Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [563]

Turffield Stadium, Turffield Town.

Marnie, dressed in her challenger uniform, sat inside the competitor’s waiting room, unusually tense.

Even though her brother was one of Galar’s Gym Leaders, now that she herself was about to step into the arena for the first time—under the spotlight, facing countless eyes—her heart was still fluttering anxiously.

Will Big Brother watch my match...?

If I lose, will he be disappointed?

Team Yell said they’d come cheer for me. Are they here already?

These chaotic thoughts crowded inside Marnie’s head, unsettling her mind for a long time.

Morpeko, sensing her mood, held out a roasted seed.

“Mope?”

Turning to Morpeko, Marnie’s chaotic feelings instantly settled down as she saw the Pokémon’s concern. She took the seed, popped it into her mouth, and forced her fingers into a smile across her cheeks.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine!”

“Mope!”

Morpeko broke into a happy grin, pulled out another seed, sparked an electric burst to roast it, then tossed it into its mouth.

[Contestant, please get ready, it’s almost time to enter...]

A stadium staff member’s voice echoed over the PA system.

Checking her Poké Balls one last time, as well as the [Dynamax Band] around her wrist, Marnie’s eyes grew firm.

“Let’s go, our goal is the Grass Badge!”

“Mope!”

One girl, one Morpeko—stepping out of the waiting room, carrying a resolute belief in victory, walking steadily down the competitor’s path, and finally emerging into the arena.

The first thing she did upon stepping into the stadium was look toward the audience seats.

Team Yell had promised to cheer for her.

Even if she never admitted it aloud, deep inside, having them there made her feel much calmer.

Sure enough, there they were, Team Yell in the spectator seats—

Only... today, they seemed somewhat different from usual. Why did they all look kind of embarrassed?

Marnie felt puzzled.

The next second, she found out why.

As she watched, two massive banners unfurled above the stands.

The first one, in bold letters, clearly spelled out:

[Marnie—Super Cool, Super Strong, Super Cute!]

The second banner displayed one of Marnie’s discarded poses from a past League Card photoshoot.

Wearing her black leather jacket and pink dress, legs slightly apart, one hand on her hip and the other flashing a horizontal V-sign across her eyes.

On the banner, Marnie’s stern expression, combined with this pose, created an intensely adorable contrast.

At this sight, blood surged instantly to Marnie’s head. Normally unreadable, her face turned bright red.

Her brain felt like it was going to burst into smoke!

In the top row, furthest behind Team Yell, August slowly lowered his binoculars, satisfied as the entire stadium’s eyes were drawn to those banners.

“As I expected, the effect’s not bad at all.”

Blue, standing nearby, was speechless: “...”

When you say ‘good effect’, are you referring to publicly embarrassing Marnie?

Facing their questioning gazes, August replied, “Just tell me, hasn’t it successfully drawn attention and publicized Marnie?”

Even Sabrina had to admit—what August did today was explosively effective.

Tomorrow, Marnie was guaranteed front-page news in Galar.

Though whether Marnie herself wanted fame this way was another story...

But regardless of their commentary, the Gym Challenge had to continue.

Milo, being Piers’s colleague, naturally knew Marnie. Noticing her embarrassment, he kindly prompted, “Shall we start the Gym battle now?”

Marnie nodded instinctively.

Immediately, the referee announced the start of the match!

“August, who do you think will win?” Sabrina asked.

Normally, Turffield Stadium was the most beginner-friendly Grass Gym in Galar. Any decent Trainer rarely faltered here.

But seeing Marnie standing there, clearly shaken and distracted, Sabrina thought Team Yell’s banners had clearly inflicted severe psychological damage.

Marnie’s state right now was questionable against Milo.

Yet without hesitation, August answered, “Marnie.”

“Why? Any particular reason?” Sabrina asked, curious.

Blue, as well as Zinnia—currently polishing Lord Rayquaza’s Poké Ball—also turned to look.

August’s past predictions had always been right.

But right now, Marnie indeed seemed unstable...

“If I must say...” August teased lightly, “Call it intuition?”

Seeing Blue and Sabrina’s speechless faces, August explained more seriously, “I don’t know Marnie deeply, but she’s not that fragile.”

As if to prove August’s words—

Right after the referee’s announcement, Marnie shook herself alert, rallying her spirits!

