The League Battle Center.
Located in the very heart of Imperia City, it occupied one of the most accessible areas in the entire metropolis.
Unlike the surrounding buildings, which were filled with unique local character and eye-catching architectural styles, the Battle Center looked remarkably formal and orderly.
One glance was enough for anyone to recognize it as an official League facility.
The moment Gray stepped through the entrance with Gastly in tow, a male trainer nearby was just about to walk forward to greet him.
Then suddenly— A vicious elbow strike came flying in from the side.
Foosh!
The unfortunate male trainer immediately collapsed to the ground.
Without missing a beat, a sweet-smiling female trainer seamlessly took his place, blocking Gray’s path as though nothing had happened.
Speaking at lightning speed, she said: “Hello, sir!
I’m Sarah, Welcome to the Imperia City League Battle Center!
Are you here to certify your Trainer rank, rent a battle field, or make use of our sparring services?” Gray was instantly impressed.
Pointing toward the male trainer who was still struggling on the floor, he hesitantly asked: “Uh…
is he alright?” “Absolutely no problem at all, sir!” The female trainer maintained a flawless professional smile.
At the same time, she subtly shifted half a step to completely block Gray’s line of sight.
“I’ll be your exclusive receptionist today.” “Please feel free to tell me if you need anything~” Understanding the situation, Gray wisely chose not to ask any further questions.
He reached out and grabbed Gastly, who was attempting to float toward the reception desk.
“My name is Gray.” “I brought Gastly here to watch some battles and get familiar with how real Pokémon battles work.” “Understood.
Please follow me.” Sarah nodded and led them toward the battle area.
The battle zone was extremely spacious.
However, most of the trainers present were simply practicing moves with their Pokémon.
Aside from League-employed sparring trainers, there were actually very few real battles taking place.
And the majority of those were little more than beginners awkwardly fighting other beginners.
Gastly, however, found everything fascinating.
It watched with great enthusiasm.
Every now and then, it even let out cheers that sounded suspiciously similar to a Perish Song.
After they completed a full tour of the facility, Sarah finally stopped.
“Do you require any additional assistance?” “No…” Gray answered instinctively.
Then he noticed something.
Gastly’s eyes were locked firmly onto one of the battle fields.
They sparkled with excitement and anticipation.
His voice paused.
Then he changed his answer.
“Help me certify my Trainer rank.” “Certainly.” A faint smile appeared on Sarah’s lips as she handed him a clipboard.
“Trainer certification requires passing an official League evaluation battle.” “Trainer ranks are divided into Beginner, Elite, Advanced, and Master.” “Gym Trainers require additional League accreditation.” “After becoming an official Trainer, you’ll enjoy various benefits, but you’ll also be expected to fulfill corresponding responsibilities.” “Please review the terms and conditions.” Gray quickly scanned the document.
Then he handed it back.
“Beginner Trainer certification.” “Understood.” “Please proceed to the battle field.” Sarah’s smile grew noticeably wider.
As an Elite Trainer and the daughter of a wealthy family, she honestly could not care less about the League salary.
The true source of enjoyment in this job was bullying rookie Trainers attempting certification.
This sort of thing was commonly known as…
Smurfing.
[Assistant Arceus Reminder: An unwinnable first battle!
As a Savior of the World, even when facing an unbeatable opponent, you must bravely charge forward!] Reward: “Move Combinations and Tactical Analysis: Pokémon Language Edition” (The perfect bedtime reading material) Ignoring the idiot system completely, Gray followed Sarah onto the battle field.
However, just as he stepped into the Trainer’s position, he noticed something strange.
Sarah walked directly to the opposite command platform.
Meanwhile, the referee standing in the center of the field was none other than the male trainer who had been elbowed into the floor earlier.
At this moment, he was winking repeatedly at Sarah.
Clearly, the two knew each other quite well.
The battle was about to begin.
Yet Gray’s attention shifted elsewhere.
He crouched down.
Meeting Gastly’s excited gaze directly, he spoke with unusual seriousness.
