Three days after returning to Starlight City, Jacob’s life gradually returned to normal. He spent each day training Pokémon and studying, along with enjoying spirited battles against his best friend Kyle.

For the past two days, Kyle had won their matches. This was largely due to his Rockruff, whose combat power had reached Elite level and stood on the verge of evolution. Although Jacob’s Treecko and Noibat possessed high potential, Noibat’s battle strength remained at ordinary level while Treecko had only reached rare level—both considerably weaker than Rockruff.

After each defeat, Noibat would cling to Jacob seeking comfort, while Treecko would actively request additional training. A spirit of resilience ran through its veins, with the determination to grow stronger deeply embedded in its character. Treecko consistently demanded excellence from itself, maintaining strict self-discipline and dedicated work ethic.

In today’s battle, Jacob finally defeated Kyle. He first relied on Noibat to overcome Kyle’s Charmander, then when Rockruff emerged and defeated Noibat, Treecko managed to claim victory over Rockruff by a narrow margin.

Though merely a friendly competition, this triumph delighted both Jacob and Treecko—especially Treecko, whose raised head and proudly lifted tail revealed its jubilant mood.

In stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere on Jacob’s side, Kyle’s face showed utter shock. He stared at Treecko in disbelief, struggling to accept his defeat.

“What’s your Treecko’s qualification level?” Kyle asked with a complicated expression. The progress of this Treecko was remarkably rapid, seeming to improve almost daily.

“Take a guess,” Jacob smiled at his stocky friend. “Anyway, it’s definitely more talented than your Rockruff.”

“I think it must be at least Quasi-King level,” Kyle stated confidently.

Jacob merely smiled without responding. Wasn’t Kyle underestimating him? His Treecko had now reached Champion level. Quasi-King Pokémon no longer qualified to join Jacob’s team. The passive ability of his Master Style was not to be underestimated.

Nevertheless, Jacob chose not to correct him. He understood the necessity of concealing his true capabilities. If people discovered Treecko was a Champion level Pokémon, top-tier Trainers would immediately descend upon his home, attempting every possible method to take Treecko away.

True power is best kept hidden.

“Alright, Kyle, school resumes the day after tomorrow. You’ll have another chance for revenge tomorrow,” Jacob changed the subject, patting Kyle on the shoulder.

The two-month summer vacation was drawing to a close. So many events had transpired during these months that Jacob nearly forgot he remained a high school student.

“Just wait, Jacob. I’m preparing my secret weapon tonight, and I’ll definitely beat you tomorrow,” Kyle declared vehemently. Just half a month ago, he had mocked Jacob for being a battle novice, yet today Jacob had defeated him. He found this reality completely unacceptable and felt deeply embarrassed.

After making his declaration, Kyle departed, likely facing a sleepless night as he’d rack his brain formulating strategies to secure victory against Jacob tomorrow.

Once Kyle left, Jacob assigned specific training regimens to both Noibat and Treecko before returning to his room to prepare for his studies.

Before starting, Jacob first checked his online post seeking various rare evolutionary stones. Unfortunately, he hadn’t encountered anything worthwhile since finding a Key Stone. Yet Jacob remained undiscouraged—acquiring stones was always a long-term process.

After closing the website, Jacob picked up his textbook and began reviewing seriously. With only one year remaining before college entrance examinations, his academic workload was substantial. Fortunately, Jacob could draw upon knowledge from his previous life; otherwise, balancing Pokémon training and academic studies would prove extremely challenging.

That evening, his father returned home visibly intoxicated but wearing a broad smile—quite different from his worried demeanor of recent days. Even his voice seemed louder, clearly indicating his excellent mood.

Indeed, several significant events had unfolded over the past three days, with the most sensational news involving Ryan.

Three days ago, Ryan had journeyed to Embermere City alone to confront the Zhao family.

The Zhaos were the family of Tobias, who had clashed with Asher. They also posed the greatest threat to the Xia family, employing various tactics to purchase the priority share rights held by the Xias.

Turning back to three nights ago: Ryan, having just escorted Asher home, walked for four hours with Lucario to reach Embermere City and visited the Zhao family compound late that night.

Arriving at the Zhao family gates, Ryan and Lucario consumed some dried provisions, then assumed cross-legged meditation postures before the entrance. They remained motionless with closed eyes, as if in a trance, silently replenishing their energy.

This unusual behavior immediately attracted attention. Observers noticed the wine gourd at Ryan’s waist and assumed he was merely an intoxicated troublemaker.

“This guy’s had too much to drink and doesn’t know his limits, coming to cause problems at the Zhao estate.”

“Exactly, and he’s brought such a rare Lucario with him. Look at it—all dirty and completely ordinary-looking.”

“The Zhao family will probably send someone out soon. This should be interesting to watch.”

As the onlookers anticipated, the Zhao family quickly dispatched security, and a uniformed guard emerged from the mansion.

“Where did this drunkard come from? Get lost!” As he spoke, the guard attempted to push Ryan away, but Ryan demonstrated surprising strength, firmly grasping the guard’s wrist.

“Please deliver a message: Ryan is visiting the Zhao family on behalf of Asher, the former master of the Olivine City Gym,” Ryan announced suddenly, his voice resonating like a bell as his eyes snapped open.

The security guard found himself completely unable to break free from Ryan’s grip, surprised by the man’s unexpected strength.

“I can’t pass along your message. You need to make an appointment in advance,” the guard stated. “I’m just a security guard.”

Ryan didn’t further trouble the young man, recognizing life’s difficulties for working-class people. He simply released the guard’s hand and gazed skyward.

Lucario, standing behind Ryan, simultaneously looked toward the heavens. Suddenly, tremendous Dragon-type energy erupted from its body, generating massive waves of power. Lucario raised its hands and released a Dragon Pulse directly into the sky. The surging energy rushed upward, instantly illuminating Embermere City’s night sky.

Everyone nearby could faintly hear dragon roars as gusts of wind whipped their clothing wildly. Simultaneously, all Dragon-type Pokémon in the vicinity suddenly awakened, lifting their gazes skyward.

As the draconic energy dissipated, Ryan rose abruptly, drew a deep breath, and shouted toward the Zhao mansion: “Ryan visits the Zhao family on behalf of Asher, former Master of Olivine City Gym!”

His voice pierced the silent night. Everyone present realized something momentous was unfolding and quickly retrieved their phones to record the scene.

“Is this the supposedly mediocre Lucario you mentioned?”

“That’s at least a King-level Lucario.”

“Nonsense! I attended the King Tournament three years ago, and I believe this Lucario surpasses even King-level Pokémon.”

“Could this Lucario possibly be Champion level?”

The draconic disturbance clearly alarmed the Zhao household. The current head of the family, King-level Trainer Archer, hurried over upon receiving news of the commotion.

Archer, approximately forty years old—considered the prime of manhood—frowned as he cautiously observed Ryan and the Lucario standing behind him.

“Who are you?”

“My identity matters less than my purpose—I’m here representing Asher, former Gym Leader of Olivine City Gym,” Ryan responded with a smile.

“So you’ve come to Asher’s cause,” Archer said coldly.

“Yes.”

“Then follow me to the Dragon Gym in Embermere City. Fighting here would be inappropriate. I accept your challenge!”

As the contemporary leader of the Zhao family, Archer demonstrated considerable courage. Regardless of Ryan’s strength, as the Zhao family’s strongest member, he needed to step forward.

Winning or losing was secondary—maintaining face was essential! Skill discrepancy mattered less than displaying courage!

“Agreed,” Ryan responded loudly, removing the wine gourd from his waist for a quick sip before following Archer toward the Dragon Gym.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night for many.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep