The only notable Pokemon that makes up his core team that he could think of were his other Mightyena, but Kyle decides against mentioning that after finding such information unnecessary.

"I hope that's not just you teasing me," he questions bluntly, brow raising at his statement. The slight upward curve of his lips suggests Kyle wasn't taking it seriously. "Besides, spotlight doesn't suit me. Maybe eventually, then."

The last time he had entertained the thought of becoming a champion was way back during his childhood, but that simply was to spite a friend who shared the same goal. Anyone who has known him personally wouldn't pin him as someone who fits the position, even if he had the skills to support the claim. There was no harm in humoring it however.

"Y-Yes. Kyle Lopez, sir."

He wonders where this line of questioning will lead to. It piques his interest. Kyle adjusts his posture, taking away any physical signs of nervousness he had shown earlier from his stature.

"Currently Petalburg. They keep reassigning me though."

"You're, uh, serious about this, right?"

This was not what he had in mind when he came in here for an impromptu match. He thought their skills were only going to be tested to see whether the current lackeys of the league were competent. Offers for promotion were always turned down before. This one, however, had other conditions attached to it. It somehow made him feel uneasy. Perhaps it simply feels weird to get someone interested in him.

The offer brings stability to his current work conditions, however, and most importantly, makes him closer his hometown. It hints of better living conditions, but it wasn't like Kyle complained about his current one. It would be impractical to let it go.

"I'm just a cadet. The higher ups always had the jurisdiction over where we get assigned. I believe you don't even need my consent to get it approved."

If Alexander really willed it, he could get assigned to Rustboro even without his consent. This simply was an act of goodwill, he is inclined to believe. Trust was necessary to build relationships, and if he was to work under him, it was only natural for the gym leader to start working on it.

"...but I wouldn't be opposed to those conditions, I suppose," he indirectly accepts.

Officer Lopez...

It had a nice ring to it, but it felt weird hearing it. It wasn't official yet, but he knew it wouldn't take long for it to be processed. Soon enough, he'll be hearing more of it. Perhaps he just needed to get used to it for it to start sounding normal to his ears.

He should have thought of it more, but it would be foolish to take his word back. He knew he was long overdue for a promotion, but it wasn't like he wanted one in the first place. Complacency was a negative thing though, at it was something that he needed to get rid of. He hoped this would be a step towards that goal.

"Likewise."

He returns the handshake. It seems that he needs to up his professionalism from that point onward.