Holding up her Poké Ball, she declared, “I’m Marnie from Spikemuth. Let’s have a good match!”

Seeing Marnie’s recovery, Milo generously praised, “As expected from Piers’s sister!”

As the exhilarating BGM began playing—

Both Trainers sent out their Pokémon simultaneously.

Milo’s Pokémon wasn’t his main force, but a Gossifleur he used to test rookie challengers.

Since it wasn’t an official Gym Leader qualification battle, and his opponent was his colleague’s sister, Milo showed courtesy.

Gossifleur looked like a blooming flower—yellow petals atop its head, a small green leafy body below, and red petals behind.

Marnie had clearly done her homework before coming. Although she specialized in Dark-types, which didn’t counter Grass directly, not all her Pokémon were pure Dark-type.

“Croagunk!”

The Poison/Fighting-type Croagunk’s poison typing gave her the advantage against Grass-types like Gossifleur.

Croagunk, its arms loosely dangling as it stood lazily like a street delinquent, studied Gossifleur carefully, seemingly looking for openings.

Gossifleur watched Croagunk warily.

Marnie took the initiative, issuing the first order.

“Croagunk, [Poison Sting]!” Countless poison needles sprayed toward Gossifleur.

“Gossifleur, dodge!” Milo commanded.

With a gentle leap, Gossifleur floated lightly into the air, evading the needles and spinning, unleashing [Razor Leaf] toward Croagunk!

“[Razor Leaf]!”

Facing the incoming barrage, Marnie’s mind cleared of distractions, calmly ordering: “Croagunk, take the hit, then use [Venoshock]!”

Milo hadn’t expected such decisiveness from Marnie.

Rookie Trainers either carelessly disregarded their Pokémon’s injuries or couldn’t bear any harm at all.

Marnie’s swift, firm judgment earned Milo’s admiration. “As expected of Piers’s sister!”

At low levels with evenly matched Pokémon, Marnie’s decision was absolutely correct.

Croagunk briefly shielded itself, then swiftly gathered a venomous orb, shooting [Venoshock] straight at the airborne Gossifleur, who had no space to dodge.

Super-effective damage left Gossifleur reeling, slamming it to the ground.

“Gossifleur is unable to battle! Marnie wins!”

Cheers erupted immediately.

Just as Marnie prepared to show the practiced smile she’d rehearsed—

“Marnie, Marnie! Cutest of all!!”

AAHHH!!

Who came up with such a shameful chant!?

Marnie’s toes curled up so tightly inside her shoes that they nearly twisted into knots.

“How did you even think of such a shameful cheer?” Sabrina asked August, interviewing him about his creative process.

August looked innocent: “I learned it from Iono’s streams.”

He was just copying slogans from the frenzied viewers of Iono’s streams, only replacing “Iono” with “Marnie.”

Sabrina suddenly understood—

If it originated from Iono’s streams, it was normal. Because Iono herself wasn’t exactly normal.

But the match wasn’t over yet.

Though Turffield Stadium was beginner-friendly—Trainers only needed a 2V2 victory, not even a full 3V3—Marnie had to win again to succeed.

“Your commanding style’s decisive. But since we’re in Galar, let’s test your [Dynamax] skill next!”

As Milo threw his Poké Ball, Eldegoss appeared briefly, immediately recalled as the stadium instruments detected rising Galar particles. Defensive barriers activated, exhilarating BGM surged—

And a twenty-meter-tall Eldegoss appeared, its giant roar filling the stadium.

Facing such immensity, Croagunk looked minuscule.

Marnie put embarrassment aside, [Dynamaxing] Croagunk as well.

The crowd’s excitement peaked—Team Yell followed “Strategist Gary’s” prior orders, activating switches on the banners.

Suddenly, the banners became massive LED screens—Marnie’s horizontal V-sign began moving rhythmically back-and-forth, like an absurd dance routine.

Seeing herself dance like this, Marnie instantly petrified, forgetting even to command Croagunk.

Thankfully, [Dynamax] battles mainly tested raw power—and Croagunk’s typing was overwhelmingly superior.

[Max Ooze] vs [Max Overgrowth].

Poison splattered over Eldegoss, corroding it. Eldegoss’s [Max Overgrowth] created grassy terrain, but the damage was negligible.

