After Aron collapsed in a cloud of dust, the small battlefield echoed only with May's heavy breathing and Alex's pounding heartbeat. The young girl clenched the last Pokéball tightly in her hand, sweat beading on her forehead, but her gaze remained unwavering.
"Torchic… it's all thanks to you." May's voice was low but filled with burning determination.
The Pokéball opened, releasing a burst of white light that faded to reveal a small Torchic with sleek orange feathers and bright, sparkling eyes. It let out a soft cry, tilting its head as it observed its opponent.
Alex didn't let May's resolve linger for long. Raising a slight eyebrow, he extended his hand forward as if drawing an invisible line for his next command. "Rocky, Bullet Punch — finish this match."
The moment the order left Alex's lips, Riolu shot up like a lightning bolt from the ground. Its feet landed with crisp sounds, kicking up dust with every step. The air around its right arm shimmered and flashed silver as it clenched its fist, gathering all its power into a single strike.
The punch came down so fast that it was almost impossible for the naked eye to follow. A sharp thud rang out, and Torchic was knocked back, its eyes dimming before its small body collapsed onto the ground.
In Alex's mind, the familiar chime echoed: "Ding dong — congratulations, owner. Mission complete. Reward: 1000 points."
He exhaled, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Haha, both your Aron and Torchic show great potential." His voice was calm and sincere, devoid of arrogance. He stepped closer to May, his shadow stretching long in the late afternoon sun. "You're still at the beginning stage. When they evolve, their power will be very different."
May took a deep breath, her fair skin tinged pink. "Yes… I'll do my best." Her voice was soft but resolute. Alex understood well that a new trainer like her might lose battles, but her spirit remained unyielding — that was the true value.
The match ended, and they both left the battlefield, heading toward the trail into Petalburg Woods. The green canopy intertwined overhead, golden sunlight filtering through leaves and casting patches of light on the damp earth scented with fresh grass and fallen leaves. Birds chirped, and leaves rustled, composing a gentle melody.
On the way, May suddenly asked, "Alex, if Aron is that slow, what should I do when facing fast opponents?"
Alex looked ahead, his tone steady as if recounting an old story: "That's a weakness of its body. Even when it evolves into Lairon or Aggron, speed will still be limited. The best way is to create obstacles, block the path, or force the opponent to slow down, then counterattack."
May nodded slightly, her short hair swaying with each step. "But… I still think your Riolu is much stronger."
Alex glanced over, meeting her clear but not naive eyes. He silently agreed — May had noticed what many overlooked: true strength always emanates from one's aura. Like when a beggar and a billionaire walk into the same hotel — no introduction needed, everyone senses the difference.
"You just need patience and training. Aron will grow in its own way." Alex smiled.
They continued through the forest and emerged onto Route 104. It was livelier here, with groups of trainers chatting or training. In the distance, the sound of flowing water caught May's attention.
Approaching, they saw a large fountain surrounded by a few locals. At the water's edge, an old man wearing a hat was kneeling, his hands plunging into the cool water, face full of worry.
"Sir, what are you looking for?" May stepped forward and asked.
"I… dropped a floating ring into this pond. I've searched everywhere but can't find it."
Without hesitation, May rolled up her sleeves. "Let me help."
She jumped into the pond; the cold water spread across her body. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, she called out Aron. "Aron, bite a hole here to drain some water."
The sound of teeth clinking against rock rang rapidly. Water began to drain, carrying leaves, twigs, and a golden round object caught in the outlet pipe — the lost floating ring.
May retrieved it and handed it to the old man, then called out Torchic to warm him gently. "Please take good care of it."
The old man kept thanking them. Alex stood silently, eyes sharp. He recognized the man — Mr. Stone, chairman of Devon Corporation. From afar, five figures in dark blue uniforms were approaching — members of Team Aqua.
Alex's system sounded again in his mind:[Mission objective]: Protect May and Mr. Stone, defeat Team Aqua members.[Reward]: 1000 points.[Penalty]: None.