Baker finally realized how reckless his actions had been and that he had undoubtedly offended Julian.
As he thought about Julian's strength and his background, a look of fear instantly appeared on his face.
He was about to apologize when he noticed Taylor's angry expression and the disapproving looks from everyone around him.
His gaze shifted to Chase, hoping for some support, but he was met with a look of disgust from her.
In an instant, his initial fear was replaced by anger.
"He isn't even planning to capture the Golem. I'm a Rock-type trainer—capturing it would put it to good use and help ensure the safety of this railway!"
Baker's shameless justification left his companions in disbelief, as if they were seeing a completely different person.
Taylor walked up to him and slapped him hard across the face.
"Golem was defeated by Julian. It's up to him to decide what happens to it," she said firmly.
Then, she turned to Julian and said, "King Julian, Baker just lost his senses for a moment. He's not usually like this. Baker, come here and apologize to him immediately."
Although Taylor disapproved of Baker's actions, they were classmates and had always gotten along well. She felt obliged to help him out this time.
"Just call me Julian"
Julian said, waving off the title of "King Julian." Hearing it over and over was awkward and far too pretentious for his taste.
Baker also realized that Taylor was trying to help him. His earlier jealousy and anger had clouded his judgment, but her slap had snapped him back to reality. Cold sweat began to bead on his forehead.
He stepped forward nervously and said, "Young Master Julian, I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking straight when I did that."
As he spoke, he glanced subtly at Chase, who was standing close to Julian. Despite his anger and jealousy, he hoped she would speak up for him.
Given her relationship with Julian, she could likely smooth things over if she wanted to.
But it was clear that Chase didn't feel as strongly about Baker as he imagined. In fact, she seemed increasingly annoyed by his persistent advances.
Baker, still bowing his head, grew more anxious with each passing moment of silence from Julian. The longer it lasted, the deeper his heart sank. He knew that if Julian chose not to forgive him, there was nothing he could do to resist.
"Do you want the Golem?"
Julian finally broke the silence, addressing Chase. Her proximity to him had made him a little uncomfortable, prompting him to shift slightly away.
"No, I specialize in Ice-types, and besides, it wasn't me who defeated it. It wouldn't obey my commands," Chase replied, feeling a tinge of disappointment at Julian's subtle distancing.
Most Pokémon naturally respect the trainer who defeats them. However, if someone else captures them after their defeat, things can become complicated.
If the new trainer is significantly stronger than the Pokémon, they might accept it reluctantly. But if the trainer's strength is inferior, that's when the rebellion begins.
A Pokémon's disobedience tends to escalate when its level surpasses its trainer's and their bond remains weak.
In severe cases, the Pokémon may not only refuse commands but even harm the trainer or outright escape.
Since Chase didn't want the Golem, Julian decided not to ask anyone else.
This left some of the group staring longingly, their hopes dashed.
'Why not ask me? I want it!' they thought.
Even the security team captain couldn't help feeling disappointed. Though he was an Electric-type trainer, adding a Rock-type as a secondary option would've been a great asset.
---
Above the forest, a Pidgeot soared through the sky, its sharp eyes scanning the landscape below. Its feathers were ruffled and uneven, evidence of a recent battle.
The Pidgeot was very hungry and desperately needed food.
Its gaze swept over the dense forest below, the canopy hiding much of the ground from view. Occasionally, it spotted wild Pokémon, but none were to its taste.
After some time, its attention was caught by a group of human figures.
'Humans'
The Pidgeot quickly confirmed its suspicion. Anger flickered in its eyes as it recalled its disheveled state—caused by humans. Hunger and rage combined, its eyes glinting with a faint red light.
'I'm going to them'
The red glow in its eyes intensified as it folded its wings tightly and dove down like a fighter jet, its sharp beak splitting the air into two streams.
"Luca!~"
Lucario was the first to sense the disturbance in the sky. It looked up, spotting the diving Pidgeot, which had locked onto one of the security team members as its target.
The guard, oblivious to the danger, only noticed a shadow overhead before the Pidgeot's talons pierced his skull. In an instant, the bird carried his lifeless body into the sky.
The Pidgeot's dive was so fast that even Lucario couldn't react in time to save him.
"Ahhh!"
The sudden attack elicited screams from Taylor and Chase.
Mid-air, the Pidgeot tore into its prey, devouring the security guard in just a few gulps. However, instead of satiating its hunger, the small meal seemed to only deepen its craving.
Circling above, Pidgeot eyed the panicked "food" below with a hint of mockery.
The shocking turn of events had Julian frozen for a moment, his face slightly stiff. He wasn't scared, but the sight had clearly rattled him.
If that Pidgeot had targeted him, he probably wouldn't have died.
After all, Lucario and Aggron were both by his side. The main reason Lucario couldn't save the guard earlier was the distance between them.
Julian activated his Probing Eyes to analyze the Pidgeot circling above. What he saw made him pause slightly.
Pokémon: Pidgeot (Normal/Flying)
Level: 77
Potential: Cyan
Ability: Keen Eye
Held Item: None
Gender: Female
Moves: Hurricane, Quick Attack, Sand Attack, Tackle, Gust, Whirlwind, Twister, Feather Dance, Agility, Wing Attack, Roost, Tailwind, Aerial Ace, Air Slash
TMs: None
Egg Moves: Steel Wing, Brave Bird, Air Cutter, Substitute
---
This Pidgeot was an Elite-tier Pokémon. No wonder its speed was so overwhelming that even Lucario couldn't catch up. If it had been pseudo-Elite instead, Lucario's speed would've allowed it to save the fallen security member.
An Elite-tier wild Pidgeot.
Piecing these details together, Julian's mind drifted to the reports of an Elite-tier Pidgeot sighted near Lake City Airport.
It was the same Pidgeot that had caused the airport to suspend operations, prompting Julian to take the train back to Imperial University instead.
"Piiii!~"
Pidgeot let out a piercing cry from above, its voice echoing across the sky.
With its call came the imposing aura unique to Elite-tier Pokémon, spreading like a wave across the area.
Everyone except Julian immediately felt an immense pressure bear down on them, as if the air itself had turned as heavy as mercury.
The suffocating sensation made their faces pale as they struggled to breathe.
"Luca!~"
Lucario suddenly unleashed its Aura, expanding it outward in a protective wave.
As the group was enveloped within Lucario's Aura field, the oppressive pressure finally subsided, allowing them to breathe freely again.