Croagunk pressed the attack on instinct, finally toppling Eldegoss with another [Max Ooze].

“Yeah!”
“Marnie won!”
“Totally wild!”

Team Yell cheered excitedly.

The referee announced, “Eldegoss is unable to battle! Victory goes to Challenger Marnie!”

But Marnie heard none of it—she just stared dumbly at her dancing image, thinking:

My life... is over!!

...

Marnie had no idea how she managed to defeat Milo, nor how she’d even left the arena.

When she finally came back to her senses, she found herself lying on a bed in her hotel room.

There was none of the happiness she’d imagined after earning the Grass Badge. Right now, Marnie’s mind had only one thought:

This time, she’d truly, thoroughly embarrassed herself!

Especially when she remembered this match was broadcast live. Who knew how many viewers, even her big brother, had watched it?

She felt like her whole life had turned gray.

Even lying there on the bed, scenes from the stadium kept replaying uncontrollably in her mind.

“Uuughhh—!”

Marnie forcefully buried her face under the pillow.

Her two slender, snow-white legs kicked around restlessly—so unlike her usual composed appearance—as if kicking could somehow vent out the unbearable shame within.

“Mope?”

Morpeko watched its Trainer curiously, unsure of what she was doing.

Just as it reached again into its pocket to pull out another berry seed to roast for Marnie, its hand came up empty.

“Mope?”

Morpeko froze, searching its pouch again. After a few unsuccessful tries without finding a single seed, it anxiously tugged at Marnie’s dress.

“Mope!”

But at that moment, Marnie was deeply trapped in the shameful memories of her earlier battle and didn’t notice Morpeko pulling at her dress.

After several failed attempts to get its Trainer’s attention, Morpeko finally got angry. Its form changed—

From its normal yellow-and-black Full Belly Mode to a purple-and-black-patterned Hangry Mode. Its eyes glowed red.

“Mo...pe!”

Finally noticing Morpeko’s state, Marnie scrambled to dig through her backpack, searching for food.

But it was too late.

Hangry-mode Morpeko became violently impatient.

Ignoring Marnie completely, it bolted through the door to look for food.

“Oh no!”

Watching Morpeko vanish from her sight, Marnie quickly chased after it.

If Morpeko went wild and destroyed anything, the already financially struggling Spikemuth Gym would be hit even harder!

But when she rushed into the hallway, she didn’t see any scenes of chaos.

Instead, Morpeko was standing in front of a young man squatting down to its height.

The man was gently patting Morpeko’s head, and, incredibly, her normally temperamental Morpeko not only wasn’t upset, it actually looked happy.

Only when she got closer did she notice Morpeko was holding a tiny Pokéblock in its paws.

With just a single bite, Morpeko, who normally required huge amounts of food, reverted from Hangry Mode instantly back to its Full Belly Mode.

“Mope!” Morpeko rubbed its head affectionately against August’s hand.

This was the first time Marnie had ever seen Morpeko act so friendly toward anyone besides herself and her brother.

It made Marnie deeply curious about this man. But, in front of a stranger, she wasn’t good with words, so she only managed to utter two words:

“Thank you.”

“No problem!” The man raised his head, revealing his face clearly—August!

Unlike Team Yell, who only had Marnie on their minds, Marnie instantly recognized him. Before she could even fully process the shock of encountering August—the legendary Trainer who defeated Leon—in a small hotel like this, she heard him say something that made her vision almost go dark:

“Hello, Miss Marnie. Nice to meet you. I just saw your battle earlier at Turffield Stadium. It was truly spectacular!”

Blood rushed instantly to Marnie’s brain. Her ears turned vividly red, like polished rubies.

Meanwhile, just as August encountered Marnie in the hotel...

---

Rose Tower.

Rose, whose beer belly was faintly visible even through his suit, stepped into the company building.

Everywhere he went, Macro Cosmos employees paused, casting reverent glances his way and greeting him respectfully:

“Good day, Chairman Rose!”

“Hello, President!”

“Thank you for your hard work, President!”

These employees’ views of Rose reflected how the entire Galar region saw him.

To most people, Rose had unified Galar’s numerous companies, introduced [Dynamax], and singlehandedly guided the region’s development—he was Galar’s pride.

Rose responded to these admiring employees with a warm, approachable smile, nodding encouragement as he passed by.

