ALL NOVEL Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Lt. Surge
As the smoke began to dissipate, though the view remained somewhat blurred, Nidorino could now make out Charmander's figure.
"Charge in and use Double Kick."
Nidorino's speed exceeded Maki's expectations. Its sturdy limbs pounded against the ground, propelling its body forward.
After observing Nidorino's earlier wildly off-target Poison Sting attacks, Maki suspected its ability might be Hustle. Otherwise, the opponent's luck was simply off the charts.
Charmander moved to evade the charge, gathering smoke in its mouth to release another Smokescreen at the oncoming Nidorino.
However, Nidorino's speed was overwhelming. Compared to the small-bodied Charmander, it was no contest. As Nidorino closed in, its vision became clearer in the reduced distance.
The first kick of the Double Kick landed squarely on Charmander. But as the Smokescreen enveloped Nidorino once more, it lost its sense of direction, causing the second kick to miss.
Even so, a single hit of Double Kick inflicted significant damage on Charmander. It was only thanks to Maki's luck that the blow hadn't been a critical hit.
Seeing the disoriented Nidorino, Maki seized the opportunity, commanding Charmander to sink its teeth into Nidorino's back with a Crunch. Even the tough Nidorino let out a pained cry.
As Nidorino prepared to turn and counterattack the Charmander behind it, it realized its opponent had already vanished into the distance.
Hit and run.
Just as Maki prepared to have Charmander use Ember to whittle down Nidorino's stamina, the match was abruptly called to a halt.
"Stop, stop! The battle's over—you've passed the test," Luca declared, grinning wryly.
This kid plays dirty, he thought. Nidorino's Hustle ability, which should have been an advantage, had been turned into a liability by Maki's tactics.
Although Nidorino clearly outclassed Charmander in strength, it had been rendered ineffective. Even overwhelming power is useless if it can't hit its target.
Luca reflected that an inexperienced trainer directing Nidorino might have been completely worn down by Maki's strategy.
Of course, Luca still believed he would have won if the match had continued. The gap in strength between Charmander and Nidorino was too wide. One more hit like that Double Kick, and the outcome would have been decided.
That said, he wasn't aware that Charmander had mastered Dragon Dance. A speed-boosted Charmander using Dragon Dance could very well have continued dodging and worn down Nidorino.
Regardless, Maki's performance had already far exceeded Luca's expectations. This Nidorino was specifically used to assess the skill level of rookie trainers.
After concluding his remarks, Luca withdrew Nidorino and strolled over to Maki, who was busy praising Charmander for its victory.
"Good job. You've earned yourself an extra treat."
"Char!" (≧∇≦)
"This is your certification as a Pokémon Trainer. Show it to the receptionist on your way out and keep it safe," Luca said, handing over a badge with a dull yellow design and a Poké Ball emblem.
"What happens if I lose it?" Maki asked out of curiosity.
"Not much," Luca replied bluntly. "Just pay the league for a replacement. It's not worth much anyway. I lost mine ages ago—it's just for show."
Though Maki was aware of the general situation, he was still a bit speechless at Luca's candidness.
He remembered that Giovanni also had a similar badge, but it was far more ornate than the one he had just received. Even so, it wasn't particularly useful. Maki recalled how Silver had once tried to bite it as a kid, only to give up and almost toss it away when it proved too tough to chew.
Realizing he might have said too much, Luca changed the topic, pulling out a business card and handing it to Maki.
"If you're ever in Vermilion City, consider looking me up."
Without thinking much, Maki accepted the card.
He was somewhat familiar with Vermilion City, as Team Rocket conducted significant operations there. He had accompanied Giovanni on missions to the area in the past.
But when Maki read the card, his expression froze.
" Luca—Assistant to the Vermilion City Gym Leader..."
If Maki remembered correctly, Vermilion City only had one Gym Leader: Lt. Surge, one of Team Rocket's top executives.
The position of a Gym Leader's assistant was highly significant, reserved for individuals deeply trusted by the Leader. In other words, Luca standing before him was also a member of Team Rocket?
During their earlier interaction, Luca had seemed satisfied with Maki's performance. While he indeed served as Lt. Surge's assistant and was a member of Team Rocket, his rank within the organization wasn't high enough to be privy to Maki's undercover status.
In Luca's eyes, talents like Maki belonged in Team Rocket, where they could truly shine. What good could come from mingling with the insects in the Pokémon League?
Noticing Maki's doubtful expression, Luca explained further, "Lt. Surge has left Vermilion City for a while, so the Gym is temporarily closed. The League assigned me some side jobs."
Side jobs?
Maki could guess that Luca's so-called side jobs involved scouting talented trainers for Team Rocket while posing as a League official.
If not for his undercover mission, Maki might have applauded Luca for his dedication to Team Rocket's cause.
Suppressing the urge to pat Luca on the shoulder and say, "Good job, kid," Maki pocketed the card and promised to visit Vermilion City if the opportunity arose.
He then left the room while Luca stayed behind, waiting for the next rookie trainer to arrive.
On his way to report the results at the front desk, Maki frowned in thought.
From what Luca had said, it seemed Lt. Surge had left Vermilion City. Otherwise, he wouldn't have shut down the Gym entirely.
What had happened within Team Rocket? Or had the League entrusted Lt. Surge with a special mission?
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