Oranguru's defeat left the onlooking butler Pokémon in shock. They knew just how terrifying Oranguru's psychic power was.
Yet Swampert had effortlessly smashed through it with brute force.
Not only that, Swampert had managed to halt its punch right before landing it. Some wondered if it had even been holding back.
Otto's jaw dropped so far he could fit an egg in his mouth. Marusill was just as stunned.
They frantically pored over Lucas's records, eager to find any clue. But no matter how much they searched, nothing stood out. Their curiosity finally got the better of them, and they hurried over.
At this moment, Oranguru was performing the traditional submission gesture of its species to Lucas, pledging to serve as his most loyal butler and supporter.
For the highly intelligent Oranguru, this gesture was sacred. Many Oranguru, even after being captured by veteran trainers, might never perform it in their lifetime.
This proved Lucas had completely won over even this picky candidate in both strength and character.
When Otto and Marusill arrived, Oranguru had just finished the gesture and looked up at them, speaking through telepathy: "Principal, Assistant, what brings you here?"
Otto and Marusill glanced at each other, clearly having made up their minds. They looked at Lucas and asked in unison, "Mr. Lucas, were you a trainer before?"
"Yes."
Lucas nodded slightly. It wasn't a secret.
Otto and Marusill's eyes lit up. Now they could guess why a mere farm owner had such high-level connections in the Paldea League.
They asked, "You must be more than just an ordinary trainer, right?"
Oranguru was curious too.
"Are you asking about my actual achievements as a trainer?" Lucas tilted his head. When they confirmed, he answered, "It's not a secret. If you look, you'll find it. In the Kalos League, trainers usually challenge Gyms, compete in the Conference, and, if victorious, take the Champion's Road to challenge the Elite Four and Champion, right?"
"It's a bit different in Paldea, but similar. I challenged the Elite Four and Champion and was awarded the title of Champion-level trainer."
Lucas's calm tone struck Otto and Marusill like thunder.
A Champion-level trainer—on par with Kalos's own Champion Diantha.
No wonder Swampert was so strong.
Oranguru had never felt its emotions fluctuate so much. It realized it had underestimated Lucas; a Champion in Paldea was equivalent to a Champion in Kalos, a title only earned by defeating the Elite Four and Champion.
With Lucas as its protector, the farm would surely be a paradise. Perhaps all its waiting was for this moment.
On the distant wall, Luxio still looked amazed—a human trainer had defeated Oranguru so easily.
Luxio wanted to leave and return when the crowd thinned out, but then remembered Oranguru's dream: could this human be about to take Oranguru away?
Luxio hesitated for a while, but didn't leave. Only after the crowd dispersed did it leap down and run over.
"Well, Oranguru will be your butler now. We'll handle the paperwork. You two can stay on campus and bond for a while," Otto said delightedly, as if a long-unmarried child had finally found a match.
"Looks like they can't wait to send you off," Lucas joked to Oranguru.
"The principal and assistant have always treated me well, even when I stubbornly insisted on picky conditions. They just quietly supported me and filtered out suitable employers."
Only after Otto and Marusill were out of sight did Oranguru retract its grateful gaze and reply.
"Luxio~."
A hesitant call sounded from behind.
Lucas turned and saw Luxio—the one Oranguru had been feeding earlier—carrying some berries and trinkets. Lucas guessed these were probably Luxio's thank-you gifts for Oranguru.
Before Lucas could see the items clearly, his system suddenly flashed in his mind:
[Notice: One meter ahead is an item that can significantly increase your strength! Take it, take it!]
"You're giving me a headache!" Lucas grumbled, waving his hand in annoyance. Seeing Luxio keeping its distance, Lucas ignored the system and whispered to Oranguru, "It's probably here for you. Should I give you some space?"
"Luxio seems wary of humans," Oranguru nodded. "If you don't mind, young master Lucas."
The term "young master" made Lucas freeze for a moment. At least it wasn't "master."
Lucas stepped aside, watching as Oranguru accepted Luxio's gifts and comforted it over its sadness at Oranguru's departure.
When Luxio left, Lucas strolled over and asked, "Are those gifts from Luxio?"