ALL NOVEL Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Have We Met Before?
"Huh?"
Rax turned around, seeing Qingmei just as startled as he was. The two locked eyes, then smiled at each other.
After the chaotic melee, the two had become friends without needing to say a word.
Only Caizhong, clutching her Turtwig, stared at them resentfully. She was still unconvinced!
Meanwhile, the audience buzzed with chatter, and the host on stage was wiping away sweat nervously. Inwardly, he cursed the two rule-bending competitors a thousand times over.
Luckily, the experienced referee ruled Qingmei's earlier "I give up" as the official forfeiture. This meant Rax claimed the top prize.
"Let's split the prize evenly, sister," Rax offered, putting on a friendly demeanor.
Though just 16 years old in this body, Rax quickly adapted to calling Qingmei "sister," given her older and married appearance.
Rax wasn't greedy. The first prize was worth 100,000 PokéDollars in vouchers, and second prize was 50,000. Splitting it meant they'd each walk away with 75,000—plenty.
Qingmei hesitated but eventually accepted, her impression of Rax improving further.
The competition concluded successfully. The owner of Galaxy Department Store personally awarded the top six contestants, handing out oversized vouchers for promotional photos.
Though hesitant about his public identity, Rax couldn't resist the allure of the prize.
"Say cheese!"
After the group photo, Rax exchanged contact information with Qingmei. He was about to head into the mall for shopping when Caizhong suddenly reappeared.
"Have we met before?"
What a clichéd way to start a conversation, Rax thought. Still, he answered plainly, "A few days ago, outside town."
"Oh! Right, right!" Caizhong said excitedly, her competitive spirit surfacing.
"Let's have another battle! If you win, I'll throw in my 30,000 voucher!"
"…," Rax glanced at the Poké Balls hanging from Caizhong's belt and quickly declined.
"I can't beat you one-on-one. Your Turtwig is really strong!"
Caizhong's confidence faltered. Rax's serious tone even left her feeling embarrassed.
"You could use other Pokémon, though," she suggested, softening her tone.
Rax shook his head again. "I only have Cubone for battles right now. Sorry."
Unwilling to reveal his shiny Beldum in public, Rax wasn't lying.
Caizhong misunderstood, assuming Rax only owned one Pokémon. Her curiosity piqued.
"I started late," Rax explained. "I didn't plan on becoming a trainer at first."
"Oh…" Caizhong nodded, realizing it was personal and refrained from pressing further. Still, she couldn't hide her excitement.
"Your battle skills are impressive. You'll compete in the League Championship this year, won't you? Let's settle things there!"
"If I participate," Rax replied nonchalantly, though the thought stirred something within him. The League Championship…
Afterward, the two went their separate ways in the mall.
---
Rax used his 75,000 vouchers to stock up on supplies, enough to live comfortably for a year—or for three months if focused on training Pokémon.
Still, he was content. He also planned to upload his battle footage for extra credits, adding to his resources.
Cubone received a lollipop-style Ground Energy Bar, which it licked happily.
Rax returned home with his haul, where Captain Yusaku greeted him with a teasing look. After some casual banter, Yusaku treated Rax to hot and sour ramen with a hot spring egg.
---
The next day, Rax wrapped up his data collection and uploaded the battle footage before heading back to Mount Iwa.
Cubone was already familiar with the area, even greeting its old rivals, who mostly ignored it.
After ensuring the area was clear of human activity, Rax released Beldum.
"Time to train and battle!"
Cubone twirled its bone club confidently, while the shiny Beldum "clanged" excitedly.
---
Half a month later…
Two silver streaks darted across the battlefield, striking an Onix at its head and midsection. The giant rock serpent collapsed with a pained cry, unable to rise.
The silver light faded, revealing an exhausted Cubone and Beldum, both grinning victoriously.
Rax, equally dusty, applauded their teamwork.
In just two weeks, Cubone had mastered Iron Head, and Beldum's growth was equally remarkable.
The defeated Onix was no stranger—it was the same one Rax had encountered before, which had fled the deep pit.
Rax threw a Poké Ball, capturing Onix in a flash of red light.
"Let's call it a day," Rax said, retrieving the Poké Ball. "Time to head home!"
Training in the wild for half a month was a feat Rax never imagined before. Yet, seeing the growth in his Pokémon filled him with pride.
[Cubone]
Ability: Rock Head
Level: Excellent
Primary Moves: Bone Club, Bone Boomerang, Rock Throw, Stomp, Iron Head
Secondary Moves: Growl, Leer, Tail Whip, Curse
Personality: Proud, fiercely loyal to Rax, obsessed with headbutts
[Shiny Beldum]
Ability: Clear Body
Level: Excellent
Primary Moves: Take Down, Iron Head
Secondary Moves: None
Personality: Fearless, charges headfirst without hesitation
---
Elsewhere, Caizhong arrived at "Kojiro and Musashi Ramen Shop." Overwhelmed by the aroma, she decided to eat first and look for someone later.
Two bowls of ramen later, she was more interested in recommending the shop online than recalling her initial purpose.
Who was I looking for again?