League Battle Center
Located in the core district of Eterna City, the League Battle Center stood at a major crossroads. Compared to the city's many uniquely styled buildings, its architecture looked strict and orderly.
At a glance, anyone could tell it was an official Pokémon League facility.
As Rei Akagi stepped through the entrance with Gastly, a male trainer was just about to greet him—
Suddenly, an elbow strike shot out from the side.
Bam!
The male trainer collapsed instantly.
A sweet-smiling female trainer smoothly took his place, blocking Rei Akagi's path as she spoke rapidly:
"Hello sir! Welcome to the Eterna City League Battle Center. Are you here to certify your Trainer rank, rent a battlefield, or request sparring services?"
Rei Akagi stared respectfully, pointing at the male trainer still struggling on the floor.
"Uh… is he alright?"
"Absolutely fine, sir!"
The female trainer maintained a perfect professional smile while subtly stepping sideways, completely blocking Rei Akagi's view.
"I'm your dedicated attendant for today—Melissa. If you need anything, please feel free to ask~"
Rei Akagi wisely chose not to press the issue. He grabbed Gastly, who was drifting toward the service counter.
"My name is Rei Akagi. I brought Gastly here to watch some battles and get familiar with real-world battle procedures."
"Understood. Please follow me."
Fantinanodded and led them toward the battle area.
The battlefield section was spacious, but most trainers there were simply practicing moves with their Pokémon.
Aside from official sparring matches with League trainers, actual battles between trainers were quite rare—and when they did happen, they were usually just rookie scuffles.
Gastly, however, watched with great interest, occasionally cheering in a voice as melodious as a Perish Song.
After finishing a full tour, Fantinastopped walking.
"Do you require any other assistance?"
"No…"
Rei Akagi replied instinctively.
But then he noticed Gastly's eyes fixed on the battlefield, glittering with eagerness to fight.
He paused.
"Help me register for Trainer rank certification."
"Of course."
Melissa's smile deepened as she handed him a clipboard.
"To obtain certification, trainers must pass an official League evaluation battle. Trainer ranks are divided into Novice, Elite, Advanced, and Master. Gym Trainers require additional League certification. Once certified, trainers receive benefits but must also fulfill certain responsibilities. Please review the terms."
Rei Akagi quickly skimmed through the document and handed it back.
"Register me as a Novice Trainer."
"Understood. Please proceed to the battlefield."
Melissa's smile widened further.
As an Elite Trainer and a wealthy heiress, she didn't care about the League's salary at all.
The real fun of this job was beating up rookies who came for certification.
This situation had a common nickname:
Smurfing.
System Notification Reminder:
"An unwinnable first battle! As the chosen savior, even when facing an unbeatable opponent, you must bravely charge forward!"
Reward:
"Move Combinations and Tactical Analysis — Pokémon Language Edition"
(The perfect bedtime reading!)
Ignoring the idiotic system, Rei Akagi followed Fantinaonto the battlefield.
But as he took his position, he noticed that Fantinawalked straight to the opposite trainer's command position.
The referee standing in the center of the field was the male trainer who had been elbowed earlier. He was currently winking at Melissa, clearly familiar with her.
The battle was about to begin.
Yet Rei Akagi suddenly grew serious.
He crouched down and looked directly at the excited Gastly.
"Gastly, becoming a trainer means responsibility—and danger. I'll do everything I can to protect you, but accidents can still happen…"
"Have you really thought this through?"
To be honest, Rei Akagi wasn't entirely confident about becoming a trainer.
Whether it was training Pokémon or raising them, he was a complete beginner—the newest of beginners.
During the three years after he transmigrated, every long-term partner he had encountered had been legendary-level Pokémon.
Rayquaza. Zygarde. Giratina…
Those Pokémon didn't need training or nurturing at all.
The only things he practiced with them were battle techniques and tactical command.
Beyond that… he knew nothing.
Besides, he never planned to become a trainer in the first place.
What was so great about being a trainer anyway?
It didn't make much money, Pokémon could easily get hurt, and sooner or later you might get dragged into some world-ending disaster.
He really didn't like the idea of becoming a trainer.
But since it was Gastly's wish, he would never betray it.
"Gastly!"
Gastly stopped smiling and drifted resolutely onto the battlefield.
So that's your answer.
Rei Akagi stood up.
Suddenly he remembered the first time he met Rayquaza, when it chased him across the ground with Hyper Beam, leaving him scrambling in panic.
He couldn't help but laugh.
Alright then…
Let's do this together, Gastly!
Pokémon Data
Pokémon: Gastly (Shiny)
Type: Ghost / Poison
Category: Gas Pokémon
Gender: Male
Ability: Levitate
(Floats above the ground, making it immune to Ground-type moves.)
Moves Known:
Clear SmogDisableAstonishHazeReflect TypeHypnosisLickSpiteMean LookConfuse RayHexShadow BallTaunt
Mood: Excited
System Notification Reminder:
"This one has the bearing of a legend!"
A legendary bearing…
Rei Akagi had expected as much.
Such a deep move pool, filled with utility and control moves.
As expected of a Pokémon that came from the Mausoleum of the First Emperor.
But Rei Akagi had never cared about Gastly's talent.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have waited this long to use Appraisal on it.
If possible, he simply hoped Gastly could stay happy and safe forever.
On the Other Side of the Battlefield
Fantinasent out a Charmander.
Pokémon: Charmander
Type: Fire
Category: Lizard Pokémon
Gender: Female
Ability: Blaze
(Powers up Fire-type moves when HP is low.)
Moves Known:
ScratchGrowlEmberSmokescreenDragon BreathFire FangSlashOutrageFlamethrower
Held Item: Everstone
(A mysterious stone that prevents Pokémon from evolving while held.)
Mood: Disdainful
Fun Fact:Most popular starter Pokémon — #1
"Hey hey hey! Someone's doing a Novice Trainer certification battle—and it's against Melissa!"
"What? Melissa? Oh, you mean the top-tier smurf who's beaten eighteen rookie trainers in a row?"
"Oh! It's a Gastly. That's pretty rare for a beginner trainer."
"Haha… that guy looks pretty extraordinary. Maybe he won't lose to Melissa."
"Why? You cross-eyed or something?"
"Bullshit! Look how handsome he is. Doesn't look like someone who'd lose."
"Huh… you know what, that actually makes sense."
"Place your bets! Let's see how many turns this handsome guy can last!"
As soon as people heard Fantinawas battling, the idle trainers nearby swarmed over within moments.
A thick battle atmosphere formed instantly.
Discussion, teasing, betting—
The noise filled the arena.
All that was missing was the epic battle BGM from Pokémon Sword & Shield.
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