Peter glanced over his team's panels, then released Eevee, Rufflet, and Zoroark, handing each of them a Rare Candy.
[Ding! After consuming Rare Candy: Eevee reached Level 20 and learned Bite; Rufflet reached Level 30 and learned Scary Face; Zoroark reached Level 40 and learned Imprison…]
[Ding! Zoroark's intimacy has reached 255 (max)! It has learned and mastered the special move Return!]
Looking at the three Pokémon, Peter nodded in satisfaction.
Letting Eevee take the field earlier had paid off—its growth was obvious. Now, all nine of his Pokémon had surpassed Level 20, with five already at the Elite tier. This lineup was comparable to trainers who had been traveling for over half a year.
And Peter had achieved it in less than three months.
The system's support had played a massive role.
…
The next few days passed relatively peacefully.
Since they had signed up for the Tag Battle Competition, Whitney and Peter trained together, focusing on coordination between their Pokémon. At the same time, Peter began experimenting with new and creative strategies.
His daily two arena matches remained consistent—dominating higher-level opponents, pulling off unconventional tactics, and showcasing his infamous "dirty strategies" and "cursed items." These had practically become his trademarks.
Any match featuring Peter drew a full house.
Over three days, he secured a clean six-win streak in Silver rank, just two days away from reaching Gold.
The only regret? He hadn't faced many true rivals—aside from one match against Draak.
That battle, however, had been… something else.
Draak had built a filthy Dark-type strategy lineup.
His Honchkrow carried a Flame Orb, using Psycho Shift to pass burn onto opponents—instantly crippling physical attackers. Then came Sableye with Prankster, using Swagger to confuse targets and Mean Look to trap them.
Finally, he would send in sweepers like Crawdaunt to clean up.
Even against special attackers, he had Umbreon—a special tank with 130 base Special Defense—using Yawn to force switches, or Sableye to set Light Screen and apply paralysis.
In short—
The strategy was as dirty as it gets.
But under Indeedee's Psychic Terrain, Sableye's Prankster became useless. Combined with Peter's double Baton Pass and double Fake Out system, his setup was simply faster and more oppressive. Even when burned, he could calmly adapt.
Still, Draak's tactics—especially the Flame Orb + Synchronize combo—sent shockwaves through the competitive scene.
And naturally…
Peter's "Cursed Item Shop" became even more popular.
With both him and Whitney actively showcasing and explaining items during battles, combined with arena rewards, Peter earned nearly 300 million Poké Dollars in just three days.
Meanwhile, his Pokémon made significant progress:
Lopunny reached Level 47, talent increased to 580, defenses rose to 80, and it learned Play Rough, improving its coverage. Arboliva reached Level 46, talent increased to 610, Defense rose to 150, Special Defense to 160, and it learned Terrain Pulse, a powerful and flexible move. Indeedee reached Level 44, talent increased to 575, Special Attack hit 180, Speed 125, and it mastered Reflect and Light Screen. Slaking reached Level 46 and learned Rock Slide to expand coverage. Zoroark reached Level 42, talent increased to 570, defenses improved to 60, and although it failed to learn Night Daze, it unexpectedly mastered Dark Pulse. Rufflet reached Level 34. Teddiursa reached Level 30 with help from a Rare Candy. Chansey and Eevee grew rapidly, reaching Level 28 and 25 respectively.
The younger Pokémon didn't learn new moves but instead refined their existing ones. Several key strategic moves reached the Proficient level, ensuring smooth execution of Peter's tactics.
Of course, Peter himself hadn't been idle either.
He finalized agreements with the League regarding the mass production of Rotom Phones. With features like Pokédex, maps, and even bicycles integrated, the Rotom Phone had become the perfect companion for traveling trainers.
After discussions with Professor Oak and various League officials, companies led by Teruhiko's Pokégear firm and Made-in-Paldea Manufacturing secured major production rights.
The flagship model?
Pokegear Mate 60.
Future Trainer Pokédex distributions would gradually be replaced by Rotom Phones, though full implementation would take time.
Still, Peter's influence skyrocketed.
Compared to academic research, this invention directly impacted every trainer's daily life—making it far more memorable.
His follower count surged past 50 million.
People had started asking him for autographs on the street.
…Though most still respected his personal space.
Especially single people.
After all—getting too close meant enduring the devastating public display of affection between him and Whitney.
…
Outside of work, Peter spent his time enjoying life.
He and Whitney explored all kinds of food across Hearthome City.
After a few days…
Whitney looked noticeably more "well-fed."
Well…
That wasn't just from the food.
Peter's relentless "efforts" day and night had something to do with it too.
…
Finally, the evening before the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition arrived.
Peter was feeding Eevee Poffins—earned from the capture contest—when three familiar figures appeared at the end of the road.
"You! This is all your fault, Ash! We got lost and I missed the Hearthome Contest!" Dawn complained, hands on her hips.
"Uh… isn't that kind of normal? Travel always has surprises…" Ash Ketchum scratched his head awkwardly.
Brock stepped in to mediate. "Alright, alright. I heard there's a Tag Battle Competition here with great prizes. Want to join?"
Ash and Dawn both perked up. "What kind of prize—"
Before Dawn could finish, Peter stepped forward with a smile.
"The prize is a pair of Soothe Bells—items that increase Pokémon friendship."
This pair had been purchased by Mayor Enta from Peter's shop—perfectly fitting his identity as a Pokémon enthusiast.
"A Soothe Bell?!" Dawn's eyes lit up.
Ash immediately grinned. "Peter! Long time no see! I've gotten stronger—how about a battle?"
Peter chuckled. "If you want to battle, why not join the Tag Battle Competition? Whitney and I have already signed up."
He glanced at Dawn and Brock. "Soothe Bells are extremely useful—for Coordinators and Breeders alike."
"Alright!" Ash clapped his hands. "Dawn, Brock—we're entering!"
Just like that, he made the decision.
Dawn and Brock quickly caught his enthusiasm, and the trio hurried off.
Watching their retreating figures, Peter smiled faintly.
At last…
All the key players for this "grand event" had gathered.
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T/N:
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