Pokemon: This Ash Is Too Versatile-Chapter 678 - 364: The First Stop—Hoenn’s Gym Leader in Violet City!

A Champion Level Gym Trainer is almost an impossible existence; neither Giovanni nor Raihan are your ordinary Gym Champions.

Giovanni became the Viridian Gym Leader as a cover for his role as the head of Team Rocket.

On the other hand, in the Galar Region where there’s no Elite Four, the Gym Leaders have the highest positions apart from Champion Leon.

This makes the strength of Gym Leaders in the Galar Region vary greatly, with champions like Raihan, and Elite Level trainers like Marnie and Bea.

At the lower end, there’s a range from Elite Level to Professional Level, and some core trainers are Gym Level.

In terms of Gym Leader strength, the Galar Region is undoubtedly the strongest; without an Elite Four, trainers capable of being part of it have to remain as Gym Leaders.

To rise higher, one must defeat Champion Leon in the Galar Region.

Thus, having a Champion level Gym Leader in the Galar Region seems strange but is understandable. However... Johto having a Champion level Gym Leader is truly bizarre!

"Pryce was a very powerful trainer back in the day, but after an accident involving one of his partners, he now rarely accepts challenges, living in retirement in Mahogany Town in name only."

"Some trainers, unaware of Pryce’s history, insisted on challenging him despite his refusals, only to be utterly defeated by him at full strength. Some lost their fighting spirit and gave up being a trainer."

"Since then, Pryce earned the nickname ’Pryce of the Eternal Ice Wall,’ referring both to his unbreakable, unmeltable Pokémon, and his cold, iceberg-like demeanor."

"So, without ample strength, it’s best not to challenge him," Professor Oak advised, suggesting refraining from challenging Pryce unless absolutely necessary.

Because if one does challenge him, he won’t hold back against Ash and the others like some trainers might.

Failure is commonplace for trainers, aside from Leon, who never loses; who hasn’t lost a Pokémon battle now and then?

However, losing to Pryce is different from others; it truly shatters your confidence as a trainer. Otherwise, why would those who lose to Pryce stop being trainers?

That’s because in addition to losing battles, their confidence and spirits as trainers were utterly destroyed by Pryce.

Pryce wasn’t always so cold-hearted, but that was the past. Now, he’s as cold as an eternal glacier—without proper preparation, challenging him is unwise.

Though his attitude poses issues, his skill remains top-notch, on par with the world’s best trainers. Challenging him without the strength to battle someone like Lance is akin to seeking death.

Even Ash isn’t a match for Pryce without using Mewtwo.

"Wow, that old guy is that strong! But looking at this photo, he does seem unapproachable," Ash remarked, gazing at Pryce’s stern, icy photo.

"I will go, and I will win," Gary declared after staring at Pryce’s photo for a long time, deciding to make him his final target before the Silver Conference!

If he couldn’t defeat Pryce, entering the Eight Great Masters would be futile.

Trainers in the Eight Great Masters are undoubtedly stronger than Pryce, possibly each exceeding him in strength.

For only top-tier trainers enter the Eight Great Masters, distinct from those in the past due to systems enhancing Pokémon, such as Dynamax and MEGA Evolution, adding to their advantage.

So unless he can defeat Pryce, dreaming of the Eight Great Masters’ championship is ridiculous.

"I’ll go too, Gary; let’s see who beats Pryce first!" Ash challenged, fists clenched, with a hint of provocation toward Gary.

"Hmph, of course, the winner will be me," Gary replied confidently, smirking.

Watching their rivalry, Professor Oak shook his head with a sigh. Were they fearlessly optimistic, or just confident? Yet truthfully, considering Ash and Gary’s progress, if they make Pryce’s Gym their final stop, victory is possible.

’Old fellow, I hope battles with Ash and Gary awaken your frozen heart,’ Professor Oak thought, recalling Pryce’s story with helplessness.