Pokémon: A Trainer Who Masters the Six Powers from the Start

"So, what else do you want?"

After completing his transaction, Ron's contribution points had surged significantly.

For example, the items available from the Murrigan clan were better exchanged for contribution points. After all, the League's inventory far surpassed what a single family could offer.

With the deal concluded and in high spirits, Ron turned to Aki and asked.

"Oh, why are you assuming I have some ulterior motive? Can't I simply reward you for escorting me back safely and personally thank you for saving my life?"

Instead of directly answering, Aki retorted with a question of her own.

Seeing the flirtatious glint in Aki's eyes, Ron stood up without hesitation, ready to leave.

"Alright, alright. I'll get to the point, okay?"

Seeing Ron about to walk out, Aki sighed helplessly and spoke more earnestly.

After becoming the head of the Murrigan family, Aki had taken the time to have Ron's background investigated.

Though the findings were sparse, the events surrounding Ron's name were enough to astonish her.

Setting aside the incident where he quelled a Pokémon riot, the mere fact that he had taken down so many elite-level trainers outside Saffron City was enough to make him infamous.

Unlike others, Aki knew Ron's strongest Pokémon wasn't even mid-elite class—it was only his Machamp, a Pokémon at the lower end of the elite tier when the battle occurred.

Coupled with Ron's ties to the rangers, it was clear even to fools that befriending him was the best course of action. This was why Aki had raised his reward to 10 million and added an extra 2 million in contribution points.

"Since we're being direct, I'll cut to the chase. In Yolton District, we hold annual duels. Officially, they're for fostering communication, but in reality, they gauge the strength of various families and corporations."

"I'd like to hire you to participate in the mid-elite level duels. The reward is 20 million. What do you say?"

After realizing her charm didn't work on Ron, Aki decided to be upfront.

"No way! My Machamp is only Level 41. How can it go up against mid-elite-tier Pokémon?"

The reward of 20 million didn't sway Ron. Instead, he appeared genuinely troubled.

"Thirty million!"

"By the way, Machamp has been through so much recently. Maybe it's time to let it rest for a while."

"Forty million, take it or leave it."

Seeing Aki's resolve to not raise the reward further, Ron finally agreed.

After all, Aki didn't specify he had to win. Ron planned to play it by ear—if the opponent was too strong, he wouldn't blame himself for losing.

With the principle of taking the money first, Ron's wealth now exceeded 70 million. He rested in a guest room provided by Aki, occasionally meeting Murrigan family trainers.

The Murrigan family, being a prominent clan, held its trainers to high standards. At least, none of them tried to make things difficult for Ron despite perceiving him as weaker than themselves.

Three peaceful days passed, and the duels began.

In the waiting room, Ron quietly watched duel after duel unfold.

He had to admit, the trainers recruited by these families and corporations were quite formidable. He picked up a few techniques he could incorporate into his own strategies.

As the matches progressed, it was finally Ron's turn.

Before heading to the battlefield, Aki sent someone to deliver a message.

"The family head asked me to inform you that your opponent is the younger brother of the deputy chief of Celadon City's police department. You're free to forfeit the match or deliberately lose."

After relaying the message, the messenger didn't linger, leaving the decision entirely up to Ron.

Watching the figure of the messenger disappear into the distance, Ron couldn't help but feel like this might be a trap set by Aki. However, Ralts' earlier confirmation that Aki harbored no ill intent eased his suspicion.

Still, Ron couldn't ignore the implications. His next gym challenge was at the Celadon Gym in Celadon City.

Offending the deputy police chief of the area could spell trouble.

But so what? Ever since becoming a trainer, Ron had only yielded to opponents he truly couldn't defeat.

"If you want to beat me, show me your strength!"

Stepping onto the battlefield, Ron glanced at the observation booths filled with spectators. When he was watching others fight, it didn't feel significant. Now, it truly felt like he was performing like a monkey in a circus.

He dismissed the thought by reminding himself of the 40-million reward, then strode confidently into the arena.

As soon as the referee's voice signaled the start of the battle, both Ron and his opponent, Simon, sent out their Pokémon.

Simon, with a deputy police chief as an older brother, naturally had no ordinary Pokémon. He sent out an Arcanine.

Noticing that Simon's Arcanine was only Level 42, Ron's gaze was filled with disdain.

For an Arcanine to evolve, a Fire Stone was required. Trainers with ambition usually waited until Growlithe reached Level 43 to let it learn Outrage before evolving it with the Fire Stone.

This way, an Arcanine with Extreme Speed and Outrage could excel against Dragon-types or deliver devastating results against regular Pokémon.

Unfortunately, Simon didn't seem to share such ambitions. His Arcanine had evolved prematurely, forfeiting the chance to learn Outrage.

"Arcanine, charge in with Extreme Speed!"

Unaware of Ron's disdainful gaze, Simon commanded his Arcanine to launch the first attack.

Since learning Extreme Speed, Simon relied on it to gain an early advantage in battles, often with great success—until today.

"Machamp, Shave: Thunder Lance!"

Seeing Arcanine rush forward, Ron calmly instructed his Machamp.

In the next instant, Machamp's figure vanished from the battlefield. Arcanine, startled, faltered mid-charge and instinctively began sniffing the air for Machamp's scent.

Before it could react, a flash of lightning struck it, sending Arcanine flying backward.

"Machamp, Shave: Heavy Blade!"

Following Ron's command, Machamp, who had just reappeared, vanished again. It struck the airborne Arcanine with devastating force, slamming it into the ground and creating a crater.

"Finish it, Machamp! Shave: Thunder-Fire Combo!"

"You brat! Stop your Machamp right now! Don't you know my brother is the deputy chief of Celadon City's police department? Do you want to die?"

Seeing his Arcanine crushed in an instant, Simon roared at Ron in fury.

"Idiot," Ron muttered disdainfully, his contempt for Simon evident.

With a Growlithe that had such potential, Simon had wasted it. To make matters worse, his threats were both shameless and pathetic.

Machamp executed a seamless combination of Thunder Punch and Fire Punch, knocking the Arcanine out in a fiery spiral. The crowd gasped as the once-proud Arcanine lay unconscious in the arena.

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