He looked over the few newcomer tasks displayed on the screen. None of them seemed difficult for him at all. If everything went smoothly, he could probably finish them within a single day. His plan was simple—accept the missions, head straight out of the forest, and complete them in one go.
"Beep! Mission accepted successfully!"
"Beep-beep! Mission acceptance failed. Insufficient authority. Please complete the previous mission first!"
The first mission was accepted without issue.
But when he attempted to accept the second one, the system displayed the words "Insufficient authority."
Icarus frowned slightly and turned toward Luna beside him, hoping for an explanation.
"Ah, Icarus-kun," Luna said with a small smile, "this rule exists because you're a newly promoted trainer. The Alliance wants to prevent newcomers from getting overconfident right after advancing to Normal-tier."
She folded her hands behind her back and continued explaining patiently:
"The Alliance policy states that newly promoted trainers may only accept one newcomer mission at a time. You must complete and submit the current one before unlocking the next."
Then she pointed at the reward section on the screen.
"However, the newcomer bonus can be claimed five times."
"I see…" Icarus muttered.
A thought quickly formed in his mind.
"In that case," he said, "if I memorize all five missions first, gather all the required materials at once, and then submit them sequentially after completing the first mission… would that work?"
That way, he wouldn't have to make five separate trips.
Luna tilted her head slightly.
"Theoretically, yes," she admitted. "But since you've just advanced, I still recommend being cautious."
There was genuine concern in her expression.
"I know my limits," Icarus replied calmly. "I won't overestimate myself."
In his heart, however, his thoughts were clear.
As long as I can reach Elite-tier, I'll have more than enough.
He focused again on the screen and began carefully memorizing the newcomer tasks.
Among the five missions, the first four specified particular Pokémon species but did not require material quality. Only the fifth mission was different. Its title stood out clearly:
---
Mission No. 00005
Level: Newcomer Promotion
Description: Obtain any material from a wild Pokémon of Normal-tier strength.
Time Limit: None
Reward: 1 Alliance Merit Point
5,000 Pokédollars + 1,000 Pokédollars newcomer bonus
---
"Oh?" Icarus narrowed his eyes slightly. "So the Alliance does care about actual Normal-tier combat ability."
He understood immediately.
Although Normal-tier was the lowest official tier, in a world dominated by Pokémon, every newly promoted Normal-tier trainer represented real combat strength. The Alliance wanted fewer unnecessary casualties.
This promotion mission could only be completed if his Pokémon truly possessed Normal-tier battle capability.
It wasn't like the first four missions, where one could rely on higher-level suppression to defeat weaker wild Pokémon.
When energy levels were equal, victory depended on battle experience and skill.
In essence, this mission subtly reminded new trainers to solidify their foundation rather than grow complacent.
He also noticed the reward amount.
Five thousand Pokédollars.
That was not a small sum.
For comparison, materials from entry-level Caterpie were worth around 500 Pokédollars, while materials from Normal-tier Pokémon were worth roughly 1,000.
And if a Pokémon had reached Normal-tier, it certainly wasn't just a weak, newly hatched Caterpie anymore.
After reviewing all five missions again, Icarus mentally repeated the objectives and requirements several times. He hadn't brought a pen today, so he could only rely on memory. Fortunately, the tasks weren't complicated.
"Alright. Thank you, Luna," he said, handing back his card. "I'm in a hurry to start the mission, so I won't disturb your work any longer."
He turned and began walking toward the exit.
"W-Wait a moment, Icarus-kun!"
Luna hurried after him and stopped in front of him.
"Are you still upset about earlier? I was really in a bad mood and ended up taking it out on you. I already apologized…"
She hesitated briefly before continuing.
"It's almost noon. Let me treat you to lunch as another apology, okay? Please forgive me."
Seeing the girl who was admired by so many acting this way, Icarus would have felt secretly pleased in another life.
But now, his thoughts were different.
Through his interactions with Uncle Sam and his own observations, he understood something clearly:
Once he reached Elite-tier, he would naturally obtain everything he deserved—and more.
He believed firmly that he would reach that level.
There was no need to sacrifice the future for temporary comfort.
"Cough… I'm really not angry anymore," he said calmly. "You don't need to do this. I'll be coming to the Pokémon Center often anyway. Next time."
As he spoke, he gently stepped past her and walked out.
"H-Hey! What are you doing?" Luna blurted out, slightly annoyed at being brushed aside.
But then she paused.
She thought of her family.
She thought of her father, who had ventured deep into the inner zone and still hadn't returned because of a moment of stubbornness.
The sharp words that were about to leave her lips softened.
"Then… Icarus-kun," she called out as she ran toward the entrance, "we're agreed on next time. Be careful during your missions!"
Icarus didn't turn back.
He simply raised a hand in acknowledgment and continued walking toward the city gates.
At the gate, he chatted casually with the guards on duty, exchanging a few polite words before exiting the city to begin his mission.
He did not tell anyone that he had advanced to Normal-tier.
He understood the principle well—when a tree stands taller than the forest, the wind strikes it first.
The guards likely meant him no harm. But what if, purely by accident, word spread? What if some jealous heir from a powerful family learned of it and decided to eliminate potential competition?
Unlikely, perhaps.
But even a one-in-ten-thousand chance was not worth the risk.
After all, reality could be more dramatic than fiction.
It was better to develop quietly.
Just like when he had sold that information before—Luna, as a staff member of the Pokémon Center, hadn't known where the guards obtained their intelligence.
That alone proved that Uncle Sam had kept his involvement confidential.
And that was precisely why Icarus had been willing to accept Uncle Sam's investment.
(End of Chapter)
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