This time, the sudden rampage of Gyarados had injured many people. Although most only suffered minor wounds, a smaller number had more serious injuries. Doctors from nearby hospitals were immediately mobilized, and many wards were cleared to receive the flood of injured victims.
At sea, rescue teams began searching for surfers and fishermen who had been out when the Gyarados struck. But judging from the massive tidal wave it had unleashed, those dragged into the depths were likely beyond saving. At best, the lucky ones might be found by the rescue teams before they drowned.
The relief operation moved in an orderly fashion. It was clear from their practiced efficiency that both the rescuers and the medical staff were veterans of such incidents. In this world, wild Pokémon assaults were not rare—on the contrary, they were an accepted part of life. Most incidents ended with minimal casualties, but this time was different: a powerful Gyarados rising from the deep sea was almost unheard of.
The police began taking statements from witnesses. As someone directly involved, Logan naturally became their primary subject of questioning. However, once the officers saw the recorded footage of Dragonair's battle against Gyarados, their expressions changed. The sight of the hundred-meter-wide crater gouged into the beach, combined with the lightning that had earlier struck the city of Vermilion, confirmed just how terrifying Logan truly was.
The officers were just ordinary men trying to earn a living; they had no desire to antagonize a trainer of his caliber. After some perfunctory questions, they quickly left. No one dared demand compensation for property damage, and besides, Logan had effectively saved thousands of lives. If anything, Vermilion City should award him an honorary medal.
After the chaos subsided and data was tallied, the reports confirmed: thanks to Logan's timely intervention, casualties were far lighter than expected. A few trainers came forward on behalf of the crowd to thank him. After the formalities, Logan finally had a moment of peace.
As for Gyarados—the cause of it all—no one dared demand punishment. A Pokémon captured by a trainer was considered the trainer's property. Human laws applied only to humans, never to Pokémon. More importantly, the highest circles of society remembered all too well how past civilizations had fallen; they would never pass laws that threatened Pokémon.
This was a truth forged from humanity's own survival instinct.
"Sorry—our conversation got interrupted earlier."
In a high-end restaurant,Logan smiled politely at Professor Birch across the table.
"No, no, not at all! Those were duties you had to fulfill. As a hero who saved so many lives, you deserve the blessings and gratitude you've received. On the contrary, I feel embarrassed that all I can do is offer you a meal as thanks."
Professor Birch waved his hands apologetically. His open, cheerful personality reminded Logan of Professor Oak. Learning that Birch had once studied under Oak made their relationship even warmer; they quickly found common ground, almost like distant relatives.
Invited by Birch,Logan had no reason to decline. He wasn't one to reject social graces, so he readily agreed, and the two of them came to dine together in this upscale Vermilion restaurant.
"Hero…"
Logan chuckled and shook his head. He didn't see himself that way. As he often said, he had simply been passing by when he saw the Gyarados wreaking havoc. Subduing it had been the natural course of action. Saving lives? That hadn't even crossed his mind.
"Sophia, aren't you forgetting something? Come on—thank Logan properly."
Professor Birch gently nudged the girl beside him.
"There's really no need—"
But before Logan could finish, the girl stood up. Grasping the hem of her dress, Sophia bowed deeply, her clear voice ringing out:
"Thank you… thank you, big brother, for saving my life."
Birch's daughter was exactly as one would expect from the child of a famous scholar: polite, elegant, and sweet. Unlike the bratty children Logan had often encountered, Sophia was quiet and respectful. He found himself genuinely liking her.
Thinking back, it struck him that the younger the girls were, the more sensible they seemed. Yellow, Sophia—girls like them were well-mannered and considerate. But the older they got, the more troublesome they became. Each one seemed to bring him nothing but headaches.
"Professor Birch, I understand you can't entrust a Pokémon directly to Sophia. But at the very least, you should have left one of your Pokémon at her side for protection. Allowing a young girl to stand unguarded in such a crowded, chaotic place… that was too dangerous."
Instead of taking offense, Birch looked embarrassed. He scratched his cheek and gave a sheepish smile.
"You're right. It was my negligence. I didn't expect trouble in such a short time away. Luckily, you were there,Logan. Otherwise, I don't know how I could've faced Sophia's mother."
He exhaled deeply, relief washing over him.
Sophia opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she kept silent.
Logan glanced at Birch—average looking, nothing remarkable. Clearly, Sophia's beauty had come from her mother's side. In this world, being a trainer or a Pokémon researcher often meant securing a bright future—and usually, finding a beautiful spouse wasn't too difficult either.
"And where are you planning to head next, Professor Birch?"Logan asked between bites.
"I was planning to stay here in Vermilion's Safari Zone for some fieldwork, but after this incident… I'll be taking Sophia back to Hoenn tomorrow."
"I see. I'll be heading for Cinnabar Island soon. Consider this meal your thanks, Professor. Once I'm done eating, I'll be leaving right away. So let's not dwell on more formalities."
Even his Pokémon weren't forgotten.Logan had ordered dishes for Eevee, and food was also prepared for Dragonair and Gabite, though he chose not to release them in the restaurant's tight space.
"Then I won't try to hold you here," Birch said warmly. "But if you ever travel to Hoenn, please visit Littleroot Town. Allow me the honor of hosting you properly."
"Of course. I'll definitely head to Hoenn one day. When I do, I'll be counting on you, Professor."
Logan turned to Sophia and added with a soft smile:
"And Sophia, be careful from now on. Don't let yourself get into danger again. Next time, you might not be lucky enough to have me nearby."
He flicked her forehead lightly.
"Stick to being a researcher—it suits a gentle girl like you."
Sophia gave a small yelp, her cheeks flushing as she rubbed her forehead shyly.
Because Blaine had summoned him urgently,Logan didn't linger long. After finishing his meal, he bid the father and daughter farewell and prepared to set out for Cinnabar Island.
All through the meal, Sophia had been quiet. But as she watched Logan's back disappear from sight, she finally whispered:
"…Daddy."
"What is it, Sophia?" Birch asked, stroking her hair with fatherly affection.
"I don't want to stay weak anymore. I don't want to cry helplessly whenever danger comes. I want to gain strength—the strength to protect myself, and to help others!"
Her voice was steady, her gaze unwavering. It was unlike anything she had ever said before.
Professor Birch was stunned. He stared at his daughter, a swirl of emotions crossing his face.
So… she was finally choosing the path of a trainer?
As a father, he felt both joy and worry. Joy, because his daughter wanted to grow strong. Worry, because he feared it was only a fleeting whim after witnessing Logan's overwhelming power.
He prayed she would truly persevere, and not abandon the path midway. For now, all he could do was silently support her decision.
The road of a Pokémon trainer could only be walked by one's own strength. No one else could carry her along it.
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