Chapter 1: Champion’s Retirement
In the Paldea region, a sweet and energetic female voice rang out from a live stream with very few viewers.
“Capturing your attention with an electric net! Who’s here? Qi Shu is here!”
“Good morning, afternoon, and evening, hello!”
“Now~ Qi Shu will join everyone in watching the final moments of this Paldea Pokémon League Champion Assessment!”
“Trainer Luo Mu VS Paldea League Chairperson and Chief Champion – Ye Ci!”
Accompanied by rousing background music, the live stream’s camera slowly zoomed in, revealing the final battle unfolding at the top of the Paldea League Headquarters, located northwest of Mesagoza.
Countless electric sparks flew across the field, and upon closer inspection of the ground, some faint purple Toxic Spikes were scattered about.
On the field, two scarred Pokemon were confronting each other.
One Pokemon had crystal-like petals, looking mysterious and dangerous.
One Pokemon had a majestic black mane, and even though it was afflicted with Toxic, its golden beast eyes, shining like the sun, showed no confusion, filled instead with a resolute determination.
As they faced off, the young man on the left, wearing clean, casual clothes and appearing to be about eighteen years old, spoke, “Wild Charge!”
Luxray’s eyes flashed with a sharp gleam, and countless currents instantly wrapped around its body, as if it were clad in a golden battle armor. Not even the poison could hinder its resolve. In the next instant, Luxray transformed into a bolt of electricity and sped towards Glimmora, scorching the ground along its path.
On the right, the black-haired beauty in an impeccably tailored suit had no intention of sitting idly by. Her battle style was as imposing as a war god. Ye Ci coldly commanded, “Sludge Wave!”
In an instant, a Sludge Wave filled with Toxic swept over everything, and Luxray was almost unable to move forward due to its obstruction.
But Luxray’s gaze remained unwavering. At this moment, it seemed to resonate with Luo Mu, and past memories continuously surfaced in Luxray’s mind.
Luxray felt an inexplicable power surging within its body. Its heart tightened, and it gritted its teeth, charging forward with all its might, then made contact with that small body.
A golden lightning storm instantly swept across the entire battleground, shaking the entire Paldea League Headquarters, and even a strange, unpleasant smell began to appear in the air.
This smell, mixed with the foul odor of poison, was quite off-putting.
However, Luo Mu and Luxray did not frown because of the smell; they simply showed a heartfelt smile.
Because from their perspective, Chief Champion Ye Ci’s Glimmora was now unable to maintain its floating posture, falling directly onto the ground, which looked as if it had been struck by a meteorite and no longer retained its original flat appearance, completely losing its ability to battle.
A new Champion-level Trainer was born here.
“I’m retiring!”
After the Champion Assessment, Luo Mu, who had obtained the title of Champion-level Trainer, gave an answer that surprised Ye Ci when she extended an olive branch, suggesting he “take a position in the Paldea League.”
Ye Ci rubbed her throbbing temples and asked with a frown, “Champion Luo Mu… do you know what you’re saying?”
Luo Mu responded without hesitation, “I know, but my plans won’t change at all!”
Ye Ci sighed, looking at Luo Mu with regret, and asked, “I cannot forcibly interfere with your decision, but at least please tell me the reason. You’ve grown to this level in just one short year.”
“You possess such excellent potential, why choose to give it up?”
Luo Mu’s eyes flickered for a moment. He had a feeling that his upcoming answer might provoke the anger of the usually elegant and good-tempered League Chairperson, Ye Ci.
However, under Ye Ci’s oppressive gaze, Luo Mu still caved, raising his hands in surrender and saying, “You should know my background. Becoming a Trainer was merely a stroke of luck. In reality, my dream is to open a small shop or a farm and live a leisurely pastoral life!”
“Now that I’ve become a Champion-level Trainer, I also have the absolute confidence and courage to realize my dream!”
Ye Ci took a deep breath. She wasn’t unable to understand Luo Mu’s thoughts, but the fact that such an excellent Trainer chose to retire still made her sigh heavily again, saying helplessly, “I understand. Your reason has successfully convinced me. But, I have one request that I hope you can grant.”
Luo Mu’s expression froze slightly, then he made a gesture of listening intently.
Ye Ci slowly said, “You are a powerful Trainer, and the only person in recent years to have passed the Champion Assessment. If in the future, something appears in the Paldea region that I am too busy to handle, I hope to ask for your help in the form of a private request.”
This time, Luo Mu did not refuse, nodding and softly replying, “No problem.”
Pingdie Town, Southern Paldea Region.
Half a month had passed since that rarely known battle in the Paldea League.
The newly appointed Champion-level Trainer had not taken on any work since then, and not too many people were aware of the internal secret that a new Champion-level Trainer had been added to the League. This small, peaceful town continued its ordinary day-to-day life.
From a rather Western-style building in the center of Pingdie Town emerged a young man wearing a casual T-shirt and capri pants, sporting sunglasses as if heading to a beach, despite the warm, bright sun.
Luo Mu looked at the stamped “Land Transfer Certificate” and “Construction Permit” in his hand, and tears almost welled up in his eyes.
He had truly not expected that purchasing a large plot of land in the world of Pokemon would be so troublesome, forcing him to wait a full seven days to obtain the documents from the Pingdie Town Mayor’s Residence behind him.
If only he had known, he would have humbled himself and asked a familiar acquaintance for help. Was face or reputation really that important?
However…
When Luo Mu arrived at the plot of land he had purchased with a huge sum, almost emptying all his savings and leaving only a portion for feeding his Pokemon, his eyes still shone with an unprecedented brilliance.
This was the feeling!
The world of Pokemon wasn’t just about battling; it also offered the option of living a happy life with your best partners!
Petting Luxray under the warm sunlight, occasionally teasing a tsundere snake, holding the subtle Mimikyu, riding a Goodra to admire the magnificent sky, and watching the skilled Ceruledge chef and Swampert engage in their daily battles.
However, a rather jarring line of text suddenly appeared in Luo Mu’s vision.
“Ding! Special Prompt System successfully loaded!”
“System Purpose: To cultivate every host into a strong, or even the strongest, individual of their current era! In terms of this world’s power system, that means — Champion!”
Luo Mu: “…”
A look of surprise appeared on Luo Mu’s face, and if one looked closely, they could even see a deeply hidden hint of disdain in his eyes.
I’ve already become a Champion-level Trainer on my own. What use is this golden finger now, besides disturbing my leisurely retirement?
It’s truly a strange… bad omen!
Term Analysis: “Champion-level Trainer” is a new Trainer rank introduced in Pokemon violet. In the Paldea region, there is a challenge activity called the Champion Assessment. After defeating the eight Gym Leaders and successfully challenging the Elite Four and Chief Champion Ye Ci at the Paldea League, you are granted the title of Champion-level Trainer.
The above is the same process as in other generations.
Here’s where it differs: In other regions, after completing the challenge, the old League Champion retires and a new League Champion takes office. However, in the Paldea region, you only gain a Champion Level title as proof of your strength, but you do not acquire the rights and responsibilities that only a League Champion possesses. Ye Ci remains the Chief Champion.