[Grain in the Field]: Where did you catch it?
[Dragon Envoy]: Johto region, Lake of Rage.
Lake of Rage
So, it's the red Gyarados from Johan's memories.
Wait a minute.
Didn't Silver also catch a red Gyarados at the Lake of Rage? Could it be the same one?
For a moment, Johan found himself caught up in the tangled mess of this world's timeline.
Well, not like it's the first time.
Honestly...
Even if Red and Ash stood together right in front of him, Johan might not even be surprised anymore.
[Grain in the Field]: So, you want me to try calming it down?
[Dragon Envoy]: That's right.
[Grain in the Field]: ?
[Dragon Envoy]: ? (Confused Slowpoke face.jpg)
[Grain in the Field]: (Gengar facepalm.jpg) Isn't it more your style to just fly over here directly?
Taking your time like this doesn't sound like the decisive Lance at all.
[Dragon Envoy]: Uh, I forgot to mention… the red Gyarados can't stay inside its Poké Ball.
[Grain in the Field]: Can't stay inside?
Johan imagined situations where powerful Pokémon couldn't be confined by regular Poké Balls. But with Lance's resources... wouldn't using a Luxury Ball solve the problem?
[Dragon Envoy]: While it can't break out of the ball, it… injures itself in its frenzy.
Ah, Johan understood now.
It wasn't about escaping—it was self-harm.
[Grain in the Field]: So, you're asking me to visit Johto?
[Dragon Envoy]: Yes.
Johto...
[Dragon Envoy]: I know you're busy, so there's no rush. I'll be in Johto for a while, investigating the Lake of Rage incident.
[Grain in the Field]: What about the Gyarados?
[Dragon Envoy]: I'll be keeping it in the Dragon's Den while I investigate.
The Dragon's Den of the Dragon Tamer Clan, huh?
That Gyarados is probably about to endure some "growing pains."
Alright then.
If Lance insists, it looks like a trip to Johto is in Johan's future.
Johan had another thought as he leaned back in his chair and gazed at the vast, moonlit sky.
"Maybe it's time for me to go out and explore too."
The world of Pokémon is so vast. Johan knew he couldn't spend his entire life cooped up at the Kanaz City Pokémon Academy or even remain solely in Hoenn.
Someday, he would need to leave his mark on the world, meeting fascinating people and Pokémon alike.
The next morning, Johan returned to the academy.
Although it was supposed to be the final day of the instructor assessments—with intense battles between top contenders—the campus was unusually quiet.
That's because yesterday, the format for the final round had already been decided.
A 6v6 Full Battle Mode.
That was… awkward.
Johan only had three Pokémon.
The entire academy—and much of the internet—already knew this wasn't a secret.
Drawing a 6v6 format in such a situation…
If the mode had been 6v4 Double Battles, Johan could've let one Pokémon sit out and still had a fair chance. But with a full battle format and only half the team size, the odds were undeniably stacked against him.
To address this potential unfairness, the Dean of Academic Affairs, Fitzwilliam, had publicly announced yesterday that the format would be determined by random draw.
The result had left many spectators disappointed.
But regardless of the outcome, the academy had upheld its reputation for fairness.
As for Johan himself?
He didn't mind one way or the other.
Fitzwilliam had already called him after yesterday's draw to inform him of the results.
Fitzwilliam assured Johan that even though he couldn't compete in the final round, the school leadership highly valued his abilities. They had decided to award him the same rewards as the first-place winner!
The only difference? Johan wouldn't hold the title of first place.
Of course, Johan pretended to decline.
Fitzwilliam insisted. Johan declined again. Fitzwilliam emphasized once more, and finally, Johan "reluctantly" agreed to accept.
Today, Johan came to campus to claim his assessment rewards.
Rewards:Top Eight: TM "Venoshock."Top Four: A small Ice Stone.Top Two: A Muscle Band.
The TM selection didn't include powerhouse moves like "Swords Dance," "Skill Swap," or "Aurora Veil," but "Venoshock" was a strong addition.
[Venoshock]:Type: PoisonBase Power: 65Effect: If the target is poisoned, the move's power doubles to 130.
This TM would significantly enhance Haunter's Poison-type arsenal. While Haunter excelled in Ghost moves, its only Poison-type options were "Toxic" and "Smog," which weren't ideal for offensive play.
The Ice Stone, as Johan expected, was an unfinished small stone.
[Small Ice Stone]:A magical stone capable of evolving certain Pokémon, though its incomplete form limits its use. It can be ground into powder for consumption.
Despite its diminutive size, the Ice Stone still radiated a mysterious brilliance.
This reward would benefit Vulpix, even if it couldn't yet trigger evolution. At the very least, the infused energy would help Vulpix master its ice-type moves.
The Muscle Band was clearly for Tinkatuffk.
[Muscle Band]:A headband that slightly increases the power of physical attacks.
It was a perfect match for Tinkatuffk, which had yet to receive any tailored gear. Johan was confident the little hammer enthusiast would love it.
"What about the first-place prize?" Johan asked.
"I don't know either," Fitzwilliam admitted with a wry smile.
"Eh?"
"That so-called 'mystery reward' was personally chosen by the principal. But the principal has been in Paldea and hasn't returned yet."
Come to think of it, despite working at the Kanaz Academy for some time, Johan had never actually seen the principal.
"Don't worry, Johan," Fitzwilliam reassured him. "The principal is well aware of your performance and has been singing your praises. He said he's preparing a surprise for you."
"...A surprise?"
"As long as it's not a shock," Johan thought.
Back home, each of Johan's Pokémon eagerly received their respective rewards.
Haunter: Immediately began studying "Venoshock."
Tinkatuffk: Proudly wore its new Muscle Band and started doing one-finger pushups… while balancing its hammer on its legs.
Vulpix: Carefully examined the Ice Stone before nibbling on it like candy. Its eyes sparkled with joy.
"Oowu~~ (It tastes like snowflakes!)"
Johan couldn't help but laugh.
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Powerstones?
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