“Gastly.” “The moment you step onto the path of a Trainer, it means accepting responsibility and danger.” “I’ll do everything I can to protect you.” “But accidents are unavoidable.” “So tell me honestly.” “Have you really thought this through?” To be completely honest, Gray himself wasn’t confident about becoming a Trainer.
Whether it was training Pokémon or raising them properly, he was a genuine beginner.
The kind of beginner who couldn’t possibly be any newer.
During the three years after his transmigration, every long-term partner who had accompanied him had been a Legendary Pokémon.
One after another.
There wasn’t a single exception.
Rayquaza.
Zygarde.
Giratina.
And others of similar stature.
Those Pokémon did not require training.
Nor did they require training.
The only things Gray had ever practiced with them were battle techniques and tactical command.
Beyond that…
Nothing.
Furthermore, he had never intended to become a Trainer in the first place.
What was so great about being a Trainer anyway?
It wasn’t particularly profitable.
Pokémon got hurt all the time.
And who knew what terrifying world-ending crisis might drag him into trouble in the future?
He really disliked the idea of being a Trainer.
Very much so.
But…
This was Gastly’s wish.
And no matter what happened, Gray would never choose to let it down.
“Gast!” Gastly slowly put away its usual mischievous grin.
Then it floated decisively onto the battle field.
So that’s your answer.
Gray stood up.
Suddenly, he remembered his first meeting with Rayquaza.
Back then, he had been chased across the landscape by a Hyper Beam and nearly scared out of his wits.
The memory made him laugh softly.
In that case…
Let’s do this together, Gastly.
Pokémon: Gastly (Shiny) Type: Ghost / Poison Classification: Gas Pokémon Gender: Male Ability: Levitate (Floats above the ground and is unaffected by most Ground-type attacks.) Known Moves: Clear Smog, Disable, Astonish, Haze, Reflect Type, Hypnosis, Lick, Spite, Mean Look, Confuse Ray, Hex, Shadow Ball, Taunt Mood: Excited Assistant Arceus Reminder: This child has the potential of a legend!
The potential of a legend…
Although he had expected something similar, seeing it for himself was still impressive.
Such a deep move pool.
A complete collection of disruptive utility moves.
As expected of a Pokémon that came from the First Emperor’s Mausoleum.
Gray had never particularly cared about Gastly’s talent.
Otherwise, he would not have waited until now to use Appraisal.
If possible, he only wished for Gastly to remain happy and safe forever.
That alone would be enough.
On the opposite side of the field.
Sarah released a Charmander.
Pokémon: Charmander Type: Fire Classification: Lizard Pokémon Gender: Female Ability: Blaze (When HP is low, Fire-type moves become stronger.) Known Moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember, Smokescreen, Dragon Breath, Fire Fang, Slash, Outrage, Flamethrower Held Item: Everstone (A mysterious stone that prevents Pokémon from evolving while held.) Mood: Contemptuous Fun Fact: #1 Most Popular Starter Pokémon “Hurry up!
Hurry up!” “Someone’s doing Beginner Trainer certification!” “I heard they’re battling Sarah!” “What?” “Sarah?” “You mean that top-tier smurf who doesn’t even spare beginners and has already crushed eighteen rookie Trainers in a row?” “Oh?” “A Gastly?” “That’s actually pretty rare for a beginner Trainer.” “Heh heh heh…” “I observe that young man possesses extraordinary bearing.” “He may not necessarily lose to Sarah.” “Why?” “Are you cross-eyed?” “The hell are you talking about?” “Just look at him!” “Someone that handsome doesn’t look like he’ll lose.” “Hey…” “Now that you mention it…” “You’re right.” “Place your bets!” “Place your bets!” “How many turns can this handsome guy survive?” The moment people heard that Sarah was participating in another certification battle, trainers who had previously been lounging around doing absolutely nothing immediately swarmed over.
Within moments, a crowd had formed around the battle field.
The atmosphere became lively.
Discussions.
Teasing.
Gambling pools.
Noise erupted from every direction.
The only thing missing was the passionate battle theme from Pokémon Sword and Shield blasting through the speakers.
And if that happened, the scene would have been complete.
(End of Chapter)