"Let's leave all the materials here for now—and stack the Poké Balls over there."
Icarus spoke calmly, as if nothing unusual had happened, completely ignoring Takashima's stunned reaction.
"And Takashima, your Machop is badly injured. Just to be safe, we'll come back tomorrow morning. Then we'll head deeper into the forest and deal with the Raticate."
"Ah… okay. Thank you, Captain."
Takashima nodded, accepting everything naturally.
---
"Let's head back first. We'll show the materials to the client, get the mission signed, then find a place to stay for the night."
With that, Icarus turned and walked toward the plantation, his Weepinbell and Pidgeotto following closely.
"Come on, Geodude," Takashima called, hurrying after him.
---
120,000…
120,000!
As he followed behind, Takashima's breathing grew heavier.
That kind of money… I'd have to grind so many one-star missions for it…
And this kid… so young, so strong… that Pokédex must be the key!
His expression subtly twisted.
---
Up ahead, Icarus walked calmly—but his senses were sharp.
He could hear it.
The heavier footsteps.
The uneven breathing.
---
That's how people are, he thought.
Give them a glimpse of hope, and they stop blaming themselves… and start blaming the world.
And once that happens—they start wanting more.
---
Not enough yet.
Tomorrow… in the forest.
---
Neither of them spoke as they returned to the plantation.
After handing over the materials and offering a few forced compliments, Icarus quickly got the mission signed and stamped.
---
"Let's find a place to stay. We leave at 7 a.m. tomorrow."
They found a simple homestay, exchanged brief goodnights, and went to their rooms.
---
The Next Morning
At dawn, both trainers stood ready—Pokémon at their sides.
"Takashima, your Machop looks fine already? Pokémon really are incredible."
Icarus sounded genuinely surprised.
You'd expect injuries like that to take months to heal.
---
"Yeah, I used high-grade Potion several times. And Machop itself has strong physical resilience."
Takashima patted his Pokémon proudly.
"Hey!" Machop flexed, showing off its strength.
---
"Wow… those Potions cost at least 5,000 each, right? You really went all in."
Icarus raised an eyebrow.
Takashima scratched his head awkwardly.
"Heh… better safe than sorry. Honestly, that used up almost all my savings…"
His eyes briefly drifted toward Icarus's backpack.
---
Icarus smiled.
"Don't worry. This trip—we're making money."
Then he gave an order:
"Pidgeotto, scout ahead. Look for Raticate."
---
After about twenty minutes, Pidgeotto returned, chirping rapidly.
It reported everything—locations of Raticate, nearby threats, terrain details.
Takashima couldn't understand a word.
---
"Found a few groups," Icarus said simply. "Let's go for the closest one."
---
Soon, they spotted their target.
Through binoculars:
One Raticate.
Seven Rattata.
---
"Manageable," Icarus muttered, relieved.
He'd been worried about another large swarm.
---
"Yeah, this one's doable," Takashima agreed. "But we should keep the noise down. This area attracts stronger predators."
---
Icarus nodded and quickly laid out the plan:
"I'll start with powder to weaken them."
"If they react, you have Geodude use Magnitude to disrupt them."
"Have Machop charge in with Fighting-type moves—take out as many as possible."
"I'll support with Pidgeotto and Weepinbell."
---
"Got it," Takashima said without hesitation.
---
From a distance, the Raticate pack continued foraging—completely unaware.
---
And in the quiet forest—
Something else was growing.
Not strategy.
Not strength.
---
But desire.
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