One Week of Collapse
The next seven days passed like a slow, merciless execution.
And Leon Ashford was the one tied to the pole.
The World Turns Its Back on Leon Ashford
Social media did not forgive.
It devoured.
Every platform was flooded with clips, analysis threads, and trainer commentaries:
"This isn't strict training. This is abuse.""Beginner Pokémon need bonding, not torture.""If he treats a Torchic like this, what about others?"
Leon's name became synonymous with failure, cruelty, and false talent.
Sponsors vanished overnight.
Former classmates avoided him.
Even trainers who once admired him spat when his name was mentioned.
Aetherfall Royal Pokémon Academy Acts
Behind closed doors, the Academy convened an emergency council.
Leon Ashford's file was opened.
Past complaints.
Training records.
Behavioral reports.
The verdict came swiftly.
Official Notice – Aetherfall Royal Pokémon Academy
Leon Ashford's full scholarship is hereby revoked due to conduct unbecoming of a future trainer.
In recognition of past performance, the Academy grants one final probationary chance.
Failure to demonstrate ethical training and stable growth will result in permanent cancellation of admission.
Leon read the mail three times.
Then his hands started shaking.
"No… no no no…"
His scholarship—gone.
His safety net—destroyed.
Without it, Aetherfall was no longer a dream.
It was a cliff.
And he was already falling.
News Headline That Broke Him
As if fate itself was mocking him, the next headline went viral:
"Rescued Torchic Bonds with New Trainer — Shows Rapid Recovery"
The video showed Torchic.
Healthy.
Energetic.
Laughing.
Standing proudly beside a calm, gentle trainer.
The comments were merciless.
"So it wasn't weak—Leon was.""Look how fast it recovered once it escaped.""Some people don't deserve Pokémon."
Leon slammed the screen shut.
His chest felt tight.
That Torchic…
His Torchic…
Runcandel Mansion – Calm Before the Storm
Alex stood by the window, sunlight falling across his face.
A familiar blue screen appeared.
System Notice:
Host has damaged Leon Ashford's reputation.
Scholarship to Aetherfall Royal Pokémon Academy revoked.
Leon Ashford entered a state of desperation.
Luck Decrease: Leon Ashford – 1500
Host Gains: 15,000 points
Total System Points: 46,000
Alex exhaled slowly.
"So his luck is down to 1500 now…"
He checked another panel in his mind.
Host Luck: 6500
A quiet chuckle escaped his lips.
"There's still a lot of fat sheep left."
His eyes turned cold.
"I'll remove it slowly. Painfully."
He turned away from the window.
Leon Ashford was no longer a rival.
He was prey.
Somewhere in the City – Leon's Desperation
Leon sat alone in a dark room.
No Pokémon.
No support.
No plan.
"Money… I need money…"
His eyes darted around wildly.
Black markets.
Illegal battles.
Shady sponsors.
"I'll get it back… I have to…"
Unbeknownst to him—
Every desperate step he was about to take
would only tighten the noose around his neck.
The board is set.
Alex is calm.
Leon is desperate.
The Academy is watching.