"Natsuhiko? Still alive?"
Azir answered Yike's call, somewhat surprised.
He had seen with his own eyes the Thunderous Strike from the "Angry" Zapdos hit Natsuhiko.
Judging by the power of that lightning strike, even a small-time newcomer Trainer like Natsuhiko, let alone himself, would not easily withstand it.
At first, Azir suspected that Natsuhiko and Tom Rokicki were in cahoots, but later saw Natsuhiko's Weedle consume the "Pure Gold Feather," which somewhat cleared his doubts.
Initially, because of Lance's request, Azir had deliberately sent people to search, but unfortunately, they found nothing.
"Uh... Vice President Azir, that Natsuhiko just came to the Guild for the 'Newcomer Trainer' certification and said it was Elite Four Agatha who sent him..."
Yike didn't quite understand the meaning of "still alive," but mentioned the possible connection between Natsuhiko and Agatha.
"Elite Four Agatha?"
Upon hearing this, Azir furrowed his eyebrows.
How did Agatha get involved again?
Isn't Natsuhiko an employee of the Silver Pokémon Battle Club?
He had just completed his Trainer registration not long ago.
'But, Natsuhiko seems to have a good relationship with Lance too.'
One is an heir praised by the Dragon Taming Race, the other is a newcomer Trainer. They seem like two vastly different worlds.
If it weren't for Tom Rokicki's Mr. Mime subtly influencing and interfering, it's unlikely Natsuhiko would have much to do with Lance.
And what Tom Rokicki wanted to take advantage of was precisely the connection between Natsuhiko and Lance.
This was something Azir naturally hadn't thought of.
'Has a close relationship with Dragon Master Lance and ties with Elite Four Agatha?'
Azir glanced at Agatha, who was resting with her eyes narrowed on the chair, and after a moment's thought, approached and asked, "Elite Four Agatha."
"Hmm?" Agatha slowly opened her eyes.
Azir whispered, "The Guild said a Trainer named Natsuhiko came for the 'Newcomer Trainer' certification, claiming...you sent him."
"Natsuhiko?"
Agatha was momentarily stunned, then she realized.
Wasn't Natsuhiko the little fellow she encountered in the alley a few days ago?
Recalling his calm demeanor against three Senior Level Mightyenas, and the fact that his Togepi dared to attack her Gengar, she grinned broadly, saying, "So, he went ahead."
Initially, Agatha was merely speaking offhandedly and didn't particularly care whether Natsuhiko would follow through.
In her view, Natsuhiko becoming a Newcomer Trainer was effortless, regardless of her influence.
But it was different for Azir who overheard this.
They truly know each other!
Elite Four Agatha is indeed acquainted with Natsuhiko!
Reflecting on Natsuhiko's relationship with Lance, some connections began to fill themselves in Azir's mind.
Bowing slightly to Agatha, he retreated to the corner, picked up his phone, and spoke to Yike, who had yet to hang up, "Didn't give him a hard time, right?"
On the other end, Yike wiped the sweat from his forehead.
He had overheard Azir's conversation with Elite Four Agatha because the call wasn't disconnected.
Unexpectedly.
It was true!
He quickly said, "No, no, everything went through the normal procedure, and the certification is complete."
Azir pondered slightly, "Offer some convenience, but stay within limits, not too much."
"Yes, yes."
Agatha and Uncle Liu are seasoned Elite Four, and these veterans generally believe in their own abilities, so offering too many benefits to Natsuhiko might backfire if Agatha found out.
But, providing some convenience is fine.
Yike ended the call with Azir.
He exhaled deeply.
Luckily, there was no trouble nor mockery.
A Trainer with Weedle as an Initial Pokémon really has ties with Elite Four Agatha.
Who could have expected this?
Yet, what they did not know was.
Natsuhiko merely used Agatha's name to save time, and Agatha did indeed casually mention it.
But, their relationship was limited to that.
Supervisor Yike glanced once more toward Natsuhiko, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately chose not to interfere.
However, his range of expressions was all noticed by the staff who had earlier served Natsuhiko.
Soon, different versions of rumors began circulating within the Guild.
Some said.
A disciple of Elite Four Agatha arrived at the Guild.
Others said.
A nephew of Elite Four Agatha joined the Guild.
Most exaggeratedly, the son (or grandson) of Elite Four Agatha came to the Guild.
In any case, every version seemed more exaggerated and mysterious than the last.
And as for Natsuhiko, the person at the center of these rumors, he was simply pondering.
He never imagined things would escalate this way.
Now, he was hesitating on which task to take.
According to the Guild's point system, capturing a Senior Level Pokémon earns 40 points, an Excellence Level earns 10, and a spin of the point wheel requires 30 points.
Meaning a Senior Level Pokémon allows one spin, and three Excellence Level Pokémon allow one spin, but they must be within the task's scope.
Rewards in the prize pool are quite abundant, with various rare materials and Pokemon Items, and a variety of Pokémon Techniques Secret Manuals are also displayed there.
However, the prize pool remains typically just for viewing pleasure, and one shouldn't take it literally.
The black market price of a Senior Level Pokémon fluctuates between two to four hundred thousand, averaging around 300,000, while an Excellence Level's price ranges from 50,000 to 150,000, averaging around 100,000.
Converted, it ends up costing 300,000 League Coins for one prize draw.
It's just outrageously expensive!
Yet, when considering the swarm of Trainers collecting their tasks and hurrying off.
Are they not aware of the conversion rate?
Not necessarily.
Yet, they're still flocking fervently.
This is the allure of the point system and prize pool.
Eventually, even Natsuhiko couldn't resist such temptation.
He had a lucky Togepi. While it might not guarantee the rarest items and manuals, it likely wouldn't result in a loss.
He chose two tasks in close proximity, grabbed the task badge, and left the Trainer Guild.
In the west city's sewers, there were reports of sightings of aggressive Muk.
Meanwhile, in West City Park, groups of Paras and Parasect might be present.
Both tasks could potentially involve Senior Level Pokémon.
Being on the way, Natsuhiko decided to tackle both.
If it proved too dangerous, he'd retreat.
By now, the streets had lost their usual bustle, with Trainers of all calibers dashing about.
...
...
Elsewhere.
"Celestial King Liu Bo, all tasks have been dispatched. I believe in a maximum of three days, everything will be thoroughly cleaned up," said Guild President Camilla.
Sitting with his cane in hand, Uncle Liu lowered his eyes.
He wobbled as he stood up.
Gazing out at the thriving architecture of Goldenrod City.
"If they wish to cause unrest, let them witness their folly!"
At that moment, the elderly Liu Bo seemed to transform back into his former self, the confident Ice-type Elite Celestial King Liu Bo.
He was confident he could protect the majority of Goldenrod City's residents amidst what appeared to be chaos.
Beside him, Agatha chuckled eerily and concurred, "Soon, seeing Goldenrod City in such disorder, they'll find it hard to sit still."
Whether Goldenrod City was indeed chaotic...