As soon as Riku's Champion-level Gengar appeared, Dawn knew her Pachirisu was no match.
As she expected, the difference in strength between an Elite-level Pokémon and a Champion-level Pokémon was like heaven and earth—completely incomparable.
Unless it was a Pokémon with the potential of a pseudo-legendary, or at the very least, with the potential of a high-level Elite Four, it might be possible to challenge beyond its level.
Unfortunately, Dawn knew her own situation. The Pokémon she had captured had good potential, but being able to advance to the Elite Four level was already very difficult—let alone a pseudo-legendary.
Pachirisu, defeated!
Piplup, defeated!
Turtwig, defeated!
Monferno, defeated!
Instantly swept four in a row—plus the Quilava that had been defeated by Milotic earlier—according to Gym rules, Dawn could only send out one more Pokémon.
Looking at the eager and excited Gengar, Dawn bit her lip and directly conceded defeat.
Losing was inevitable anyway, and Dawn was mentally prepared for it.
But she didn't expect to lose so miserably. It was even a bit pitiful.
Swept four in a row, and Gengar had almost always won with one hit—at most, two hits to defeat each of Dawn's Pokémon. This wouldn't provide any training effect at all.
Rather than letting the remaining Pokémon be struck by Gengar and infected with that troublesome poison, it was better to just concede defeat—clean and simple.
Clap clap clap...
"Riku, truly powerful!" Although the audience in the Orange Archipelago was a bit unsatisfied, they still applauded when they saw Dawn concede defeat.
"Four in a row... that Gengar is terrifying."
"That's the Champion-level Gengar that even poisoned Bruno's Steelix—how could this little girl possibly win?"
"Riku is so young and already so strong. I'm afraid no one will be able to defeat him in the future."
"Isn't that even better? That way, our title of Orange League Honorary Trainer will be even more valuable."
"I heard the League wants to form an Elite Four."
"That's all because Riku is strong. If it were before, the League wouldn't even dare to dream such a big dream."
...
Dawn had been frustrated at first, but the audience's voices were quite loud. Hearing that the Gengar before her had actually poisoned Bruno's Steelix, Dawn's mood finally recovered a bit.
Sometimes, people are just like that.
When feeling down, seeing someone else who's just as unlucky as oneself can really improve one's mood.
If that unlucky person is even more outstanding and powerful, those with a bit of a mean streak might even gloat.
Dawn, however, was a good girl—and even felt a bit sorry for Bruno.
Being defeated by an unknown young man who appeared out of nowhere would be a stain on his reputation for the rest of his life, and he'd often be mocked for it.
Of course—
If Riku became even more awesome in the future and became the strongest trainer in the Pokémon world, then Bruno could even brag about it, saying that he once fought Riku to a standstill.
The audience quickly dispersed. Watching Riku's departing figure, Dawn bit her lip and followed him.
...
Orange League Headquarters
Riku glanced speechlessly at Dawn standing on his left, then glanced at Serena standing on his right.
When someone challenged the Orange League Champion, regardless of victory or defeat, the Champion had to give a brief report at the League Headquarters afterward.
But he didn't expect Serena and Dawn to both follow him.
Grandma had originally been very satisfied with Riku's first victory. Seeing Riku come over, she was about to praise him and mention the Champion's salary.
But now, seeing two beautiful girls actually following Riku in, Grandma didn't know what to say.
After all, one of them was the Pokémon Trainer who had just challenged Riku.
"You guys should go out," Riku said speechlessly.
"This is the Orange League Headquarters. You two aren't from the Orange Archipelago, so coming in is already against the rules. Now you're even in this high-level office..."
Dawn also felt the awkward atmosphere, so she said with a serious expression, "I can leave now, but you must come to the gate to see me later."
"Why should I see you?" Riku said, speechless.
"We're still rivals today. What's there to talk about?"
"Anyway, I'll wait for you. If you don't come, I'll pester you every day," Dawn said angrily, then left.
Today, she had indeed been hit quite hard.
They were both young people, but Riku treated her like a child. She couldn't swallow that.
But despite her anger, Dawn's main purpose was still to get close to Riku—and find out why he was so powerful.
