Chapter 270: Master-Level Sceptile and the Guardian’s Dilemma

Chapter 270: Master-Level Sceptile and the Guardian's Dilemma

To be honest, he didn't really feel like he had lost.

The terrain here was just too advantageous for Hikaru and Sakura's Pokémon. Whether it was Latias, Greninja, Kecleon, or Gardevoir—these Psychic and high-speed, high-attack Pokémon could fully exploit the environment.

On the other hand, his own Pokémon, except for Bisharp, weren't suited for fighting in such confined spaces, especially with restrictions on large-scale moves.

Skill is skill. He had to admit that Hikaru was simply superior...

But was this really a freshman?

Collecting his Pokémon one by one, Shawn Quinn still found it hard to believe.

Back in his day, he was one of the top three in the national high school league. How could the difference between first and third place be so enormous?

Seeing Shawn collect his Pokémon, Hikaru nodded and signaled Gardevoir to release him from Psychic control.

In the wilderness, every trainer's first instinct was always to capture the opposing trainer. Once the trainer was caught, even the strongest Pokémon would become ineffective.

That's why experienced trainers who liked to travel would often carry at least one Pokémon proficient in Protect to guard them. Alternatively, they would purchase specially designed energy shields—though those were incredibly expensive and rare, requiring connections to obtain.

Once freed from the psychic grip, Shawn looked at Hikaru with a complex expression. "Next time we battle, I won't make it this easy for you!"

Hikaru just gave a light chuckle. "Looking forward to it, senior."

With a cold snort, Shawn summoned his Unfezant, leaping onto its back as it soared into the sky.

On the ground, Hikaru couldn't help but sigh. "As expected of a top student at Central Youth University—kind-hearted and strong. That's another Master-level Pokémon... impressive."

Indeed, the Unfezant that Shawn had summoned was also at the Master level.

Beside him, Sakura nodded seriously, mimicking Hikaru's words. "Senior is really nice."

Her tone was so sincere that it made it sound like Shawn had willingly handed over his spatial bag. Latias looked puzzled, clearly confused by the situation.

Wasn't that human just trying to rob them?

After sighing, Sakura eagerly opened the spacious bag to check its capacity. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Wow, Hikaru, with this, we can carry a lot more Changchun Fruit!"

Seeing her glowing eyes and slightly flushed cheeks, Hikaru couldn't resist rubbing her face. "Yep. Now let's go find more Changchun Fruit."

However, Sakura puffed out her cheeks and whispered, "Um... don't rub my face in front of so many Pokémon..."

It was fine when they were alone, but doing it in front of all their Pokémon was a bit embarrassing. Plus, it didn't look very dignified...

She could feel Slowking giving her a strange look. As if it had already seen through everything.

Indeed, Slowking's gaze soon turned contemplative, as if saying, "My trainer... seems to be acting weird lately."

As for Kecleon, it pretended to be blind and gentlemanly, surveying the surrounding scenery as if nothing had happened.

Feigning ignorance, Hikaru released his hold. Sakura shot him a glare before running up to Latias and ruffling its head feathers instead. Latias seemed confused but obediently lowered its head, letting her pet it.

Seeing this, Hikaru almost burst out laughing. Shaking his head, he turned his attention to their spoils.

The 70-year-old Changchun Fruits—57 of them—weren't particularly large, but they were of exceptional quality. On the market, they would likely fetch nearly ten million.

School was truly generous—such treasures were given out so freely.

Looking up, Hikaru noticed a faintly visible Rotom hovering above, monitoring the area.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Hikaru decided to continue searching for higher-grade fruits. He signaled to Latias and recalled his other Pokémon. Sakura quickly did the same, knowing it was time to move on.

She hopped onto Latias's back, and Hikaru followed.

"Let's go, Latias. With such a vast secret realm, there must be century-old Changchun Fruit trees. Once we find them, I'll make you some delicious treats!"

...

Although the students had signed waivers, those who could get into Central Youth University were the nation's elite trainers. Losing one of them would be a significant blow to the school's reputation.

That was why guardians, usually powerful trainers, patrolled the area. In this S-rank secret realm, the guardians were at least at the Champion level, as the secret realm housed Pokémon of the same level.

They primarily kept an eye on high-value Changchun Fruit trees, preventing Pokémon skirmishes from damaging the precious plants. These trees were considered priceless, and even a single destroyed tree could result in huge losses.

One such guardian, Yamato, was a member of the Hayashi family. A quiet and reserved person, he had graduated from Central Youth University and applied for this position after some adventuring.

Currently, Yamato was troubled.

Lately, a Master-level Sceptile had appeared in the area, aggressive and eager to fight any Pokémon of similar strength.

Several times, Yamato had tried to mediate, but instead of calming down, the Sceptile seemed even more fired up when it saw him, always challenging his Dragonite to duels.

The incessant battles had left him at his wit's end.

As his communicator crackled and buzzed, Yamato's face darkened.

"Not again..."

He muttered helplessly, preparing to once again face the relentless Sceptile.

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