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"Who is the lucky one~"
Mammon leaned back in his chair, looking at the Trainers ranked above him.
His current ranking was at the tail end of the Ultra Ball tier, and there were a full 199 Trainers above him.
Not only the Elites and Champions from various regions, but also the Gym Leaders from various regions, and even those Trainers who performed excellently in regional tournaments, were all ranked ahead of him.
Therefore, there were actually many targets Mammon could choose from.
"Hmm? Then let's pick her. Bullying her should be quite interesting."
Soon, having confirmed a target, Mammon's lips slowly curled into a smile.
And coincidentally, he was already planning to go to this region next... the Paldea Region, the main stage for the ninth generation's scarlet and violet.
This region boasts incredibly rich natural resources; high mountains, lakes, wilderness, and rugged mountainous areas form a magnificent and continuous expanse of land.
There are even beautiful sights known as the 'Ten Views of Paldea'.
But for newcomers, the most intriguing aspect of the Paldea Region is probably the mysterious basin located in the center of the region, the Great Crater of Paldea.
Because anyone looking at a map of Paldea couldn't possibly miss it; the Great Crater of Paldea is simply too prominent.
Furthermore, if one knows a little about the history of the Paldea Region, they would know that legends of treasure existing inside the Great Crater of Paldea circulated as far back as the Paldea Empire era, 2,000 years ago.
Because of this legend, the Emperor of the Paldea Empire repeatedly sent personnel into the Great Crater, leading to Paldea's Great Exploration Era, which lasted nearly 1,000 years.
However, the result is that to this day, the mysterious appearance inside the Great Crater of Paldea has yet to be revealed, and the public still doesn't know what exactly lies within this Great Crater of Paldea, which is said to have formed 1 million years ago.
Of course, the fact that the public doesn't know doesn't mean the Paldea League is unaware.
Perhaps for some reason, the Paldea League has not released information about the interior of the Great Crater of Paldea. Who knows?
Mesagoza, the largest city in the Paldea Region, is also the most populous city among all currently known regions in this world.
At the same time, Mesagoza is the city where the Orange Academy is located.
As one of the top schools in the world, people of all kinds come from various regions to study here, which is one reason for Mesagoza's large population.
"Wow Is this Orange Academy? It's so grand!"
Selene held down her flowery straw hat, standing in the plaza and gazing at the magnificent and imposing school.
"It is said that the Orange Academy is the oldest school in the world, founded 805 years ago. That is truly impressive."
Caitlin's beautiful eyes looked at the school; the Orange Academy's history is truly astonishing.
805 years! Even the Pokémon League was only founded a little over a hundred years ago.
Furthermore, the current generation of students at the Orange Academy can truly be said to be world-renowned, having produced two Champion-level students.
Last year's Nemona and this year's Liko are both geniuses who successfully challenged the Paldea League.
In fact, Penny is also one of the students, though she just hasn't challenged the Paldea League.
This is enough to prove the Orange Academy's excellent training capabilities to the outside world, and the Orange Academy's faculty configuration is also quite exaggerated.
Geeta, the Paldea Chief Champion and President, is the school's chairwoman.
Hassaku, the leader of the Paldea Elite Four, is the school's art Master.
Even the Paldea Region's most talented doctoral couple, Orin and Futo, who invented the technology for Terastal Orbs, are graduates of the Orange Academy.
Having been able to pass down its legacy for eight hundred years, the Orange Academy's ability to cultivate students has been proven countless times.
"805 years?" Platinum clicked her tongue adorably.
"I asked Selene if she wanted to come to school here, but you insisted on going to the Alola Region yourself."
Mammon looked amusedly at Selene, who was furiously taking photos of the Orange Academy.
"Hmph~ Does a genius Trainer like me need to attend some Pokémon school?" Selene scoffed disdainfully.
Yes, in fact, at the end of the year before last, Mammon had asked Selene if she wanted to attend the Orange Academy, but Selene refused without hesitation.
She had finally reached the age where she could travel; go to school? Absolutely not.
Besides, Giovanni had taught her enough Pokémon and battle knowledge, which Selene felt was completely sufficient.
"And didn't you see Nemona and Liko's uniforms? They are so ugly."
Selene complained mercilessly. As a beautiful young girl, she didn't have high demands for clothing, but her personal aesthetic sense made her unable to accept the Orange Academy uniform.
"Haha~ Champion Selene, I believe Principal Clavell will seriously consider your words."
A magnetic and elegant voice came, causing Selene to freeze.
Turning her head, she saw Geeta, dressed in a fitted formal suit, approaching with a group of people.
"President Geeta, long time no see. There's no need for such a grand display, is there?"
Mammon smiled and greeted Geeta, his gaze sweeping over the people behind her.
The Paldea Elite Four were conspicuously present, followed by Principal Clavell, whom Geeta had mentioned, and the two, Nemona and Liko.
"It hasn't been that long, actually, just over a month." Geeta smiled and nodded.
"Mammon, Champion Selene, Miss Platinum, a very warm welcome to the Paldea Region for your visit."
Geeta extended her hand to Mammon, which was a relatively formal welcome.
Mammon shook her hand. Geeta was very friendly, so naturally, he had to show respect.
"Mainly, Elite Hassaku and the others were curious about you, Mammon, as the Team Rocket Boss, and wanted to use this opportunity to meet you."
"These are the Elite Four of our Paldea League: Hassaku, Aoki, Poppy, and Rika. And this gentleman is Mr. Clavell, the current principal of the Orange Academy."
Geeta then introduced the people behind her one by one.
"As for Champion Nemona and Champion Liko, I presume you are already familiar with them, Mammon."
Of course he was familiar. After all, Nemona and Liko were now top Champions of Team Rockets.
