"Elite Four Agatha!"
As Agatha approached, Gu Yuan couldn't help but exclaim.
"Oh, I didn't expect anyone here to know me. Seems my reputation isn't too shabby," Agatha said with a smile, glancing at Gu Yuan.
At this moment, Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy also recognized Agatha and felt reassured.
During their conversation, Agatha's Gengar had already dealt with the shadow.
Even if it had burned its life force, that Gengar was only barely Ace Rank. There was no way it could rival a Champion-level Gengar.
Casually tossing a Poké Ball, Agatha recalled the Gengar.
"Alright, I'll handle this Gengar from here, and I'll arrange the reward for this matter as well."
As she spoke, Agatha's gaze remained on Gu Yuan.
Unfortunately, Gu Yuan felt no sense of honor.
Agatha was a veteran Elite Four member. Even among them, she was the most experienced.
To remain in such a position for so long, her skill and strength were absolute.
Moreover, Gu Yuan could use the system to see that a Champion-level Gengar was hidden in Agatha's shadow, making her gaze all the more intimidating.
Perhaps sensing that the pressure on Gu Yuan wasn't enough, the Champion-level Gengar hovered in front of him, seemingly curious why its trainer kept staring.
"Alright, don't put so much pressure on this little one."
Agatha patted Gengar with a smile and walked toward Gu Yuan.
Making a funny face at him, Gengar returned to Agatha's shadow.
At the same time, Gu Yuan felt the pressure from Agatha's gaze lessen considerably.
"You performed well just now. I also noticed your previous performance. Keep it up, and I will continue to watch."
Patting Gu Yuan's shoulder, Agatha spoke meaningfully.
"Well, I'm old. Let's stop here for today and handle the rest tomorrow."
"Little Joy, please book me a room so I can rest."
Before Gu Yuan could respond, Agatha leaned on her cane and walked toward the Pokémon Center.
"Oh, alright."
Hearing this, Nurse Joy ran alongside her, obedient and attentive.
Officer Jenny also respectfully watched Agatha leave.
"Officer Jenny, I'll be going now. Contact me if anything comes up."
"Alright, rest early. Thank you so much for tonight."
Facing Gu Yuan, Officer Jenny sincerely expressed her gratitude.
Judging by tonight's events, without Gu Yuan's intervention, neither she nor Nurse Joy could have held off the raging Gengar.
With that Gengar's strength, no one could predict how many lives it would have taken.
"It's nothing. This is what a League trainer should do."
Waving his hand, Gu Yuan prepared to rest.
Tonight's battle had been extremely stressful, especially as he had to command Charizard and others via telepathy. He needed proper rest to recover.
The only good news was that he had attracted Agatha's attention.
Unless something went wrong with Shadow, Agatha's attention was purely beneficial, especially in his plan to counter the Mizutani family.
"Alright, good night everyone."
Lying down, Gu Yuan called Charizard and the others to sleep.
With Agatha nearby, he didn't sense any danger.
"Ah~"
"It's been so long since I slept this comfortably!"
Stretching lazily, Gu Yuan felt at ease.
***
The next morning, Sylveon, Ditto, and Mankey crowded in front of him.
"Alright, alright, no need to wash my face for me. I'll do it myself."
Struggling out of their circle, Gu Yuan washed quickly, then just as he was about to eat breakfast, Nurse Joy knocked on the door.
"Gu Yuan, please come with me. Lady Agatha wants to see you."
"Alright, let's go now."
Nodding, Gu Yuan recalled Charizard and the others into their Poké Balls and followed Nurse Joy.
In a secluded room, he found Agatha having breakfast.
After closing the door, Nurse Joy quietly left.
"Come, help me eat a bit. I can't finish it alone."
Gesturing to an empty seat, Agatha invited him.
"Sure!"
Gu Yuan sat down without hesitation.
After a few bites, he remembered something, released Charizard and the others, and prepared food for them.
Early in the morning, he couldn't eat alone while leaving his Pokémon hungry.
No matter why Agatha wanted to see him, he couldn't refuse.
The worst case would be if she discovered he was an undercover agent. With her strength, he would have no chance. It was better to be straightforward.
Seeing Gu Yuan release his Pokémon, Agatha smiled.
Wiping her mouth, she patiently watched him and his Pokémon eat.
"I've heard a little about your situation with the Mizutani family. I initially thought your Charizard reaching Expert rank on a move was a coincidence."
"But from Kadabra's performance last night and your strength development since your journey began, I think you must have some special ability."
Once Gu Yuan finished eating, Agatha spoke slowly.
Though it sounded like a question, her tone carried certainty.
"You're correct. I can help my Pokémon grow rapidly, even improve their skill mastery."
Nodding, Gu Yuan admitted it openly.
While undercover, Shadow guessed this special ability might be revealed. So he didn't have Gu Yuan hide it, letting others discover it and increase his value.
"Can it affect other Pokémon?"
"No!"
Gu Yuan didn't hesitate.
"I was greedy."
"Alright, I won't waste words. I understand some of your experiences."
"Now, I want to ask if you're willing to assist me against the Mizutani family. If you perform well, you could rank in the top three or better in the Indigo League. I could even take you as my apprentice."
"What do you think?"
Changing the topic, Agatha asked Gu Yuan directly.
Though she made no move, Gu Yuan felt the atmosphere tense.
"I would be honored. I will strive to meet the standards to become your apprentice!"
Once Gu Yuan spoke, the oppressive tension instantly vanished.
At that moment, he seemed to understand his future master's personality.