Any employee he acknowledged seemed instantly invigorated, pouring ten times more enthusiasm into their work as if injected with energy.

After touring the company, granting his subordinates their motivational buff, Rose entered the president’s office.

Oleana, having received prior notice, was already waiting inside.

Seeing Oleana, Rose’s face broke into a genuinely warm smile. “Oleana, thank you for your hard work while I was away.”

Hearing Rose’s words, Oleana paused briefly before replying, “It’s nothing.”

“No need to be modest. Keeping the entire group running smoothly is an extraordinary talent. Honestly, I think you could handle everything perfectly even without me around.”

In response to Rose’s praise, Oleana gave a slight bow: “Please don’t say that. The company couldn’t develop without your guidance.”

Rose smiled and didn’t press further on this matter.

He looked at Oleana: “So, what’s this urgent matter that required my immediate return?”

He’d been supervising a [Wishing Star] excavation site when Oleana urgently contacted him, saying something important had come up—too sensitive to discuss over the phone.

Hearing Rose’s question, Oleana’s expression grew serious.

She handed him a document first.

Rose glanced over it—it listed precisely which flight August had taken, when he’d arrived in Galar, where he landed, and who he had interacted with.

It was a complete record of August’s movements.

“You called me back urgently for this...? August has come to Galar?” Rose asked while flipping through the papers.

Regarding August—especially after August defeated Leon—Rose had already compiled detailed intel.

The more he learned, the more cautiously he had to treat August.

Countless villainous organizations had ended up destroyed as trophies in August’s record.

Rose understood perfectly: After he’d convinced the League Council to alter the World Championship rules, he and August—the petty and vengeful August—were already irreconcilable.

That’s why he’d specifically instructed Oleana to keep a close watch on August’s movements.

“That’s one of the reasons,” Oleana answered.

Rose finished the first page and flipped to the second—only to find it completely blank.

“Where’s page two?” Rose raised his eyes questioningly at Oleana.

“Actually, we lost track of August immediately after he left Stow-on-Side,” Oleana replied.

Rose frowned.

This was indeed troublesome. No wonder Oleana had urgently called him back.

Within the entire League, compared to August operating openly, a hidden August was far more dangerous.

If Rose’s conscience had been clean, it wouldn’t be an issue—but he knew exactly what he was plotting...

Still, Rose wasn’t particularly panicked. After briefly considering, he issued his orders clearly:

“Deploy every resource we have to locate August immediately. Suspend all non-essential operations and caution everyone below to be extremely careful—make sure August can’t seize any evidence against us!”

His advantage lay in his position as the Galar League Chairman. Without solid proof, August could do nothing to him!

“Anything else?”

Earlier, Oleana had specifically mentioned there was more than one urgent issue.

“It’s still related to August...”

With an extremely delicate expression, Oleana handed Rose another document.

“What’s this?” Rose asked.

“It’s the official registration form submitted by August’s Kanto Branch for this year’s World Championship.”

As she spoke, Rose’s eyes skimmed the file.

At first, everything looked normal:

August, Gary, Gold, Silver... Although Rose didn’t recognize most names, they seemed like ordinary Kanto Branch members.

But when he read further, his mind filled with question marks.

“Pryce, Giovanni, Cyrus, Maxie, Archie, Lysandre...?”

Seeing these infamous names—any one of whom would cause an uproar—Rose didn’t know if he’d gone mad, or August had gone mad, or if the entire world had lost its mind!

August had actually recruited leaders of criminal organizations to join the World Championship!

“What’s the League Council’s stance? Such an outrageous list should’ve been immediately rejected, right?” Rose demanded.

Oleana pursed her lips silently.

But her expression already answered Rose’s question.

“Have those old fogeys on the Council gone insane!? How could they approve this kind of roster!” Rose’s voice rose sharply.

Absurd. Completely absurd... since when did criminals compete in the World Championship!?

“I asked the Council directly about this,” Oleana said calmly. “They replied there’s no explicit rule banning criminals from entering the World Championship.”

Of course not! What criminal in their right mind would willingly enter the highest League-sponsored event, effectively delivering themselves straight into custody?

August had clearly exploited this loophole!

Rose could guess the Council’s intentions—after previously angering August by specifically banning his legendary Pokémon, they were obviously making amends now.

