《Pokemon: Legacy》 1. Retirement --- In Paldea, during a live stream with only a handful of viewers, a cheerful and vibrant voice echoed. "Get ready to be caught in the electrifying web of excitement! Who''s here to narrate? It''s Griffith!" "Good morning, afternoon, and evening, everyone! Hello!" "Today, I''ll take you all through the final moments of the Paldea Pok¨¦mon League Champion Assessment!" "This battle features Trainer Eric versus Geeta, the Chairwoman of the Paldea League and the Top Champion!" As thrilling background music played, the camera zoomed in, revealing the battle unfolding atop the Pok¨¦mon League''s pinnacle northwest of Mesagoza. Sparks flew across the battlefield, and upon closer inspection, the ground was littered with faintly glowing, poisonous spikes. Two battered Pok¨¦mon faced each other in a tense standoff. One Pok¨¦mon had crystalline petals that exuded an aura of mystery and danger. The other had a powerful black mane that radiated strength. Despite being poisoned, its blazing golden eyes shone with unshakable resolves, like the sun piercing through storm clouds. On the left, a clean-cut young man, roughly 18 years old and clad in casual wear, broke the silence. "Wild Charge!" Luxray''s eyes gleamed, and its body surged with electricity, wrapping it in a golden, electrified coat of armour. The poison coursing through its veins didn''t deter its determination. In an instant, Luxray became a streak of lightning racing toward Glimmora, scorching the ground in its wake. On the right, an impeccably dressed woman with jet-black hair, exuding an air of elegance and command, calmly countered, "Sludge Wave!" A wave of poisonous sludge erupted, consuming everything in its path and halting Luxray''s advance. Yet, Luxray''s unyielding gaze remained locked onto its opponent, resonating deeply with its trainer, Eric. Memories of their journey together flashed through Luxray''s mind, reigniting its spirit. Summoning strength from deep within, Luxray pushed forward, teeth gritted, until it collided with its target. A golden storm of lightning erupted, engulfing the entire battlefield. The Paldea League headquarters trembled, and the air filled with an acrid, unpleasant odour a mix of toxins and burning electricity.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Amidst the chaos, Eric and Luxray shared a smile, their focus unwavering. From their vantage point, they could see Geeta''s Glimmora collapse, unable to maintain its levitating form. It fell to the now-ruined battlefield, utterly defeated. A new Champion-level Trainer was born. --- After the battle "I''m planning to retire," Eric declared. Having passed the Champion Assessment and earning the title of Champion-level Trainer, Eric stunned Geeta by rejecting her offer to join the Paldea League. Geeta massaged her temples, her expression unreadable. "Champion Eric, do you understand what you''re saying?" Eric replied without hesitation, "I do. My decision won''t change." Geeta sighed deeply and asked, "Why? You''ve achieved incredible growth in just one year. You have immense potential why give it up?" Eric averted his gaze for a moment, sensing his next words might test Geeta''s usually composed demeanour. But under her piercing stare, he finally relented and raised his hands in surrender. "You''re aware of my background. Becoming a Trainer was a twist of fate. My real dream is to run a small shop or farm and live a peaceful rural life." He smiled softly. "Now that I''ve proven myself as a Champion-level Trainer, I have the confidence and courage to pursue that dream." Geeta took a deep breath. Though she could understand Eric''s reasoning, losing such a talented Trainer still weighed heavily on her. "Very well, your reasoning has convinced me. However, I have one request." Eric tilted his head, signalling her to continue. "You are a strong Trainer and the only one in recent years to pass the Champion Assessment. If a crisis arises in Paldea that I cannot handle alone, I hope you will assist me as a private request." This time, Eric nodded without hesitation. "No problem." --- In Los Platos Fifteen days had passed since the battle at the League, a fight is known to only a select few. Eric, now a Champion-level Trainer, had not taken on any official duties. Life in the peaceful town of Los Platos continued as usual. In the town centre, a young man wearing a casual T-shirt, shorts, and sunglasses strolled out of a stylish building, clutching two documents: a Land Ownership Certificate and a Construction Permit. Eric''s eyes were nearly filled with tears. Who would have thought buying land in the Pok¨¦mon world could be so complicated? It had taken seven gruelling days to get these papers from the mayor''s office. Perhaps he should have swallowed his pride and asked for help earlier was saving face really worth it? But as Eric arrived at the plot of land he had drained his savings to purchase, leaving only enough to care for his Pok¨¦mon, his eyes sparkled with excitement. This was it. The Pok¨¦mon world wasn''t just about battling. There was also the joy of living a tranquil life alongside your beloved partners. In the warmth of the sun, Eric envisioned petting his steadfast Luxray, teasing his sassy Serperior, riding his dependable Dragonite, and watching his Aegislash chef battle Swampert over cooking techniques. "Now, I can enjoy my life, I hope nothing troublesome happens" But his idyllic thoughts were interrupted by an unexpected message. [Ding! Special Prompt System Activated!] [Mission: Cultivate the current host into the strongest Trainer of this era a true Champion!] ???? "Fuck!!!" Eric froze his face a mixture of shock and mild annoyance. If one looked closely, there was even a hint of disdain in his eyes. "I already became a Champion-level Trainer on my own. What''s the point of this now? All you''re doing is disturbing my peaceful retirement!" --- Thank you for reading! 2. System ---- Eric didn''t actually dislike the system. It was just that this so-called "cheat" had arrived far too late. Even the laziest Tauros on the farm would have shaken its head in disappointment. As Eric quietly griped in his heart, the Special Prompt System seemed to experience an unexpected hiccup. After a brief pause, a message slowly appeared: [Based on an analysis, while the host is indeed the weakest among Champions, you are indeed a bona fide Champion-level Trainer. Has this system arrived too late?] "What do you mean by ''weakest''?" Eric retorted, his voice sharp and sarcastic. He wasn''t blind to the fact that Geeta hadn''t gone all out in their battle, but hearing the system mock him still left him feeling a little sour. As if ignoring his protest, the system entered another crash state while Eric walked his newly acquired land. Occasionally, phrases like [Performing self-diagnostics] would flash briefly. Eric didn''t pay it much mind. His years of experience surfing the web told him he likely couldn''t get rid of the system. He might as well focus on something productive instead. After touring the undeveloped property and pondering where to build various facilities, the system suddenly chimed in again: [Binding complete. Although the host has achieved the title of Champion, there is still ample room for improvement. Why not embark on a journey to other regions?] "You make a good point, but I''ll have to decline," Eric said firmly, waving off the playful text dancing in front of him. [¡­] The system went silent again. Observing its behaviour, Eric realized this wasn''t some rigid, mechanical system like the ones he''d read about in novels. It felt more like a mischievous conversational partner with its own personality. Still, from its exaggerated attempts to get his attention, Eric could tell it had no authority or ability to force him into anything. Besides its occasional advice, the system''s main function seemed to be... comic relief. Eric found this arrangement ideal. If it had forced missions on him, he would''ve flat-out refused even if it meant abandoning his newfound freedom. After all, he''d worked hard to escape the grind of 9-to-5 jobs, constant overtime, and even working on holidays like New Year''s Eve.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. All he wanted now was to live a peaceful, relaxing life as a simple farm owner. --- Humming a familiar tune, Eric strolled through the property like a retired man enjoying his golden years. His destination was a quaint, three-story house the only building standing on the vast land he had purchased. The house, though weathered by time, had a certain charm. According to the mayor of Los Platos, it had once belonged to an elderly couple who had no children. They lived here peacefully until they both passed away a few years ago. In their will, the couple had stipulated that their land and house be donated to the town. If the town decided to sell the property, the proceeds were to be used for the community''s development. Eric had managed to purchase this underutilized yet highly promising property because of this unusual arrangement. After touring the house, Eric quickly grew fond of it. The building, covering roughly 200 square meters, included all the essentials: bedrooms, a kitchen, and even a rooftop terrace where he could grow flowers or enjoy the sun. Though old, it was his dream home. With a deep breath, Eric decided to clean up the place. Once the dust was cleared and the furniture refurbished, it would be ready to live in. Some items, however, were beyond repair and would need to be discarded. He planned to visit the town later to buy new bedding and supplies so he could move in that very night. Realizing that some of the heavier items might be too much for him alone, Eric retrieved a Pok¨¦ Ball from his belt. