"Mr. Roy, Miss Misty." Officer Jenny, having finished dealing with Lt. Surge, walked up to Roy with a sincere smile on her face.
"Once again, thank you for the crucial evidence you provided. This recording, along with your courage to step forward and testify, played a decisive role in cracking this case."
"And Miss Delia," Officer Jenny's gaze turned to Delia, who had also hurried over, her eyes full of admiration.
"I really must thank you especially. Your gentleness and patience have guided and encouraged those victimized girls. So far, over ten victims have bravely come forward, willing to testify against Lt. Surge's crimes. Their psychological trauma has also been greatly alleviated thanks to your comfort."
Delia, feeling a bit embarrassed by the praise, smiled gently: "I just did what I should. I'm happy to have been able to help those girls."
Roy looked at Delia's gentle and kind profile, his heart swelling with affection.
He didn't hesitate to praise her: "Delia, you really did an amazing job."
Then, he leaned close to Delia's ear and whispered with a smile, in a voice only the two of them could hear: "I'll reward you properly tonight. Get ready when we get back!"
"Ah!" Delia instantly flushed from her ears down to her neck, her delicate body trembling slightly. She shot Roy a shy glance, gently nudged him with her elbow, her eyes reproachful as if to say: With so many people around, aren't you ashamed to say such things?
But the shimmer in her eyes and her slightly softened posture betrayed her inner anticipation.
Although Misty didn't hear exactly what Roy said, seeing Sister Delia suddenly blush crimson and become utterly bashful, she could guess with her little toe that Roy hadn't said anything 'proper'.
She pursed her lips. Hmph, it's going to be lively again tonight.
As Lt. Surge was escorted onto the police car and taken away, the system's notification tone sounded in Roy's ears once more:
[Hidden Task Completed: Eliminate Vermilion City's Tumor, Weaken Team Rocket's Influence.]
[Task Rewards: Zapdos Species Favorability increased by 50%.
Officer Jenny Family Favorability +10, Cumulative: 40.
Joy Family Favorability +10, Cumulative: 20.]
Roy's eyes lit up.
An unexpected bonus!
The increase in favorability with the Officer Jenny and Joy Families was understandable. After all, he had assisted in cracking a major case and indirectly protected future potential victims among Trainers and Pokémon.
But what did this 'Zapdos Species Favorability increased by 50%' mean?
Could it be... that if he encounters Zapdos in the future, it will view him more favorably? Or even... 'Could it really end up giving me a Zapdos?' Roy joked to himself.
However, he also knew Legendary Pokémon weren't that easy to capture. But this favorability increase was definitely a huge advantage. In future events involving Zapdos or Electric-type Legendary Pokémon, it might provide unexpected assistance.
The matter was concluded for now.
Roy took Delia and Misty and left the unpleasant Vermilion Gym.
In the afternoon, Delia and Misty, in high spirits, made plans to go shopping together to relax.
Roy, meanwhile, found a quiet place and dialed the number for Professor Oak's research institute.
The call connected quickly, and Professor Oak's kindly face appeared on the screen.
"Oh? It's Roy! I heard you've already obtained two Badges? That's fast progress! How's the journey going?" Professor Oak asked with a chuckle.
"Professor, there's something I need to report to you." Roy concisely recounted Lt. Surge's crimes at the Vermilion Gym, his own evidence gathering, reporting, and the eventual arrest of Lt. Surge.
After listening, Professor Oak's smile vanished. His brow furrowed, and his expression turned serious and angry.
"How could such a thing happen! As a Gym Leader, instead of guiding Trainers, he abused his authority for such vile deeds, harming Trainers and Pokémon! He is a disgrace to Trainers and a stain on the League!"
Professor Oak's voice carried rare anger.
"Roy, you did excellently! Brave, decisive, and righteous! Don't worry about this matter. I will immediately submit a formal report to the League's highest council in the name of the research institute and urge them to conduct a thorough investigation and deal with it severely! We absolutely cannot let such a black sheep tarnish the reputation of Gyms and the League!"
With the intervention and stance of the prestigious and authoritative scholar Professor Oak, Lt. Surge's case was now completely secure.
Even if he might have connections to Team Rocket in the background, or some intricate relationships, under Professor Oak's attention and the pressure from the League's higher-ups, he wouldn't be able to cause any trouble.
Lt. Surge might not necessarily be imprisoned for life, but he certainly wouldn't be getting out anytime soon.
Having completely resolved this potential future problem, Roy also breathed a sigh of relief.
In the evening, Delia and Misty returned, carrying large and small bags, chatting and laughing.
Because the Pokémon Center was too crowded.
Roy 'had no choice' but to check into a nice hotel nearby.
When booking the room, the front desk lady looked at the handsome young man and the two beauties, each with their own charm, her expression slightly odd. But her professionalism kept her smiling, and she quickly completed the formalities... Back in the room, Misty couldn't wait to start organizing her'spoils of war,' holding up those cute little bear panties and looking them over left and right, her eyes curved into happy crescents.
"Next time... wearing these... maybe I won't be so shy?"
She muttered to herself, her mind involuntarily conjuring up certain amorous scenes.
The next second, her entire face 'flushed' crimson. Like a startled rabbit, she buried her face in the newly bought clothes, rolling around on the bed, emitting shy whimpers.
Oh my! What was she thinking! So shameless!
But... but... she was really looking forward to the next time... Unlike the pure-hearted, shy Misty who was doing mental preparations.
Delia, on the other hand, was preparing special black stockings for Roy...