Chapter 17
Let's go, Gastly!
Alliance Battle Center.
Located in the heart of Di'an City, with convenient access in all directions, it stands out from other distinctive urban buildings with its rather rigid and upright appearance.
It's immediately recognizable as an official Alliance facility.
As Bai Zhou and Gastly stepped through the gate, just as a male trainer was about to greet them, a sharp elbow strike suddenly appeared from the side.
Man!
The male trainer collapsed to the ground.
A smiling female trainer seamlessly stepped in front of Bai Zhou, speaking rapidly:
"Hello sir! This is the League Battle Center in Di'an City. Are you here to certify your Trainer level, rent a venue, or require training services?"
Bai Zhou was filled with respect, pointed to the struggling male trainer on the ground, and hesitated before saying:
"Um...is he alright?"
"No problem at all, sir!"
The female trainer, with a standard professional smile, subtly took half a step, completely blocking Bai Zhou's view.
"I'm your personal receptionist for today. Please feel free to ask if you need anything."
Bai Zhou wisely refrained from pressing further and scooped up the Gastly that was about to float towards the service counter:
"My name is Shirazumi. I brought Gastly to watch the battle and familiarize it with the process of real-world battles."
"Okay, please follow me."
He nodded with relief and led them toward the battle zone.
The battle zone is spacious, but it's mostly filled with trainers who bring their Pokémon to practice their moves.
Aside from sparring with League trainers, there are very few actual battles between trainers, and they are mostly beginners fighting each other.
Gastly, however, watched with great interest, occasionally letting out a beautiful cheer that sounded like a death song.
After walking around, I felt at ease and stopped.
"Do you need any other assistance?"
"there is none left……"
Bai Zhou answered subconsciously, but his gaze caught Gastly's eyes, which were fixed on the battlefield and gleaming with eager anticipation. He paused in his speech.
Please help me get my trainer level certified.
"OK."
Anxin smiled slightly and handed over the notepad.
"Certification level requires passing the League's assessment battles. Trainer levels are divided into Beginner, Elite, Advanced, and Master. Gym Leaders require additional League certification. After becoming a Trainer, you will enjoy benefits but also bear responsibilities. Please see the terms and conditions for details."
Bai Zhou quickly scanned the terms and conditions and submitted them.
"Certified Beginner Trainer"
"Okay, please proceed to the battlefield."
Anxin's smile deepened.
As an elite trainer and a wealthy heiress, she looked down on the League's meager salary.
The core fun of this job lies in bullying newbies who are just starting out with certification.
This situation is commonly known as "fried fish".
"Little Assistant reminds you: Your first battle is unwinnable! As the savior, even against a seemingly insurmountable enemy, you must bravely charge in!"
"Reward: 'Move Combinations and Tactical Explanations - Elvish Language Edition' (The perfect bedtime read)"
Ignoring the mentally challenged system, Bai Zhou followed An Xin into the arena. When he took his position to give instructions, he found that An Xin had gone straight to the command position opposite him.
The referee in the center of the field was the male trainer who had been elbowed to the ground earlier. He was winking at Anxin, clearly indicating that they had a good relationship.
With the battle imminent, Bai Zhou calmed his mind.
He crouched down, looked directly at the Gastly radiating excitement, and said solemnly and earnestly:
"Gastly, embarking on the path of a Trainer means responsibility and danger. I will do my best to protect you, but accidents can happen... Are you really sure?"
To be honest, he wasn't entirely confident about letting Bai Zhou become a trainer.
Whether it's training or raising Pokémon, he's a complete novice, a complete beginner.
During those three years, every single one of his long-term partners was a Pokémon with divine power: Rayquaza, Zygarde, Giratina...
They don't need any so-called training or nurturing; all they can hone are combat skills and tactical command.
That's all.
Besides, he never intended to become a trainer in the first place.
I don't know what's so good about being a trainer. It doesn't make money, Pokémon are easily injured, and who knows what dangerous incidents you might get involved in in the future.
I really dislike being a trainer.
But since it was Gastly's intention, he would never choose to betray it.
"Crack!"
Gastly suppressed its smile and resolutely floated into the arena.
Is this your answer?
Bai Zhou stood up and suddenly remembered how he had been chased all over the place by Rayquaza when he first met Rayquaza, and couldn't help but chuckle.
So...
Come at me, Gastly!
Pokémon: Gastly (Shiny)
Attribute: Ghost/Poison
Category: Gas Pokémon
Gender: Male
"Ability: Levitate (lifts the user from the ground, making them immune to regular Ground-type moves)"
"Mastered moves: Smoke of Purification, Immobilization, Fright, Black Mist, Mirror Attribute, Hypnosis, Lick, Resentment, Black Gaze, Strange Light, Misfortune Comes Alone, Shadow Ball, Taunt"
Mood: Excited
"Little A's assistant reminds you: This child has the makings of a legend!"
A legendary figure.
Although I had expected it, but...
With such a deep move pool, featuring a full range of stat-based moves, it's no wonder this Pokémon originated from the First Emperor's Mausoleum.
Bai Zhou never cared about Gastly's aptitude; otherwise, he wouldn't have waited so long to use Appraisal on it.
If he could, he would only wish that Gastly could always be happy and safe.
On the other side of the battlefield.
Anxin sent out a small fire dragon.
Pokémon: Charmander
Attribute: Fire
Category: Lizard Pokémon
Gender: Female
"Ability: Blaze (When HP is low, the power of Fire-type moves increases)"
"Mastered moves: Grab, Roar, Spark, Smoke Screen, Dragon Breath, Fire Fang, Slash, Outrage, Flame Breath"
"Item: Everstone (A magical stone that prevents a Pokémon from evolving while held)"
Mood: Contempt
"Fun Fact: Top 1 Most Popular Pokémon"
"Quick, quick, someone's certifying a new trainer's level, and it seems they're battling Anxin!"
"What, Anxin? Oh, you mean that top-tier fish-fry bastard who didn't even spare fish fry and blew up eighteen rookie trainers in a row?"
"Oh, it's Gastly! That's quite rare for a new trainer."
"Hahaha... I see that person has an extraordinary presence; he might not necessarily lose to An Xin."
Why are you cross-eyed?
"Bullshit! Look how handsome he is, he doesn't look like he'd lose."
"Hey, now that you mention it, it's true."
"The betting's open! Let's bet on how many rounds this handsome guy can last!"
Upon hearing that Anxin was going to battle, the trainers who had been idly loafing around suddenly swarmed over.
This created a strong atmosphere of competition.
Discussions, jokes, and the sound of the opening bell rose and fell.
All that's missing is the exhilarating and classic battle BGM from Sword and Shield.