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he pressed the button. With a flash of red light, a robust Swampert appeared. Its fierce expression suggested it could topple mountains or make any challenger tremble, but the moment it met Eric''s warm gaze, its demeanour softened visibly. "Swampert, could you help me move these things outside to air out in the sun?" Eric gestured to a pile of furniture coated in dust and emanating a musty odour tables, chairs, a sofa, and a few sealed cardboard boxes. "Swamp!" (Yes, boss) Swampert nodded, lifting the heavy sofa with its powerful arms as though it weighed nothing, and carried it outside. "Alright, let''s get to work!" Eric rolled up his sleeves and approached the boxes, intending to inspect their contents under the sunlight. If they contained items of sentimental value related to the elderly couple, he''d bring them to their gravesite. If not, he''d sort them for practical use on the farm. After all, having spent nearly all his savings on this land, Eric needed to budget carefully for the future. As he reached for one box, the system interrupted: [In the third box from the left in front of your right hand, there is a mysterious crystal that can significantly enhance your strength.] Eric paused, raising an eyebrow. Curious, he crouched in front of the indicated box. A tool knife in hand, he sliced through the tape and began sifting through the contents. Before long, he found the so-called "mysterious crystal." Encased in a bright blue crystalline shell, the inner material was a dull grey-black ore. Despite the dust covering it, the crystal gleamed faintly under the sunlight. "This... is it?" Eric murmured, recognition dawning on his face. Of all the items the system might have mentioned, he hadn''t expected this: a Terastal Orb Raw Core, a crucial material unique to the Paldea region and essential for Terastallization. ---- Author''s Note: The system primarily serves as a comedic sidekick and occasional advisor. Its role will remain secondary, as the protagonist''s real "cheat" is his own strength and deep understanding of Pok¨¦mon. --- Thank you for reading! 3. Terastallization --- As a phenomenon exclusive to the Paldea region, Terastallization stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, and Dynamax as one of the Pok¨¦mon world''s defining "special systems." Its effects are extraordinary, allowing a Pok¨¦mon to temporarily change its type. Whether transforming a Dragon-type into a Fairy-type or a Fire-type into a Water-type, the possibilities are endless. Along with this type change comes a Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) for the new type''s moves, greatly enhancing the Pok¨¦mon''s combat potential. In the current timeline of the Paldea region, as Eric knew, Terastallization had already been researched and developed by Professor Sada and Turo. However, due to the limited availability of raw materials, the system had yet to be widely implemented. During his battle with Geeta, neither of them had used Terastallization. While Geeta, as the Top Champion, undoubtedly had access to a Tera Orb, Eric did not. Now, in his hands was a pristine Tera Orb Raw Core, encased in a shimmering crystalline shell formed by the underground energy unique to Paldea. Its value was immense so much so that selling it could lift Eric from the brink of poverty back into comfortable living. Sell it to Geeta! The idea flashed through Eric''s mind. However, before he could act on it, the Special Prompt System went berserk, flooding his vision with messages: [I know you''re thinking of selling it. Don''t. You. Dare.] [With this, your Pok¨¦mon''s strength can improve even more! Why would you sell it?] [Please, I''m begging you not to sell it. I promise I''ll help you with your farm construction in return!] [This is my one and only request!] "¡­" "Stop begging, just how desperate are you? This is the first time I have seen a system like you!" [You know other systems?] He ignored that but Eric was speechless. ''What kind of pitiful, desperate system was this? It made me feel like I was bullying it'' "Alright, fine. I''ll keep it. But only if you promise to always be at my service when I need a prompt." [Of course! No problem at all!] The system''s delight was practically tangible, as its messages practically danced across Eric''s vision. Sighing, Eric accepted the system as part of his life. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. It seemed harmless and even amusing at times a decent companion to stave off boredom. After helping Swampert move all the dusty furniture and boxes outside to air out, Eric gave his Pok¨¦mon a fist bump and grinned. "Thanks for your hard work. We''ll have a big feast tonight. For now, take a well-deserved rest." "Swammmm... pert!!" Swampert nodded and gently tapped its Pok¨¦ Ball, returning itself in a flash of red light. Stretching his arms, Eric glanced around the area. The dusty furniture and the now-opened boxes lay scattered across the ground. After thoroughly examining the contents, he found little use mostly old photographs of the elderly couple who once owned the land. Eric decided to bring these mementoes to their graves later. In one of the boxes, he also found several unlabeled bags of seeds likely for flowers or other plants. Unfortunately, the seeds were no longer viable. They hadn''t been preserved properly, and even if they had, too much time had passed. The only real treasure was the Tera Orb Raw Core in his hands. Turning it over thoughtfully, Eric hesitated before taking out his phone and dialling a number. Ring¡­ ring. The call was quickly answered. "Well, this is a surprise. What made you think to call me today, Champion Eric?" The voice on the other end belonged to none other than Geeta, the Top Champion and Chairwoman of the Paldea League. "I''ve retired, Chairwoman. Just call me Eric," he corrected, exasperated. Geeta, unfazed, let out a soft chuckle. She had been keeping an eye on Eric ever since his rise to prominence. Their conversations had grown more casual over time, and Eric spoke to her without the nervousness others might feel. "So, what''s the reason for this call?" she asked, her tone curious. Eric got straight to the point. "I found a Tera Orb Raw Core. I''d like your help in getting it forged into a usable Tera Orb." Geeta''s demeanour immediately shifted to seriousness. A Tera Orb Raw Core was an extremely rare find. The fact that Eric wasn''t looking to sell it but instead wanted it crafted meant he hadn''t entirely given up on the path of a Trainer & maybe he will help her in future troubles. A plan quickly formed in Geeta''s mind. Clearing her throat, she said with a smile, "Arranging that is no problem. However¡­ do you know how expensive it is to craft a Tera Orb?" Eric froze. ''Wasn''t a Tera Orb supposed to be standard equipment for new Trainers in the future? How expensive could it possibly be?'' Then it hit him. This was the early days of Crystallization. Mass production hadn''t yet begun, and the technology hadn''t been optimized. Just like cutting-edge tech in his previous world, materials and production costs were astronomical in the experimental phase. "Uh¡­ how much would it cost if I provided the raw material?" he asked cautiously. Geeta smiled. "Selling the land you just bought should just about cover it." "Sssss¡­ this much?" Eric drew in a sharp breath. Forget it! He couldn''t afford to sell his land not even for this. Just as he was about to abandon the idea, Geeta interrupted, her tone taking on a playful edge. "But it''s not an unsolvable problem." Eric''s ears perked up. "What''s the catch?" "I''ll cover the cost of crafting the Tera Orb, but I have one condition." "What condition?" "In exchange, I want you to take on a position as a Battle Instructor at Naranja Academy in Mesagoza. Our current instructor is on leave, and as the Academy''s Chairwoman, I''ve been struggling to find a suitable replacement. You''re perfect for the role." Eric hesitated. ''Teaching? Wouldn''t I be a terrible influence on Paldea''s future Trainers?'' Before he could decline, Geeta added, "The position only requires two battle classes per week, so it won''t take up much of your time. Mesagoza is close to Los Platos and with your Dragonite, it''s a short Path. Plus, I''ll pay you a regular instructor''s salary, which can help fund your farm." Eric''s resolve wavered. Her offer was almost too good to be true. Short hours, extra income, and a free Tera Orb without compromising his dream of running a peaceful farm. Was there any reason to refuse? None. "Alright, Chairwoman. When do I start?" ---- Thank you for reading! 4. Battle instructor ---- Eric''s tone of eager anticipation was so obvious that even Geeta, on the other end of the phone, couldn''t help but sense it. ''It seemed like someone was feeling the pinch of financial stress'' Geeta''s lips curled into a knowing smile as she said slowly, "No need to rush. Naranja Academy is currently on break, and classes won''t start until spring, about a month from now." "This gives you just enough time to complete the initial construction on your farm and move one step closer to your dream." "As for the Tera Orb, the Lighthouse Research Station in South Province Area One, run by Professors Sada and Turo, is close to Cascarrafa. I''ll take care of the costs and arrangements, but such a precious item would be safest delivered by you personally." [Host, don''t you feel like this woman has... ulterior motives?] Eric''s smile froze momentarily, and he awkwardly responded in his mind. ''You think I''m stupid? I''ve seen more schemes than you''ve probably had hosts. I know what she''s after. But fair is fair, and I''m jumping into this willingly!'' ''Do you even understand the value of a cushy government teaching job with just two classes a week and a decent paycheck? This is every overworked worker''s dream besides outright retirement!'' The system went silent for a moment before interjecting with a sulky: [Well, I''ve always worked 24/7, so I wouldn''t know, I hope that I also get some benefits] Eric: ¡­ Not knowing how to respond to that, Eric shook his head and got back to business. He professionally confirmed the job details with Geeta, including the start date, salary, and other benefits. Only after she hung up did Eric allow himself to cheer. "Yes!" Not only had he solved his utility bill problems, but he''d even have leftover funds to spare. Geeta had promised him a monthly salary of 50,000 Pok¨¦dollars, even during the probation period. The workload was light, and Eric couldn''t have been more satisfied. Sure, it might not align perfectly with the status of a Champion-level Trainer, but Eric had long since stopped caring about appearances. Tasks that required flaunting his title usually came with equally annoying responsibilities.