[Ding!]
[Mission Issued: Defeat Yu Hao.]
[Reward: 1,000 Chakra + 100,000 Poké-dollars.]
When Gu Qiu heard the notification—
His entire body trembled slightly.
It had been a while since the system issued a mission.
So it required trainer battles to trigger tasks?
Defeat Yu Hao.
100,000 Poké-dollars.
1,000 Chakra.
Gu Qiu currently had around 10,000 Chakra.
That reward was massive.
His lips curved upward.
Perfect timing.
Someone delivers a pillow when you're sleepy.
He gladly accepted.
Gu Qiu crouched slightly and looked at Froakie.
"Froakie, we're battling together the first time we've met."
"Confident?"
"Froa!"
The small frog cried sharply.
Full of spirit.
"Good. That's my partner."
Gu Qiu took out a Water-type Energy Cube from the system shop.
Froakie's eyes instantly lit up.
Battle intent skyrocketed.
Gu Qiu chuckled.
Another little foodie, huh?
"I accept your challenge."
Yu Hao smiled widely.
"Then the field."
The Playground
News spread like wildfire.
Two High-Grade Pokémon battling?
The entire school gathered.
Most students had never seen High-Grade Pokémon fight in real life.
Excitement filled the air.
Even inside the principal's office—
Two figures watched through the glass.
"Teacher, I didn't expect to see a battle when I returned."
"Two High Grades. Interesting."
The principal sighed.
"Kona, stop teasing me. You know how Viridian City has struggled in recent years. The children work hard, but resources are limited."
Kona adjusted her glasses.
"I heard your strength improved again."
"You flatter me."
Though casual—
The atmosphere around Kona carried quiet authority.
She was once the pride of Viridian High.
Regional Champion of her generation.
Since then—
The school had never entered Top 16 again.
On the Field
Gu Qiu scanned Froakie's data.
Pokémon: Froakie
Grade: High
Level: 6 (Beginner)
Ability: Protean
Moves: Pound, Growl, Bubble, Quick Attack
Protean.
An extremely rare ability.
When using a move—
Froakie's type changes to match it.
Meaning—
Every move receives Same-Type Attack Bonus.
This ability alone—
Was monstrous.
Yu Hao released his Pokémon.
Torchic appeared in a burst of flame.
Pokémon: Torchic
Grade: High
Level: 8 (Beginner)
Ability: None
Moves: Scratch, Growl, Ember
Level 8.
Two levels higher.
Trained for three days.
But—
No ability.
Gu Qiu smiled.
This battle?
Already decided.
"Ready?" Yu Hao sneered.
"Begin!"
Torchic moved first.
"Ember!"
Small fireballs shot forward.
Gu Qiu didn't panic.
"Quick Attack."
Froakie's body flashed—
Its type shifted instantly.
From Water—
To Normal.
The speed spike was explosive.
It vanished from Ember's path.
The crowd gasped.
"So fast!"
Before Torchic could react—
Froakie struck.
Bang!
Torchic stumbled backward.
Yu Hao frowned.
"Scratch!"
Torchic lunged.
"Bubble."
The moment Froakie used Bubble—
Its type shifted again.
Water-type.
Boosted.
The water spheres blasted forward—
Directly suppressing Torchic.
Fire vs Water.
Type disadvantage.
Boom!
Steam erupted.
Torchic was forced backward.
Yu Hao's expression darkened.
"How is its power so high?!"
Gu Qiu's voice was calm.
"Protean."
The principal's eyes widened slightly.
Kona's lips curved faintly.
"Interesting."
Torchic tried to charge again.
"Ember!"
"Quick Attack—into Bubble!"
Froakie dashed forward.
Type shifted to Normal.
Closed distance instantly.
At point-blank range—
Bubble erupted.
Type shifted to Water again.
Boosted damage.
Direct hit.
Torchic flew backward—
Crashing to the ground.
Silence.
Then—
Torchic struggled…
And collapsed.
Unable to continue.
The referee student swallowed.
"Torchic… unable to battle."
"Froakie wins!"
The playground exploded.
"Already over?!"
"That was too clean!"
"Was that ability just now—?"
Yu Hao stood frozen.
Impossible.
He trained three days.
He had the same High Grade.
How did he lose so cleanly?
Gu Qiu walked forward calmly.
"Good battle."
Then—
[Ding!]
[Mission Complete.]
[Reward Granted: 1,000 Chakra + 100,000 Poké-dollars.]
Warm energy surged through his body.
Chakra increased.
Funds replenished.
Froakie looked up proudly.
Gu Qiu smiled.
"Well done."
And in the distance—
Kona's eyes sharpened.
"This boy…"
"Has potential."