The night fell quickly, and darkness spread across the world, hiding the hustle and bustle of the day. Silence blanketed the Peace River Forest.
But every Trainer knows that, night is the time when,the Peace River Forest truly comes alive.
Countless Pokémon roamed the shadows, seeking food and water.
"Aron, do you mean the sheriff when you mentioned foreign aid?" Lian asked as Aron hung up the phone.
Aron thought for a second, then replied, "Pretty much."
He had once heard Lukas mention that Hugh Smith, an elite Psychic-type Trainer, had a unique role related to maintaining order.
Takashi's eyes flashed with worry. "It takes two hours just to drive from the city center to the entrance of Peaceful River Forest, and even more time to reach us from there. Can they make it in time?"
"Even with a Flying mount, it would take a while, right?" Lian added, sharing Takashi's concern.
Aron understood their worry. It was already dark, and soon enough, Gym-level Trainers might learn about the Pokémon hunter's disappearance. Without aid, they could be in serious danger.
Aron nodded and reassured them with a smile, "Don't worry. My father is a powerful Trainer; they'll be here soon."
Hearing this, Lian recalled Takashi's earlier speculation—Aron must come from a powerful background.
The two exchanged glances but remained silent.
"You two, help me tie this man to a tree." Aron took a rope from his backpack.
"No problem."
In moments, the trio worked together to tie the Pokémon hunter to a tree and returned the fallen Toxicroak and Scolipede to their Poké Balls.
Afterward, they prepared for foreign aid to arrive, as the flames flickered in the breeze.
Aron treated Ralts with healing spray again, and soon enough, Ralts was back to romping around with Emolga.
Aron took a bite of his dry food, looked at his companions, and said, "Thank you again for helping today."
Takashi waved his hand. "In the wild, Trainers should help each other out. It was no trouble."
Lian added, "We're the same age,Rookie Trainers starting out. I may not be as strong as my cousin, but I know the importance of helping each other."
Aron nodded with a smile. "Lian, it seems we were destined to meet. I met you my first time at the battle club."
Lian laughed awkwardly and quickly changed the subject, about to ask Aron which university he had been admitted to.
But before he could ask, a huge beam of light suddenly illuminated the ground in front of them, bright as day.
Aron looked up, squinting at the sky, and saw a massive Salamence flying above. Its blood-red wings flapped, sending gusts through the trees.
[Pokémon: Salamence (Dragon/Flying)
Ability: Intimidate
Potential: Elite
Level: Lv68 (semi-Elite)]
"A semi-Elite level Salamence!"
As a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, Salamence was known for its strength and fierce nature, making it difficult to capture.
Looking up, Aron recognized two figures riding the Salamence—Lukas and Hugh.
Aron remembered that this Salamence was Hugh Smith's mount Pokémon, used primarily for travel.
Yes, a semi-Elite level Salamence only used for travel. Only an Elite could afford such luxury.
Takashi looked up, feeling Salamence's intimidating aura. His eyes were wide, and he could barely breathe.
"And behind the Salamence… is that a helicopter?" Takashi murmured, seeing it hover with a huge spotlight.
"What kind of battle is this?" he said in a hoarse voice. "Is this the foreign aid Aron was talking about?"
It suddenly dawned on him that he might have severely underestimated Aron's background.
The Salamence and helicopter slowly landed, and Takashi and Lian could see the two people jumping off Salamence's back.
Their eyes widened in awe as they recognized him. "King Hugh Smith!" they cried in unison.
Hugh Smith nodded in acknowledgment, and both boys were thrilled, hearts pounding.
For Trainers, Elites like Hugh Smith represented the highest achievement, standing atop the world.
Takashi, more aware of an Elite's status than Lian, thought, This is the man above ten thousand, second only to one.
And this was King Hugh Smith, an Elite known for his unmatched combat power!
Though aging, Hugh Smith still held a leading position among Elites. Although he'd kept a lower profile recently, no one would forget this legendary Trainer.
"King Hugh Smith… and Aron…"
Suddenly, Takashi's eyes widened as a thought struck him. His suspicion grew as he saw five more figures disembarking from the helicopter behind Hugh Smith. These men and women, all over 30, carried an air of intimidation.
Aron noticed that their gazes had been on him since their arrival, their eyes full of curiosity.
"Little Aron, are you hurt?" Lukas asked as he approached.
"I'm fine," Aron replied, handing him two Poké Balls. "These are his Poké Balls: one for an elite Toxicroak and one for an elite Scolipede."
Lukas accepted the Poké Balls and turned to Takashi and Lian. "Thank you both for your help."
Takashi waved off the gratitude. "I only helped with Scolipede. Toxicroak was defeated by Aron himself."
Recognizing Lukas as the Psychic Gym Leader of Southern Riverland City, Takashi thought, Aron's status is incredible.
Lukas nodded thoughtfully. "Seems like little Aron managed on his own…"
Hugh Smith had now joined Aron and nodded approvingly. "You did well."
"When you face something beyond your control, remember—your family is your strongest support."
Aron was silent. He knew his greatest asset was his system, and second was his family. He wasn't foolish enough not to use the advantages he had.
"Is that the Pokémon hunter?" Hugh Smith asked, glancing at the man tied to the tree.
Indeed, the Pokémon hunter seemed utterly defeated, visibly shaken to see Hugh Smith himself arrive for him.
Aron nodded, and Hugh Smith said, "Have him lead us to the temporary camp."
"Understood."
A slender, pleasant-looking woman from among Hugh's team approached the hunter, smiling. "I'm only going to ask once," she said in a soft, chilling voice.
Hugh Smith introduced her group. "These are my team members. They're all your Uncles and Aunts."
Aron greeted them politely, "Hello, Uncles and Aunts."
Before they could respond, Hugh Smith looked at Ralts, hiding shyly behind Aron, and commented, "This Ralts has good potential. You should try to catch it."
Shiny Ralts were rare, and even Hugh Smith had to admire it.
Aron looked down at the timid Ralts and smiled. "There's no hurry. Let's save Gardevoir first."
Hugh Smith nodded approvingly.
The woman returned, reporting, "The Pokémon hunter is ready to guide us. When shall we go?"
"Now," Hugh Smith replied.
Aron turned to Takashi and Lian. "Will you join us or…?"
They both shook their heads quickly. "No, no."
Lukas chuckled and handed them a small box. "We came in a rush and didn't bring much. Please accept this."
After some polite refusals, Takashi and Lian finally accepted the gift.
"See you both," Aron said, waving as he left with Ralts and the others.
Emolga returned to the trees, bidding Ralts farewell.
As Aron's group disappeared into the forest, Takashi sighed, "It's hard to imagine…"
Lian nodded in agreement. Knowing Aron was King Hugh Smith's descendant, everything made sense.
Takashi opened the box and saw an orange, crystal-clear stone. "A Fire Stone!"
A Fire Stone of average quality was worth at least 100,000, but this one was of exceptional quality, worth even more.
"This… this is what it's like to come from an elite family…"