"Crackle… crackle…"
The firewood in the campfire occasionally burst with soft pops.
More than ten minutes passed quickly.
Silas and Selene sat quietly by the fire.
Neither spoke.
Yet a subtle warmth lingered in the air between them.
Selene secretly glanced at the boy who had saved her.
His pupils were dark as ink, steady and rational. His refined features and calm, gentle temperament made it difficult not to feel drawn to him.
Realizing she had been staring, she quickly brushed her hair back to hide her flustered expression.
But the brief, ambiguous silence was soon broken.
A streak of brown light tore across the night sky.
It descended like a meteor.
An Aerodactyl.
Its body was gray, parts of it resembling stone. Its eyes were sharp blue. Two horn-like projections extended backward from its head. The inner membranes of its wings were purple, and its serrated teeth gleamed coldly under the moonlight.
Its speed was astonishing.
In the blink of an eye, it landed nearby, whipping up dust and scattering fallen leaves.
Standing atop its back was a tall, thin man wearing glasses, appearing to be in his late thirties or early forties.
He wore a green expedition jacket. His hair was messy, like an unkempt bird's nest ,he was clearly someone who had no time for grooming.
His expression was anxious.
Only when he saw Selene unharmed did his face finally relax.
"Dad!"
Selene rushed forward and threw herself into his arms.
"Father, you're finally here… I almost thought I'd never see you again…"
Tears streamed down her face.
The man's eyes softened instantly.
"Alright, alright… Selene, don't cry," he said gently. "Next time, no sneaking out. Tell me,how did you escape those people?"
This was Dr. Magnus Solans.
When he learned his daughter was in danger, he had immediately halted an ongoing fossil experiment and rushed over at top speed.
The Aerodactyl he rode was no ordinary one.
It was the first successfully revived fossil Pokémon from a collaborative fossil project between the Solans family and Devon Corporation.
With a base Speed of 130, and capable of using moves like Rock Polish and Agility, it was incredibly fast.
If anything had happened to his daughter ,He would have had no way to explain it to his wife.
Selene clung to his arm and recounted everything.
Her voice trembled when describing the pursuit.
She looked pale when describing escaping the first attackers, only to fall into another trap.But when she spoke of Silas stepping in, Her cheeks flushed.
And she secretly glanced at him again.
After hearing the full story, Dr. Magnus Solans turned to Silas.
"Thank you, young man. I will properly repay you for saving my daughter."
His voice then cooled.
"As for those who chased her… once we return, the family will investigate thoroughly. She will not suffer this injustice for nothing."
A cold edge crept into his tone.
It was clear that anyone connected to the attackers would not escape consequences.
"Dad, you must thank Brother Silas properly! If not for him, I would've-"
Selene shook his arm insistently.
Dr. Magnus nodded indulgently.
"Young man, please come here."
Silas approached calmly.
He could clearly sense the overwhelming energy radiating from the Aerodactyl.
It was not inferior to the Elite-tier Pokémon battle he once witnessed at Rusturf Tunnel.
"Greetings, senior. I am Silas, a League trainer currently traveling."
His tone was respectful, yet steady.
"No need for such formality," Magnus replied. "You saved my daughter. Call me Uncle Magnus."
There was clear approval in his eyes.
"League trainers should support one another. I merely happened to be there when upon Miss Selene was in danger. I cannot claim to be a lifesaver."
His words were flawless.
Measured.
Polished.
Dr. Magnus observed him carefully.
Interesting.
This boy was not shortsighted.
"Regardless, you saved her. That debt must be repaid."
He spoke plainly.
"Tell me. What do you need? Alliance Coins? League Points? A rare Pokémon egg? Special items? As long as it's reasonable, I can provide it."
Selene nodded rapidly beside him, silently urging Silas to accept.
She clearly understood what such an offer meant.
Level Two League Authority.
Not something money alone could buy.
Only Gym Leaders, League Professors, or powerful Elite-level trainers could grant such advancement.
Every Level Two authority holder had backing.
Silas remained silent for a moment.
Then he spoke sincerely.
"League trainers should help one another. I dare not use kindness as leverage for gain."
If he asked for something now, his motives would become obvious.
Selene might not notice. But this man absolutely would.
Better to let the favor remain.
A future pathway.
A human connection.
After all Silas lacked nothing at the moment.
He had millions of Pokédollars.
He could earn resources himself.
His team already had five Pokémon which was more than enough to raise.
Dr. Magnus narrowed his eyes slightly.
He admired the restraint. But he also preferred to settle debts cleanly.
After a brief pause, he spoke decisively.
"No. Gratitude must be repaid."
"You are aware of the League Authority system, yes?"
"I can elevate your League Authority to Level Two."
Selene's eyes widened in excitement.
She gestured frantically for Silas to agree.
Silas scratched his head awkwardly.
"Um… Uncle Magnus…"
"I'm already Level Two."
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(End of chapter)