Pokémon: Check-In System

"Uh, is there any trainer who wants to take the stage?"

After Nero's victory in the arena, it was now his turn to defend his position.

The same staff member from before returned to the waiting area, ready to call upon the next challenger.

The trainers in the waiting area were momentarily stunned. They had initially thought Nero was just a joke, yet he had actually defeated Sandslash.

After a minute of contemplation, one trainer stepped forward and declared to the staff member:

"I possess an unparalleled warrior, the mighty and ferocious one, capable of slaying Combusken!"

Huh??

Why are you talking like that kid from earlier?

"My mighty warrior was born with a golden crown, the chosen one, bathed in imperial colors! With its fiery gaze, it can sweep through armies! How can I not fight?"

"Alright then, you're up."

The staff member could only internally sigh—orz—why were the young trainers getting weirder? But that wasn't the important part. As long as someone was willing to battle, it was a good thing.

If no one stepped up, that would be the real disappointment.

After all, no one ever complained about having too many battles.

With the staff member's approval, the trainer took the stage in style, and his mighty warrior quickly followed suit!

On the battlefield, Combusken's sharp eyes gleamed as flames ignited around its legs!

And just like that, the mighty warrior was swiftly defeated!

The staff member returned to the waiting area again.

"Uh… The mighty warrior has fallen once more. Does anyone else want to go up?"

All the trainers: "..."

What the heck, was that guy just here for comic relief!?

...

There weren't any dramatic moments after that. Nero had already used his glasses to analyze the Pokémon in the waiting area—most of them were at the normal level. None of them could stop Combusken.

However, the final match left a lasting impression on Nero.

It was his fourth defense battle.

His opponent had watched him defeat Sandslash, then two Water-type Pokémon, and a Flying-type Pokémon. After some deep thought, the trainer came to a realization—

This guy… Could he be a master of type disadvantages!?

And so, he eagerly took the stage, sending out a Paras.

Paras, a Bug/Grass-type Pokémon, is quadruple weak to Fire-type moves...

The outcome was obvious—Combusken easily won with a small flame attack.

Thus, after winning his first challenge battle, Nero successfully defended his position four times in a row, securing victory in his age bracket!

However, what Nero didn't know was…

His and Combusken's glorious streak of victories had left an impression on a certain Pokémon watching from the sidelines.

"Let's all congratulate Nero on winning the arena competition!"

The time was now 6:55 PM. Even if someone were to step up and defeat Nero in the last five minutes, they wouldn't be able to claim the tournament's rewards. Besides, in all his previous battles, Combusken had secured easy victories.

Winning by luck at the last minute wasn't going to happen.

"Here is your arena competition reward."

Since Nero's age group was the first to compete in this event, he was the first victor, and the prize-giving ceremony was fairly grand.

Nero glanced at his first reward—three crates of nutritional supplements.

These supplements were incredibly beneficial for Pokémon growth. Each crate contained twelve bottles, offering boosts in speed, attack, and defense. Long-term use would provide significant benefits for any Pokémon.

The first reward was unexpectedly good.

The second reward was a purple Smoke Ball.

True to its name, the Smoke Ball released thick smoke when thrown in the wild, helping trainers escape dangerous situations.

A perfect item for the cautious-minded.

The third reward consisted of a Fast Ball and a Dusk Ball.

Fast Balls were designed to capture speedy Pokémon more effectively, while Dusk Balls excelled in dark areas, such as caves or during nighttime.

In those conditions, their catch rate was significantly higher.

Three rewards—two of them were Poké Balls.

A true arena reward… literally just balls...

...

"The New Year celebrations in this world are quite lively."

After finishing the competition, Nero had no plans to stick around and watch the remaining matches. Instead, he went out with Combusken to have some fun.

To reward Combusken for its stellar performance, Nero treated it to a full-course meal.

After the feast, the two wandered through the bustling festival streets.

But the more crowded a place is, the more likely trouble will arise—a truth as old as time.

"Something seems to be happening up ahead. Let's go check it out."

Curiosity is a natural human instinct. Seeing a crowd gathering ahead, Nero's interest was immediately piqued.

Squeezing through the people with Combusken, Nero suddenly caught sight of several creamy-white figures darting through the crowd and around the stalls.

Then, voices started shouting:

"Hey! That was my grilled meat!"

"My fish!"

"Mom! My yo-yo is gone!"

"Ah! Damn it, my egg… ball!"

It seemed like a lot of people were losing their belongings.

Since the three crates of supplements were too bulky, the tournament organizers had arranged for them to be delivered to Nero's house.

However, Nero had kept the smaller items on him.

For example, the Fast Ball and the Dusk Ball—both were clipped onto his belt.

And at that moment, the creamy-white figure reappeared in Nero's sight. Moving incredibly fast, it flashed past him—and before he could react, his Fast Ball was gone!

"What the—!?"

Nero was stunned. Then, in the next instant, the figure appeared before him again.

Nero got a clear look at it.

It was a Meowth!

Standing before him, the Meowth had a slightly yellowish Poké Ball clenched in its mouth—it was Nero's Fast Ball!

Meowth, a Pokémon that typically resides in towns and cities.

They live in alleyways, relying on theft for food.

They are nocturnal Pokémon, sleeping throughout the day.

Not only do they love shiny objects, but they also have a fondness for round objects—Nero's Fast Ball fit both criteria perfectly.

Despite already having the Fast Ball in its mouth, the Meowth's gaze lingered on the Dusk Ball at Nero's waist.

Clearly, it wasn't satisfied with just one.

Its eyes flashed, and suddenly, it stood upright, revealing its sharp white claws. With a fierce expression, it lunged at Nero!

"Combusken!"

Meowth was fast, but Combusken was faster. A sneak attack might have worked, but in a direct confrontation, Combusken had no fear. Lifting its right leg, it kicked the attacking Meowth away with ease.

"Meow!!"

Realizing it was outmatched, Meowth decided not to linger. With the Fast Ball still in its mouth, it quickly bolted.

"Oh no, you don't!"

The Fast Ball was part of the arena reward, earned through Nero and Combusken's hard work—it wasn't something he'd let a Meowth steal so easily.

Nero took off in pursuit.

With Combusken's Speed Boost ability, its speed increased as it ran. There was no way a Meowth could outrun it.

However, this Meowth was cunning, using its small size to dart through narrow alleyways, causing trouble for Nero and Combusken.

Finally, after some chasing, Combusken's Speed Boost was at full power. It leaped across rooftops and walls, cutting Meowth off in a dark alleyway.

Trapped.

"Meow!!"

Meowth wasn't giving up. It stood upright and, with a gleam in its eyes, summoned a barrage of golden coins—Pay Day!

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