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. With the regional economy fairly balanced, the prices of Pok¨¦mon-related goods such as Pok¨¦ Balls were higher than in the games he''d played before his reincarnation but still affordable for the average person. The land Eric had purchased, located at the edge of the wild with mountain, river, and forest access, had cost him only 2,000,000 Pok¨¦dollars a steal compared to the exorbitant prices in major cities like Lumiose or Motostoke. As Eric mulled over his farm''s future layout while holding the Tera Orb Raw Core, a question crossed his mind. "By the way, do you have a system space or storage feature?" Such a valuable item felt risky to keep on him, but leaving it unattended at home wasn''t any better. [Sorry... I don''t have those functions.] For some reason, the system''s response felt... almost Embarrassed. Sighing, Eric decided not to press the issue. Instead, he began rummaging through the boxes for a solution. "I think there was a small bag in here somewhere..." After some searching, Eric''s eyes lit up as he found a sturdy, handwoven satchel. Likely crafted by the late couple who once lived here, the bag was simple but practical. Being pragmatic, Eric didn''t feel any discomfort using the belongings of the deceased. He carefully placed the Tera Orb Raw Core into the satchel, adjusted the straps, and slung it securely across his chest. "That''ll do for now. Time to head into town and grab some supplies." --- Under a starry sky illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, a gust of wind swept through the farm. An orange blur descended from above, accompanied by the slightly exasperated voice of a young man. "Slow down, Dragonite! You''ve got tonight''s dinner on you!" Eric pushed open the broken gate to his soon-to-be farm while a muscular Luxray followed, its back laden with supplies. "Luuu~" (I am sorry!) A deep, gentle call echoed as a round-bodied Dragonite shuffled nervously behind them, its small wings flapping guiltily. Eric sighed, immediately guessing what was going through Dragonite''s head. It wasn''t his speed he was annoyed about it was the risk of breaking the fragile bottles and containers Dragonite was carrying. ''How had the clever little Dratini he''d raised evolved into such an overeager oaf?'' Still, as Dragonite extended its arms in a sheepish plea for forgiveness, Eric couldn''t stay mad. He thought of the days when it was just a tiny Pok¨¦mon hatching from its egg and let out a resigned sigh, giving Dragonite a light hug. "Drooo~" "Alright, you''re forgiven. Now let''s get to work." Eric took the bundles of household goods from Luxray''s back, which he''d need for the night. Dragonite, meanwhile, carried the food supplies and seasonings. "Luxray, Dragonite, head around back and find Aegislash hand over the food, and he''ll take it from there," Eric instructed. "Rawr!" "Luuu!" The two Pok¨¦mon answered enthusiastically before bounding off toward Aegislash, who was already prepping for the night''s feast. The mental image of sizzling, perfectly grilled skewers filled their minds. Coated in spices, dripping with juices, and served steaming hot just the thought had them salivating. ---- Thank you for reading! 5. Professor Sada --- The Next Morning South Province, Area One ¨C Lighthouse Research Station Dressed casually, Eric knocked on the research station''s sturdy door. Knock, knock, knock. The soft rapping was soon answered by the sound of quick, energetic footsteps from within. "Coming!" Eric''s sharp ears picked up the voice of a young boy, and moments later, the door swung open to reveal a ten-year-old with smooth, sandy-brown hair. Eric immediately recognized the child. His brows raised slightly as his mind connected the dots: Arven, one of the main characters from the Pok¨¦mon Scarlet and Violet storyline. "Welcome home, Dad!" Arven''s cheerful greeting came to an abrupt halt the moment he realized he''d greeted the wrong person. His face flushed bright red, the blush creeping from his neck to the tips of his ears. "Uh... uh... Not dad?" Embarrassed beyond words, Arven let out an awkward nasal hum. Eric, meanwhile, couldn''t believe what he''d just heard. His composed expression twisted into something between amusement and disbelief. Before either of them could fully process the situation, another set of footsteps echoed through the hall. A short, sturdy figure bolted out from deeper within the research station. With a growl, it launched itself directly at Eric. "GRRRRUFF!! It was a Mabosstiff, snarling with protective fury, clearly intent on defending Arven from this supposed intruder. Eric quickly assessed the situation. Over the past year, during his time camping in the wild to save money for his Pok¨¦mon, he had experienced countless sudden ambushes. This time, however, something was different. Instead of dodging, he softly said, "Don''t hurt it, Mimikyu." "KYUU... HIHIHI... KYUKUKU..." (Hehehe..Come here..) A chilling, ghostly laugh echoed from Eric''s side as a shadowy claw, infused with powerful Ghost-type energy, materialized from thin air. In one fluid motion, the Shadow Claw intercepted Mabosstiff mid-air, lifting it harmlessly into the air.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The startled Mabosstiff froze, clearly unprepared for this turn of events. How had this Pok¨¦mon appeared without it noticing? It growled and thrashed, determined to protect its young trainer, but no matter how hard it struggled, the Shadow Claw remained unyielding. "GRRR... BOSSSTIFF!!" Hearing Mabosstiff''s growls, Arven opened his eyes to the sight of his Pok¨¦mon suspended mid-air. Realizing Eric must be a Trainer and that Mabosstiff was no match for the seemingly spectral Mimikyu Arven quickly turned to Eric, his tone pleading. "Uncle, please don''t hurt Mabosstiff. It''s only trying to protect me." ''Uncle? Do I look that old?'' Before Eric could respond, a commanding voice cut through the tension. "What is going on out here?!" A woman strode out of the research station, her presence commanding attention. She radiated confidence, her white lab coat billowing slightly as she moved. Her sharp gaze immediately took in the scene of her son looking anxious, Mabosstiff restrained mid-air, and Eric standing calmly at the centre of it all. As the situation registered, her maternal instincts flared to life. Her eyes narrowed, and in a single motion, she grabbed a Pok¨¦ Ball from her lab coat. No matter who this man was, Professor Sada, one of Paldea''s renowned Professors, would not let anyone harm her son or his Pok¨¦mon. Eric sighed internally, recognizing the misunderstanding. He knew that if this continued, things could spiral out of control. He wasn''t afraid of Professor Sada or the potential Pok¨¦mon in her Pok¨¦ Ball not even if it was one of the legendary Paradox Pok¨¦mon. However, letting the misunderstanding escalate wasn''t worth the trouble. "I mean no harm. This is all a misunderstanding," Eric said calmly. To demonstrate his sincerity, he signalled to Mimikyu, who promptly released Mabosstiff. The Pok¨¦mon landed lightly on the ground, confused but unharmed. Eric turned his attention to Professor Sada. Despite the lab coat, she exuded an aura of untamed strength. Beneath her coat, she wore what appeared to be an outfit made of animal hide, accentuated by a necklace of sharp, gleaming teeth. Seeing Eric''s composed demeanour, Professor Sada''s suspicion eased slightly. She protectively placed herself between Eric and Arven, shielding her son and Mabosstiff. With a firm but less aggressive tone, she asked, "Mind explaining why you were at my research station''s front door, looking like you were about to attack my son and his Pok¨¦mon?" Eric wasn''t offended by Professor Sada''s hostility. In fact, he found it admirable a mother''s instinct to protect her child. After carefully organizing his thoughts, Eric replied, "I was sent here by Chairwoman Geeta." Hearing Geeta''s name, Professor Sada''s tension eased further. Still, she turned to Arven, who had been nervously fidgeting by her side. "Arven, is that true?" Finally given a chance to speak, Arven nodded vigorously. " Yes!, Mom!, It''s all just a misunderstanding, Everything happened so fast, but this uncle didn''t do anything wrong!" Again Uncle? Professor Sada exhaled deeply, the protective edge in her posture melting away. She ruffled Arven''s neat hair, leaving it in disarray. "You scared me half to death, you rascal," she said gruffly, though her voice carried a hint of relief. Arven, however, sulked and crouched next to Mabosstiff, clearly annoyed. Turning back to Eric, Professor Sada said apologetically, "I''m sorry. We may have overreacted. Please accept my apologies." "There''s no need for that," Eric said quickly, waving off her attempt to bow. Seeing his sincerity, Professor Sada dropped the matter. Efficient and direct as always, she smoothly changed the subject. "Geeta already informed us about your visit. Don''t worry about the Tera Orb crafting we''ll handle it. That said..." She hesitated briefly before continuing, "My husband had to leave on an errand, so it''ll just be me working on it. What would normally take about a week might stretch to two. Is that alright?" Eric nodded. "I''m not in a rush." Since he was already here, he decided to take the opportunity to explore the legendary professors'' research station. "If it''s not too much trouble, may I take a look around your lab?" Professor Sada blinked in surprise before breaking into a grin. "Of course. Follow me." --- Thank you for reading! 