Icarus and Bellsprout walked along the road back to town.
Looking down at the large tear in his protective pants, Icarus couldn't help but feel a lingering chill. The bite from Rattata had nearly pierced through completely.
Even though the suit was low-grade second-hand gear, it was still meant to withstand attacks from high-level newborn Pokémon. Yet a freshman-stage Rattata had ripped through it.
Of course, he knew second-hand equipment couldn't compare to brand-new armor. And Rattata's incisors were famously sharp.
Still… that bite power was impressive.
"At least medium aptitude," he muttered. "Otherwise its attack wouldn't be that strong."
That was why he had used his only spare Poké Ball to capture it. Shops wouldn't bother buying back low-quality Rattata.
"Worst case, I release it and sell the materials. The front teeth alone are worth 800 yuan. Add six or seven catties of meat — still not a loss."
But if it was good quality…
He shook his head.
"Not that lucky."
"Spri?" Bellsprout tilted its head, worried that Icarus was talking to himself again.
"I'm fine. Just planning ahead."
Soon, the city gates came into view.
"Quick, Bellsprout! Let's sell the spoils before it gets late!"
"Spri spri!"
Bellsprout hurried forward, and Icarus jogged to keep up.
They leaned against the inner city wall, both catching their breath.
"Hey! Why do you look so miserable? There's a big hole in your pants!"
A hearty laugh echoed beside him.
Icarus looked up — and froze.
"Uncle Sam!"
Standing there was Captain Sam Jiro, the city guard leader.
"From that tone, kid, sounds like you've been hoping to see me?" the big man teased.
"I wanted to thank you properly for saving my life last time. You were in a hurry, so I didn't dare disturb you."
Icarus bowed respectfully.
"Ha! I was busy gathering materials. My Arbok was about to break through."
As he spoke, a faint purple energy barrier shimmered around him.
Icarus' eyes widened.
"That's an extraordinary barrier… Uncle Sam, you broke through to Elite?! Congratulations!"
Elite trainers could stand upright in the wilderness without fear. Even their initial barrier could withstand a full-force strike from gym-level Pokémon for a short time — enough to command a retreat.
More importantly, upon reaching Elite rank, a trainer officially stepped into the extraordinary realm. Their lifespan extended by 50–80 years. Most lived beyond 150.
Pokémon benefited too. Species with short lifespans could regain full longevity after breaking through.
Only Elite trainers qualified to establish recognized families under the League.
In this small town, confirmed Elite trainers were rare — the Joy in charge of the Pokémon Center, Officer Jenny at the Security Bureau, and the heads of the four major families.
Now, Captain Sam joined their ranks.
"Haha, barely made it. I'm already fifty-two. Broke through just before fifty-five."
He tried to sound modest, but pride gleamed in his eyes.
"Uncle Sam, that's incredible. Countless trainers never leave the Normal rank. You've surpassed most people already. Maybe even Gym level one day."
Sam laughed loudly.
"You flatterer."
Then his expression sharpened.
"So why are you in such a sorry state?"
Icarus hesitated — then made a decision.
He took out ten catties of Weedle meat and handed over the Poké Ball containing Rattata.
"You saved my life. I can't repay that. Please accept this."
Originally, Icarus had planned to give something minor. But now that Sam was Elite…
Elite connections weren't easily earned.
"You brat…" Sam muttered, examining the Poké Ball. "Severely injured. Bound with thorned vines — Bind, right?"
"As expected of an Elite trainer," Icarus replied smoothly.
"You little sycophant. I just got something useful."
From his pack, Sam pulled out a red rectangular device — a Pokédex.
Icarus' eyes shone.
"A Pokédex…"
"Hmph. What kind of Elite wouldn't have one?"
He placed the Poké Ball into the scanner.
Click.
A mechanical voice echoed:
> Pokémon: Rattata
Type: Normal
Category: Mouse Pokémon
Height: 0.27 m
Weight: 3.5 kg
Description: Though common, it must not be underestimated. Its sharp incisors can chew through iron plates.
Aptitude: Above average (currently suppressed due to poor development).
Status: Severely injured.
Recommendation: Immediate treatment at the Pokémon Center.
Supplement: Feed three medium-quality Normal-type energy cubes daily and one bottle of MooMoo Milk. Full recovery in approximately one week.
Icarus' eyes widened.
It really was Normal–High aptitude.
He had not misjudged it.
(End of Chapter 21)
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