"As you've probably noticed, their hierarchy is entirely based on the quality of their Pokémon."
"The fourth tier is the Purple-Robe instructors. Same as the Blue-Robe acolytes—aside from their violet clothing, there's nothing distinct about their Pokémon. Most of them sit around the Intermediate Trainer level."
"The fifth tier is what you ran into—Feiyan. No uniform clothing, no defining traits in their Pokémon. They're generally Advanced Trainers."
"The sixth tier, though, are the Red-Robe bishops. Most of them are quasi-Elite level, and a fair number are actual Elites. Very troublesome—but luckily, there aren't many of them."
"And the final tier is their leader. They call him the Golden-Crowned Patriarch—or simply, the Patriarch. His strength? Unknown. Gender? Unknown. Age? Unknown."
"That's the entire hierarchy of the Church. Within Dragon Country, though, things aren't so bad. Unlike abroad, they can't act so brazenly here."
"The Dragon Country government keeps them on a tight leash, so they keep a very low profile domestically. Most of what they do is develop new recruits, who then develop more recruits, and so on. In the end, their main activities are entering Secret Realms, hunting for treasures, and exchanging them for points. Honestly, it's not much different from a pyramid scheme."
"As for this Feiyan you mentioned—he told you to bring the Egg to Pigeon Plaza, right? Then we'll play along. I'll go with you, we'll destroy that base of theirs, capture their people—heh. That'll keep me off assignments for at least three months."
As Dax Jonas spoke, his eyes gleamed with excitement.
Auron Vale couldn't help catching the enthusiasm.
"Any benefits in it for me?"
"Of course. Wipe out a Church base, and not only will the League reward you, but if we're lucky, we'll get to claim whatever point-exchange goods are stored there."
Auron's eyes lit up. He stretched out his hand.
"Deal."
Dax slapped his palm against Auron's, grinning broadly. Just like that, the decision was made.
"Oh, right—Uncle Dax, do you know anyone who can craft special Poké Balls? I found these in the Secret Realm."
He pulled several Apricorns from his pack.
"I want to swap Snorlax into a Heavy Ball."
Dax fell silent.
"Good kid. Aren't Luxury Balls good enough for you? I've asked the old man for them countless times, and he never gave me any. Yet the moment he sees you, he hands you two?"
His expression twisted with envy and resentment.
Auron just spread his hands.
"Maybe you should try bringing home a girlfriend. If you did, I bet Grandpa Flint would give you as many as you wanted."
Dax quickly waved the thought away.
"No, no. Not happening. I'm hopeless with that sort of thing."
At that moment, Ashen Vale finished recording the data from the Dazzling Stones and Auron's comments into his computer, adding a few of his own notes. Glancing up, he saw Auron pull out the Apricorns. He spun his chair around.
"Go ask your mother. I think one of her close friends deals with that sort of thing. Don't ask me for the details—just ask her."
"Got it!"
Auron answered eagerly and bounded off toward the storefront.
Once he was gone, the two men's expressions turned sober.
"Well?"
Ashen broke the silence. He knew Dax hadn't rushed here for nothing. If he hadn't spoken earlier, it was only because it was official business. That was why Ashen had taken the chance to send Auron away.
Dax scratched his head.
"Actually, it's nothing too big. Auron's been placed on the official watch list."
Ashen sighed, stood, and poured two glasses of water—setting one in front of Dax before sitting beside him.
"And?"
"Mom!"
"Sigh—"
Elise Jonas lay slumped across the counter, replying without energy.
"Mom, Dad said you've got a friend who makes Apricorn Balls, right?"
"What do you want to know that for?"
Her interest perked up slightly.
"I gathered some Apricorns in the Secret Realm. There's a Black Apricorn—I want to make a Heavy Ball for Snorlax. And the Green Apricorns—I was thinking of making Friend Balls for Golbat. What do you think?"
"Sure. I'll call her."
She ruffled his hair, then pulled out her phone and dialed.
"Hey, Peachie—what are you up to?"
Snap! "Binge-watching dramas. When are you coming back up to the Capital? I'm bored out of my mind."
"In a while."
"Really?"
In a villa in Skyspire, the woman shot upright from her reclining pose.
"Really? You're actually coming back soon?"
Elise chuckled.
"Yes, in a little while."
"Haha, great! Call me when you're back. It's been forever since we've seen each other, hasn't it?"
"Yeah, a long time. Last time was when you came down to Vantora."
Seeing the two dive into full-on chat mode, Auron grew anxious. He whispered insistently,
"Mom—the Apricorn Balls. The Balls!"
Elise gave him a sidelong smile, then said into the phone,
"Peachie—hold on, let's talk later. My son just brought back some Apricorns from a Secret Realm. He wants to have them made into Poké Balls."
"Wait, little Auron? Didn't he just get his first Pokémon not long ago? How's he already running around Secret Realms?"
Elise shot Auron a glare.
"Wasn't my idea. He kicked up a fuss until he got his way. And that useless husband of mine didn't even try to stop him—just indulged him. Ugh, don't get me started, I'll just get mad."
"Don't be upset. Anger gives you wrinkles. Worst case, just smack him around a bit to vent."
Auron: ???
At first, he'd thought this "auntie" sounded pretty nice. But by the second half of that sentence? She was encouraging his mom to beat him up!
He tugged at Elise again.
"Mom, the Apricorn Balls. The Balls!"
"The Balls? What's the rush? It's not like the Apricorns are going to get eaten."
Her temper hadn't cooled yet, and Auron had no choice but to duck his head and take it.
"This kid, honestly…"
"Haha, that's Auron? Haven't seen him in ages. Wonder if he's gotten handsome."
"Pfft. If it weren't for me, his looks would've fallen apart ages ago. Come on, Auron—say hello to Auntie."
Elise shoved the phone into his hand, rolling her eyes.
Reluctantly, Auron took it.
"Hello, Auntie."
"Don't call me Auntie—call me 'big sister.' Tell you what, just give the Apricorns to your mom, she'll send them to me. No need to wait until you visit. I'll make the Balls and send them back straightaway."
"Yes, ma'am. Thank you, big sister."
"Haha, sweet talker. Alright, hand the phone back to your mom."
"Okay."
Auron returned the phone. With his mission accomplished, his mood soared. He ignored his mother's exasperated glare.
"Love you, Mom! I'm heading to the back."
Despite herself, Elise cracked a smile.
"Go on, go on. Heartless brat. Just like your father."
Cheerfully, Auron bounded back to the research room.
Pushing open the door, he found the two men sipping tea at the low table.
Ashen looked up.
"All set?"
"All set. She said to give the Apricorns to Mom, and she'll send them along. Once they're done, she'll send them back."
"Good. Fine."
Auron happily gathered the Apricorns on the workbench, then summoned Gengar from his shadow.
"Here, Gengar—take these to Mom for me."
At once, Gengar flailed his stubby arms in protest, face twisted in reluctance.
"One box of Poké Puffs."
The Apricorns vanished from Auron's hand in an instant. Gengar melted into the shadows, zipping off to deliver them.
(End of Chapter)