6. Scarlet Book --- "Hi, Uncle! My name''s Arven, and I''m ten years old!" On the way to the research lab, Arven had fully recovered his energy and was now chattering non-stop at Eric''s side. Eric couldn''t help but feel a headache forming. ''This talkative kid¡­ is really going to grow into the slightly melancholic upperclassman Arven from Scarlet and Violet. The change is way too drastic!'' Still, Arven''s chatter wasn''t the problem. Eric had endured far worse during endless, post-work four-hour meetings in his past life. The mere verbal bombardment was nothing. But there was one thing Eric couldn''t stand. When Arven called him "Uncle" for the umpteenth time, Eric finally placed a hand on the boy''s shoulder, a smile playing on his lips. "Have you considered that I might only be about eight years older than you?" "You should just Call me ''Brother.''" Arven hesitated, then mumbled, "Hmm?¡­Brother Eric." Though he preferred calling Eric "Uncle," something about Eric''s smiling expression made him feel like stepping back was the wisest choice. Arven''s mood bounced back quickly, and he resumed his lively chatter, this time peppering his sentences with "Brother Eric" over and over. Finally, Professor Sada, who had been listening quietly, lost her patience. "Enough! Go to your room with Mabosstiff!" Clearly used to his mother''s fiery temper, Arven made a face at her before riding off on Mabosstiff, disappearing around a corner. Professor Sada sighed in exasperation but watched her son with a soft, almost invisible fondness in her eyes. Seeing their interaction, Eric couldn''t help but think of the older, more sorrowful Arven. Even as a child, Arven must have realized something was wrong when his parents disappeared into Area Zero for years, leaving only their AI replacements to contact him. He must have felt the growing distance, sensed that the voices he spoke to weren''t truly his parents. That pain and uncertainty were why his brow was always furrowed in melancholy. Though the AI modelled emotions well, true love was impossible to replicate. It wasn''t until witnessing the protagonists'' journey that Professor Sada''s and Professor Turo''s AI counterparts began to truly understand the meaning of connection. ''Can I change this tragedy?'' The thought struck Eric, and he fell into deep contemplation. Professor Sada noticed the shift in atmosphere and, still feeling guilty for having misjudged Eric earlier, decided to strike up a conversation.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "Do you know why I was so on edge earlier?" she asked suddenly. Eric blinked and pulled out of his thoughts. He hadn''t considered it before, but now that Professor Sada mentioned it, her tension seemed unusual. Paldea was known for being relatively peaceful, with minimal criminal activity compared to other regions. "I''m curious," Eric admitted. Professor Sada''s face grew serious. "The police issued a report recently. A group of criminals from other regions has fled into Paldea. Their targets are children either for ransom or to sell to organizations like Team Rocket or worse. That''s why I was so protective earlier." Eric''s gaze hardened. He had nothing but disdain for those who preyed on children. Though he wasn''t one to seek out trouble, if he crossed paths with such criminals, he wouldn''t hesitate to make them regret their choices. --- Soon, they arrived at the research lab. To Eric''s surprise, the facility didn''t resemble the high-tech, metal-heavy labs he''d expected. Instead, it felt lived-in and comfortable. Sophisticated equipment was present, but so were bookshelves crammed with various texts and personal touches that made the space feel like a home. Noticing Eric''s curious glances, Professor Sada smiled and began to explain. "In addition to crafting Tera Orbs, my husband and I research the ancient legends of Paldea." She gestured toward the room. "The four ancient shrines scattered across the region, the ultimate mystery of the Great Crater of Paldea¡­ I can''t help but get fired up just thinking about them!" Professor Sada''s passion for her work was evident, her entire demeanour lighting up as she spoke. She walked to a bookshelf, pulled out a red-bound book, and lovingly ran her fingers over its cover. "This is the Scarlet Book. It''s one of our most important references." Eric''s pupils contracted slightly as he recognized the book. The Scarlet Book¡­ He remembered its contents vividly. Written over two centuries ago by the explorer Heath, it detailed his expedition to the bottom of the Great Crater Area Zero. The book described strange, fantastical Pok¨¦mon and the mysteries of what Heath called Paradox Pok¨¦mon. However, its bizarre content led many to dismiss it as fiction. Heath himself had been labelled a fraud, and the Scarlet Book was relegated to the realm of supernatural literature. Its counterpart, the Violet Book, soon followed, but it faced a similar reception. Eric knew these books were kept in the Naranja Academy library, where he could revisit them if necessary. What truly concerned him wasn''t the book''s existence but the implications of Professor Sada holding it. It suggested that she and Professor Turo might already be considering building the time machine that would bring Paradox Pok¨¦mon into the present triggering the events that led to tragedy. Eric stood silently, grappling with his thoughts. He had come here to pursue a peaceful life, yet the thought of leaving this potential disaster unaddressed gnawed at him. Finally, he broke the silence. "Professor Sada, you seem to have a deep fondness for the Scarlet Book." Professor Sada blinked, then beamed. "I''m fascinated by the accounts of ancient, wild, and ferocious Pok¨¦mon. It''s what inspired me to devote myself entirely to researching Area Zero." She paused, her expression brightening even more. "You''ve come at the perfect time. My husband and I are planning to restart the Tera Project this month. He''s out negotiating funding with interested companies, but once the project begins, we''ll be too busy to craft Tera Orbs. You''re lucky we can fit this into our schedule!" Eric''s heart sank slightly at her words. The Tera Project, an expedition into Area Zero, was the first step toward the creation of the time machine. Noticing Professor Sada''s hopeful gaze, Eric realized she was gauging his interest. "Do you like the Scarlet Book too?" She must have been hoping to recruit him into their research team. After all, as Geeta had mentioned, Eric was a Champion-level Trainer. His strength would be invaluable in protecting their team from the dangers of Area Zero. Eric hesitated, then replied humbly, "I''ve read it before, but only know a little about it." --- Thank you for reading! 7. Teleportation device --- Professor Sada''s words gave Eric a sense of relief. Since the plans for the Great Crater of Paldea were still in their early stages, it meant the time machine hadn''t been built yet. There was still hope to change the future. The story of Pok¨¦mon Scarlet and Violet was one of idealism, with few true villains. However, the loss of Professor Sada and Turo, alongside Arven''s fate as an orphan, remained a tragic exception. Maybe, just maybe, Eric could change some of that. As Professor Sada spoke about Area Zero, her enthusiasm rivalled that of Arven''s, though perhaps even more intense. It was clear she hoped to pique Eric''s interest in the crater. Her words came rapid-fire, packed with scientific terms, as if she were stringing beads together into a perfect chain of thought. ''I am too dumb to understand all this'' Eric struggled to keep up, barely grasping the basics. In the end, the only conclusion he could make was this: Arven''s chatter clearly came from his mother''s genes. What finally silenced Professor Sada''s endless stream of words wasn''t a natural disaster or human intervention, but the piercing alarm from one of her research machines. "Another failure," she muttered, sighing. She expertly slipped on a pair of gloves, moved to the equipment, and used a pair of tongs to remove a ruined core. Her expression was one of frustration. The experiment on spatial teleportation had failed again. The wild Pok¨¦mon in Area Zero were notoriously powerful. To safely enter the depths, set up stable research stations, and efficiently transport supplies, Professor Sada and Turo needed to build a teleportation device that linked observation stations. While the theoretical framework was complete, they had yet to solve the problem of the cores repeatedly failing under testing. Without progress, the restart of the Tera Project would face delays a prospect that neither Professor Sada nor her husband was willing to accept. Watching Professor Sada examine the core, Eric decided to test the capabilities of the Special Prompt System. "System, can you help with this?" he asked in his mind. [The blue solution on the professor''s left and the pink solution in the fourth bottle can be mixed.] Eric''s gaze shifted to the mentioned solutions. Sure enough, the two bottles were exactly where the system described.