"Ding. Certification mission detected.
To gain trust, results must be shown.
Objective: Destroy the Team Rocket branch in Rainbow City and earn the Alliance's recognition.
Mission evaluation: Based on completion.
Minimum reward: C-rank.
Maximum reward: SSS-rank."
Hearing the cold, mechanical system prompt, Sam felt a surge of excitement.
He had originally assumed that the system wouldn't issue a mission related to this operation against Team Rocket. He hadn't expected it to arrive anyway.
Late—but right on time.
---
Over the past few days, Sam had been visiting the Rainbow Gym whenever he had free time. Aside from discussing operational plans against Team Rocket with Erika, he had also sought her advice regarding Grass-type Pokémon breeding.
In terms of raw strength, Erika might not surpass Sam, but when it came to understanding Grass-type Pokémon and long-term breeding strategies, she was far more experienced.
"Sam, your Venusaur's physical condition is flawless," Erika said sincerely after examining it. Even with her critical standards, she couldn't find a single flaw.
"Erika, do you have a Pokémon that can use Grassy Terrain?" Sam asked.
His goal was to let Venusaur learn Grassy Terrain through Pokémon-to-Pokémon instruction. That was the main reason he had come today.
Grassy Terrain was a field move exclusive to Grass-type Pokémon. Once activated, it allowed Grass-types to recover stamina by absorbing plant energy and also boosted the power of Grass-type moves.
If Venusaur could master it, its strength would rise to an entirely new level.
Sam was slightly worried that Erika might refuse. After all, many families in the Pokémon world were still very conservative, believing that powerful techniques should never be taught casually to outsiders.
"Grassy Terrain? No problem," Erika replied without hesitation.
Fortunately, she wasn't conservative at all.
From her perspective, teaching a move in exchange for goodwill with a powerful Trainer like Sam was an extremely worthwhile deal.
"Come out, Vileplume."
The Pokémon Erika released was none other than the Vileplume previously defeated by Scyther.
"Vileplume, please demonstrate Grassy Terrain for Venusaur," Erika instructed.
Vileplume nodded, moved beside Venusaur, and after briefly communicating, activated the move.
It stomped firmly on the ground.
Energy flowed from its body into the earth—and something miraculous happened.
Tender green grass sprouted instantly, spreading outward until the entire field was blanketed in fresh vegetation.
Venusaur closed its eyes, quietly sensing the change.
---
"Miss, we've confirmed the Trainer's identity," a servant reported respectfully. "His name is Sam, and he's a Trainer from Pallet Town."
"Pallet Town?" Stephanie asked coldly. "Do you know where he is now?"
"He should be at the Rainbow Gym. It seems he's a distinguished guest of Miss Erika. Miss, I believe it would be unwise to provoke him."
"Did I ask for your opinion?!" Stephanie snapped viciously.
Her eyes burned with jealousy.
"Erika. Erika. Always Erika. Why does everything good belong to her? I'm part of the family too!"
"Ah Feng, come with me," she ordered coldly. "As for Erika's friends—no one gets in my way. If I want something, I take it."
The servant watched her leave and shook his head.
In his view, this young lady had been utterly spoiled. She actually dared to challenge Erika openly.
Did she really think Erika was just a gentle flower?
She was not only an official Alliance Gym Leader, but also the most perfect candidate to become the family's next head.
Though he knew Stephanie would likely suffer for this, the servant had no intention of stopping her. Unlike Erika, who treated everyone kindly, Stephanie inspired no loyalty whatsoever.
---
Outside the Rainbow Gym Battle Arena.
"Miss Yuko, you can't go in," a Gym apprentice said nervously. "Miss Erika is currently receiving a distinguished guest."
Being stopped only made Yuko explode.
"Who do you think you are?" she shouted viciously. "You're just a servant! How dare you block me? Who gave you that authority? Go—call Erika immediately!"
The commotion outside echoed into the arena.
Erika's expression darkened slightly. She already knew exactly who was making a scene.
Sam also found the voice faintly familiar, though he couldn't immediately place it.
"I suggest you don't be so blind," Yuko sneered. "Otherwise, I'll make your life miserable."
The apprentice hesitated.
She knew Erika's cousin was notoriously petty. Offending her would almost certainly make her future difficult.
But Erika had clearly ordered that no one was allowed inside.
She was stuck in an impossible position.
"Let her in," Erika's gentle voice finally came from inside.
The apprentice immediately felt relief and stepped aside.
Yuko shot the apprentice a venomous look, as if burning her face into memory.
"This isn't over," she muttered before entering.
The apprentice watched her back with open disgust but said nothing.
---
"What are you doing here?" Erika asked coolly.
She had never liked this cousin of hers. If not for family ties, she wouldn't even want to see her.
The fact that Stephanie could disgust even someone as gentle as Erika spoke volumes.
Ignoring Erika's displeasure, Yuko demanded, "Where is that man named Sam?"
"Sam?" Erika frowned.
"That's right!" Yuko shouted. "Bring Sam out here—now!"
At that moment, Sam was still inside the room, calmly sipping the tea Erika had prepared.
Then he heard someone shouting his name from outside.