Peeking into someone else's secrets wasn't good, but Dawn couldn't help it.
And everything else aside, she was really curious about how Riku had captured Milotic—the most beautiful Pokémon in the world.
Previously, Riku only thought Ralts was a magnet for girls, but now it seemed Milotic wasn't much different.
Watching Dawn leave, Serena smiled and followed her out without saying anything.
She didn't have anything she wanted to say to Riku—she was just worried about Dawn following Riku all the time.
Serena didn't understand why she was doing this, but she was a rather spontaneous girl. If she wanted to do something, she would just do it. Anyway, she didn't know why she wanted to, and others didn't know what she wanted to do.
Keeping a bit of mystery was also quite fun.
"Little Riku, you performed exceptionally well today."
Like the two girls, Grandma and the other elders exchanged glances before slowly speaking:
"There's no need for a report. We've already watched your duel with that female trainer through the Gym's cameras."
"Then can I go back now?" Riku was taken aback. Sometimes, he really didn't want to face these League elders.
Speaking too harshly seemed impolite.
Speaking too softly, he was afraid these elders would think he was easy to manipulate—and cause him more trouble in the future.
But sometimes, there was no choice. After all, he was from the Orange Archipelago, and to be honest, these elders hadn't treated him badly.
"Wait a moment," Grandma called out to Riku.
"Serena and that trainer named Dawn seem to have some interest in you..."
"No, Grandma, what are you talking about?" Riku said anxiously.
"They're just young girls. If these words get out, it'll definitely affect their reputation."
"And I've only known Serena for two or three days, and I only met Dawn for the first time today. No matter how infatuated they are, they couldn't possibly fall in love with me in such a short time!"
"Grandma has eaten more salt than you've eaten rice," Grandma chuckled.
"We old folks here can all see the way those two girls look at you."
"Although they haven't fallen in love with you yet, they are now curious about you. You should know what it means when a woman becomes curious about a man."
Riku had a headache. "Grandma, what are you trying to do now?"
"Nothing," Grandma smiled.
"I just want you to build a good relationship with these two girls so that they'll be willing to form our Orange League's Elite Four with you..."
"Whoa, Grandma, how could you do this?" Riku was shocked.
"I finally understand—you want me to sacrifice my looks!"
"Not really. It depends on your abilities," Grandma shook her head.
"If you can become partners or friends, as long as they're willing to stay... no! Even just lend their names is fine. Anyway, it's up to you."
"How is it up to me?" Riku was stunned.
"And if they agree, plus me, that's only three people..."
"Isn't there still May?" Grandma smiled.
"There's no need to ask May—she'll definitely agree."
"Even so..." Riku said with a headache.
"Their strength isn't even at the Elite Four level. They don't even meet the basic requirements for forming an Elite Four."
"Isn't there still you?" Grandma said with a serious expression.
"The days ahead will be tough for you. I hope you can train them. With the strength of those three young girls, they should be able to reach the Elite Four level soon."
"As for the Elite Four trials afterward, we'll talk about that later."
---
Seriously? Are you serious?
Riku looked at Grandma and the League elders' expressions and was immediately speechless.
This was a bit too far-fetched.
And even if it could really be done—why should Riku pay for it for nothing? Being able to temporarily serve as the Orange Archipelago Champion this time was already more than enough.
"Grandma, it's not that I'm mercenary," Riku shook his head.
"One thing is one thing. I've done so much—what's in it for me?"
"Don't give me that patriotic stuff. Give me something practical, or don't blame me for turning around and leaving."
"This..." The elders exchanged glances, and then Grandma said firmly:
"As long as you're willing, all the resources of our Orange Archipelago can be at your disposal—and you'll receive one million Poké Dollars every month."
"Even if you want, my granddaughter can be your girlfriend..."
"No! Don't!" Riku immediately refused.
What a joke.
Even Grandma herself disliked her so-called granddaughter.
At sixteen, she already weighed 220 pounds and had difficulty moving. Be his girlfriend?
What kind of resource was that? It was simply trying to trick him!
-----------More Bonus Chapters!!!!
Every 300 power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter