Under a tree in the distance, Aurelius watched the scene with a frown. The group of trainers surrounded by others had caught his attention.
When he first spotted the Typhlosion, he thought the trainer might have a system similar to his own. He hesitated to interfere, choosing to observe the situation first. But after overhearing the bespectacled boy mention beta testers, Aurelius felt a wave of relief.
"At least they don't have what I have," he thought.
Suddenly, a soft cry snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Pii~"
The pink Pokémon perched on his shoulder—Mew in disguise—chirped, tugging at his attention.
Aurelius glanced at it, tilting his head. "What's wrong, Mew? I don't understand what you're saying."
"Master, I can talk to you telepathically if that's easier," an ethereal voice echoed in his mind. It was gentle, yet full of curiosity.
Aurelius's eyes widened in delight. "I knew it! Mew, you're incredible."
"Master, those trainers are bad people," Mew said, tilting its head. "I don't like people who use Pokémon to hurt others."
Aurelius smirked. "You're absolutely right, Mew. Let's teach them a lesson. What do you say?"
Mew's tail swayed as it nodded. "Yes, Master. Let's help them!"
"Good," Aurelius said, his grin widening. "Just follow my lead. With you by my side, this will be a breeze."
As he took a step forward, he suddenly froze. A thought struck him. He turned and hid behind a tree.
"Master? Why are you stopping?" Mew asked, confused.
Aurelius touched his chin, grinning slyly. "We need a disguise, Mew. If they recognize you as the legendary Mew, it could bring trouble. Let's keep things simple."
With that, he activated his skill, transforming himself into a rugged middle-aged man.
"Now we're ready," he said, confidently stepping out.
---
The trio of beta testers stood confidently as their Typhlosion, Bayleef, and Croconaw continued intimidating the crowd. One of the trainers, a boy who appeared to be their leader, sneered at the group of novice trainers cowering before them.
Suddenly, a stone flew from the side and struck the Bayleef on the head.
"Bay! Bay-leef!" the Grass-type cried in irritation, turning to see the source.
A man—disguised Aurelius—walked toward them with a small Pidgey on his shoulder, a smirk on his face.
"Who's there?" the boy demanded. "Stay out of this!"
The Bayleef whipped its vines toward Aurelius in fury.
"Pidgey, use Gust!" Aurelius commanded.
Mew, disguised as Pidgey, leaped into action. With a single flap of its wings, a powerful whirlwind formed, scattering the incoming Vine Whip and slamming into Bayleef. The Grass-type let out a pained cry as it was thrown backward, fainting on the spot.
The trio froze in shock.
"Bayleef!" the boy exclaimed, recalling his Pokémon. He glared at Aurelius. "Who do you think you are? Meddling in our business!"
Aurelius clapped his hands, feigning innocence. "Just an old-timer who hates bullies. How about we settle this with a proper match?"
The boy narrowed his eyes. "You want a battle? Fine. Name your wager."
Aurelius smirked. "Everything. If I win, you hand over all your money. If you win, I'll give you everything I've got. Simple."
The girl beside the boy scoffed. "How much could an old man like you even have? This isn't worth—"
"Don't ask questions. Just answer this: Do you dare?" Aurelius interrupted, his voice sharp.
The boy clenched his fists, his pride challenged. "Fine! You're going to regret this."
He turned to his Typhlosion. "Sunny Day!"
The flames on Typhlosion's neck roared brighter, heating the air around it. The temperature spiked, sweat forming on the brows of nearby trainers.
"Now, Flamethrower!"
A stream of scorching fire erupted from Typhlosion's mouth, heading straight for Mew.
"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Aurelius called out.
In a blur of motion, Mew darted through the air, evading the flames with ease. It zipped above Typhlosion, hovering just out of reach.
"Charge up a Shadow Ball!" Aurelius commanded.
The disguised Mew began forming a dark, pulsing sphere of energy in its small mouth.
"Typhlosion, move! Don't let it hit you!" the boy shouted, panic in his voice.
But it was too late. Mew fired the Shadow Ball directly at Typhlosion, the attack hitting with a resounding explosion. Smoke filled the battlefield.
When the smoke cleared, Typhlosion lay on the ground, unconscious. The flames on its neck had dimmed completely.
The boy stared in disbelief. "That's… impossible…"
The crowd erupted into whispers as the beta tester's ace had been taken down in a single strike.
"Who's next?" Aurelius asked, his voice calm yet commanding.
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