Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

Some of the registered hunters in the Hunter Guild are members of underground organizations, such as Team Rocket, while others may be affiliated with the League. The Hunter Guild doesn't concern itself with the identities of its registered hunters. What matters to them is whether the hunter can capture Pokémon with real value.

Because of this, some individuals specialize in capturing Pokémon as their primary occupation.

There are even a few small organizations attached to the Hunter Guild, with the sole purpose of hunting Pokémon to earn resources. These groups capture Pokémon, sell or trade them, then use the profits to strengthen their own Pokémon. Once their strength improves, they target more powerful Pokémon, creating a cycle of growth and profit.

Many hunters take great pride in their profession. When they don't have to worry about the League tracking them, they openly display their Hunter Star Badge on their chest.

Aoki gave the hall a brief glance before turning his attention away. Without hesitation, he stepped into the Hunter Guild building, which was significantly larger than the other establishments nearby.

Upon entering, he noticed that the building's center was completely open, while the interior design divided the hall into two distinct areas.

One area was dedicated to Pokémon sales, catering to those looking to purchase Pokémon. Rows of variously sized iron cages filled most of the space, each containing untamed Pokémon awaiting buyers.

The other section housed the guild's administrative functions, including the parcel registration window, mission access terminals, and task handover windows.

Hunters could also exchange points for Pokémon directly at the sales area using their Hunter ID card.

Aoki made his way to the mission handover section. The five available counters were all occupied, except for one marked with a sign: "Exclusive Window for Five-Star Hunters and Above."

The Hunter Guild, like many institutions in the Pokémon world, differentiated treatment based on rank. High-ranking hunters—five-star or above—enjoyed privileges, and this exclusive window was one of the minor benefits.

The guild's major profits came from these elite hunters. Lower-ranked hunters like Aoki, or even unranked ones, had no choice but to queue at the public windows and wait their turn.

Without dwelling on it, Aoki took his place at the back of a line, folding his arms as he waited.

Even while standing still, he remained observant. Beneath the shadow of his black cloak, his sharp eyes scanned the hall.

One figure stood out—a person in an ostentatious outfit, leaning casually against a remote corner of the hall. Despite his presence, everyone around him either ignored him or avoided direct eye contact.

A sun-shaped medal gleamed on his chest—a symbol of the Hunter Guild's elite. He was the head of the Hunter Guild's branch in Ecruteak City.

Sensing something, the man stirred slightly. His previously drowsy, unfocused gaze sharpened as he surveyed the hall. Finding nothing of note, he yawned and resumed his lazy posture, resting against the wall as if he were about to fall back asleep.

Aoki silently noted this. Despite the man's carefree appearance, he wasn't to be underestimated. Anyone capable of earning the Sun Medal was at least on the verge of becoming an Elite-class Trainer. The fact that he could sense Aoki's gaze so quickly proved his heightened awareness.

A hunter's instincts were finely honed. No matter how relaxed he seemed, the ability to fall asleep so easily while standing suggested he had endured countless harsh environments, developing both endurance and constant vigilance.

Aside from him, the rest of the hall appeared relatively unremarkable.

Most of the hunters in the hall were around the two-star level. Occasionally, a four-star hunter could be seen, but five-star hunters were a rare sight.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the front of Aoki's line.

"Congratulations on completing your mission! Based on your accumulated points, you have been promoted to a five-star hunter. You may proceed to the exclusive window to receive your fifth gold star," a guild staff member announced with a professional smile.

The moment those words were spoken, murmurs spread throughout the line.

"A five-star hunter? Didn't expect to see one today…"

"Fifty million points… That's enough to exchange for nearly any Pokémon…"

"Idiots, stop making a fuss. Didn't you see the emblem on his Hunter Badge? That hammer symbol marks him as a member of the Warhammer Hunting Group, one of the guild's affiliated organizations."

At the mention of the Warhammer Hunting Group, the chatter died down immediately.

While their name might not be widely known elsewhere, within the hunting profession, they were infamous.

Among all the hunting groups operating under the Hunter Guild, the Warhammer Hunting Group ranked in the top five in terms of strength.

Rumors even suggested that their leader had once single-handedly captured a wild Pokémon of Elite level. Though the specifics remained unclear, the mere possibility of such a feat was enough to make them legendary.

The newly promoted five-star hunter from the Warhammer Hunting Group straightened his back with obvious pride. Without acknowledging the onlookers, he confidently strode to the exclusive window, basking in the recognition.

After his departure, the line moved faster, and within ten minutes, it was Aoki's turn.

He took a seat at the counter.

"Hello, please present your Hunter ID card," the receptionist said politely.

Aoki handed over the card he had prepared.

As she swiped it through the reader, his hunter profile appeared on the computer screen.

"Are you submitting a captured Pokémon? If the mission is complete, please place the Pokéball in the designated slot. We will evaluate the Pokémon's quality and other parameters to confirm completion," she continued, maintaining a neutral, professional tone.

Aoki retrieved a Pokéball containing a Nidoran and placed it into the slot beside the window.

With a press of a button, the Pokéball disappeared instantly.

Pokémon transfer technology. A commonplace yet highly advanced system in this world.

After waiting patiently for three minutes, the receptionist's computer screen refreshed, displaying Nidoran's detailed stats and assessment.

"Thank you for your patience. The evaluation is complete. Based on this Nidoran's level and potential, we estimate its value at 100,000 Pokecoins," she stated with a professional smile.

Aoki frowned slightly. If this were an ordinary Nidoran, the price would be fair. However, the one he captured possessed the Hustle ability, which meant that once it evolved, it would become a Nidoking with the Hidden Ability Sheer Force—an exceptionally rare trait.

"Please have your data analyst review the file. This Nidoran has the Hustle ability," Aoki said calmly.