"Your performance this time was outstanding."
"So, what's next? Do you plan to stay by my side to learn how to manage, or do you want to follow Bruno to strike at those Pokémon hunters?"
After a long series of meetings ended, Agatha brought Gu Yuan back to her office and asked with a smile. It was clear that she was truly satisfied with Gu Yuan.
"I think I'll continue striking at those Pokémon hunters or poaching groups. Working hard to improve my strength is the thing I should be doing most right now."
"Besides, I'm still a bit too young. Even if I learn management perfectly, it would be difficult to win over the public."
After thinking it over carefully, Gu Yuan gave his answer. Most importantly, he believed in strength far more than power.
"That is indeed the choice you would make. Unfortunately, there are only so many Elite-rank Pokémon; you already challenged most of them during the previous trials."
"Otherwise, your strength could have improved even faster. You should know that Elite-rank Pokémon hunters and poaching groups are very rare."
Agatha wasn't surprised by Gu Yuan's answer at all. Instead, she reminded him to be mentally prepared.
"It's fine. Small amounts add up, and it's also a good chance for Ceruledge and the others to improve their strength."
Gu Yuan didn't mind. As long as he defeated enough opponents, the points he received would certainly not be few.
"Speaking of which, have you considered catching a few more Pokémon?"
"After all, with your record, as long as you ask, we can find basically any Pokémon for you except for those legendary ones."
"Furthermore, you're a Psychic. With two more Pokémon, you'd be capable of carrying multiple Pokémon simultaneously."
As if remembering something, Agatha inquired curiously. Hearing this, Gu Yuan actually felt a bit ashamed. After seeing the power Agatha had displayed earlier, he didn't think the number of Pokémon he could carry was anything to be proud of.
"I understand. However, I don't need to add other Pokémon for the time being. Once I have a specific idea, I'll tell you immediately."
After some thought, Gu Yuan didn't give a direct answer, preparing to think it over more. His team didn't have any weaknesses anyway, so he wasn't in dire need of new Pokémon.
"That's fine. Catching and training new Pokémon does require careful thought."
"I don't need to explain anything else. Dar will contact you regarding information on those Pokémon hunters or poaching groups."
"While it's hard for those people to pose a threat to you with their strength, you still need to act with caution."
"Who knows where the remnants of those families or the remaining forces of the Hunter's Guild are hiding. Even if the League's pressure is strong, there's no guarantee they won't be driven to a desperate act and strike at you or other excellent Trainers. You must maintain the necessary vigilance!"
"Yes! I understand."
Facing Agatha's instructions, Gu Yuan answered seriously. Not long after bidding her farewell, he received a message from Dar containing the activity ranges of numerous Pokémon hunters and poaching groups. To protect Gu Yuan, every time he completed a task, Dar would record it to ensure no one else knew Gu Yuan's whereabouts.
Flipping onto Dragapult's back, Gu Yuan set off toward his first target.
"I really have to thank the League this time. If they hadn't acted against those families, how could I have had the chance to enter the Kurata family's sanctuary and make a fortune?"
In the forest, a slightly excited voice rang out. Dyson, his eyes full of greed, was smiling as he tucked a Poké Ball into his jacket.
Just as he said, although the League had uprooted the family forces, they hadn't been able to secure all their resources immediately. This provided an opportunity for Pokémon hunters and poaching groups. This was also why the Elite Four were taking action against these people. With the pride of the Elite Four, they wouldn't allow anyone to hide in the shadows and play the role of the "snipe and the clam."
"Since you're so grateful to the League, how about spending some time in a League prison? I guarantee the environment there will satisfy you."
The moment Dyson touched the Poké Ball, he suddenly heard a voice right in his ear. Regarding this person who could silently sneak up on him, Dyson immediately pulled his vigilance to the maximum.
Rolling away quickly to avoid a possible attack, Dyson released two more Pokémon. One Elite-rank and two Ace-ranks—this was Dyson's strongest force. However, the moment he released them, he found he couldn't move. Without him noticing, Alakazam had appeared behind him.
"Following our previous order, this time it's the turn of Ditto, Haxorus, and Dragapult. You may attack freely."
As Gu Yuan's voice fell, Ditto and the others charged out of the lineup excitedly. During the rapid charge, Ditto transformed into Poliwrath, completely countering Dyson's Rhydon. Water condensed as two Water Pulse attacks separated Rhydon from the other two Pokémon.
Integrating Swords Dance into its charge, Haxorus took the lead in attacking the Persian and Jolteon in front of it. Facing the assault, Persian and Jolteon launched a joint counterattack. Around a pillar of orange-yellow lightning, Swift stars released by Persian swirled. With the Technician Ability, Persian's Swift was quite formidable.
"Roar!"
With a deafening roar, Haxorus used Dragon Rush to forcefully crush the attacks from Persian and Jolteon. Simultaneously, the invisible Dragapult appeared behind Persian and the other Pokémon. Using Outrage combined with Hyper Beam, it sent Persian flying.
Leaping up quickly, Haxorus also activated Outrage, followed by a Dragon Rush that swallowed Persian. After releasing Hyper Beam, Dragapult used Dragon Pulse to restrict Jolteon's attack, giving it no chance to provide support.
Guillotine was launched. No matter how pitiful the accuracy of this move was, the suppressed Persian could not dodge it. The moment it hit, Persian was knocked into a near-death state, losing its ability to battle.
Noticing this, Dragapult immediately used Draco Meteor to limit Jolteon's movements. Amidst the falling meteors, Haxorus acted like a hidden assassin. The moment Jolteon showed a weakness, it rushed to its side. Guillotine was activated once more, easily ending the battle.
On the other side, the Rhydon enveloped by water was completely powerless to resist. It lost consciousness within the torrent. With the defeat of his Pokémon, Dyson's life also reached its end.