count on me to take care of everything! You just focus on getting to Wyndon. Go on! Head to the station, or you'll miss your train!" Sonia assures us with determination in her voice.

With heartfelt farewells, we bid Sonia goodbye and hasten toward the Train Station, eager to catch a train bound for Wyndon, hopeful to witness the thrilling events that lie ahead.

As we reach the station, the familiar voices of Hop and Victor call out to us. Victor proudly exclaims, "We're coming, too! We had Raihan beat in no time!"

Hop interjects, "Once I got my head on straight and stopped doubting every decision I made, that is... Heh!"

"Congratulations, guys," I respond warmly. "Now, we're all officially headed for the League."

"I reckon I'm still the favorite to win, but I'm up against my true rivals... So I'll wring out every last thing I learned during my battle with you, Raihan, to beat you all! So get a move on! The train's waiting!" Hop urges us with competitive zeal.

"Confident enough, huh?" Victor teases playfully, prompting us to board the train as we all share a camaraderie-filled journey to our next destination.

As we settle into the train, we're taken aback by the unexpected presence of Dawn, Serena, and Lisia among us. "What brings you all here?" I inquire, genuinely surprised.

"Hey, Ash! Did you know the Grand Festival's happening in Wyndon? We're on our way there too," Dawn explains cheerfully.

Serena interjects, "There's a minor hitch, though. The Grand Festival coincides with the Galar League. What's your plan for that, then?"

"It's simple. I'll use Double Team just like I did back in the Pokemon Showcase," I reply confidently.

"Good thing you're a Pokemon, always ready with your moves," Elena remarks with a chuckle.

Helen chimes in, suggesting, "Since we're all headed to Wyndon together, how about I whip up something for everyone?"

Flora teases, "Let me guess, another curry?"

"You got it," Helen confirms before stepping away, prompting Gloria to note, "We've had quite a lot of curry these past few days..."

"Classic Helen," Serena comments with a fond smile, acknowledging her sister's culinary expertise.

To our amazement, Helen presents her creation: "Here's the Fried Food Curry! It's a hearty blend of fried foods combined with spicy curry roux, although it might sit a bit heavily in your stomach. The chef on the train was kind enough to let me use the kitchen."

"Looks delicious," Hop remarks as we eagerly partake in the curry and fried delights.

Lisia observes, "These fried foods have a thick, oily coating that almost overpowers the spicy seasoning."

"Indeed, the fried items seem drenched in oil, muting the dry seasoning," Victor adds.

Serena comments, "The combination of the oily fried food with the sweet curry roux... It's certainly an unusual mix."

"The excessive oiliness almost masks the curry's bitterness, making this a calorie-loaded dish," Hop notes with a hint of humor.

Dawn offers her perspective, saying, "The sharpness of the seasonings helps balance out the greasiness, making it palatable throughout."

"I have to agree. This might just be the best curry variation we've had so far," I conclude, savoring the unique blend of flavors and textures in the Fried Food Curry.

"Tell us more about Wyndon. What's it like?" Lisia inquires.

"Wyndon's a bustling metropolis in Galar. There's so much to explore – the towering edifices, the monorail system, and of course, Wyndon Stadium where not just Galar, but the entire world will have their eyes fixed on us!" Hop eagerly explains.

"It sounds reminiscent of Lumiose City in the Kalos Region," Serena remarks, drawing a comparison between the two vibrant urban centers.

Pikachu gleefully reunites with Sylveon, exchanging cheerful squeaks and gestures of familiarity. They introduce Eldegoss to the Fairy-type Pokémon, fostering a new bond as they get acquainted and quickly become friends.

As the train halts at White Hill Station, I remark, "Looks like we've still got Route 10 ahead of us."

Stepping outside, we're greeted by a landscape blanketed in snow. Hop exclaims, "This is Route 10! It's like a massive wall of snow! I bet we'll find loads of Ice-type Pokémon around here!"

Alice chimes in, "I'm still on the lookout for a Galarian Mr. Mime and an Eiscue. Hopefully, we'll encounter them on this route."

Serena, surprised, questions, "Wait, you haven't caught all the Pokémon in Galar yet?"

"Yeah, just a few remaining," I confirm.

With determination, Hop declares, "Let's use this time to train ourselves and our Pokémon before the Champion Cup starts! I have faith in my team; we'll definitely get stronger! I'm heading out! See you in Wyndon!" And with that, Hop rushes off, followed by Victor, leaving a slightly awkward situation with eight girls traveling alongside me.

The atmosphere becomes a tad awkward with the sudden departure of the two boys, leaving a group of girls traveling together on Route 10 with me.

"We've found them!" Alice gasps in amazement as we come across a group of blue-colored Mr. Mimes engaging in a delightful tap-dancing routine.

"Those must be Galarian Mr. Mime," I remark, attempting to capture one with a Quick Ball. However, the ball bounces off an invisible barrier set up by the Mr. Mime. "Seems like it can create these barriers as well."

