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"Three ways to exchange information? Thank you, Nurse Joy, I know what to do now."
After listening to Nurse Joy's explanation, Gary's eyes lit up. He thanked her, then walked over to the sofa in the corner of the hall and sat down.
"It seems like this is another rookie who's not afraid to take risks. But it's good for newcomers like him to experience a little hardship; otherwise, they might face bigger problems in the future," Nurse Joy thought as she watched Gary sit down.
She had wanted to tell him to be cautious when exchanging information using these methods, as the information obtained can be valuable, but so are the stakes. However, Gary left quickly, not waiting for Nurse Joy to finish her warning.
"Now it seems that in addition to obtaining information from the bulletin board, there are three other ways to exchange information. Exchanging information for information can basically be ruled out since I don't have much to offer. The second option, paying for information, is also out—I don't have the money. As for the third option, it seems most suitable for me. Not only can I obtain information, but I can also strengthen my Pokémon. Why not go for it?"
Sitting on the sofa, Gary carefully considered the three methods for obtaining information. In the end, he decided to go with the third option. After all, battling would benefit his Pokémon, and he could gain valuable information—a win-win situation. There was no way Gary would pass up such an opportunity. With his decision made, Gary headed straight to the battle area.
Once there, Gary wandered around. His luck was good, and although he didn't find a newspaper, he did come across someone claiming to have information about Team Rocket. However, there was no indication of what the information specifically pertained to.
"Ding!"
"It is detected that the host has found a piece of information about Team Rocket in the battle area.
Choice 1: Give up the information, and receive a watering can as a reward.
Choice 2: Obtain the information, and receive a Rare Candy as a reward."
Just as Gary was debating whether to approach the platform, the system prompt sounded.
"System, you really know how to make decisions easy for me. I'll choose the second option."
Smiling helplessly, Gary selected the second choice.
"The host has made their choice. Please proceed to the battle stage."
With his decision made, the mission officially began.
Gary stepped onto the battle stage, and as soon as he did, many people turned their attention to him, whispering among themselves. Most of them remarked on how brave Gary was to challenge Aiko.
"You said you have news about Team Rocket. Is it true?" Gary asked, ignoring the crowd and focusing on the information he sought.
"Of course it's true, but if you want the details, you'll have to beat me in battle," Aiko replied with a nod.
"Then let's not waste time. Each of us will send out one Pokémon for a quick battle. Let's not drag this out, okay?"
Hearing that Aiko had genuine news about Team Rocket, Gary decided to get straight to the point and issued the challenge.
"That's exactly what I was hoping for. Go, Pidgeot!" Aiko said with a smile as she released her Pidgeot.
Seeing Aiko's Pidgeot, Gary's expression grew serious. Pidgeot, the final evolved form of Pidgey, was much stronger, and Gary was slightly worried about his chances of winning. But since the challenge had already been issued, he couldn't back down now.
Gary decided to send out his Deino. Although Deino's level wasn't particularly high, it was his strongest Pokémon at the moment. After considering all his options, Gary chose to go with Deino.
"You've surprised me. This Pokémon doesn't seem to be from the Kanto region," Aiko remarked, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Deino. It was rare to see Pokémon from other regions, especially one that appeared so well-adapted.
"This Pokémon isn't from the Kanto region, but that shouldn't matter for our battle, right?" Gary replied, glancing at Aiko.
"You're no fun. Pidgeot, use Quick Attack!" Aiko commanded, smiling helplessly at Gary's response.
Aiko's Pidgeot darted forward with a Quick Attack, aiming to wear down Deino. However, Gary wasn't fazed.
"Trying to wear down Deino with Quick Attack? Deino, don't dodge—charge in and use Dragon Rage!"
Quick Attack is a sure-hit move, so Gary didn't bother having Deino dodge. Instead, he had it charge straight at Pidgeot, catching its wings and unleashing Dragon Rage at close range. It was a risky move, but it paid off.
"Darn it! Pidgeot, fly up and use Aerial Ace!" Aiko quickly commanded as Pidgeot struggled after the close-range Dragon Rage.
Another sure-hit move. It seemed Aiko was determined to chip away at Deino's health bit by bit. But Gary was ready.
"I see what you're trying to do. Deino, use Hyper Beam!" Gary shouted, deciding to go all out.
Once again, Gary employed the same tactic, having Deino close in and use Hyper Beam at point-blank range. The powerful attack left Aiko no time to react.
"Come back, Pidgeot, quickly!" Aiko called out, her face paling at the mention of Hyper Beam. But it was too late—Pidgeot was hit by the attack and knocked out.
"Ding!"
"Deino defeated a level 30 Pidgeot and gained 600 experience points."
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