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. "Professor Sada, what are those two solutions on your left?" he asked aloud. Though puzzled, Professor Sada picked up the bottles and lightly shook them. "This one is a spatial stabilizer, and the other is an extract of Psychic energy from Abra''s saliva." "Spatial stabilizer?" "In simple terms, it reduces and solidifies the range of spatial disruptions," she explained. Her explanation was full of complex terminology, but something seemed to click for her as she spoke. Without hesitation, she grabbed an empty core and began experimenting with a sudden burst of inspiration. Eric waited patiently for an hour and a half as Professor Sada worked. She failed several times, muttering equations under her breath. However, her persistence paid off, and she eventually produced two cores glowing with a faint green light. Her hands trembled slightly as she installed one core into the device on the floor. When the light rings on the device illuminated, her face lit up with excitement. "It worked!" Eric, as someone who had reincarnated into the Pok¨¦mon world, had long since stopped trying to understand its futuristic technology. But even he recognized what this device was. ''Isn''t this the teleportation tech from the game? The one used to travel between observation stations in Area Zero?'' Professor Sada cautiously placed an empty beaker on the platform and pressed a vintage red button with trembling fingers. A faint hum followed by a brief flash of green light filled the room. When the glow faded, the beaker reappeared four meters away on another platform. Eric was dumbfounded. ''Is scientific invention supposed to be this easy?'' Between the system''s seemingly omniscient guidance and Professor Sada''s uncanny intuition, Eric couldn''t help but feel a little defeated. "System¡­ are you always this overpowered?" Eric asked mentally. [Heh-heh!] Even through its simple response, Eric could sense the system''s smugness. While its abilities seemed almost supernatural, Eric had to admit that its potential to assist in farm development in the future was immeasurable. --- After handing over the Tera Orb Raw Core to Professor Sada, she expressed her gratitude, crediting Eric''s suggestion for her breakthrough with the teleportation device. Her enthusiasm didn''t stop there. She even extended an offer: "Eric, have you ever considered becoming a researcher? I can offer you better pay than Naranja Academy. The only catch is that you might occasionally have to work overtime." Eric shuddered at her words. ''Occasionally? Yeah, right'' He vividly remembered how, after immersing themselves in the research of Area Zero, Sada and Turo effectively became absentee parents. Arven barely saw them for years, left to fend for himself. If this was how Sada treated her research team, how overworked would they be? "No, thanks," Eric said firmly, his expression resolute. Though disappointed, Professor Sada didn''t press further. Instead, she retrieved several unmarked bags of seeds from a storage unit and handed them to Eric. "These are seeds I came across during my research into ancient history. I don''t know what they''ll grow into, but their energy signatures are highly active. They might not be ordinary plants." Eric examined one bag but couldn''t identify the seeds with his limited knowledge. His farm would eventually grow crops for profit, and unknown seeds might not be marketable. Still, he didn''t want to reject Sada''s kind gesture. He decided to store the seeds for now and plant them in an unused section of his farm once it was up and running. After all, as someone once said, "Make lots of friends for connections" As Eric prepared to leave, Professor Sada called out, "Mr. Eric, please take care of Arven at Naranja Academy!" Eric''s steps faltered, and his expression turned grim. If Arven was going to be his student, that likely meant the rest of the protagonist team, complete with their quirks and chaos, would also be under his watch. Please, no. He hadn''t even started his new job, and already he wanted to quit. --- Thank you for reading! 8. Fishing --- One Week Later On the eastern side of Eric''s so-called "farm" little more than an overgrown plot of land a modest creek wound its way through the terrain. The water was crystal clear, and fish of various sizes swam lazily beneath the surface. Occasionally, a flash of red scales betrayed the presence of Magikarp. "Why is it always you guys? I''m not running a buffet! Stop eating everything!" Flop! Flop! Flop! Eric''s frustrated voice echoed along the creek as he glared at the Magikarp flopping on his fishing line, its vacant, deadpan eyes meeting his exasperated gaze. To make matters worse, the system''s text appeared in his vision, practically vibrating with Text, and his Serperior stood beside him, lazily flicking its tail and staring at him with utter disdain. It was as if they both shared the sentiment: "This guy must be out of his mind." The Magikarp dangled on Eric''s line, looking utterly unbothered. It flopped slightly, waiting for him to toss it back into the water. In truth, Eric wasn''t a bad angler. Before his reincarnation, he often spent his holidays fishing by a nearby river. While his catch wasn''t always bountiful, he usually went home with something. This morning, on a whim, Eric had decided he wanted grilled fish for dinner. Armed with bait designed to attract ordinary fish and specifically not Pok¨¦mon he had set out to this newly discovered creek. But what he hadn''t accounted for were the persistent Magikarp. They had used their extraordinary abilities as Pok¨¦mon to scare off all the normal fish and were now greedily devouring his bait. Serperior, watching her trainer''s mounting frustration, let out a soft sigh. Her expression remained one of disdain, but with a flick of her tail, she released a small wave of pressure. The controlled burst of her Intimidate ability rippled through the creek, targeting only the Magikarp. The Magikarp froze, their deadpan eyes wide with panic. In unison, they released Eric''s bait and flung themselves back into the water, vanishing with a flurry of splashes.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. "Thank you, O great Serperior!" Eric exclaimed, dropping his rod and moving to embrace his Pok¨¦mon in gratitude. But before he could wrap his arms around her, Serperior used her vines to bind him tightly, hoisting him into the air like a wriggling marionette. "Serp! (Hmph!)" she hissed in irritation. Though Eric couldn''t understand her exact words, he had long since learned to interpret her moods. Right now, she was clearly in her "tsundere" phase. Knowing just how to handle her, Eric immediately began showering her with compliments. It didn''t take long for Serperior to relax, lowering him back to the ground with a slight blush as she allowed him to hug her warm, soft body. ''Gotcha. You can''t fool this seasoned anime fan, my little tsundere snake!'' Eric thought, smirking to himself. --- After their playful back-and-forth, Eric noticed there was still some bait left. Determined, he said, "This time, I''m not leaving empty-handed!" Ignoring Serperior''s unimpressed look, Eric prepared his line and cast it into the water. Just as he was getting into position, his phone rang from the pocket of his floral-patterned shorts, its ringtone blaring a cheerful melody. Deflating like a balloon, Eric sighed and answered the call. "Hello? What''s the issue now?" On the other end, the cheerful voice of a middle-aged man replied, "No issue, Mr. Eric! Construction is on schedule, no worries there. I just have a small request from some of my workers." "A request?" Eric asked, tilting his head in confusion. "Well, with all the recent news about the gang abducting kids in the area, some of the workers are worried about leaving their kids at home alone. Since school''s out for the holidays, they were wondering if they could bring their kids to the construction site for safety." The man quickly added, "Don''t worry, we''ll keep them close at all times and won''t let them wander off. I''ll personally make sure they don''t cause any trouble. Would that be alright with you?" Eric chuckled. "That''s all? Sure, go ahead. Just make sure they stay safe and don''t get lost." Relieved, the man thanked him profusely, even promising a discount on the project once it was finished. Hanging up, Eric shook his head in amusement. ''If only I''d had such considerate bosses in my past life'' "Serp!" Serperior tapped his hand lightly with one of her vines, urging him to focus on fishing. "Alright, alright, I''m on it!" Eric replied, casting his line into the creek once more. Unfortunately, with no bait left to chum the waters, the fish weren''t biting. Eric vowed that the next time those Magikarp tried stealing his bait, he released Luxray to electrify the water. Minutes passed, and Eric''s bloodshot eyes stared unblinkingly at the float, willing it to dip. "Too much patience" When he was just about to give up, the float suddenly sank. A surge of adrenaline coursed through him as he tightened his grip on the rod. "I''ve got one!" Even Serperior looked surprised, her sharp eyes turning to the water. She hadn''t expected Eric to actually catch anything. However, as the fish emerged from the water, Serperior''s pupils narrowed in shock. --- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading! 9. A Surprising Catch ---- It wasn''t a fish. What Eric''s rod had hooked was a child a young girl wearing bright orange shorts. Serperior noticed immediately, her sharp eyes darting toward the water. She frowned and acted quickly, realizing her clueless trainer was still focused on his fishing rod, oblivious to the potential danger. If he pulled too hard, the hook could harm the child. Serperior sighed, extending one of her vines from her leafy collar and giving Eric a swift smack on the backside. "Ah!" Eric yelped, dropping the rod and spinning around to glare at his Pok¨¦mon. "What was that for? I didn''t do anything wait, have you finally figured out I''ve been tricking you into compliments?!" Ignoring him, Serperior reached into the water with her other vine and carefully pulled the unconscious child out. Seeing the girl limp in Serperior''s grasp, Eric''s irritation vanished. He rushed over to take her from Serperior''s vine, gently cradling her in his arms. "She doesn''t seem injured¡­ just waterlogged. She must have been knocked out and swallowed some water. If we can clear her airway, she should recover," he murmured, his tone serious. Eric gestured to Serperior to help, trusting her to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre with her vine. Her precision and control were far better suited to the task than his clumsy hands. As Serperior worked, Eric took a moment to study the child more closely. She was a pale-skinned girl of about ten years, with twin pigtails framing her face. Her soaked clothes looked like the uniform of Naranja Academy, the school he would soon teach at. ''Hmm...she looks familiar..Looks like I''ll have to call Geeta'' Eric thought. It felt a little excessive to bother the chairwoman of the Paldean Pok¨¦mon League over this, but she was the only person at Naranja Academy Eric could contact.