"This Ralts can't use its Psychic powers properly," Sabrina said calmly, gently stroking its head as if discussing something trivial.
"What do you mean?" Li Xuan asked cautiously.
"Exactly what I said," Sabrina replied, shaking her head. "But it's not necessarily a bad thing for it."
"Hm?" Li Xuan frowned, then used his system to check Ralts's details.
Pokémon: RaltsType: Psychic/FairyLevel: 10Gender: MaleAbility: TraceMoves: Teleport, Growl, Disarming Voice, Double Team, Confusion, Hypnosis, Knock Off, Shadow Sneak, Zen HeadbuttDescription: An exceptionally unique Ralts. Due to its trafficking ordeal, its Psychic powers are drastically enhanced but can only be used to strengthen its own body, not projected outward.
"?"
When I type "?", it's not me who's confused—it's you!
What does "strengthen its own body" even mean?!
Is it like, unable to project Psychic powers outward, so it channels them inward to boost its physical strength?
Li Xuan imagined a future Ralts, Kirlia, or even Gardevoir with bulging muscles…
The image was too wild to entertain.
Cough. Since it's a male Ralts, better aim for Gallade instead.
"As a fellow aura user, you've noticed, haven't you?" Sabrina asked, her tone certain despite the question.
"This Ralts… it's really something else," Li Xuan said, forcing a smile. No wonder Sabrina wanted to talk after the stream—she'd been waiting to drop this bombshell.
"That's why I'm entrusting it to you," Sabrina said, using her psychic powers to nudge Ralts toward Li Xuan. "Please take care of it."
"Ralts?"
Ralts tilted its head, its bangs swaying to reveal red eyes locking with Li Xuan's.
Bathed in his gentle Aura, Ralts relaxed significantly.
Compared to the dark, cramped truck or tiny cage it had endured, the dojo felt like a warm haven.
As for the human before it…
Despite sensing Li Xuan's kindness, Ralts instinctively shrank back, scarred by past traumas.
Seeing this, Li Xuan gave a wry smile.
"Ralts, wanna hang out with the other Pokémon?" he asked, releasing Primeape and his three Heracross.
"Prime-ape!" "Herac!" x3
The four Pokémon extended a warm invitation, eager to welcome Ralts into the Fighting Dojo family.
"Ralts… Ralts!"
Before it could respond, Primeape grabbed Ralts's tiny white arm, hoisted it onto its head, and bounced out of the room.
Only Li Xuan and Sabrina remained.
Facing the icy Psychic Gym Leader, Li Xuan felt no awkwardness.
After all, he was the landlord.
"So, what's your plan now?" Li Xuan asked, sitting across from her.
"I don't know," Sabrina admitted, shaking her head. The situation had unfolded too quickly for her to process.
"But one thing's certain: I need to rebuild the Saffron Gym. It'll take time, so I'll be troubling you for a few days, Gym Leader Li Xuan."
"No problem. Just pay the rent," Li Xuan said with a wave, then added, "Oh, and if you need help rebuilding the Gym, call me. Pay me a fair wage, and I'll have it done in a week. You cover the materials, though."
"…"
Sabrina didn't reply, just fixed him with her calm, piercing stare.
Li Xuan met her gaze, unflinching.
A staring contest ensued, their defenses metaphorically dropping to absurd lows.
Beep, beep, beep…
Li Xuan's phone alarm broke the silence. It was 8:00 PM—time to get to work.
"Gotta go. I'm heading out. If someone knocks, don't open the door," he said, standing to leave the dojo.
"Where are you going?" Sabrina asked, puzzled.
"To earn a living," Li Xuan replied, tossing a membership card at her feet.
Silph Co. Battle ClubSpecial Guest: Li Xuan
"Special guest" was just a fancy term for hired muscle—or rather, a Pokémon battler.
This was why Li Xuan's skills had skyrocketed so quickly.
"Whether it's humans or Pokémon, you only break your limits through relentless forging," he said, not just for show.
Sabrina glanced at the gold-edged card. After a moment, she levitated it back to him with her powers. "Be careful at Silph Co.," she warned.
"Got it," Li Xuan said, waving. He recalled his Pokémon playing outside, then scooped up Ralts and placed it on his head. "Big bro's gonna show you something cool today."
"Ralts?!"
Ralts was bewildered but, soothed by his Aura, let Li Xuan carry it along.
Half an Hour Later, Silph Co.
In a nearby alley, the Battle Club's entrance awaited.
From the outside, it looked like a shady hangout for delinquents, but inside, it was opulent and extravagant.
Li Xuan swiped his card at the entrance, following the guard into the club.
"Ralts!"
The dazzling interior stunned Ralts. Golden walls and floors gleamed, adorned with a massive mural of the Legendary Birds—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—greeting visitors with awe-inspiring grandeur.
"No matter how many times I see it, that Legendary Bird mural always hits hard," Li Xuan said with a chuckle, studying it with Ralts perched on his head.
"Ralts!"
Ralts waved its arms, as if trying to greet the painted birds.
No response, naturally—it was just a mural. If it did reply, Li Xuan would've bolted.
"Miss Nellie, any gigs for me tonight?" Li Xuan asked, leaning on the front desk to chat with the receptionist.
"Mr. Li Xuan! I thought you weren't coming tonight!" The twin-tailed receptionist in a miniskirt looked up, her eyes sparkling with fangirl energy. "Your stream today was insane! The whole club's buzzing about you!"
"Really? Think you could convince the boss to bump up my appearance fee?" Li Xuan teased.
"Ralts!"
Suddenly, Ralts cried out and tumbled from Li Xuan's head.
Quick on his feet, Li Xuan caught it, cradling it safely in his arms.
"Oh, look, it's that trash Ralts I tossed in the dumpster. Picked up by a garbage collector and treated like treasure, huh?"