Chapter 72: Hunting Guild

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Liam had just defeated Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader, earning the Thunder Badge and claiming the Gym's reward.

[Ding!]

[Mission: Kanto Summit! Gym challenges completed: 4/8. Thunder Badge obtained.]

[Rewards issued: 500 exchange points and TM Rapid Spin x1.]

[Ding!]

[Hidden Achievement Mission: Awakening Blood.]

[Defeated the Vermilion Gym. Received Vermilion Gym Fragment x1 and 500 exchange points.]

[Currently owned fragments: Pewter Gym Fragment, Cerulean Gym Fragment, Vermilion Gym Fragment, and Viridian Gym Fragment.]

The additional 1000 exchange points were well-timed. After deducting his recent expenses, Liam now had just over 4000 points. 

This was enough to redeem the foundational data for the Pokémon Storage System and Pokémon Transfer System, each costing 2000 points. 

Once redeemed, Liam found himself broke again, but he couldn't wait to head to the next Gym for more rewards and opportunities to earn extra "side income" along the way.

However, Liam couldn't leave Vermilion City just yet. 

Having spent two days wandering the city, he had explored every corner and grown increasingly bored. With nothing better to do, he started looking for easy battles to gain experience. 

Thanks to his undefeated record, word spread quickly, and now the streets were deserted of trainers openly displaying their Pokémon, fearing they'd be roped into a battle with the "battle maniac" terrorizing the city.

"Ugh, so boring! Takeshi… when will you get here? Are you stuck in traffic or something?"

Liam slumped in a chair at the Pokémon Center cafeteria, listlessly muttering to himself about Takeshi.

"Liam! Haha! Finally found you!"

Just as Liam was about to succumb to boredom, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Takeshi… you're finally here…"

Liam turned around weakly, his voice sounding utterly drained.

"Uh…" Takeshi, who had been smiling brightly, looked confused as he sat across from Liam. 

"What's wrong with you? Why do you look half-dead? We haven't seen each other in ages, and this is how you greet me?"

Liam barely lifted his eyelids, casting Takeshi a disdainful glance.

"It's your fault! It took you two whole days to deliver something! I've been waiting so long I feel paralyzed!"

Hearing this, Takeshi looked exasperated. "Do you have any idea how far I had to travel? I rushed here in two days without rest, and you're still complaining? Hmph! Here's your package. Sign for it quickly so I can report back. The new headquarters was just established, and there's a ton of work to do."

With that, Takeshi placed a small, long box in front of Liam.

Perking up slightly, Liam reached out to open the box but was stopped by Takeshi.

"Better check this in your room. If others see it, it might cause trouble," Takeshi said with a strange smile.

Liam frowned, his curiosity piqued. What could possibly be in the box that might cause trouble for others? Dangerous items? But he didn't press the issue and instead retrieved a small box from his bag, pushing it toward Takeshi.

"Hey, what's this?" Takeshi exclaimed dramatically, though he quickly added, "I'm not someone who accepts bribes for delivering packages! But since it's from my good buddy Liam, I'll accept it graciously. Hahaha!" His smile widened as he pocketed the box in seconds.

"It's not for you," Liam deadpanned, shaking his head at Takeshi's shamelessness.

"What? Then why'd you put it in front of me?" Takeshi grumbled, awkwardly pulling the box out again.

"No need. That's for Boss Giovanni. Inside are two critical research documents essential to the organization's future development, along with a letter of introduction. Follow the address on the envelope to find a young researcher named Bill. He's exceptionally talented and could be a significant asset. Treat him with respect—no rough tactics," Liam instructed firmly.

Hearing Liam's tone, Takeshi straightened up, his usual levity replaced by seriousness. "What kind of research is this? And is this Bill really that important?"

"The research is crucial, but it's too technical for you to understand. As for Bill, he's a promising talent with ambition and responsibility. He'll be a great addition to the organization," Liam explained.

"Alright, Liam, don't worry. I'll deliver everything safely," Takeshi assured him, tucking the box securely into his bag.

"Relax! It's not like you'll get ambushed on the way. Unless someone's planning to kidnap you? Hahaha!" Liam joked.

However, Takeshi remained serious.

Startled, Liam asked, "Don't tell me… were you attacked?"

Takeshi shook his head but replied grimly, "Not quite. But do you remember those poaching gangs we've been targeting?"

Liam nodded. Not only did he know about them, but he'd recently captured another group on Mt. Moon.

"Our intel suggests these gangs are part of a larger network called the Hunting Guild, specializing in capturing and selling Pokémon. Their influence extends far beyond Kanto. By the way, your next stop is Saffron City, right?"

"Yeah, I'm planning to challenge the Saffron Gym. Why?" Liam asked, his brow furrowed.

"According to our intelligence, the Hunting Guild's main headquarters is in Lavender Town. If you can avoid going there, it might save you unnecessary trouble," Takeshi advised.

Liam frowned but knew it was too late to ignore this information. He sighed inwardly, deciding he'd tread carefully while scouting Lavender Town.

"I understand. I'll be cautious. But if the opportunity arises, I might investigate. Don't worry—I'll prioritize my safety," Liam assured Takeshi.

Takeshi hesitated but ultimately nodded. After exchanging a few more words of caution, Takeshi departed hurriedly, while Liam returned to his room with the box.