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Before he could dwell on the matter, the girl began coughing violently, a sign that Serperior''s efforts had worked. Her eyes fluttered open, though they were unfocused at first. As her vision cleared and she caught sight of Eric leaning over her, her pupils dilated with fear. The girl''s trembling lips parted as if to scream, but she quickly clamped her hands over her mouth, stifling the sound. Tears welled in her wide eyes as she glanced between Eric and Serperior. Eric blinked in confusion. "Huh? What''s wrong with her?" From her expression, it was clear the girl had been terrified by something. Eric considered the situation. The only things in her immediate vicinity were him, an obviously kind and gentle big brother, and Serperior, who admittedly could look intimidating. ''It must be Serperior'' Eric concluded with unwarranted confidence. Flashing his most reassuring smile, he said, "Don''t worry. Serperior is my partner Pok¨¦mon. She might look a little fierce, but she doesn''t mean any harm." Before the girl could respond, Serperior let out a hiss of frustration. With a sharp crack, one of her vines lashed Eric''s backside again, harder this time. "Ah! Okay, I get it! Ow!" Eric winced, hopping slightly in place. Serperior glared at him, her vine poised for another strike. She might have held back enough to avoid causing real harm, but she wasn''t about to let her trainer off the hook for calling her "fierce." Amused by the dynamic between the two, the girl''s fear began to subside. Her tense posture relaxed slightly, though her eyes still held a hint of caution. Seeing this, Eric decided to break the ice with a proper introduction. "Hi there. My name''s Eric. I run this little farm," he said gently. "And this is Serperior, my partner." Serperior gave a polite nod, doing her best to appear less imposing, though her regal demeanour was impossible to fully suppress. The girl hesitated, glancing between Eric and Serperior before finally murmuring, "I''m N-Nemona. Thank you for saving me." "Nemona, huh? That''s a lovely name," Eric replied, smiling warmly. But as he processed her words, his eyes widened in disbelief. ''Nemona...'' ''Wait a minute¡­ Nemona?'' ''This shy, pale-skinned little girl was supposed to be Nemona, the energetic, tan-skinned Champion of Paldea? The cheerful "Battle Maniac" who had practically earned a reputation as an unstoppable force of nature?'' ''It didn''t make sense. Aside from the faint resemblance in their facial features, everything about this girl seemed different. Was it a coincidence? Could it be a case of mistaken identity?'' Before he could ask, Nemona''s panicked voice interrupted his thoughts. "Big Brother, we need to leave! The people who kidnapped me might still be nearby!" Eric froze. "¡­What?" ---- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading! 10. Kidnappers ---- "How''s the water temperature?" Eric stood outside the bathroom, holding a neatly folded set of Naranja Academy uniforms that had been dried and cleaned by his Pok¨¦mon. "It''s perfect!" Nemona''s energetic voice came from inside, mingling with the sound of water cascading onto tiles. Eric nodded, placing the clothes in a basket by the bathroom door. "Your uniform is here. Serperior and the others have already washed and dried it for you." "Got it~" Hearing Nemona''s cheerful response, Eric smiled but quickly let his expression settle into something more serious. The creek wasn''t far from his house, only about a ten-minute walk, and it had been less than half an hour since he''d pulled Nemona from the water. Though his mind churned with anxious thoughts about the kidnapped children Nemona had mentioned, all he could do for now was wait until she finished her shower and pointed him in the right direction. Stepping outside the house, Eric surveyed the Pok¨¦mon gathered before him: Luxray, Dragonite, Serperior, Swampert, and Aegislash. Mimikyu, as usual, stood quietly by his side, its presence barely noticeable. "All right," Eric said, his tone firm. "Our top priority is ensuring the safety of the kidnapped kids. Understood?" "Lux!" "Dragon!" "Serp!" "Swamp!" "Aegis!" "Mimikyu~!" His Pok¨¦mon responded with confidence, their loyalty and trust in Eric evident. Satisfied, Eric returned five of them to their Pok¨¦ Balls, leaving only Dragonite out. He patted Dragonite''s warm, soft belly, reflecting on the situation Nemona had described. She had run away from home after a petty argument with her family. The reason? Nemona didn''t want to become a Trainer she wanted to help her family''s business, just like her older sister. Eric found the irony hard to ignore ''The future battle maniac doesn''t want to be a Trainer?'' Nemona''s plan to cool off by hanging out at a nearby beach had been foiled when she was abducted by a group of kidnappers operating near Little Spoon Town.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. She had woken up in a dark warehouse alongside other children, some younger than herself. The kidnappers'' plans were horrifying: they intended to sell the other kids to Team Rocket in Kanto, while Nemona would be held for ransom. Her captors had been watching her for some time, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Her decision to run off alone had made their job easy. What saved her was a Diglett that had burrowed into the warehouse and bitten through the ropes binding her wrists. Nemona managed to escape, but the other children were still being held. These criminals are a blight on my peaceful life, Eric thought, clenching his fists. With Nemona''s knowledge of the kidnappers'' hideout and Dragonite''s speed, they could catch the group off guard. When Nemona emerged from the bathroom, her hair still damp and her uniform neatly pressed, she was filled with urgency. "Big Brother, let''s go save them!" she said, her voice trembling with determination. Eric nodded and scooped her up, setting her gently on Dragonite''s back before climbing up himself. "Hold on tight. This will be fast," he said with a reassuring smile. Nemona clung to his shirt, nodding nervously. With a fierce yet calm expression, Dragonite beat its wings. The sheer power of the gusts flattened the surrounding grass as the three of them soared into the sky. Nemona marvelled at the scenery below. Buildings and trees blurred together as they zipped by, and she couldn''t help but ask, "How is it so fast? I can''t even feel the wind!" "Dragonite uses Flying energy to create a shield around us, blocking the wind. Otherwise, we''d be blown off its back," Eric explained, keeping his focus on the horizon. Nemona nodded, her curiosity momentarily satisfied. --- Meanwhile, in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Paldea¡­ Three figures entered the dimly lit space, their frustration palpable. The leader, a burly man with a scruffy beard, spat on the ground and turned to the shortest of the trio. "You let a ten-year-old escape? You''re useless!" The shorter man said nothing, enduring the verbal abuse with a clenched jaw. "Boss," the lanky man on the other side began, trying to mediate, "maybe¡ª" "Shut up!" the leader snapped, glaring at him before continuing. "The girl''s probably drowned or been rescued by now. Either way, we need to move. We''ll sell these kids to Team Rocket, then head to Lumiose City for bigger targets." The lanky man nodded quickly. "Good plan, boss." The shorter man, meanwhile, released three Ninjask from his Pok¨¦ Balls, muttering, "I''ll keep watch." The leader scoffed. "This time, don''t screw it up." As the other two went to prepare the children for transport, the shorter man''s eyes glinted with suppressed fury. One day, I''ll make you beg for mercy, he thought bitterly. "You won''t live to see that day," came a calm voice from above. Startled, the man looked up to see Eric and Nemona descending on Dragonite. His eyes widened in panic, and he opened his mouth to warn the others, but Eric and Dragonite didn''t give him the chance. Five Pok¨¦ Balls flashed open as Eric''s team sprang into action. At the same time, an overwhelming Dragon''s Intimidation surged from Dragonite, pressing down on the man with crushing force. He collapsed to the ground, unable to move. The Ninjask barely had time to react before Dragonite flapped its wings, releasing three blades of sky-blue energy. The Air Slash struck true, knocking all three Ninjask out instantly. "Monster¡­" the man choked out, trembling as he stared at Eric in awe and terror. For the first time, he understood what true strength looked like. This man wasn''t just any Trainer he was a Champion. ---- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading! 11. Rescuing Children ---- Everything unfolded before Nemona''s eyes. She couldn''t tear her gaze away from Dragonite''s overwhelming power and Eric''s calm demeanour. Eyes wide, she let out a small gasp, overwhelmed by the sight. ''So this¡­ this is what it means to be a Trainer?'' Her mind flashed back to the helplessness she felt when the kidnappers captured her. In that moment, a seed of determination sprouted within her heart. Eric, unaware of Nemona''s inner resolve, checked his phone to confirm that his message to the local police station in Little Spoon Town had been successfully delivered. He then glanced toward the rundown warehouse ahead. "This side is taken care of," he murmured. "Luxray and the others should be wrapping things up too." Sliding off Dragonite''s back, Eric turned to lift Nemona down as well. Nemona, her arms wrapped tightly around Eric''s neck, felt her cheeks flush as she rested her chin on his shoulder. ''He''s so reliable'' she thought, her ears tinged with red. Suddenly, Nemona''s sense of comfort shattered. From the shadow Eric cast in the sunlight, a pair of eerie, violet claws emerged, creeping toward his legs. Her pupils constricted in alarm, and fear gripped her. Neither Eric nor Dragonite, who had its attention fixed on the warehouse, noticed the danger. --- Earlier¡­ Luxray and the other five Pok¨¦mon had charged toward the warehouse as soon as Eric sent them out. As they approached, Luxray''s golden eyes began to glow. Its special ability, X-ray Vision, activated, allowing it to see through the iron and stone barriers of the warehouse. Everything inside became clear: By the east and west windows stood a few Pok¨¦mon, likely acting as guards.