ALL NOVEL Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Mission Rewards Received
Three days later, a messenger bird—handled with utmost care even by Captain Yusaku—arrived at Team Rocket's contact point in Iron Rock Town and carried away the target of their mission.
Less than half an hour later, their reward arrived.
5,000 points!
This reward surpassed the total number of points Rax had painstakingly earned in the past two months! Captain Yusaku's share, of course, would be even more substantial.
For Rax, the influx of points was exhilarating. His cumulative total, including prior savings, now stood at 5,859 points—a personal record.
With resources secured, his anxiety about the mysterious voice began to fade. Excited, Rax opened the points redemption window, eager to see what his newfound wealth could acquire.
---
Ten minutes later, he closed the window with a sigh.
"Cubone, let's head to Rock Mountain!"
"Cubo?" Cubone, who had been idly twirling its bone club, tilted its head in confusion. Weren't they supposed to stay home for basic training today?
Still, compared to drills, it preferred exploring the wild, even if it meant smashing rocks with its club. Without much hesitation, it followed its trainer.
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After notifying Captain Yusaku, Rax packed up and set out. Although 5,000 points seemed like a fortune, it was insufficient for any major enhancements.
"Turns out I'm still poor. Time to keep working hard!"
---
Meanwhile, the messenger bird carrying the mysterious fossil arrived at Team Rocket's largest branch in the Sinnoh region. The fossil was promptly handed over to researchers in lab coats.
It wasn't long before their assessment came through:
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[Fossil Analysis Report: Specimen #37]
Activity Retention: Less than 0.01%
Usability: Less than 0.01%
Pokémon Type: Unable to identify due to minimal activity.
Recommendation: Destroy.
---
Unaware of these developments, Rax found himself back at Rock Mountain. Releasing his Beldum, he let it roam freely while Marowak stayed by his side. Rax's thoughts wandered to his future plans.
"Once the new recruits settle in, I should apply to become a mobile intelligence agent."
Unlike stationary intelligence agents, mobile agents traveled under various disguises, gathering intelligence on the move. It promised freedom and would also allow his Pokémon to train in the wild more frequently.
"When cubone reaches the advanced level, I'll make my move!"
---
Half a month flew by. After rigorous training in the mountain's depths, Rax and his Pokémon emerged stronger, their auras wilder and more refined. Marowak and Beldum were on the cusp of breaking through to the next level.
Realizing the importance of pacing, Rax decided to pause their training. Injuries, healing, and relentless battles had pushed his team's willpower and combat prowess to new heights. It was time for a break.
Back at the ramen shop, Captain Yusaku immediately noticed the improvement in Rax's team.
"Not bad! You're just a bit behind where I was back in the day," Yusaku teased.
Grinning, Rax excused himself to freshen up. Afterward, he met Yusaku in the kitchen, where the captain had an unexpected proposition.
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"Do you want to become a mobile intelligence agent?" Yusaku asked casually.
Rax was taken aback. He had been planning to bring it up but hadn't expected Yusaku to suggest it first.
"I can write you a recommendation," Yusaku added, seeing Rax's hesitation.
"But... the minimum requirement is an advanced-level Pokémon..." Rax began.
"You've got a month. Don't tell me Marowak can't make it by then," Yusaku interrupted with a smirk.
Feeling reassured, Rax nodded. "Thank you, Captain. I won't let you down."
---
As they wrapped up their conversation, Yusaku handed Rax a small, wrinkled note with a teasing grin.
"By the way, when did you start chatting with big sisters?"
"What?" Rax glanced at the note, recognizing a phone number that felt oddly familiar. After a moment, it clicked.
"Harumi?" he muttered.
"Ah, see? You remember her name instantly!" Yusaku laughed, his tone light but teasing.
"She was a competitor at the Galaxy Department Store contest. We're not close!" Rax explained, exasperated.
"Sure, sure," Yusaku replied, clearly enjoying the moment. "Call her tomorrow if you're curious. Now get some rest; you'll need it."
As Yusaku walked off, Rax stared at the note, his thoughts swirling with curiosity about what Harumi could want.