>>34140835I've always really liked his design and personality; I wish he was a rival rather than just a Gym Leader.
>meet Volkner after the first or second gym>he's bored with all the Trainers in the area (because he keeps beating all the Youngsters, Lasses, Bug Catchers, etc) and is thinking about going on his own journey to find stronger foes>Player challenges him to a fight, he dully accepts, thinking it will be easy to beat a new Trainer>Player beats him, of course, which shocks and enthuses him>He leaves to go on his own journey, and the two of you cross paths multiple times>Every battles he loses against you invigorates him, and so he goes from a bored and listless guy to cheerful and satisfied>After you beat him before becoming the Champion, that's when he settles down and decides to take over a Gym>You can still fight him in post-game, and he gives out good rewards for each win 