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. In the centre of the warehouse were five people: two adult kidnappers and three weak, terrified children tied up on the floor. Luxray narrowed its eyes, formulating a plan. A direct assault would be too risky. Their size and power would immediately alert the kidnappers, and any reckless action might endanger the children. The solution was to apply targeted pressure. But neither Luxray, Swampert, nor Aegislash could fine-tune their abilities to such precision. Only one Pok¨¦mon could: Serperior. Luxray growled softly, communicating its strategy to the others. Serperior responded with a confident hiss: "Serp! (No problem!)" The plan was simple: Aegislash and Swampert would handle the guards at the western window. Luxray would deal with the eastern side. Serperior would use its precise control over Glare to paralyze the kidnappers, creating an opening to rescue the children with its vines. Luxray, cloaked in an electric aura, barreled through the eastern wall, its Wild Charge knocking out three Golbat in an instant. On the western side, Swampert launched Aegislash into the air with a powerful throw. Aegislash descended with its fiery Sacred Sword, cleaving through three Raticate and the wall itself. The kidnappers, stunned by the sudden destruction, froze in place. Taking advantage of their shock, Serperior unleashed its controlled Intimidate, forcing the two men into submission while carefully sparing the children. With a flick of its vines, Serperior snatched the three terrified kids, pulling them to safety. --- Amid the chaos, Mimikyu stood near the entrance, unnoticed as always. Luxray and the others hadn''t deliberately ignored it; Mimikyu''s naturally weak presence simply made it easy to overlook. Still, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of sadness. Raising its shadowy claws, Mimikyu scratched them together in frustration. Feeling overlooked again, it decided to seek comfort from Eric. Slipping into the shadows, Mimikyu used its ability to travel through them and emerged in Eric''s shadow. --- Back in the present¡­ Mimikyu extended its claws from Eric''s shadow, intending to tug on his shorts for attention. But before it could, Nemona, still perched on Eric''s arm, noticed the shadowy claws. Her face paled in panic, thinking some terrible monster was about to attack. "Kyuu?" Mimikyu tilted its head, puzzled by her reaction. Hearing the familiar sound, Eric immediately realized what was happening. "Mimikyu? When did you get here?" Nemona froze, her fear giving way to confusion. She stared at the small Pok¨¦mon in Eric''s shadow. "¡­Mimikyu is your partner?" she asked, her voice uncertain. Eric smiled. "Of course. Mimikyu''s been with me for a long time." Realizing she had panicked over nothing, Nemona''s expression turned sheepish. ''At least he didn''t notice how scared I was¡­'' Mimikyu, meanwhile, crawled onto Eric''s shoulder, basking in the warmth of his presence. Though its heart felt slightly mended, it couldn''t shake the strange feeling it got from Nemona. Unlike others, she had noticed Mimikyu almost immediately. How? --- Moments later, sirens wailed in the distance. The police finally arrived, accompanied by a sleek, expensive car pulling up behind them. Eric glanced over at Nemona, who was comforting the other three children. She had already earned their trust with her warm demeanour. His gaze then shifted to the three tied-up kidnappers, who lay on the ground, thoroughly restrained by Serperior''s Frenzy Plant. Their mouths were gagged with vines, sparing everyone from their foul language. With a smirk, Eric quipped, "Congratulations, gentlemen, on your brand-new silver bracelets!" ---- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading! 12. Invitation ---- "Thank you for your intervention, Mr. Eric." Officer Jenny, exuding her usual confident demeanour, saluted Eric as her team of officers secured the scene. Nearby, the three children who had been rescued were tightly embraced by their tearful parents, who profusely thanked Eric for saving their children. "Uh...no need to thank me, I was doing the necessary things" Eric wasn''t great at handling such emotional moments. Awkwardly scratching the back of his head, he waved off their gratitude with a strained smile, eager to wrap things up. Once Officer Jenny and her team escorted the kidnappers away, Eric turned to the black luxury car parked nearby. Next to it stood Nemona, flanked by her family''s butler, Sebastian, and the sleek vehicle that looked more expensive than anything Eric had ever seen. "Wow," Eric muttered, his eyes practically sparkling as he stared at the car. "That thing''s worth at least thousands right?" He couldn''t help but gawk. Having recently seen a video about such vehicles online, Eric recognized the model immediately. It was low-key but oozed luxury. Nemona noticed Eric''s wide-eyed admiration and paused in thought. She remembered how modest his farm had seemed. ''This car was just one of the many vehicles in her family''s collection. Maybe¡­'' Nemona was about to suggest gifting the car to Eric when Sebastian stepped forward, bowing politely with a hand over his chest. "Mr. Eric, please allow me to express my deepest gratitude on behalf of the young miss''s family. Thank you for saving Miss Nemona from those vile criminals." Eric waved his hand dismissively. "It was nothing, really. Just doing the right thing."Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Sebastian shook his head with a solemn expression. "Not at all. The young miss''s disappearance left her parents and elder sister distraught. Your actions prevented an unimaginable tragedy. On behalf of the family, I must insist you accept their thanks properly. Would you do us the honour of visiting our estate? My employers have prepared a generous reward for your efforts." Nemona''s face lit up at the suggestion, ''Big Brother is coming to our house? Yes!'' However, Eric''s response was firm. "I appreciate the offer, but I wasn''t doing this for a reward. Please convey my thanks to your employers, but I must decline the invitation." His tone left no room for negotiation. Nemona''s shoulders slumped in disappointment. She had hoped to spend more time with Eric. Sebastian, however, was quick to adapt. Smiling graciously, he pulled a gold-embossed card from his pocket. "In that case, please accept my contact information. Should you ever require assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. My employers would be more than happy to reciprocate your kindness." Recognizing the gesture as a subtle way of keeping the connection alive, Eric accepted the card with a nod. Before they parted ways, he leaned down to tell Nemona, "If you ever want to visit the farm, you''re welcome anytime." Nemona beamed at his words, her earlier disappointment forgotten. --- Back at the farm, construction was in full swing. About ten workers, assisted by several Machamp, were busily preparing the land. "Eric, you''re back!" called a hearty voice. Turning, Eric saw the construction foreman a stocky man with a moustache and a hard hat. What caught Eric''s attention, though, was the scene around him. The foreman had two children clinging to each arm, one perched on his shoulders, and a few more running around his feet. Eric raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "Wow. You''re really hands-on, huh?" The foreman chuckled. "When the kids are on-site, someone''s gotta keep them out of trouble." Eric gave a respectful nod. He didn''t envy the man''s patience. After exchanging pleasantries, they turned their attention to the farm''s layout. Together, they finalized plans for dividing the land into three main zones: a farming area, a pasture, and a lake. The foreman and his Machamp team offered a reasonable quote of 100,000 Pok¨¦dollars for the job. While the price only covered basic wooden infrastructure, it was affordable enough for Eric, though it left his savings at a meagre 30,000. "Let''s get to work!" the foreman declared, flexing his arms in sync with the Machamp, eliciting giggles from the nearby children. --- Meanwhile... Back in her family''s luxurious seaside mansion, Nemona clung to her father''s arm, her cheeks flushed. With her older sister, Karen, offering an encouraging smile from behind, Nemona mustered her courage. "Father¡­ I want to become a Trainer!" Her father, Alan, paused, surprised. His eyes, the same shade as Nemona''s, softened as he knelt to meet her gaze. "What brought about this change, my little princess?" he asked gently. "Was it that retired Champion who saved you?" Nemona nodded, her face growing even redder. Clenching her fists, she declared, "I want to be strong, like him! I''m aiming to become a Champion-level Trainer!" ---- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading! 13. The Path of Farming Begins ---- "Impressive indeed." Alan, the ever-doting father, gently patted Nemona''s head with a slightly troubled smile. "If that''s your decision, we''ll need to carefully choose your starter Pok¨¦mon." "Paldea''s usual starters? That feels a bit¡­ uninspired," he mused. "Oh, I know! I happen to have a Gible and a Goomy egg gifted by a friend. How about starting with a late-blooming powerhouse?" Nemona shook her head resolutely. "I want Pawmi to be my first Pok¨¦mon!" Alan blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her firm response. Though he didn''t fully understand his daughter''s reasoning, he smiled indulgently. "As you wish." He made a mental note to locate a perfect Pawmi egg. Nemona, brimming with excitement, threw her arms up in a cheer. "Also¡­ from now on, I want my hair tied in a single ponytail. It''ll make me look sharper!" Alan chuckled. "Of course." He quickly instructed the maids to begin styling Nemona''s hair differently. Though he''d miss her adorable twin tails, as long as she didn''t come home asking for dyed hair or perms, he''d happily support her every whim. --- A week later. The construction crew had completed their work, and Eric stood on the edge of his newly developed land. Surveying the results, he nodded in satisfaction. What was once a vast, untamed field was now neatly partitioned into zones, each area clearly designated for farming, livestock, and water features. Though simple and basic, it was a promising start. "Not bad," Eric muttered. "If this were back home, a project like this would''ve cost twice as much and probably involved a lot more headaches and corner-cutting." Eric appreciated how the Pok¨¦mon world, despite its villains and a few bad apples, operated with an almost utopian sense of trust and honesty. First, Eric inspected the farming zone. It was still rough around the edges a basic drainage system had been installed to prevent waterlogging, but the soil itself was untouched and in need of cultivation. