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Hearing Director Alt's decision, Kael finally exhaled in relief.
Honestly, it was the best outcome he could've hoped for.
He'd entered Ignis City alongside Earl, and after being officially registered by the League, it made sense that he might've been assigned to remain at the boy's side. That, however, was the last thing he wanted.
Kael respected Earl truly but traveling with a novice Trainer would only hold him back.
He wasn't some half-trained wild Pokémon. He carried the soul of a human and countless lifetimes of combat experience. His instincts were sharp, his technique refined, and his awareness far exceeded that of most professional Trainers.
A good Trainer could help a Pokémon grow.
But Kael didn't need help.
If anything, Earl, sweet, kind, and hopelessly inexperienced, would only slow him down.
Being stationed at the Fighting Dojo, on the other hand? That suited him perfectly.
A place filled with disciplined warriors, endless sparring, and the quiet focus of mastery it was exactly what he needed.
For the first time since entering the city, Kael felt something close to anticipation.
---
After leaving the office, Fina guided Earl through the necessary paperwork for his League Academy admission. Meanwhile, Kael was escorted by a young League staffer in uniform toward the Fighting Dojo district.
When it came time to part ways, Earl's eyes shimmered red at the edges. The boy tried to stay composed, but his clenched fists and trembling lips betrayed him.
He was still a child, after all.
Kael sighed softly, stepping forward to ruffle Earl's pale-blond hair until it looked like a messy bird's nest.
"Keep working hard," he said simply. "We'll meet again someday."
Earl sniffled, blinking away the tears.
"Yeah… I'll be strong by then!"
Kael smiled faintly, then turned and walked away without looking back. His steps were steady and decisive.
The afternoon sunlight poured down in lazy golden waves, warming the dark skin of his Machop body. The wind carried the city's sounds the chatter of crowds, the hum of machinery, the faint clang of distant forges.
For a fleeting moment, Kael let himself feel at peace.
Earl had been different. The boy's innate Trainer gift, his empathy toward Pokémon it reminded Kael of the best humanity still had to offer. In all his lifetimes, few humans had left such an impression.
But feelings like that were dangerous. He knew that.
With each reincarnation, it became harder to form genuine bonds and to feel anything deeply.
Earl's kindness was a spark in a world that had long since gone cold.
Still, Kael couldn't deny it had moved him.
If things had been different… if he weren't trapped in another Pokémon life… maybe he wouldn't have minded walking beside that kid a little longer.
He chuckled softly. "Tch. Thinking too far ahead again."
By the time Earl graduated from the Academy, Kael would likely have left this world entirely.
Better to focus on the present.
He took a deep breath and followed his guide through the busy streets.
---
"Over here," the League officer said, waving him to the left.
Kael followed quietly.
The road wound through several blocks before it stopped before a massive complex encircled by towering iron fencing. The bold red characters emblazoned across the gate read: Fighting Dojo.
Kael tilted his head.
This… wasn't what he expected.
In his memory, Pokémon Gyms were compact, symbolic places each reflecting its leader's nature and the type they specialized in. Some were artistic, some technological, and others ornate or spiritual.
But this was something else entirely.
Behind the gate stretched a sprawling network of training halls and facilities, extending as far as the eye could see. Rows of steel structures and open arenas dotted the landscape beyond the iron mesh.
It looked less like a Gym and more like… a military academy.
He couldn't help but grin.
"Well, this is new."
---
The staffer jogged ahead to a security booth, flashing Director Alt's signed credentials. After a short exchange, the heavy gate groaned open metal grinding against metal as it slowly parted, revealing a narrow passage wide enough for two to walk abreast.
Normally, these dojos were sealed tight to the public. The Pokémon trained within were valuable assets battle-ready partners prepared for humanity's ongoing survival war.
Only certified personnel or League students were ever granted access.
Kael's case, however, was special. A sentient wild Pokémon was a rarity the League couldn't ignore.
With an approving nod, the guard waved them through.
Kael stepped forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the air changed.
A long path of pale stone stretched ahead, lined with dense greenery on both sides. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, scattering gold and shadow across the ground. The atmosphere was calm almost sacred.
It reminded him of old-world temples, built to instill reverence and discipline in all who entered.
Clearly, the designers were trying to evoke a sense of awe of silent respect.
Kael saw through it instantly.
Aesthetic conditioning for weaker minds.
Nothing more.
Still, he couldn't deny it was beautiful.
As he walked deeper, the faint sounds of training began to echo through the trees impact, shouting, rhythm.
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, his senses sharpening.
It seemed things were about to get interesting.
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~Support with 200 PowerStones = 1 Bonus Chapter
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