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Back inside his Poké Ball, Kael let his mind settle, replaying the battle in his head. Two victories had given him a clearer picture of where he stood.
First, thanks to the Minor IV Booster he'd redeemed earlier and the relentless training he'd put himself through back when he was still a Mareep his fundamentals were rock solid.
Second, with [Hidden Power (Dragon)] and several creative move combos in his arsenal, he was confident that, against Pokémon of the same level, he sat right at the top of the pyramid.
And by "same level," he meant any Pokémon including Normal pseudo-Legendary. He believed he could hold his own.
Of course, when it came to Legendary or Mythical Pokémon with overwhelming natural gifts, he still had a long way to go.
He pulled up his system interface, glancing at the battle notifications.
[Defeated Pokémon: Goldeen] [+28 Experience]
[Defeated Pokémon: Cloyster] [+46 Experience]
His current stats read:
[Species: Flaaffy]
[Level: 20 (32/100)]
[Moves: Tackle, Growl, Thunder Wave, Hidden Power (Dragon), Thunder Shock, Cotton Spore, Charge, Thunder Punch, Magnet Rise, Take Down]
[Evaluation: A Flaaffy with immense potential.]
"Oh? Leveled up again?"
He'd reached Level 19 during the week of intense training with Electivire, and those two Gym battles had pushed him up to Level 20 plus, he'd learned a new move: [Take Down].
'Hmm… that one could have some interesting applications.'
A yawn slipped out. The fatigue from back-to-back fights washed over him all at once.
I'll experiment later.
His eyes drifted shut.
—
Outside the ball, Lanny's experience as a professional trainer carried him through the rest of the match. Even without a type advantage, defeating Misty's last Pokémon in a 2v1 scenario was straightforward.
From Misty's hand, he accepted the glinting Cascade Badge without lingering, heading straight back to his hotel.
He turned the rented Poké Ball over in his hand, expression complicated.
He'd only intended to grab a type counter for this match, but somehow, he'd ended up with a monster.
Thinking of his own ace Pokémon back at HQ, he had to admit that at the same age, it hadn't been anywhere near as strong as this Flaaffy.
A spark of determination lit in his eyes. Working as Dark Star's embedded agent in the League gave him access to both the organization's support and the League's resources.
One day, he'd raise a partner with the same raw potential.
After all, raising a Pokémon like this was every trainer's dream.
With some reluctance, he transmitted the Poké Ball back to HQ, giving it an S-rank evaluation the highest possible rating in the rental system.
Even if Kael had been raised on rare resources since hatching, Lanny felt this performance deserved recognition. An S-rank would ensure the organization funneled more support his way.
—
In Dark Star's Shadow Battle Facility, a spacious office echoed with the soft ding of an app notification.
Kaise, lounging in his chair, tapped the alert. A grin split his face.
"Back already? And an S-rank?"
A booming laugh filled the room. "Ha! I knew my choice wouldn't disappoint!"
—
Kael stirred from sleep, stretching luxuriously. Every ache from battle was gone and healed completely. He was back at HQ.
Suddenly, the electricity in his body pulsed erratically, drawn toward something. His eyes narrowed, following the magnetic pull.
A yellow diamond lay in the corner of his Poké Ball's inner space.
Its dazzling glow practically overflowed with high-grade Electric-type energy, the smooth surface reflecting his own image back at him.
He understood instantly that this was his mission reward.
The Gym battle had given him experience, but no tangible loot. That didn't fit Kaise's way of running the rental system. And after the performance he'd put on, some kind of bonus was only fair.
Wrapping his hooves around the gem, a cool, refreshing sensation spread through his chest. The scent was intoxicating, sweet, and tempting like holding a perfect dessert.
He couldn't resist. Carefully, he channeled a current into it.
The response was instant like touching a spark to a powder keg. Pure, concentrated electricity surged into him in an endless stream.
Kael shuddered with pleasure, curling around the gem like a newborn clinging to its first meal, drinking in every drop.
In the quiet dark of his Poké Ball, the crystal orb on his tail pulsed rhythmically with blue light, the faint hum of flowing electricity filling the space.
—
Elsewhere, in a neat, understated office, a man in a sharp suit flipped through documents while a poised, secretary-like woman stood nearby.
Feeling the warm air, he loosened his tie. "July already, huh… Aya, how's the Battle Tower prep coming?"
"Almost ready, sir. Just one issue the low-tier gatekeepers from last year need replacing."
"Not a problem. As long as the high floors are solid, just rent a few from HQ's storage to fill the lower tiers."
"Yes, Minister."
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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