Connie is half-expecting a hug (her former best friend was rather liberal with them, after all), but Akane's smile is just as sweet. "I admit, I laid it on thick for you," she laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head, "but you're right. It's exhilarating. I can't wait to see you get your first badge, Akane, you're going to love it!"

Exhaling, Connie leans against the wall. "Do you want to go to the malt shop to celebrate? That was tough battle! Falkner really gave me a run for my money; if I didn't think to have Naga throw up a Safeguard, there's a good chance that I would've lost."