She wasn't supposed to be here. Not like this.
The summer sun scorched the earth, heatwaves rippling across the land. Wild Pokémon lurking outside the city tried to slip inside for relief, only to be blocked by an invisible barrier surrounding the urban perimeter.
This was Saffron City, one of the busiest hubs in the Kanto Region.
Right beside the Saffron Gym, inside a modest Fighting Dojo, a fierce battle was reaching its climax.
A sharp-eyed black-haired boy stood before a hanging couplet, posture steady, gaze locked onto the battlefield.
His voice rang out, firm and decisive.
"Primeape, use Rage Fist!"
Across the field, a panting Machamp struggled to stay upright.
Facing it was Primeape—a furious, round-bodied Fighting-type with bristling fur and blazing eyes. At its Trainer's command, veins bulged across its forehead as it lunged forward.
A dark, chilling aura gathered around its fist.
"Machamp, Close Combat!"
The middle-aged Trainer, Daniel Hayes, spoke calmly—but the flicker of concern in his eyes betrayed him.
Machamp was already at its limit.
This was a gamble.
A brown aura flared around Machamp as Fighting-type energy surged outward. Abandoning all defense, it charged head-on with all four arms striking forward.
The phantom-like fist of Rage Fist expanded mid-charge, swelling larger than Primeape itself.
There was no escape.
Only collision.
Boom!
The two attacks clashed violently, shockwaves rattling the arena floor. Wood splintered. Dust and debris exploded outward, swallowing the battlefield in a dense cloud.
Visibility dropped to zero.
But Ryan Drake didn't need his eyes.
Arms folded, a faint blue glow traced across his body.
Aura.
He could feel Machamp's position clearly.
"Three o'clock—finish it with Seismic Toss!"
Through the smoke, Primeape leapt high, grabbing the nearly unconscious Machamp and shooting straight into the sky.
Wind howled.
The silhouette cut through the air.
For a brief moment, a globe-like outline—like a miniature Earth—flickered in the sky.
Then—
Crash!!!
Primeape drove Machamp straight into the ground with overwhelming force.
The arena cratered.
A sickening crack echoed.
When the dust settled, Machamp lay motionless, eyes spiraling.
The battle was over.
"Primeaape!"
Primeape threw its head back and roared in triumph.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Applause filled the dojo.
Daniel Hayes laughed heartily.
"To restore the glory of Fighting-types is our duty! Ryan Drake—from this day forward, you are the third master of this dojo!"
He recalled his Machamp into its Poké Ball, then solemnly handed over the dojo's accounts, keys, and responsibilities.
And just like that—
He left.
No hesitation.
No looking back.
Leaving Ryan Drake standing alone in the arena.
[Ding!]
[Host detected assuming position as Gym Leader. Pokémon Deep Cultivation System unlocked!]
[Beginner reward granted.]
[Training efficiency increased!]
Ryan Drake froze.
Then—
His eyes lit up.
So it wasn't that he had no system… it just needed a trigger condition.
Classic.
Just like every transmigration story he'd ever read.
Two and a half months ago, an accident had thrown him into this world.
A better world.
A world of Pokémon.
He had saved a timid little Mankey from Team Rocket, and through that, joined this Fighting Dojo as a trainee.
Now—
He had become its master.
The burden of reviving it… fell entirely on him.
This dojo had seen three generations.
The first master, Victor Hayes, had his spirit crushed by Sabrina.
The second, Daniel Hayes, had just been defeated by Ryan Drake and departed for secluded training.
And the third—
Ryan Drake—
Was currently worrying about money.
"Master, how should we prepare for next month's tournament?"
A graceful voice broke his thoughts.
A young woman stepped forward.
Her name was Mia Bennett—a coaching Trainer who also handled front desk duties.
At the mention of the tournament, Ryan Drake's expression turned serious.
Every three years, the League held a major Gym Qualification Tournament.
The winner earned official Gym status.
Before Sabrina took over Saffron Gym, the Fighting Dojo had once stood at the very top—serving as an official Gym for years.
But three years ago—
Victor Hayes had been completely crushed by Sabrina.
The dojo lost its official status.
It could still issue badges…
But they meant nothing.
Only official Gym badges were recognized by the Indigo League.
Now, three years had passed.
The tournament was back.
And as the new master—
Ryan Drake had no choice but to step forward.
"As the saying goes—since we're here, we face it head-on," he said calmly. "We do everything we can… and leave the rest to fate."
Truthfully—
If Primeape could evolve into Annihilape within a month…
He might actually stand a chance.
"Mia Bennett," Ryan Drake asked suddenly, standing up. "What do you think we lack the most right now?"
She blinked, caught off guard.
Then she thought carefully.
Strength?
No.
They had capable Trainers.
Coaching?
Also no.
So what were they missing?
Ryan Drake picked up a videotape nearby and waved it slightly.
"Reputation."
"That's what we need most."
"With enough visibility, students will come on their own."
Mia Bennett frowned slightly. "So what's your plan, Master?"
Ryan Drake's eyes sharpened.
"Defeat Sabrina."
"Only by beating her in the upcoming tournament can we reclaim official status—and attention."
Ding-dong—
The doorbell rang.
Cutting him off mid-speech.
Ryan Drake walked over and opened the door.
And froze.
Standing outside—
Was a tall, striking woman.
Her presence alone created distance.
She wore a wine-red fitted top and a tight skirt that accentuated her figure, paired with a sleek black bodysuit that ran from neck to toe.
Elegant.
Cold.
Untouchable.
Ryan Drake narrowed his eyes.
Then recognition hit.
Saffron Gym Leader—
Sabrina.
Under the dim light, her pale face seemed almost unreal.
One hand rested on her shoulder.
Her head tilted slightly downward.
She wasn't looking at him.
"Sabri—"
Ryan Drake started to speak.
Then stopped.
His smile froze.
Because as she stepped closer—
A tidal wave of unstable psychic power surged outward from her body.
Chaotic.
Violent.
Barely contained.
Sabrina slowly lifted her head.
Her dazed, unfocused eyes met his.
Like she could collapse at any moment.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
Ryan Drake stared at her, stunned.
"A Psychic-type user… crashing at my doorstep?"
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