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Clearing weeds, removing rocks, and tilling the ground were tasks that would require manual labour or, in this case, Swampert-powered labour. "I guess Swampert''s Water Gun can handle the irrigation for now," Eric mused. "And once the fields expand, we can rotate between Rain Dance and Sunny Day with Luxray and Serperior to manage the weather." Nearby, the crew had constructed a simple wooden storage shed for crops, complete with a few complimentary iron farming tools. "Not bad. Those tools alone would''ve cost hundreds if I''d bought them at the local market," Eric remarked. The foreman really was a generous guy. Although the farming zone was rudimentary, it was functional. Clearing the area and turning it into productive land would take time, but Eric was ready to start small and grow steadily. Next, Eric turned his attention to the pasture. Most of the construction budget had gone into building sturdy wooden fences around this area. Since the pasture was intended for livestock and Pok¨¦mon like Tauros, Mareep, or Mudbray, it occupied a large portion of the land nearly a third. Like the farming zone, the pasture was overrun with weeds and rocks. Once cleared, Eric planned to plant grass seeds before introducing animals or Pok¨¦mon. Finally, Eric inspected the lake zone. Calling it a "lake" was a bit generous it was just another patch of land for now. But Eric intended to have Swampert carve out a proper lake using its raw strength. "Sorry, Swampert," Eric muttered with a wry smile. "You''re going to be doing a lot of heavy lifting." With a plan in mind, Eric decided to spend the day clearing the weeds and rocks from the farming and pasture zones. However, the sheer size of the land made the task daunting. Doing it all by hand would take weeks if not months. "Well," Eric said with a smirk, "time to cheat a little." Scanning the sky, Eric spotted a familiar shadow gliding lazily above. "Napping again, huh?" He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Dragonite!" After several calls, the sleepy Dragonite finally descended, rubbing its eyes with a soft, questioning chirp. "Hey, buddy," Eric said, grinning. "Mind calling Swampert for me? I''ve got some work that needs doing." As he spoke, Eric couldn''t resist poking Dragonite''s soft, squishy belly. "Man, this thing is more comfortable than any pillow¡­" "Droo~"(Okey-dokey!) (¡¨''¨Œ''¡¨)©g Dragonite puffed out its chest and saluted before giving Eric a big, affectionate hug. It then flew off in search of Swampert. While waiting, Eric plopped down on a large rock, idly chatting with his ever-sarcastic system. "Hey, got any hidden treasures nearby? Maybe a fossil, or an evolutionary stone?" [Dear host, it''s broad daylight. Stop dreaming.] Eric clicked his tongue in annoyance. "You''ve been slacking lately. Ever since that Tera Orb experiment, you haven''t been much help." [Are you seriously blaming me?] [If you''d leave this tiny farm once in a while, you''d be swimming in riches by now. But no, you''d rather stick to this backwater patch of land and ''live the quiet life'', sometimes I think, how will you even get a girlfriend, maybe you will die single like your last life] "¡­(?_?)" [Oh, by the way, there''s a pair of Greedent hoarding berries on the nearby hillside. If you''re ever starving, you could always rob them.] Eric rolled his eyes. "Thanks, but I think I''ll pass." Ring! Ring! Ring! Just as he considered exploring the nearby forest for potential treasures, his phone buzzed in his pocket. The caller ID read: Professor Sada ---- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading! 14. Terastallize ---- Caller: Professor Sada. "Huh?" Eric blinked in surprise. ''Why would Sada be calling now? Could it be that the Tera Orb was finally complete?'' His fingers moved quickly, answering the call. The faint crackling sound of static reminded him how outdated his phone had become. He sighed. "I really should replace this old thing." He vividly remembered buying this second-hand phone shortly after arriving in this world, burning through most of his early savings. Ironically, it was also the reason he had met Luxray. "What''s wrong with your phone?" Sada''s voice, tinged with amusement, came through the receiver. Snapping out of his thoughts, Eric chuckled. "Nothing, It''s just getting old. I''ll have to upgrade it soon." "I see," Sada replied, the smile evident in her tone. "Anyway, the Tera Orb is ready." Eric''s eyes lit up. "Oh? Should I come to the lighthouse lab to pick it up?" "Not necessary. A certain eager delivery boy volunteered to bring it to you." Sada''s voice softened with a hint of pride. "¡­Arven?" Eric paused, his tone hesitant. Her silence was all the confirmation he needed. He sighed. "He''s just a kid. Are you really okay with him crossing the wilds of South Province Area One to get to my location?" "Why not? Arven''s already ten years old. In other regions, kids his age would''ve already set off on their Pok¨¦mon journey," Sada reasoned. "Besides, Mabosstiff is with him. Its strength is more than enough to handle the area''s Pok¨¦mon." "¡­Fair point," Eric conceded. He had momentarily forgotten one of the Pok¨¦mon world''s most absurd rules: ten-year-olds were considered independent enough to travel and train Pok¨¦mon. He couldn''t help but think of Arven and Nemona both at the age where they were deemed "adults" by this world''s standards. "Well, Arven should be arriving at the town gate soon. He doesn''t know where your farm is, so you''ll need to meet him there," Sada added. "Got it," Eric replied, glancing at Swampert, who had just lumbered into view.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "Oh, one more thing," Sada said, her tone turning serious. "If you have any questions about the Tera Orb, ask me in the next few days. Once the school term begins, my husband and I will be returning to the Great Crater for research. We won''t be available for a while." Eric was silent for a moment before asking, "If you''re both heading into the crater¡­ what about Arven?" Sada''s expression softened. "The academy has a boarding system, so Arven will stay there even when we''re home. To help him adapt, we''ve always encouraged him to live on campus. He''s more independent than he seems recently, he''s even taken an interest in cooking." She chuckled. "Still, I''ll feel much better knowing he has someone looking out for him. So, please take care of him, Mr Eric." "¡­Fine," Eric sighed. After a few more exchanges, Sada ended the call. Turning to Swampert, Eric smiled apologetically. "Change of plans. Let''s go pick someone up." Swampert gave a stoic nod, its heavy footsteps echoing as it followed Eric toward the town gate. --- South Province Area One, Lighthouse Laboratory. Sada set her phone down and glanced at her husband, Turo. "It seems we''ll owe Eric a significant favour," Turo said, adjusting his futuristic attire. Sada toyed with the beast-tooth necklace around her neck, nodding. "I''ve been worried about Arven ever since I heard rumours of bullying at the academy. He''s not the kind of child to fight back he''d probably just take it in silence. Aside from Geeta, we don''t have many connections at the academy." She paused. "Call it instinct, but I trust Eric to look out for Arven. Asking him to do so might''ve been shameless, but I couldn''t help it." Turo pulled out a copy of the Violet Book, running his hand over its cover. "Shameless or not, you''re right. Once we''re in the crater, we''ll barely have time for anything else, let alone Arven. These years of absence¡­ who knows how long they''ll last?" He sighed. "It''s cruel that we''re forced to choose between our dream and our responsibility as parents." Sada placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Then let''s work hard to find a balance between the two." Turo gave her a small, grateful smile. "Agreed." --- At Los Platos Town Gate. "Wow! Is this your farm, Un¡ªBrother Eric?" Arven''s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he eagerly took in the surroundings. Eric raised a brow at the near slip. "You were about to call me ''Uncle,'' weren''t you?" Ignoring his teasing, Arven exclaimed, "It looks so big! But¡­ it still seems like a lot of work." Eric smirked. "Exactly. Right now, it''s mostly just barren land. Turning it into a proper farm will take time and effort." Arven nodded thoughtfully before rummaging through Mabosstiff''s saddlebag. Pulling out a sleek, black crystal-like orb, he presented it to Eric with both hands. "This is the Tera Orb Mom asked me to deliver!" Eric carefully took the orb, marvelling at its craftsmanship. Smooth and flawless, the Tera Orb felt cool to the touch, its glossy black surface glinting faintly in the sunlight. Holding it up, he couldn''t help but admire its elegance. "Incredible¡­ I can''t imagine the skill it took to create something like this." Arven tugged on his sleeve. "Brother Eric, do you know how to use it?" Eric hesitated, then nodded. "I remember the basics. Let''s give it a try." He turned to Swampert, who met his gaze with a steady, knowing look. Their bond spoke volumes without the need for words. A grin spread across Eric''s face. Placing the Tera Orb into his palm, he shouted, "Swampert, let''s Terastallize!" ---- For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon. P@treon/iamxeno Thank you so much for your support and for reading!