"Damn… so the rumor about the shiny Pidgeotto was spread by those two as well."
Leon closed the journal in his hands. Inside were records detailing the pair's activities.
They had come from the Black Dragon Gang. One of them—known as Brother Long—had been the gang's deputy leader. On the day the gang was wiped out, he happened to be away and narrowly escaped. Since then, he had been roaming the forest, deliberately spreading false information to lure in lone or weaker trainers and ambush them.
This time, he ran into Leon—and paid the price.
Thinking back to how the man had boldly claimed to be from Team Rocket and tried to scare him with it, Leon couldn't help but laugh.
It was a fake running straight into the real thing.
"Crime really does pay," Leon muttered. "Once I sell all this, my assets will increase again."
After sorting through the loot, Leon returned to the city and visited the underground market, disposing of most of it. A small portion he kept for sale in his own shop—after all, it was his business anyway.
That night, after tallying everything up, Leon realized he now had over five million Pokédolars in liquid funds, with Energy Cubes and other valuables worth another three to four million.
All in all, he was comfortably a multimillionaire.
For the foreseeable future, money would no longer be an issue—certainly enough to fully support two Pokémon.
A large part of that wealth came from earlier operations… and from today's unfortunate duo, who had kindly delivered a massive shipment of resources straight to him.
Leon had given such "good people" a nickname:
Logistics Captains.
In a good mood, he headed to Vigoroth's training room.
Inside, Vigoroth sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed in meditation. A faint psychic aura radiated from its body.
In games, Meditate increased Special Attack and Special Defense. In reality, it sharpened mental power—enhancing move potency during battle and strengthening psychic control during rest.
Beside Vigoroth stood a rotational training machine. Embedded within it were stones emitting spatial energy. Once activated, the device simulated extreme rotational and centrifugal forces, allowing users to develop a sense of spatial orientation—similar to pilot training.
Vigoroth opened its eyes briefly upon sensing Leon, then calmly resumed meditation.
Its aura had reached a critical threshold. A breakthrough into Advanced-tier strength was imminent.
When that happened, Leon's system would reward him for becoming an Advanced Trainer.
What that reward would be… even he didn't know.
And that made him curious.
Leon sat down nearby and adjusted the training plans for both Pokémon.
So far, their progress had exceeded expectations.
The night passed quickly.
The following day, Leon didn't take Vigoroth out for field training. Instead, he stayed within the training facilities.
Elsewhere.
"Chairman Lee, it's an honor."
Dressed sharply and carrying himself with impeccable composure, Aoyan paid a formal visit.
Chairman Lee responded coolly, clearly unsure why this rising academic figure had come to see him. As far as he knew, they had no prior connection.
"I come from here."
Aoyan dipped his finger into his tea and casually wrote a single letter on the table:
R
Chairman Lee's expression changed instantly.
"So the famous Aoyan… is actually from that side," he said darkly. "Do you really think you can walk out of this government building if I raise my voice right now?"
Aoyan smiled calmly.
"Ten years ago, I wouldn't have dared. But now? High risk, high reward. You don't enter the tiger's den without preparation."
He leaned forward slightly.
"Chairman Lee, let's skip the meaningless words and get to the point."
After a few seconds of silence, Lee sighed.
"…What do you want?"
"I want information on the recent distribution of starter Pokémon," Aoyan replied smoothly. "As head of the Organizational Department, you should have access."
"That's handled by Pokémon Centers. I have no authority there."
Aoyan chuckled.
"Modesty doesn't suit you, Chairman. Don't worry—help us this time, and your child will be returned safely."
"…Really?"
"Yes. And afterward, we can even arrange political achievements to help with your promotion. A mutually beneficial arrangement."
Not long after, Aoyan left the office smiling.
The target had fallen.
An hour later, the information arrived.
"Got it."
Back at Pokémon Haven, Leon was already at the shop.
"Well now," Ryan said lazily as he walked in. "I was wondering why the east wind was blowing today. Turns out the boss himself is here."
"Did you manage to subdue the two new Pokémon?" Leon asked.
"Of course. Don't forget who I work for," Ryan said proudly, pouring tea. "Boss, your tea."
"At least you've got a conscience."
"Conscience is my strongest stat."
Leon's expression turned serious.
"Any useful intel lately? Remember to submit reports regularly. We can take it easy, but not too easy."
"Don't worry. Everything's solid," Ryan said, patting his chest.
"Good."
Leon relaxed slightly.
"Oh, right—there's another banquet next Sunday. Interested?"
"I'll pass. Already seen enough. You can go if you want."
"I'm not going either."
Noah walked in from outside.
"Oh?" Ryan grinned. "I think you should go. Who knows—maybe you'll finally find a girlfriend. You're antisocial, less charming than me, and not as handsome as the boss. I worry about you, brother."
"No need," Noah said seriously. "I'm waiting—for someone truly worth loving. Love should be from beginning to end."
Ryan burst out laughing.
"Ha! A true Pure Love Warrior!"
"Still better than chasing married women," Noah shot back calmly.