"How did you catch your original Mr. Mime, then?" Gloria inquires.

Serena steps forward, demonstrating, "Like this." She throws a Pokéball, which ricochets off the invisible barriers several times before finally landing on the Mr. Mime, successfully capturing it.

Mr. Mime (Galarian Form): The Dancing Pokemon: Ice and Psychic Type. Evolve from Mime Jr. by learning Copycat in Galar. Its talent is tap-dancing. It can also manipulate temperatures to create a floor of ice, which this Pokémon can kick up to use as a barrier.

"Great job, Serena!" Alice cheers as she releases the captured Mr. Mime. However, to everyone's surprise, the Mr. Mime begins to evolve, prompting Alice to exclaim, "Wait, it can evolve?"

Before us stands Mr. Rime, a Pokémon with a captivating appearance featuring two distinct faces, one on top and another seemingly on its belly, and an elegant cane. Elena clarifies, "The genuine face is actually the one at the top."

Dawn raises an interesting query, asking, "But how do you explain the blinking?"

"Imagine drawing your face on your belly and then shifting it around to create the illusion of blinking," Elena explains, suggesting that the movement of the lower face could mimic blinking, despite being an artistic feature rather than an actual function.

Mr. Rime: The Comedian Pokemon: Ice and Psychic Type. Evolve from Galarian Mr. Mime at LV:42. Its amusing movements make it very popular. It releases its psychic power from the pattern on its belly.

As we press on, we realize that Route 10 mirrors a challenging Victory Road-like experience in this region. Trainers and wild Pokémon cross our path, adding to the trials of our journey. Amidst our travels, we encounter a surprising sight—a Duraludon in the wild.

"Duraludon! We just faced Raihan's Gigantamax version of this Pokémon in our last gym battle," Alice exclaims, recognizing the formidable Steel/Dragon-type.

"Let's attempt to catch this one," I suggest, contemplating our strategies. With Sirfetch'd and Runerigus at our disposal, we devise a plan to capture the Duraludon using their combined abilities and tactics. We engage in a strategic battle, aiming to successfully add this powerful Pokémon to our team.

Duraludon: The Alloy Pokemon: Steel and Dragon Type. The special metal that composes its body is very light, so this Pokémon has considerable agility. It lives in caves because it dislikes the rain.

And finally, we find a battle between two Pokemon: A Stonjourner and an Eiscue. Alice recognizes the Eiscue and says, "That's the same Eiscue that ran off from Route 8!"

"And it seems to be battling a Stonjourner here!" I say as we watch the battle. It is obviously that both of them show their strengths, Eiscue being a pure Ice Type, but it can use some Water moves, and Stonjourner also uses a lot of kicking moves to try breaking the Ice Face.

The match becomes a draw, and both Alice and I use the chance to capture both Pokemon.

Stonjourner: The Big Rock Pokemon: Rock Type. It stands in grasslands, watching the sun's descent from zenith to horizon. This Pokémon has a talent for delivering dynamic kicks.

Eiscue (Ice Face): The Penguin Pokemon: Ice Type. It drifted in on the flow of ocean waters from a frigid place. It keeps its head iced constantly to make sure it stays nice and cold.

Eiscue (Noice Face): The Penguin Pokemon: Ice Type. The hair on its head connects to the surface of its brain. When this Pokémon has something on its mind, its hair chills the air around it.

Ascending to the summit of the hill, a breathtaking sight unfolds before us: Wyndon, the colossal city, sprawls across the landscape. The vast metropolis stretches out ahead, its grandeur captivating our gaze. As the snow dissipates, revealing lush greenery, we notice a myriad of Pokémon freely wandering amidst the city on the verdant grass.

Wyndon stands as a bustling hub, adorned with towering structures and bustling streets. Pokémon of various species amble about, adding an air of liveliness to the cityscape. The contrast between the urban expanse and the natural surroundings creates a captivating scene, promising numerous adventures and encounters within this vibrant setting.

Here is a new chapter, and you can see that we're about to get to Wyndon and I hope you like it.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Rapidash (Galarian), Gengar, Kingler, Weezing (Galarian), Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Darmanitan (Galarian), Garbodor, Zoroark, Stunfisk (Galarian), Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Rillaboom, Cinderace, Inteleon, Greedent, Corviknight, Orbeetle, Thievul, Eldegoss, Dubwool, Drednaw, Boltund, Coalossal (Shiny), Flapple, Appletun, Sandaconda, Cramorant, Barraskewda, Toxtricity x2 (Amped, Low-Key), Centiskorch, Grapploct, Polteageist (Antique), Hatterene, Grimmsnarl, Obstagoon, Perrserker, Cursola, Sirfetch'd, Mr. Rime, Runerigus, Alcremie x9 (Each Flavor), Falinks, Pincurchin, Frosmoth, Stonjourner, Eiscue, Indeedee x2, Morpeko, Copperajah, Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, Arctovish, Duraludon, Drakloak, Kleavor