The next morning, Silas awoke lazily, stretching before heading down to the Pokémon Center cafeteria.
"Free food just hits different!" he grinned, digging into a steaming plate of curry noodles provided by the Center.
The benefits of being recognized as an official League trainer showed up everywhere-food, housing, treatment, even access to facilities.
"Cor-phish!!"
His Corphish clacked its claws happily, though Silas quickly noticed something off. The usually energetic Pokémon seemed a little sluggish.
"…Huh? You feeling weak, buddy?" Silas crouched down and touched Corphish's shell. Instead of its usual cool dampness, it was warm and dry.
"Oh! You're dehydrated!" he realized. "Even though Corphish can live on land, you still need regular water to stay healthy. Otherwise, you'll get tired and sleepy…"
It was something he'd read in the Breeding Manual Madam Mira had given him. knowledge most civilian trainers would take months to discover, if ever.
Silas hurried to the front desk and requested a wash room. Inside, Corphish waddled forward eagerly, its six stubby legs splashing into the water with excitement.
"Cor! Cor!" it chirped, waving its claws with glee as fresh water washed over it.
Silas smiled and tapped one of its pincers with a little greeting they'd developed.
"Much better. All right, no baby Corphish yet," he joked, "but let's go test that energy with a battle."
...
Back in the main hall, the Center was quieter than last night. Some trainers had already set out with their backpacks, while others lazed about, still asleep.
"Good morning, Nurse Joy," Silas greeted warmly.
"Good morning, Trainer Silas," she replied with her usual sweet smile.
Leaning closer, he asked, "Could you find me a sparring partner? Nothing too tough just someone who hasn't traveled for more than a year would be fine."
Joy nodded and typed quickly into the system. Normally, trainers had to rent out battlefields and even pay damages if they broke anything. But as a League-certified trainer, Silas didn't have to worry-everything was reimbursed.
"Please wait, Trainer Silas," Joy said politely. "Not many people battle this early in the morning."
Silas didn't mind. He struck up a casual conversation, mixing in humor from his past life memories.
"Pfft, I didn't think you'd be this funny," Joy laughed, covering her mouth like a silver bell ringing.
"Don't be so formal," Silas teased. "Just call me Silas. And, uh… I don't think I've caught your name yet?"
"My name's Joy Lin but you can just call me Lin," she replied warmly.
"Got it, Lin…"
Before their conversation could go further, the computer chimed.
"Trainer Silas, your opponent has been matched," Joy announced.
Silas turned and spotted a boy about his age at one of the Center's terminals, eyes burning with determination.
The two met outside at an open battlefield.
"You're my opponent?" the boy declared. "Remember this- the one who beats you is me!"
Silas resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the dramatic statement. So cringe… let's just get this over with.
"Go, Zigzagoon!" the boy shouted, tossing out a Poké Ball.
"Beep-beep-beep!" Silas quickly scanned with his Pokédex.
______________________________________
Zigzagoon, the Tiny Raccoon Pokémon.
A Normal-type. Its constant zigzagging walk is caused by endless curiosity. It becomes interested in everything it sees.
______________________________________
Silas nodded, then tossed his own Poké Ball.
"Let's go, Corphish!"
"Cor-phish!!"
The little lobster burst out, pincers snapping proudly, eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.
The opposing trainer frowned with envy. For a civilian like him, raising even one Pokémon took all his resources.
"Corphish, Bubble Beam!" Silas ordered, deciding to test the waters first.
"Zigzagoon, Sand Attack!" the boy countered.
"Zig-zag!"
The raccoon Pokémon kicked up sand, popping most of the incoming bubbles but a few slipped through, striking its fur.
"Now! Headbutt!" The boy clenched his fists.
"Zig-zagoon!!"
Milky-white energy formed around Zigzagoon's head as it launched itself forward with surprising speed.
Silas smirked. "Close combat, huh? Corphish
Double Hit!"
"Cor!!"
Corphish braced itself. With one claw, it caught Zigzagoon's head-on charge, then instantly swung the other with blinding speed—SMACK!—slamming Zigzagoon into the dirt.
"Ziiig!!"
The raccoon squealed in pain, sliding several meters across the ground before stopping.
"Finish it! Bubble Beam, one more time!" Silas' voice was calm but sharp.
"Cor-phiiish!!"
Corphish spread its claws wide, unleashing a torrent of shining bubbles like rain. They rained down mercilessly on the dazed Zigzagoon.
"Zig—! Ziiiig!!"
The boy screamed as he rushed forward, desperately brushing bubbles aside to scoop his fainted partner into his arms.
Silas walked forward, resting a hand on Corphish's shell as it clicked its claws eagerly.
"Easy, buddy. That was just a warm-up. Don't worry ,I'll give you a real challenge this afternoon."
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(End of chapter)