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In Paldea, during a live stream with only a handful of viewers, a cheerful and vibrant voice echoed.
"Get ready to be caught in the electrifying web of excitement! Who's here to narrate? It's Griffith!"
"Good morning, afternoon, and evening, everyone! Hello!"
"Today, I'll take you all through the final moments of the Paldea Pokémon League Champion Assessment!"
"This battle features Trainer Eric versus Geeta, the Chairwoman of the Paldea League and the Top Champion!"
As thrilling background music played, the camera zoomed in, revealing the battle unfolding atop the Pokémon League's pinnacle northwest of Mesagoza.
Sparks flew across the battlefield, and upon closer inspection, the ground was littered with faintly glowing, poisonous spikes. Two battered Pokémon faced each other in a tense standoff.
One Pokémon had crystalline petals that exuded an aura of mystery and danger.
The other had a powerful black mane that radiated strength.
Despite being poisoned, its blazing golden eyes shone with unshakable resolves, like the sun piercing through storm clouds.
On the left, a clean-cut young man, roughly 18 years old and clad in casual wear, broke the silence. "Wild Charge!"
Luxray's eyes gleamed, and its body surged with electricity, wrapping it in a golden, electrified coat of armour. The poison coursing through its veins didn't deter its determination.
In an instant, Luxray became a streak of lightning racing toward Glimmora, scorching the ground in its wake.
On the right, an impeccably dressed woman with jet-black hair, exuding an air of elegance and command, calmly countered, "Sludge Wave!"
A wave of poisonous sludge erupted, consuming everything in its path and halting Luxray's advance. Yet, Luxray's unyielding gaze remained locked onto its opponent, resonating deeply with its trainer, Eric.
Memories of their journey together flashed through Luxray's mind, reigniting its spirit.
Summoning strength from deep within, Luxray pushed forward, teeth gritted, until it collided with its target. A golden storm of lightning erupted, engulfing the entire battlefield.
The Paldea League headquarters trembled, and the air filled with an acrid, unpleasant odour a mix of toxins and burning electricity.
Amidst the chaos, Eric and Luxray shared a smile, their focus unwavering. From their vantage point, they could see Geeta's Glimmora collapse, unable to maintain its levitating form.
It fell to the now-ruined battlefield, utterly defeated.
A new Champion-level Trainer was born.
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After the battle
"I'm planning to retire," Eric declared.
Having passed the Champion Assessment and earning the title of Champion-level Trainer, Eric stunned Geeta by rejecting her offer to join the Paldea League.
Geeta massaged her temples, her expression unreadable. "Champion Eric, do you understand what you're saying?"
Eric replied without hesitation, "I do. My decision won't change."
Geeta sighed deeply and asked, "Why? You've achieved incredible growth in just one year. You have immense potential why give it up?"
Eric averted his gaze for a moment, sensing his next words might test Geeta's usually composed demeanour.
But under her piercing stare, he finally relented and raised his hands in surrender. "You're aware of my background. Becoming a Trainer was a twist of fate. My real dream is to run a small shop or farm and live a peaceful rural life."
He smiled softly. "Now that I've proven myself as a Champion-level Trainer, I have the confidence and courage to pursue that dream."
Geeta took a deep breath. Though she could understand Eric's reasoning, losing such a talented Trainer still weighed heavily on her. "Very well, your reasoning has convinced me. However, I have one request."
Eric tilted his head, signalling her to continue.
"You are a strong Trainer and the only one in recent years to pass the Champion Assessment. If a crisis arises in Paldea that I cannot handle alone, I hope you will assist me as a private request."
This time, Eric nodded without hesitation. "No problem."
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Half a Month Later
Fifteen days had passed since the battle at the League, a fight is known to only a select few. Eric, now a Champion-level Trainer, had not taken on any official duties. Life in the peaceful town of continued as usual.
In the town centre, a young man wearing a casual T-shirt, shorts, and sunglasses strolled out of a stylish building, clutching two documents: a Land Ownership Certificate and a Construction Permit. Eric's eyes were nearly filled with tears.
Who would have thought buying land in the Pokémon world could be so complicated? It had taken seven gruelling days to get these papers from the mayor's office. Perhaps he should have swallowed his pride and asked for help earlier was saving face really worth it?
But as Eric arrived at the plot of land he had drained his savings to purchase, leaving only enough to care for his Pokémon, his eyes sparkled with excitement.
This was it.
The Pokémon world wasn't just about battling. There was also the joy of living a tranquil life alongside your beloved partners.
In the warmth of the sun, Eric envisioned petting his steadfast Luxray, teasing his sassy Seviper, riding his dependable Drampa, and watching his Infernape chef battle Swampert over cooking techniques.
"Now, I can enjoy my life, I hope nothing troublesome happens"
But his idyllic thoughts were interrupted by an unexpected message.
[Ding! Special Prompt System Activated!]
[Mission: Cultivate the current host into the strongest Trainer of this era a true Champion!]
????
"Fuck!!!"
Eric froze his face a mixture of shock and mild annoyance. If one looked closely, there was even a hint of disdain in his eyes.
"I already became a Champion-level Trainer on my own. What's the point of this now? All you're doing is disturbing my peaceful retirement!"
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Thank you for reading!