"Moreover, Seel is quite handy at catching fish in the wild. With it around, you won't go hungry, and it's also pretty good at enduring hunger."
Hearing Takashi's description, Rosaria was indeed tempted.
If she ever had to stalk suspicious Fatui troops or Treasure Hoarders in the wild, this little guy could come in handy. The combination of ice and water moves had promising power, a bright future ahead.
Rosaria paused for a moment before saying, "Alright then, as you said, 4 million Mora. I'll bring the money tonight."
"Thank you for your patronage." Takashi handed her a Trainer's Handbook, Pokédex, and two High-Quality Pokéblocks, explaining how to use them.
Rosaria knelt down and picked up Seel. Its weight was similar to Klee's.
She guessed that if it grew a bit more, she wouldn't be able to carry it.
Takashi kindly reminded her, "For now, you can feed Seel Pokéblocks along with some fresh fish."
"Got it." Rosaria was ready to leave with Seel.
Just then, a lively young girl stood at the entrance, her smile showing off a set of white teeth. When she saw the Seel in Rosaria's arms, her eyes widened, "Wow, what an adorable Pokémon!"
"Welcome, Amber." Takashi greeted her warmly.
Amber took out her Pokédex from her pouch and scanned it. "So, it's a Seel, huh? It does look a lot like a ball. Wait, a Water and Ice-type Pokémon again? My Ponyta, seriously, how many rivals does it have now?"
Rosaria gave Amber a cold, indifferent glance—yet another girl who loved chasing the sunrise, completely different from her own affinity for the moon.
She turned to leave.
But Amber called out to her, "Rosaria, I see you've got a Pokémon now too. How about a battle? It'd help build the bond between you and your Pokémon!"
Hearing this, Rosaria paused and asked without turning back, "A battle? You want me to bully a little girl?"
Amber adjusted her goggles, serious and precise, "Of course not! It's a Pokémon battle—your Seel against my Ponyta."
Takashi stood to the side, slightly stunned. This little Amber… After beating Lisa, she had really started to get bold, challenging a Water-type Seel.
Rosaria's eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. If a sapling isn't pruned, it won't grow straight.
"Alright, let's do it."
Takashi put a hand to his forehead. She accepted just like that?
Amber looked at Takashi, "Boss, is the arena available?"
"Yes, it's ready anytime."
At Amber's request, Takashi led the two of them to the battle simulation arena.
The empty stands overlooked a large battle area made of mixed rock and sand.
Amber was puzzled, "It's not a Grass Field?"
In a Grass Field, Ponyta would have the advantage.
Rosaria stood there, arms crossed, examining the terrain. Whether it was rock or grass, it made no difference to her.
Because she was still a complete beginner who hadn't grasped any battle rules.
In her experience, as long as you figure out how to knock down the opponent, that's what matters.
Whether the means are fair or not, it doesn't matter.
As usual, Takashi stood in the middle of the field, with Xerneas on guard to prevent any accidents.
Amber stood on the left side, and Rosaria on the right.
Amber made a perfect overhand pitch, exclaiming, "Come out, Ponyta!"
"Neigh…"
Ponyta's fiery mane blazed, its eyes sharp, hooves scraping the ground, ready for action.
Rosaria blinked, puzzled. Does she have to throw her Pokémon out too?
She tried… but throwing a Seel, which was as heavy as Klee, like a ball? That was difficult.
She reconsidered and decided to kneel and gently place Seel on the ground.
"Grunt…"
Seel's round body crawled forward slowly, trying to climb a protruding rock like a green Caterpie inching along.
But it lost its balance and rolled back onto the rocky sand.
Seeing this, Amber couldn't help but smile, "This Seel is so adorable."
Rosaria's cold gaze swept over Amber—what a lively girl.
Seel didn't give up and tried to climb again.
Rosaria said calmly, "Just stay on the ground."
"Grunt…"
Seel tilted its head, then quietly moved away from the rock.
Takashi, acting as the referee, cleared his throat and broke the silence, "Any words before we start?"
Amber said confidently, "Rosaria, let me be the first trainer to teach you about Pokémon battles!"
Takashi nearly dropped his jaw. This girl had gotten too full of herself.
Guess the high-quality Pokéblocks had gotten her tipsy.
Rosaria's gaze sharpened. She ignored Amber's trash talk and turned to Takashi, "Can we start now?"
Takashi nodded slightly, "Both sides will have a one-on-one battle, using only one Pokémon. The battle ends when one Pokémon is unable to continue fighting or loses its will to fight…"
Before Takashi could finish the lengthy explanation, Rosaria pointed at Ponyta and coldly said, "Seel, use Water Gun."
"Grunt…"
Seel puffed up its cheeks, shooting a Water Gun unexpectedly, hitting Ponyta square in the face.
Amber's smile faded gradually.
Ponyta: (What the… Playing dirty, are we?)
Takashi: …
Xerneas: …
"That's too sneaky, Rosaria!" Amber protested, clenching her small fists.
Rosaria stood with her arms crossed, replying leisurely, "I never said it would be fair. Strike first—you don't get that? When you're out in the wild, do you ask the monsters, 'Excuse me, are you ready for me to attack you at a specific time?'"
Amber's face turned red, left speechless.
Takashi shrugged. It was a dirty move, but it had some logic. However, this was a friendly match, not a wild encounter—they should be treated differently.
"Rosaria, I need to explain the rules. In an official Pokémon battle, attacking before the referee says 'begin' is against the rules."
Rosaria flicked her brown hair indifferently, "Oh, is that so? Then can I keep attacking now?"
Takashi: …
Amber gritted her teeth, "Unbelievable, no remorse at all! Fine, Ponyta, no mercy—use Tackle!"
"Bring it on." Rosaria pointed at the oncoming Ponyta, "Seel, use Water Gun."
Takashi facepalmed. Little Amber was also disregarding the rules?
Hey!
Am I invisible or what?!