The Pokémon Hunter Organization specialized in capturing rare Pokémon and reselling them on the black market.
Whether wild Pokémon or those that already had owners, as long as someone offered a high enough price, they would become targets.
The Pokémon Mystery Organization was far more secretive.
This group had an obsession with dissecting and researching Pokémon, claiming that their goal was to uncover the secrets of Pokémon themselves.
Their actions blatantly violated the laws governing Pokémon–human coexistence, making them a primary target of suppression by the League Pokemon.
There was an even more deranged organization.
Its name was the Symbiosis Society.
The members of this group could no longer be considered human—they were outright lunatics. Through technology, they transplanted specific Pokémon organs or body parts onto themselves, creating a grotesque state where "humans are Pokémon, and Pokémon are humans."
Utterly evil.
Aaron had once seen footage on television of a Symbiosis Society member being executed by the League Pokemon.
That man had Beedrill wings sprouting from his back, twin stingers in place of arms, and a long venomous barb trailing behind him.
Even now, that horrifying image was still burned into Aaron's mind.
Every world had its dark side.
Some truths never changed.
...
Aaron forcefully suppressed the swirling thoughts in his mind.
Now was not the time to dwell on such things.
As long as he continued to grow stronger, all conspiracies and schemes would crumble before absolute power—utterly insignificant.
What mattered most right now was securing first place in the College Entrance Exam.
Only by increasing his influence and gaining the League Pokemon's attention could he receive stronger protection.
"Ding~ Triggered Mission: College Entrance Exam Champion!!"
"As the system's host, how could you miss such a perfect chance to show off? Claim the national top spot to complete the mission!!"
"Ding~ Mission Rewards: Fire Dragon Slayer Magic Skill Card ×1, Lightning Flame Dragon Mode Skill Card ×1, Pokémon Potential Capsule ×1…"
As Aaron was thinking, the system's voice rang out beside his ear.
"System… you shameless bastard," Aaron said through clenched teeth. "You're spying on my thoughts!?"
"Ding~ Your thoughts are filthy and disgusting. I wouldn't bother listening even if I wanted to."
Aaron: "…"
Still, a mission was a mission—of course he accepted it.
And the rewards this time were actually skills from Natsu, the protagonist of Fairy Tail!?
Dragon Slayer Magic.
That was absurdly powerful.
"Fire… Dragon!?"
"Charizard… is that you…?"
Aaron couldn't help feeling that this magic was practically tailor-made for Charizard. Come to think of it, Charizard really did resemble Fairy Tail's Fire Dragon King—
maybe they were distant relatives.
"Right… I also haven't checked the rewards from the last mission yet."
Aaron suddenly remembered the Pokémon Potential Capsule and Ice Punch Skill Card he had obtained earlier. He immediately opened his system inventory.
[Name: Pokémon Potential Capsule]
[Description: After use, increases a Pokémon's potential by one level. Maximum potential: Master-level!!]
...
[Name: Ice Punch]
[Type: Ice]
[Category: Physical]
[Power: 75]
[Description: Attacks the enemy with a frost-covered fist. Has a 10% chance to freeze the target…]
"…"
Aaron sucked in a sharp breath when he saw the capsule's effect.
This was incredible.
System-produced items really never disappointed.
Without hesitation, Aaron used the Pokémon Potential Capsule on Frogadier, upgrading its potential to Champion level!!
He also taught Ice Punch to Frogadier, expanding its coverage.
Frog Boss's potential and overall strength rose yet again.
Skill learning devices existed in this world as well—and they weren't cheap.
Especially practical or high-powered skills, which were often sold at astronomical prices.
Once he had enough money, Aaron planned to buy Frogadier one or two more skill devices to greatly expand its offensive options.
Paired with its Protean Hidden Ability, it would practically be one move per opponent.
After that, Aaron took a walk around the nearby area and released Snorlax, Gyarados, and Frogadier.
Snorlax and Gyarados continued training their skills.
As for Frogadier—naturally, it went full cheat mode with Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Once training was done, Aaron headed back with Frogadier's main body.
...
Over the next few days, Aaron settled into a simple routine.
Pokémon training.
Resting in the cave.
Occasionally, they encountered some reckless, aggressive Pokémon—but all of them ended up as defeated opponents under Frogadier's hands.
Under Aaron's influence, Hugo and the other two trained just as diligently.
What was supposed to be wilderness survival ended up feeling more like a wilderness vacation.
...
Of course, not everyone was enjoying themselves.
At that very moment, Simon and his three lackeys were being chased for their lives by a Tauros whose strength had reached the Intermediate (Peak Stage).
Simon wished he could grow two extra legs.
"Boss Simon—wait for me…!"
"I can't keep up—wait…!"
...
The lackeys were clearly several meters behind him, shouting desperately.
Simon, however, ran even harder, wishing his legs could turn into wheels.
In his heart, he had already cursed that Tauros over a billion times.
His strongest Pokémon was only at the Intermediate (Mid Stage), and these subordinates were complete trash—Beginner (Peak Stage).
They had been utterly slaughtered.
There was no choice but to run.
He could press the emergency function on his student watch and call for help—but that would mean being escorted out of the training camp in disgrace.
When he returned to school, where would he put his face?
Did Simon not care about his pride?
So he fled with everything he had.
Face mattered more than anything.
Just then, Simon's eyes suddenly lit up.
Ahead, he spotted a person and a Pokémon.
He squinted—
Holy shit.
Wasn't that damn Aaron!?
An idea struck him instantly.
He shouted to the lackeys behind him:
"Quick—lead Tauros toward Aaron!"
The lackeys' eyes lit up in realization.
Without hesitation, they mustered every ounce of strength they had left, dragging Tauros straight toward Aaron's direction.
...