Chapter 165: Chapter 165: Lorelei!
"Sorry for being late."
A clear and cool female voice echoed, followed by the distinct sound of high heels striking the ground.
Ron turned toward the source of the voice and saw a striking woman with dark purple hair approaching gracefully—Lorelei, the Elite Four member known for her Ice-type Pokémon.
Her outfit was bold, and her glasses gave her a mature and intellectual aura. Perhaps it was her specialization in Ice-types, but she exuded a cold, distant demeanor that made her seem unapproachable.
These contrasting qualities intertwined, creating a unique charm that made Lorelei far more captivating than Ron had ever imagined, even compared to her depictions in the anime.
"Rescue teams are on their way. You're safe now," she said, her tone warm as she addressed Quint and the others, trying to reassure them.
"But as for you, Jaxson," Lorelei's tone turned icy as she fixed her gaze on him, "today marks the end for you and your lackeys."
As her voice fell, a Dewgong slid across the icy surface to Lorelei's side. The massive ice wall from earlier was clearly the work of this Dewgong.
Seeing Lorelei arrive, Ron felt a wave of relief and hurried closer to the battlefield.
Thanks to his Fighting Aura, Ron could sense the difference in strength between the Pokémon more acutely than the average person.
He didn't even need to check the levels of the Sharpedo and the Dewgong; just the oppressive sense of danger emanating from them told him that Dewgong was significantly stronger.
"Let's give it a shot! Sharpedo, use Giga Impact!" Jaxson shouted, trying to muster his courage. Despite recognizing Lorelei's identity and feeling a creeping fear, he commanded Sharpedo to force her back, hoping to create an opening for escape.
"Dewgong, keep your distance and use Blizzard!"
As Dewgong began to act, a chilling breeze swept over Ron, who had just reached Quint's side.
The next moment, it was as if winter itself had descended—the sheer force of Dewgong's Blizzard froze Sharpedo's Giga Impact mid-attack.
"Dewgong, finish it with Aqua Tail!"
A radiant glow enveloped Dewgong's tail as it slid effortlessly across the ice. In a flash, Dewgong was upon the frozen Sharpedo, delivering a powerful strike that shattered the icy sculpture.
The frozen Sharpedo flew backward, collapsing in defeat.
At such close range, Ron could see their respective levels clearly:
Jaxson's Sharpedo was at level 63, just reaching the lower tier of the Elite Four rank.
In contrast, Lorelei's Dewgong was level 76, firmly in the mid-tier Elite Four range, a full 13 levels higher.
The vast gap in strength, combined with Jaxson's hesitation to let Sharpedo fight at full power in preparation for an escape, resulted in a near-instant defeat.
"Retreat!"
Jaxson didn't even bother recalling his Sharpedo. Instead, he climbed onto his Tentacruel, ordering it to flee.
Just as he turned, Jaxson saw spears of ice hurtling toward him.
Commanding his other Pokémon to shield him with Protect, Jaxson barely managed to fend off the icy assault.
The culprit, a Cloyster, surfaced near Lorelei's side. Looking toward the pirates' ship, Jaxson saw that the entire area was frozen over, including his men and their Pokémon.
"I surr—" Jaxson's words were cut short as frost crept over him, encasing him in ice before he could finish.
For these pirates, who spared no one during their raids on ships, Lorelei had no intention of letting them live from the start.
With the crisis resolved, Lorelei turned to Quint. "The danger has passed. Arrange for the passengers to be taken somewhere safe and wait for rescue. Afterward, I'll need a full report on this incident."
"Understood, ma'am. I'll see to it immediately," Quint responded respectfully, recognizing Lorelei as a current member of the Elite Four. He wasted no time organizing the crew and staff to carry out her instructions.
Lorelei, for her part, understood her role perfectly—she was there to inspire confidence with her strength. The logistics and details were best left to others.
As the sunrise crept over the horizon, the ordeal came to an end.
Due to the damage Sharpedo had inflicted, the ship was no longer seaworthy, and the passengers would be ferried to Cinnabar Island by the rescue team.
"Lady Lorelei, you called for me?"
Ron entered the room with a hint of confusion.
Though he had performed well in helping fend off the pirates, he didn't expect Lorelei to summon him personally. A simple acknowledgment or commendation would have sufficed.
"That's right. I heard from Quint about your contributions today. It seems you've done quite well for yourself, Ron," Lorelei began, getting straight to the point.
"I understand you're planning to leave soon to train on a small island. Is that correct?"
"Yes," Ron replied honestly, suppressing his curiosity.
"I've also heard about your previous accomplishments. I must say, achieving so much at your age is impressive," Lorelei continued.
"Now, I have a proposition for you: Would you consider joining my family?"
Lorelei's words were straightforward. "Don't worry, I won't restrict your freedom. If you still wish to become a Pokémon Ranger, I'll fully support your ambitions. In fact, if you excel, I can even recommend you for higher positions.
"Most importantly, with me as your patron, I can guarantee your safety."
Lorelei's sharp gaze locked onto Ron, trusting that the young man fully understood his intent.
By all accounts, Ron, who leaned toward becoming a Pokémon Ranger, should have been recruited directly by the Rangers' top leader, Bruno.
Unfortunately, Bruno was currently absent from the Kanto Region, and interference from other members of the Pokémon League had left Ron journeying alone up to this point.
In truth, if Bruno had been around, the task of recruiting Ron would have fallen squarely on his shoulders. While it would have required Ron to share the training method for "Shave," the move could have been restricted to a select few elite trainers who had amassed significant contribution points.
Under such circumstances, Ron would have not only benefited but also ensured his personal safety.
Thus, when Lorelei happened upon Ron by chance, her admiration for the young man's potential compelled her to extend the offer. She was mere moments away from outright declaring, "I've got your back."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but I'd rather carve my own path forward," Ron replied firmly, without a shred of hesitation.
To most, sharing a single move like "Shave" might seem insignificant. However, Ron still possessed the other five techniques of the Six Powers. Once the floodgates were opened, people would inevitably wonder if he was withholding even more training methods. The scrutiny on Ron would only intensify.
If the knowledge leaked, what would Ron do then?
Would he surrender another move tomorrow, and another the day after that? How much would he have left in the end?
Hearing Ron's resolute refusal, Lorelei was taken aback but chose not to press the issue further.
Everyone has the right to choose their own path. Lorelei merely presented Ron with an option. If Ron didn't wish to take it, so be it.
"I see. In that case, Quint will provide you with the island's details. But allow me to offer you a piece of advice: No matter what happens, never stray down the wrong path."
With those meaningful words and one last knowing look at Ron, Lorelei dismissed him.
What Lorelei didn't know, however, was that Ron had stepped off the righteous path from the very beginning.
[TL/N: I don't know if this is the Bruno who is a Fighting-type Trainer and a member of Indigo Elite Four or an original character here.]
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