Alex had a girlfriend in his previous life, but the relationship was driven mostly by physical needs. Unsurprisingly, it didn't last. His girlfriend eventually left, saying she never felt truly loved. Alex didn't mind the breakup. In fact, he often found her irritating—she wanted to spend time on what he considered pointless activities. He had long accepted that he simply wasn't the type to fall in love, and he never believed in love at first sight.
He had seen many beautiful women before. They caught his eye, but nothing more. To him, they were like well-painted portraits—pleasant to look at, yet emotionally distant. None of them stirred a desire strong enough to make him chase after them or give his best to win their affection. Alex firmly believed no one could make him feel that way.
But this time, that belief wavered.
Alex glanced toward Maria and froze for a moment, his expression blank with surprise.
Maria frowned inwardly. Great, another creep, she thought. Do men really have no self-control? I look decent, sure, but I'm no different from Instructor Lisa. Then again, Lisa does have that intimidating aura…
She sighed and spoke aloud, "Hey, what are you staring at? Don't you know how to talk?"
Her voice snapped Alex out of his daze.
"Ah—sorry," Alex said quickly. "What did you say? My name's Alex Stark. Nice to meet you."
What was that just now? Alex thought. I lost focus completely. That's not like me.He dismissed the thought of love just as quickly. No. That's jumping to conclusions. Still… this is new. I should be careful.
Maria crossed her arms and said coldly, "As if I care about your name."
She took a deep breath and calmed herself before continuing, "I'll tell you mine, since I don't want to be rude. I'm Maria. I asked whether you could answer a few questions."
What's wrong with this guy? Maria thought. He's more obvious than most. Whatever. Get the information and leave.
Alex nodded, regaining his composure. "I can answer questions, but information costs TR points. Also—about earlier—sorry. I was momentarily distracted."
Maria raised an eyebrow. "Oh? A flatterer already? Spare me. I just want to know which rookie was the first to conquer their Pokémon. I'll pay five TR points."
Alex replied seriously, "It wasn't flattery. Just an observation. But why are you interested in something like that?"
"That's none of your business," Maria said coolly. "Though it's not a secret. I conquered my Ekans yesterday, but I was only second fastest. I want to see if the first-place rookie is someone I should watch out for in the tournament."
She tossed a Poké Ball to the ground. A healthy Ekans emerged, slithering up her body until it settled comfortably on her shoulder. It hissed softly, eyeing Alex and his Zubat with hostility.
Alex checked Ekans's information.
He couldn't help but be impressed.
Gold potential. Three innate talent moves. This was the first Pokémon he had seen among the rookies with talent on par with his Zubat. Most others barely reached Normal or Bronze. Even among Team Rocket members, Pokémon like this were rare.
What impressed him more was Maria herself. Conquering a cold-blooded Pokémon like Ekans—especially one with Gold potential—in a single day wasn't easy. Alex knew that better than anyone.
For the first time since coming to this world, Alex felt a hint of pressure.
So she's strong, he thought. That doesn't mean I'm inferior.
He straightened, a faint challenge entering his gaze. "Well… this is awkward," Alex said lightly. "Because you're already talking to him."
If you want, I can:
Make Alex even more emotionally detached
Make Maria harsher or more dominant
Tighten the dialogue for a more mature tone
Rewrite it in a more professional/light-novel style
Just tell me.
Tighten the dialogue for a more mature tone and Make Alex even more emotionally detached
Here is a tightened rewrite with a more mature tone, sharper dialogue, and Alex clearly more emotionally detached. His attraction is treated as unfamiliar curiosity rather than romantic pull, and his inner monologue is restrained and analytical.
Alex had a girlfriend in his previous life. The relationship was largely physical, and because of that, it ended quickly. His girlfriend eventually left, saying she never felt truly cared for. Alex accepted it without protest. He hadn't been particularly invested. In truth, he often found her bothersome—she wanted emotional engagement, shared experiences, things he saw as unnecessary.
From then on, Alex concluded that he simply wasn't built for love. Love at first sight was something he dismissed outright.
He had seen plenty of attractive women. Beauty registered, nothing more. Like observing a painting—well-crafted, pleasing, but detached. None had ever triggered the urge to pursue, to invest effort or emotion. He believed that kind of reaction simply didn't exist for him.
Until now.
Alex's gaze lingered on Maria longer than intended. His expression remained neutral, but his attention stalled.
Maria noticed immediately.
Another one, she thought with irritation. Do men really think staring is subtle?She exhaled slowly and spoke. "Are you done, or do you plan on standing there silently?"
Her voice snapped Alex back to himself.
"My mistake," he said calmly. "You spoke?"
She frowned. "Do you normally ignore people?"
"No." He paused. "I lost focus. Alex Stark."
She looked unimpressed. "I didn't ask."
Alex nodded once, accepting it without offense.
After a moment, Maria said, "I'm Maria. I asked whether you could answer a few questions."
This one's worse than usual, she thought. At least most try to hide it.
"That depends," Alex replied evenly. "Information costs TR points."
She scoffed. "Straight to business. Fine. Five points. I want to know which rookie was the first to conquer their Pokémon."
Alex studied her for a brief second. Not her appearance—her posture, her tone, the restraint in her irritation.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because I was second," Maria said flatly. "I conquered my Ekans yesterday. I want to know whether first place is someone worth accounting for in the tournament."
She released her Pokémon. Ekans emerged, healthy and alert, coiling up her arm and settling on her shoulder. Its gaze locked onto Alex and his Zubat, hostile and alert.
Alex accessed its information.
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Pokémon: Ekans
LV: 13
Attribute: Poison
Abilities: Intimidate
Gender: Female
Potential: Gold
Move: Poison Sting, Wrap, Leer, Acid, Bite, (Innate Talent) Headbutt, (Innate Talent) Iron Tail, (Innate Talent) Rock Slide
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Gold potential.
Three innate talent moves.
That alone set it apart from nearly every Pokémon he had encountered so far. Even among Team Rocket members, such talent was uncommon.
More noteworthy, however, was Maria.
Conquering a cold-blooded Pokémon like Ekans—especially one with this level of potential—in a single day required ability, discipline, and mental resilience.
Alex felt something unfamiliar.
Not attraction.
Pressure.
So she's capable, he thought. That's all.
He straightened slightly, his tone unchanged. "Then this saves you the trouble."
Maria's eyes narrowed. "What?"
"You're looking at him," Alex said. "I was first."
AUTHOR'S THOUGHT :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"This is how Maria looks like" (check out jojo's comment)