I Have a Pokemon Mystery Dungeon System in a World with Pokemon

Shinobu and the others took a 30-minute taxi ride to the Grass-type Gym. Because the Gym was located in a grassy field, they were dropped off at the nearest road, which was a 5-minute walk away from the entrance.

Even from this distance, they could see the building, which looked to be made of opaque glass. Beside the Gym, there was a garden with myriads of colorful flowers and some Grass-type Pokemon frolicking about.

While walking towards the Gym, the group felt the warm breeze and cool temperature uniquely found in rural areas. 

"By the way, Sister Mualani, why did you choose the Grass-type Gym to challenge? After Earth and Rock, shouldn't Fire-type be your next option?"

"Hahaha, well~ I have a rival in a different school. He has a super strong Flapple and other Grass-type Pokemon! In our first year, he defeated me in the Freshmen Tournament. Since then, I always considered him my target. This year, I plan on finally taking him down."

"Ohhh, a boy, huh~ Is he a target to take down? Or a target to 'take down'?"

Candice wiggled her eyebrows as she emphasized the last word. Hearing this, Mualani laughed.

"Well~ he is a bit handsome. However, he's too serious for my liking."

"Try inviting him out, maybe he only has a serious persona in public. And in private, he may be a fun guy to hang around! Just like Shinobu."

"Hey!"

Shinobu gave her roommate a displeased look, to which Candice responded by sticking her tongue out.

"Oh, we tried hanging out together one time. Trust me, it didn't work out. All he talked about was Pokemon this and Pokemon that."

Mualani shrugged in a what-can-you-do way. Seeing this, Candice nodded understandingly before turning her spearhead to someone else.

"How about you Kachina, have any guy in school who strikes your fancy?"

"H-huh?!"

Kachina was just silently listening to their conversation and was caught flat-footed by Candice's sudden question. Her eyes began to wander, mostly stopping in Shinobu's direction, as she replied.

"I-I don't have anyone. Twirly and I only want to do our best to become stronger quickly and get a Gym Badge."

"How about you, Candice? You're so curious about us, do you have anyone you like?"

Mualani idly asked, deflecting the ensuing questions away from Kachina.

"*Sigh*, I wish. Becoming roommates with someone who has a boyfriend while being single is not something I'd wish even on my worst enemies."

"Your roommate is over here, you know. And stop being such a drama queen, I always make sure to keep my voice down whenever Dan and I are on a call."

Candice and Shinobu began to bicker as they approached the Gym. On the side, Kachina had a sad expression as she looked at Shinobu. She was startled when a hand suddenly patted her shoulders.

"Cheer up. There's plenty of fish in the sea. You'll surely find another guy one day."

Seeing Mualani's encouraging smile, Kachina blushed before giving a small nod of agreement.

At the Gym's entrance, Shinobu familiarly greeted the guard as he checked their Trainer IDs before allowing entry. She then led everyone to the front desk where a lady wearing an office suit was working on a computer.

"Hey Sophia, good morning!"

"Oh, Shinobu! Long time no see!"

After looking up from the computer, the blond beauty named Sophia smiled. 

"You know, Ms. Erika is still sulking from what your boyfriend did. Especially since the video of her defeat had been famous even outside the Philippines."

"Haha, I'm sure she'll get over it soon. Dante is on his way to challenge another Gym right now."

"Ah! That's why he's not present to cheer for you today. Well then, since your match is scheduled at 11 AM, you can watch the preceding matches or walk around the place first."

"What do you three think?"

Shinobu turned her head and asked Mualani and the others.

"Since you and Mualani are about to fight against her soon, I think it would be better to watch Ms. Erika's fight against the others."

"Y-yeah! I think so too."

"Alright, let's watch the match then."

After informing Sophia and confirming both her and Mualani's Trainer ID, the four walked to the side door that connects to the stadium. On the way, Shinobu took out her phone and sent a message to Dante.

Shinobu: We've already arrived, how are you guys now?

—

On Dante's side, he and Focalors were still riding on Tropius and halfway to reaching the Ground-type Gym. 

Feeling the phone in his pocket vibrate, Dante took it out and responded to Shinobu's message.

"Did something happen?"

"Nah, it's just Shinobu and the others. She just told me they're already at the Gym."

"I see…"

Focalors remained silent, watching Dante smile as he chatted with Shinobu. 

On his lap, Teddiursa was asleep, his head using Dante's thigh as a pillow. Meanwhile, Pikachu and Azumarill were hanging on one of Tropius' wings, feeling the wind drift past their paws.

After sending his goodbye, Dante put his phone down and saw Focalors staring at him. 

"Is there something on my face?"

"...no. Are you sure it's safe letting your two Pokemon dangle there?"

"It's fine~ They can handle it by themselves. And if they ever fall, we can rely on your Dragonite to catch them before they hit the ground."

Focalors sweatdropped. Seeing Pikachu using only one paw to hold on while his other paw held the phone to take a picture, she took out Dragonite's Pokeball just in case.

Beside Tropius, Furina and Dawn on Altaria's back were waving at the two. 

"Hey! Take a picture of us too, Pikachu!"

"PIKA!"

After half an hour, their group finally landed at the foot of a mountain. There were countless residents and tourists who looked in curiosity at their arrival.

The Ground-type Gym is located inside Mount Makiling, a 1000-meter-tall inactive volcano that is surrounded by a forest teeming with wild Pokemon. In addition, this place is also known for its many natural hot springs, making it a famous tourist destination. 

Aside from fighting other Trainers, the Gym leader also has the responsibility of making sure the Pokemon in the forest don't wander into the residential area and maintaining the safety and income of this place.

"Look, another group of young Trainers came to challenge the Gym."

"Hahaha, Pacal really has it hard during this period. Most young Trainers who just got their Pokemon always rush to challenge him."

"Hey, is that a golden Azumarill? And that white hair, isn't he the most famous newcomer!?"

Dante quickly took back Azumarill after seeing the crowd around them beginning to get rowdy. Then, he led Focalors and the others towards the Gym.

The Gym's entrance was a cave just on the side of the mountain. After verifying their identities through the guard, they gained permission to enter.

Inside the cave, Dante looked around in wonder. On the wall, yellow-red lines resembling flowing lava provided light for the whole area. All the furniture also had a consistent style, seeming to be made from a black stone material. 

"Whew, it's quite hot here."

"It's a volcano after all, even if an inactive one."

Dante smiled in amusement as he saw Furina release her Horsea and had her use Icy Wind. Beside her, Dawn released Piplup and let her do the same.

They walked towards the front desk which was manned by a muscular guy wearing tribal clothes. Seeing him operate a computer to check for Dante and Focalors' registration was quite a funny sight.

"Alright, Ms. Focalors and Mr. Dante, scheduled for 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Please wait in the lounge for your name to be called. Mr. Pacal is fighting the challenger before you right now."

A/N: I was planning on Focalors and Dante having some 'development' while in the air. It's why I even chose Tropius who had a slower speed than Altaria. But then I realized, Furina and Dawn can just lower their speed to match them *Facepalm*