Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 32: This Isn't Fair—I Have a Gardevoir!

[Please select your reward!]

1. Butterfree (Gym Leader level)

2. Raticate (Gym Leader level)

3. Intimidation (transferable ability)

As usual, there were three rewards. The first two were solid but unremarkable: Butterfree, the fully evolved form of Caterpie, and Raticate, the evolved form of Rattata.

If Asahi were a rookie trainer without his Gardevoir, he might have considered Butterfree.

But with no shortage of Pokémon on his team, Asahi skipped the first two options and focused on the third.

"Intimidation… if I'm not mistaken, that's an ability, right?"

Asahi stroked his chin.

Intimidation, a common ability for many Legendary Pokémon, reduced the opposing Pokémon's move PP in the games—hardly useful.

But Asahi suspected it might function differently in the real world.

The fact that it was listed as "transferable" hinted that it could be taught to his Pokémon like a skill.

Making his decision, Asahi selected the third option.

[You've chosen: Intimidation!]

However, as the information about Intimidation flowed into his mind, Asahi froze.

It wasn't a teachable ability for his Pokémon—it was a skill for himself.

So this wasn't for Pokémon—it was for me?

The skill allowed him to project a mental pressure onto trainers weaker than himself.

While potentially useful for others, it was practically useless to Asahi. As a Legendary Ranger who had apprehended over a thousand poachers, a single glare from him was already enough to send most Bug Catchers and Youngsters running.

For Pokémon, the ability only worked on those weaker than himself.

Given Asahi's strength, that meant he could only reliably intimidate Weedle, Poliwag, or, at best, a particularly sluggish Slowpoke.

"Seriously?"

In hindsight, he should've picked Butterfree. Short-lived as Bug-types were, they matured quickly and could've been a valuable team member.

Unfortunately, there was no going back.

Green, watching Asahi's sudden drop in mood, tilted her head. Then, as if realizing something, she teased: "Did you finally start feeling guilty for bullying weak trainers?"

"?"

Asahi gave her a confused look.

Guilty? Him? What a joke.

...

Shaking off his annoyance, Asahi resolved to make up for it. If earning a title for defeating 100 trainers wasn't enough, he'd aim for 1,000 next time.

"Let's keep going!" he declared with renewed determination.

Nearby, the Bug Catcher holding his Pokéblocks shivered. For some reason, he had a bad feeling about the future of his fellow Bug Catchers in the area.

While Asahi's Dragon Crystal could help his Pokémon evolve naturally, he still felt that evolving during a battle was the most exciting way to do it!

Green didn't even know where to begin criticizing that logic.

...

Celadon City, situated in the central inland region of Kanto, was a massive metropolitan hub, second in prosperity only to Saffron City, home of the Silph Co. headquarters.

"What a beautiful city!" Green exclaimed, marveling at Celadon City before her.

Asahi wasn't surprised by her reaction; many people shared her sentiment upon visiting Celadon City for the first time.

Just as Pewter City was known for its rocky features and Cerulean City for its water-themed ballet, Celadon City, home to the Grass-type Rainbow Gym, boasted an exceptionally high level of greenery. The entire city exuded a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.

Coupled with its artistic cityscape, Celadon left a strong "beautiful" impression at first glance.

"Where to next? The Pokémon Center?" Green asked.

After traveling through the wilderness for so long, she was exhausted. She couldn't wait to get to the Pokémon Center dormitory, take a hot shower, and have a proper rest.

Asahi shook his head. "Not there."

The Pokémon Center, as part of its support for trainers, provided free lodging and meals—a great benefit for trainers on tight budgets.

However, Pokémon Centers only offered shared double rooms, and Asahi wasn't keen on sharing a space with strangers.

Under Green's puzzled gaze, Asahi hailed a cab and headed to the Silph Hotel in Celadon City.

When they arrived, Green froze, staring at the luxurious hotel in shock. She hadn't expected Asahi to bring her here.

It wasn't because of any deeper implications but rather the hotel's outrageous cost.

Even the cheapest room cost a staggering 10,000 Pokédollars per night. Green had spent months selling bootleg merchandise in Cerulean City and had only managed to earn 65,000 Pokédollars. At the time, she thought she'd hit the jackpot, but now she realized it would only cover six nights here.

Before she could snap out of her daze, Asahi was already at the front desk. "Two deluxe suites, please."

"Wait!" Green hurriedly stopped him.

"?" Asahi looked at her, confused.

Wasn't two rooms enough? Did she actually want to share a room with him?

That wouldn't be appropriate. After all, he still had Gardevoir.

***

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