Much like the main story of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, the games' Teal Mask DLC is filled with interesting new characters. Players are introduced to two of them shortly after starting the DLC expansion and arriving in Mossui Town, with Carmine challenging the player to a Pokemon battle while her timid little brother Kieran watches on.
After resting for the night, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet players will be met with a short cutscene in which they're told to partner up with somebody from the Blueberry Academy. As there are only two of them on the field trip, this means choosing either Carmine or Kieran. However, it turns out that players actually have a lot less say in the matter than it first appears.
Can You Partner with Carmine instead of Kieran?
Following the cutscene, players will need to speak with Carmine in order to progress. She presumes that they want to pair up with either her or Kieran, to which players will be able to respond with either "Yes" or "No". Regardless of which answer players choose, the conversation will move on and she'll ask if they'd be willing to battle her brother Kieran. Again, players can choose "Yes" or "No" here, but this is once again a meaningless video game choice.
Players will need to say yes to Carmine's request eventually in order to move the main story along. After battling Kieran, they'll then be forced to partner with him. Some may be wondering whether choosing different options for the two dialog choices would have made any difference, but no matter what players choose they will be forced to partner with Kieran. As a result, it is not possible to pair up with Carmine at this stage of the game.
How to Beat Kieran (First Battle)
As mentioned above, players will be forced to battle Kieran regardless of which option they choose. Thankfully, he only has two Pokemon at his disposal: a level 59 Sentret and a level 60 Yanma. Corviknight is a pretty decent counter for both Pokemon, as its Body Press and Drill Peck moves are super effective against Sentret and Yanma respectively. Alternatively, players should use a Fighting-type Pokemon for the former and a Rock-type Pokemon to take down the latter. Players will get ₽2,640 in prize money for winning.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.