"It seems like this world is far from simple..." Ethan Black sighed lightly as he continued watching the report about the typhoon.
At the end of the report, the Trainers Guild not only requested a large amount of supplies but also called on trainers to come to Ashfield City to help repel the invading Pokémon.
"Can intermediate-level trainers also participate?"
Upon seeing the note at the end of the report, Ethan Black narrowed his eyes.
He then scrolled to the first image of the article, a photograph of the Pokémon invasion in the city. After examining it carefully, he indeed noticed several silhouettes of Shellder.
"How many Shellder are there!"
"Although those with the hidden ability must be one in a hundred, or even one in a thousand... with such a large number, there should definitely be at least one or two!"
Ethan Black's eyes sparkled intensely; suddenly, he felt this could be the best place to find a Shellder with the Overcoat ability.
Convinced of this, he immediately turned off his phone and rushed to the Trainers Guild, where he could sign up to participate in the rescue operation.
When he arrived, he saw several trucks loading supplies. Trainers were arriving one by one; after a quick registration, they boarded the buses.
Ethan Black ran to the registration point and presented his intermediate-level trainer certificate.
The process was very smooth. Since it was an emergency, once his status was confirmed, a volunteer quickly assigned him to one of the buses.
Once the trucks were loaded with supplies, the caravan set off toward Ashfield City, the disaster-stricken area.
...
Ashfield City
When the rescue team from Ironvale City arrived, the heavy rain had already started to decrease.
The vehicles were driving along the coastal road. In the distance, waves of tens of meters were crashing against the shore.
Every time the water receded, stranded Pokémon like Magikarp or Carvanha could be seen on the coast, waiting for the next wave.
"Since when have there been so many Pokémon on the coastline?" murmured one of the trainers with a serious expression.
Although they knew that many wild Pokémon existed in nature, this magnitude was only seen during an invasion from a Secret Kingdom.
"In the depths of the ocean, Pokémon have long dominated the territory," sighed the captain of the rescue team, his gaze fixed on the open sea.
Soon, the vehicles stopped in front of a collapsed bridge. From the overflowing river, seawater continued flooding the city.
A large number of wild Pokémon had entered the city through here.
"From here, we can only continue on foot."
"All rescue personnel should come and collect special Poké Balls from the League. Start capturing the uncontrolled Pokémon in the city."
"Then, the League will assign contribution points based on the number of captures. These points can be exchanged for materials to train Pokémon."
The rescue team captain got out of the vehicle and started handing out the special Poké Balls.
"Of course, if you come across a Pokémon you're interested in, you can also use your own Poké Balls. Consider it a bonus for helping with the rescue."
Upon hearing this, the eyes of the trainers gleamed. Most had come hoping to capture a Water-type Pokémon.
After all, obtaining a Pokémon wasn't easy. Whether buying one from a breeding center or catching one in breeding zones, the cost was high.
If they could catch one during the mission, even better!
Ethan Black already knew this from online research. It was an implicit incentive used by the League to attract trainers to help.
"It seems that this time I might actually catch a Shellder with the Overcoat ability."
He opened his backpack and checked his six empty Poké Balls. Seeing them well stored, he smiled.
The operation was quickly organized. Each team would be led by an advanced-level trainer and composed of ten novice trainers.
"Hey, Ethan!"
Just as the distribution was happening, he heard someone calling his name. He looked curiously.
He saw several familiar faces from the Pokémon Nightstar Club, the ring leaders of the club. It was Ashley Morgan who had called him, the same person he competed against in the Devon Corporation tournament.
"You guys came too?"
Ethan Black walked over, greeting them.
"That question should be asked by me. What's a student doing here?" replied Ashley Morgan, raising an eyebrow.
"I just want to see if I can catch a Water-type Pokémon... and while I'm at it, help the people," he answered, shrugging.
"I see. We didn't come to capture Pokémon; our captain brought us here for training," explained Ashley Morgan with a nod.
"Are you Ethan Black?"
"Then you're already an honorary member of our club! This training mission will count on you too."
At that moment, a woman dressed in military uniform approached. Before Ethan Black could refuse, she spoke with the captain of the rescue team and took the eleven members, including Ethan Black.
"Hey... why do I have to go with you too?" Ethan Black finally asked, unable to contain himself.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself!"
"My name is Rachel Blake, Pokémon Hunter."
Instead of responding, the woman introduced herself with a mischievous smile.
"Pokémon Hunter?"
Ethan Black's eyes widened.
He couldn't believe this young, lively woman was really a Pokémon Hunter...
(End of chapter)