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Lutgarde nods at the explanation, ah, this definitely is in line with why it's called the Operations Centre. They are always interested in what makes the heart beat, but their curiosity is quickly drawn to the, admittedly, even more interesting racing courses. "So ..." There follows a long pause in which they also start motioning for Pinky to slow down towards the top of the hilly region, so they could have a better look around. "Twenty-four courses in total? Did you design them all yourself?" Lutgarde eventually speaks up again after having figured out the maths after that speedy ride.

You gotta give your braincells time to catch up!

"Well, gotta train hard - I bet Sylph'd love to try that Dragon Slope once. She's, somehow, learned Dragon Hammer during the New Year's celebrations," Lutgarde grins as they'd come to a halt, now also realising that they're feeling a bit breathless. Taking deep breaths, they look around the sectors in detail, curious. "Generally, I'll definitely stop by some more times. Also think some other ride pokémon for myself ... eventually."

Josh Devlin

Even at high speed, Lutgarde could do quick math. Impressive! What a bright, nimble-minded Ranger she was. "Can't take credit for them all, sadly. Ordeal was designed by Alexei Ivanov ; face-lifted it from Fortree Gym. Face-lifted a few others from Johto and Sinnoh. Roughly half of them are my original designs, though. Took quite a bit of time, and a few more Mauville taxpayer PD than I'd like, but the payoff's worth it. I love having something to challenge riders of all skill levels. And of course, if racing isn't your forte, you can always brawl with me for the Badge."

Lutgarde seemed adventurous, too. "I try to pick a course that will showcase both the strengths and the weaknesses of challengers' Pokémon. You can, of course, request a course above your level if you want. I'd love to race Sylph with Mastema, my own Togekiss, when you're ready. And for challengers that have a ride Pokémon I don't own, I've got Gogo, my Ditto. That way it's a truly even match!"

It seemed like their time together would be winding down, what with Lutgarde having turned toward the city proper again. "Unusual, but not unheard of. Shalin, Rustboro's Captain, has a Beedrill with a deadly Dragon Hammer, too." He began to lead the way back to the Gym's office building. "You need a hand with them, let me know. I've got a good tanner rec for you if you're interested."

"We'll think about how to tackle you," Lutgarde grins, patting Sylv briefly while they're at it. There'd be some training to be done before, and ... they might need to figure out what Sylv wants to do. He's been support for most of his time, but they wonder if he might actually want to go into the offensive a little bit more, ever since the tournament. It's a topic they haven't breached yet, but in time - in time.

"Oh, I bet Sylph would love to race against another Togekiss," they laugh. She's never too close, but also never too far - Lutgarde can imagine that she's caught up to them now that they've slowed down, but she isn't nowhere to be seen. "She likes being around others of her kin, makes her more comfortable I think. But that Ditto really got to have some adaptability, huh? Can't be easy switching between all that."

"Oh, Shalin? Very cool," they grin. "And thanks, I'll let you know!" Lutgarde turns to follow Josh back the now more familiar area, even if it's too vast to know for sure after just one ride around. "Think I ought to head back soon, work's calling. But, I gotta see Blinky at fullspeed before I leave for today," they grin.

Josh Devlin

"It's part of the species," Josh mused in response, trying to remember the last time he had to use Gogo for a challenge. With how large his menagerie was growing, he had most mountable species covered. "Honestly, it's harder on me. Getting used to a Pokémon I've never been on before is tough. Flying on, say, a Heracross, is... an experience."

The smile on Lutgarde's face indicated it was showtime. Stopping in front of the SPLIT OVAL course, the course used to teach beginning riders, the young man leaned as low as he could on his Jolteon before squeezing the electric Eeveelution's sides. The swift Pokémon bolted forward, sparks flying from the bottom of each of her paws. It took under thirty seconds for the Pokémon to make a single lap around the track, which put the creature's speed at well above that of what any car could be driven at legally. "Now, QUICK ATTACK!" Josh ordered.

For a few seconds, the Jolteon's legs disappeared into a yellow blur, a long dust trail forming behind them as rider and mount sped around the course one more time. Lutgarde may have been able to feel the intense wake of disturbed air as they whizzed past. The Jolteon took more time to slow down than to get up to speed, but eventually slid to a stop next to them. "With enough practice, one day, that could be you that gets to go that fast!" he teased.

It shouldn't be as much of a surprise to hear flying on a Heracross, but it is, quickly followed by a laugh after a moment of stunnedness. "True that, actually. Maybe I should find some outlandish ride and see how you'll fare, too," Lutgarde grins with a playful tease, laughing. They would have to dig really deep, however, to actually find something like that. And then also train to ride it themself ...

Lutgarde and Sylv watch with anticipation as Josh and Blinky, and then ... A lap around it takes less time than they could hold their breath for, so they might have reasonably forgotten to breathe. They aren't sure if the faint dizziness comes from that or the sheer speed, imagining to be in the saddle themself ... yeah, that would need some getting used to, but ... they were looking forward to it.

"Damn, that was incredible," they say, impressed. "I'm looking forward to reaching that speed ... at a steady pace," they laugh. They can't help but feel excitement mixed with mellowness - their younger self would be shocked at the amount of moderation they display here and now. They promise to stop by soon - and with an appointment this time! - before exchanging goodbyes and walking outside the gym.

It really doesn't take long until a mission comes in, and they hurry onward.

Josh Devlin