Chapter 507: Number Tag Exchange List and Level Grinding Time

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Over half an hour later, Arcanine safely brought Sato back to the entrance of the Ursaring cave. By then, it was already 11:41 AM—almost noon.

The moment Sato returned, the first thing he did was release Ariados and instruct it to properly hang up the cocooned form of Aoki at the top of the cave using its webbing.

After that, Sato had Arcanine and Ariados stand guard nearby while he retrieved Aoki's number tag from his storage backpack, along with a special device that allowed the base's Psychic-type Pokémon to teleport items.

This device didn't just function as a distress beacon to call for emergency rescue by Psychic-types at the base—it also allowed participants to request material transfers.

To boost the participants' enthusiasm, Team Rocket's higher-ups had put a lot of effort into these number tags. They even created an exchange list tied to the tags.

This list featured a variety of rare and valuable items. As long as one had enough number tags, they could even end the current trial early.

That made the number tags immensely valuable. For example, just one number tag could be exchanged for a basic Revival Serum.

In other words, one number tag was practically equal to an extra life, allowing the participant to survive better on the island.

Moreover, anyone who managed to collect 20 number tags would be granted direct entry into the next round, with the right to end their island journey early.

Even more impressively, anyone who gathered 50 number tags would not only get a direct pass to the next round but also a guaranteed spot in the top sixteen.

The device had two buttons—one red and one green. The red button signaled an emergency, while the green one requested material transfer.

Once Sato confirmed everything, he pressed the green button.

The next second, the device activated, and a small crystal light on it began to glow, releasing a familiar wave of psychic energy.

Less than ten seconds later, space twisted one meter in front of Sato, and a powerful Alakazam radiating intense psychic energy appeared.

The moment Alakazam appeared, Sato raised Aoki's number tag to show he had the currency for an exchange.

"Not bad mental energy for a human. What do you want?"

Alakazam, recognizing the number tag, confirmed its authenticity with a mental scan and then asked Sato telepathically.

Sato had already decided beforehand what he wanted to exchange the number tag for: the Pokémon he had stored at the base before entering the island.

That Pokémon was Bellossom.

Bellossom was the core medic of Sato's team. She didn't just have high healing capabilities—her offensive power was also solid. In terms of overall strength, she ranked fourth on his team.

With Bellossom back in the party, Sato could finally battle freely with his Pokémon without holding back due to lack of medical support.

"I'd like to retrieve my Bellossom's Pokeball, which is stored at the base. I'll leave it to you. Here's a little gift to show my thanks."

Facing the high-level Alakazam—level 59—Sato didn't dare be careless. He took out two packets of high-grade Psychic-type Pokémon food and handed them over along with the number tag, smiling politely.

"You're an interesting human. Wait here—I'll be right back."

Alakazam, clearly pleased by the offering, cracked a rare smile. With a small flex of its telekinesis, it took the number tag and the food. Then it responded telepathically once more before vanishing in a flash of blue light.

About a minute later, spatial ripples formed again in the same spot. Alakazam reappeared, this time holding a blue-and-white special handcrafted PokéBall that Sato recognized instantly.

"This is what you wanted. I hope we meet again, interesting human."

Using telekinesis, Alakazam gently floated the PokéBall over to Sato, then disappeared again using Teleport.

"What a convenient ability... Every time I see it, I'm amazed. I wish I could freely use Teleport like that one day," Sato thought, envious as he watched Alakazam vanish effortlessly.

"Come on out, Bellossom. It's so good to see you again."

After daydreaming briefly about a future where he could show off Psychic powers, Sato returned to reality and focused on the PokéBall in his hand. He happily released Bellossom.

"Bell~!"

Even though it had only been a day, Bellossom clearly missed him. The moment she appeared, she performed a graceful curtsy, then affectionately hugged Sato's arm.

"Let me introduce your new teammates. I hope you all get along."

Sato smiled warmly, then released Ursaring, called over Ariados and Kecleon, and introduced them one by one to Bellossom.

"Bellossom~"

Since her evolution, Bellossom had grown more cheerful and kind-hearted. She welcomed the new team members enthusiastically and even offered her flower nectar as a gift.

Bellossom was undeniably beautiful. Combined with her "medic" role, her charm and friendliness among Pokémon were top-notch. Both Ariados and Ursaring scratched their heads awkwardly, clearly flustered.

Soon, after receiving Bellossom's attentive care, Ariados and Ursaring became her loyal protectors. As for Kecleon, it quietly climbed back onto Sato's shoulder, continuing to act as his stealthy bodyguard.

With Bellossom now in the team, everyone's injuries began to heal quickly. Except for a few deeply hidden internal wounds that would take more rest, Bellossom used Grassy Terrain to fully treat Arcanine and the others.

Unknowingly, noon arrived.

It was time for lunch. Sato began preparing food for himself and his Pokémon. Using Ariados's webbing to hang up stored supplies, he cooked a rich meal and enjoyed it with his companions.

After lunch, Sato and his Pokémon took a two-hour nap in the cool shade of the cave.

Then, it was time to move again.

He left the cave with his Pokémon and rode Arcanine, sprinting toward Poliwag Lake.

With daylight still available, he intended to finish what he hadn't done that morning. As for interrogating Aoki, he'd save that for nightfall.

Now that he had Bellossom, it was the perfect time to take his team to various training zones.

It was time to grind levels like crazy.