บท 1: Chapter 1: The Champion Retires
In the Paldea region, during a sparsely viewed livestream, a cheerful and energetic sweet voice echoed:
"Catch your eye with an electric net! Who's ready for K-Tree? K-Tree's here!"
"Good morning, afternoon, and evening, hello!"
"Now~ join K-Tree as we witness the final moments of the Paldea Pokémon League Champion's Examination!"
"This is Trainer Luke versus the Paldea League Chairwoman and Top Champion—Geeta!"
With dramatic background music, the livestream zoomed in on the grand stage atop the Pokémon League building northwest of Mesagoza. The climax of the battle was unfolding.
Sparks flew across the battlefield. Upon closer inspection, faintly visible spikes coated with poison dotted the ground.
On the field, two battered Pokémon stood facing each other.
One had crystalline petals, exuding an aura of mystery and danger.
The other was a regal Pokémon with a mane of jet-black fur. Even as venom coursed through its body, its golden eyes shone with a determination as radiant as the sun, resolute and unyielding.
Amid the intense standoff, a young man on the left—about 18 years old, dressed in clean, casual clothing—spoke calmly: "Wild Charge!"
Luxray's eyes flashed with fierce light as countless electrical currents coiled around its body, forming a golden suit of armor. Not even the poison could dampen its resolve. In the blink of an eye, Luxray transformed into a streak of lightning, charging directly at Glimmora. The ground it crossed sizzled and burned from the intensity of its energy.
On the right, a meticulously dressed woman in a sharp suit with flowing black hair remained composed. Her battling style was as commanding as a martial god's. Coldly, Geeta gave her command: "Sludge Wave!"
In an instant, a tide of toxic sludge swept across the field, enveloping everything in its path. Luxray was almost immobilized by the onslaught.
Yet Luxray's eyes never wavered. At that moment, it and Luke seemed to resonate on a deeper level, memories of their shared journey flashing through Luxray's mind.
Feeling an inexplicable surge of power within, Luxray steeled itself. Clenching its teeth, it mustered every ounce of strength to press forward and struck the crystalline Pokémon's body.
A golden storm of electricity erupted, engulfing the entire battlefield. The Paldea League headquarters trembled violently, and even the air began to reek of a strange, foul odor.
The acrid stench mixed with the smell of the sludge, making the atmosphere unbearable.
But neither Luke nor Luxray paid any attention to it. Instead, they smiled sincerely.
From their perspective, Geeta's Glimmora had fallen to the ground, unable to maintain its levitating stance. It lay motionless on the cratered battlefield, completely out of commission.
A new Champion-level Trainer had been born.
"I'm retiring!"
After completing the Champion Examination and earning the title of Champion-level Trainer, Luke shocked Geeta by rejecting her offer to join the Paldea League staff.
Geeta rubbed her temples, a slight headache forming. She frowned and asked, "Champion Luke, do you realize what you're saying?"
Without hesitation, Luke replied, "I do, but my decision won't change!"
Geeta sighed deeply, her elegant demeanor tinged with regret. "I can't force you to change your mind, but at least tell me why. You've achieved so much in just a year."
"You have such extraordinary potential—why give it up?"
Luke's gaze faltered momentarily. He had a feeling his answer might provoke the usually composed and good-natured Geeta.
But under her piercing, expectant stare, he finally gave in, raising his hands in mock surrender. "You're aware of my background. Becoming a Trainer was a coincidence, really. My actual dream is to open a small shop or farm and live a peaceful, pastoral life!"
"Now that I've become a Champion-level Trainer, I finally have the confidence and resources to make that dream a reality!"
Geeta took a deep breath. She could understand Luke's perspective, but it still pained her to see such an exceptional Trainer retire. After another heavy sigh, she reluctantly said, "I see. Your reasoning is convincing. But I have one request—will you hear me out?"
Luke blinked in surprise before gesturing for her to continue.
Geeta spoke slowly: "You're a powerful Trainer and the only one in years to pass the Champion Examination. If, in the future, a situation arises in Paldea that I can't handle personally, I hope I can call on you for help as a private favor."
This time, Luke didn't refuse. He nodded and replied softly, "No problem."
Half a Month Later
Southern Paldea, Cascarrafa.
It had been two weeks since that little-known battle at the Pokémon League.
The newly crowned Champion-level Trainer had not taken on any new roles. Only a handful of people within the League knew about the addition of a Champion-level Trainer to their ranks. Meanwhile, the small, tranquil town of Cascarrafa continued its peaceful, routine existence.
In the center of town, a young man in a casual T-shirt and cropped pants stepped out of a stylish building. The warm sunlight glinted off his sunglasses, making him look like he was headed for a beach vacation.
Luke held two freshly stamped documents in his hands: a Land Transfer Certificate and a Construction Permit. His eyes welled with emotion, nearly shedding tears.
He never imagined that buying a large plot of land in the Pokémon world would be so complicated. It had taken him a grueling seven days of waiting to get these documents from the Cascarrafa mayor's office.
If he had known, he would have swallowed his pride and asked for a favor from someone he knew. Who cares about saving face when the process is this tedious?
But as Luke arrived at the plot of land he had poured almost all his savings into—leaving just enough for basic Pokémon care—his eyes sparkled with unprecedented excitement.
This was it.
The Pokémon world wasn't just about battles. It was also about living a joyful life with your greatest companions.
Under the warm sunlight, he could imagine cuddling with Luxray, teasing Serperior, riding Goodra while admiring the sky, and watching Gallade the chef duel Swampert in friendly daily battles.
Yet, as Luke stood there basking in his dreams, an unwelcome notification appeared before his eyes:
[Ding! Special Assistant System successfully activated!]
[System Objective: Help each host become the strongest Trainer of their time. In this world's terms, that means becoming… a Champion!]
Luke: "…"
His face froze in disbelief. If one looked closely, they could see a hint of annoyance hidden in his expression.
I already became a Champion-level Trainer on my own. Now you show up? Besides disturbing my peaceful retirement plans, what's the point of you even existing?
What rotten luck.
Glossary:
Champion-Level Trainer: A new trainer rank introduced in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. In Paldea, the Champion Examination consists of defeating eight Gym Leaders, challenging the Elite Four, and defeating the Top Champion, Geeta. Successful Trainers earn the title of Champion-level Trainer.
In other regions, passing such challenges typically means the current League Champion steps down and a new one takes their place. But in Paldea, it only grants the title, with no associated powers or responsibilities. Geeta remains the reigning Top Champion.
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