Knowing this, Geeta didn't think much of it. With so many excellent young people in Team Rockets, it was quite normal for young people to find common ground and be drawn to each other.
"Hello everyone, I am the Boss of Team Rockets, Mammon."
Mammon smiled and introduced himself to the Paldea Elite Four.
His gaze lingered on Aoki for a moment. Aoki looked like a middle-aged man with a weathered face, dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase.
However, it was worth noting that Aoki had very severe eye bags and looked completely listless, as if his spirit had been drained.
Mammon scrutinized Aoki, marveling inwardly.
This was the legendary King of Corporate Slaves in the Pokémon world!
Why say that?
Because Aoki's main job was an employee in the Sales Department of the Pokémon League, but it was worth mentioning that his performance in this main job was not good.
Aoki's first side job was the Gym Leader of Medali, assigned by the League, specializing in the Normal type.
Aoki's second side job was as one of the Elite Four of the Paldea League. Hmm, according to Aoki, the League required him to take on this concurrent role.
Moreover, Geeta required him to use a different type when battling as an Elite than he did as a Gym Leader.
Aoki's response to this was that if challengers had any complaints, they should take it up with the Chief.
Therefore, when challenging Elite Aoki, his type specialty changed to Flying type.
In other words, Aoki was doing three jobs simultaneously!
Precisely because he had too much work, often worked overtime, lacked sleep, and was low on energy, even in the game's story when the protagonist defeated Aoki and needed Aoki to call out the fourth Elite, Hassaku...
Because he was too exhausted and lacked stamina, Aoki's weak shout couldn't even be heard by Hassaku through the door, and Rika had to shout for Aoki.
What's more, when Hassaku came out, he even complained to Aoki about it.
'Aoki... you had Rika call me again.'
Which indicates that this wasn't the first time.
And even more incredible, after Liko successfully challenged the Paldea League and became a new Champion, she and Nemona prepared to have their final Champion showdown in Mesagoza.
Everyone was looking forward to it, and Geeta and the others specifically came to watch the battle.
But the scene quickly shifted to Aoki hurriedly leaving, checking his watch and carrying his briefcase... "How exactly did this guy end up like this?"
Mammon was genuinely curious. Without a doubt, Aoki's strength was considerable, allowing him to serve as a Paldea Elite.
But... how did this guy get so tired that he could fall asleep standing up?
This Elite Four member was truly working too hard.
"Huh? Are you also one of Paldea's Elite Four?"
Selene looked curiously at Poppy, who was standing next to Rika. She was very curious about this child.
Because she looked like a very young girl.
"Yes, Big Sister Selene, I'm Poppy! And my friends are super strong!"
Poppy looked up and answered energetically in a tender, clear voice.
"Yes, although Poppy is young, her Pokémon are very strong. I personally invited her to become one of Paldea's Elite Four," Geeta said with a smile.
"Amazing~ How old are you, Poppy?"
Selene was astonished. She carefully examined Poppy; she only looked about six or seven years old.
No way, she's a Elite Four Class-level Trainer already at such a young age?
"I'm 10 years old this year, and next year I want to enroll in the Orange Academy."
Poppy expressed her longing for the Orange Academy. (P.S.: In the game, Poppy says she is 9 in her dialogue, but a year has passed in the novel.)
This sight made Geeta and Principal Clavell exchange a smile and shake their heads helplessly.
"10 years old, huh? That's still incredibly impressive." Selene rubbed Poppy's small head.
Mammon also looked at Poppy with great interest.
Poppy's appearance was indeed very youthful, possessing a subjective deceptiveness that made people perceive her as only five or six years old.
This led many people, when they first played scarlet and violet, to joke that the Paldea League was employing child labor. Well, it certainly seemed like it.
However, it must be said that Poppy's talent is truly outstanding.
In the game's plot, compared to the game protagonists who generally debut at ten and conquer the world, Poppy's achievement of becoming an Elite at nine years old is honestly nothing special.
At most, it just means Poppy obtained her Pokémon early. If Selene and Red had obtained their Pokémon at nine, their achievements would absolutely crush Poppy's.
Therefore, this cannot actually be used as a reason to overly exaggerate that Poppy is as formidable as the protagonist.
But Poppy is basically guaranteed to be Champion-level in the future. It's not like she was gifted from a young age but has already peaked, right?
Moreover, that was in the game. In this world, the age for Trainers to start traveling is sixteen, and Poppy is only 10 now, meaning she truly has a promising future.
Hmm, this kid is worth recruiting. I'll ask her later. If she's not interested, then so be it.
"Let's go, Mammon. I have prepared a welcome banquet for you all."
Geeta said to Mammon with a smile.
"Speaking of which, Mammon, do you have any sightseeing plans? Paldea has many worthwhile attractions."
Geeta was very confident in her region's scenery; the Ten Views of Paldea are famous worldwide.
"Yes, but before that, I plan to make a trip to Levincia."
"What are you going to Levincia for?"
Geeta was quite curious. Was it because of Levincia's famous 'Million Volt Night View'?
"I have already applied to challenge Gym Leader lono in the World Championship, and the application has been approved."
Mammon smiled, showed Geeta his 'World Championship' app, and said something that caused Geeta's mind to crash.
"I imagine it will be a thrilling and passionate showdown~"
Mammon remarked.
"..."
Geeta looked at the system notification on Mammon's phone screen, and her mouth couldn't help but twitch.
No, I think Kiki is going to be beaten until she cries.
Geeta was truly struggling to maintain her composure.
Seriously, buddy, is it really... a bit inappropriate for you, a Team Rockets Boss, to go bully one of our Gym Leaders?
Geeta looked at Mammon, wanting to speak but holding back, then wanting to speak again.