This situation had gone completely beyond Rose’s calculations.

Though he had great confidence in Leon’s strength, these people weren’t amateur bug catchers!

Though they’d all been caught previously, that was by August—who had full access to legendary Pokémon at his peak.

Could Leon really claim the Championship against such fierce competition?

Rose, familiar with their histories, wasn’t completely sure anymore.

But now that it had come to this...

“We can only take one step at a time.”

As he muttered that, Rose’s mind drifted toward the slumbering Eternatus.

Should I really resort to Eternatus’s power?

Rose fell deep into thought.

After a long silence, he sighed heavily:

“What an annoyingly troublesome opponent...”

...

August had no idea that the roster he'd submitted had already landed in Rose’s hands.

If he knew, he'd definitely have seized the chance to send Rose a mocking message:

Oh? You like playing dirty?

I don’t need to play dirty. Even sticking strictly within the rules, I can leave you at your wit’s end.

Sadly, August didn’t know.

At this moment, he was sitting with Marnie in a café.

“Thank you again, Mr. August!” Marnie said gratefully, glancing down at Morpeko, who was now happily clutching a large box of Pokéblocks.

Although August had witnessed her embarrassing moment earlier, life went on.

But Marnie still didn’t realize that the very man sitting across from her was the main culprit behind her humiliation.

“Actually, I thought that moment in the arena was really fun—it showed youthful energy!”

August shamelessly praised his own handiwork.

But hearing this, Marnie paused slightly, warmth filling her heart.

Is Mr. August trying to comfort me...?

“By the way, isn’t Miss Cynthia with you, Mr. August?” Marnie asked, looking around curiously but not seeing Cynthia anywhere. Cynthia was her idol, after all.

“I thought couples always stayed glued together...” she added quietly.

August suddenly felt gazes from Sabrina and Blue nearby, like a boomerang returning to smack him directly.

“Ahem!” Changing the topic, August quickly said, “Let’s exchange contacts!”

After exchanging numbers with August, Marnie asked hopefully, “Will there be a chance to see you and Miss Cynthia together someday?”

“You’ll definitely have the chance!”

After Marnie departed…

“Couples should always be glued together, huh,” Sabrina remarked teasingly.

Faced with Sabrina’s sarcastic tone, August looked genuinely puzzled: “Aren’t we together every day already?”

Sabrina’s brain momentarily short-circuited, unable to respond.

Beside her, Blue hid a laugh behind her hand.

Sabrina: “…”

Blue, you not helping me is one thing—now you’re laughing at me alongside August? Are we even friends?

Just then, Zinnia sneakily trotted over, glanced left and right suspiciously, then handed August a small device, looking as furtive as a spy making a secret exchange.

August: “...”

I just asked you to collect the data on Galar particles at Turffield Stadium—why are you acting like I sent you on some shady secret mission?

“We’re heroes—heroes, understand!?” August reminded her once more.

Only then did Zinnia straighten up properly.

After transmitting Zinnia’s collected data to Peony and Peipa in Paldea, telling them to analyze and send back results, August clapped his hands decisively. “Done! Another exhausting day of work completed!”

“You basically just outsourced everything!” Zinnia muttered.

“What was that?”

Zinnia hurriedly corrected herself, standing straight: “I said, under your leadership, Mr. August, we're one step closer to bringing Rose to justice!”

August nodded approvingly.

At that moment, August noticed a familiar figure.

“Hm?”

Blue and Sabrina immediately picked up on August’s sudden shift in mood. Following his gaze, they saw a young girl in a gray cardigan over a pink dress, wearing a small green knit cap. She was holding a travel guide and comparing it carefully with nearby buildings.

Beside her was a timid-looking Sobble, appearing on the verge of tears.

“Don’t tell me she's yet another girl you know!” Sabrina asked suspiciously.

Though she hated to say it, it seemed like no matter where they went, they always ran into girls who were familiar with August!

“No,” August shook his head, sighing deeply. “I was just feeling emotional—I’m witnessing a young girl and her partner stepping onto a destined journey...”

“But what awaits her isn’t destiny—it’s an uncertain future!”

Zinnia stared at the distant girl, utterly bewildered.

A destined journey? Uncertain future?

What in the world is he talking about!?

Sensing their gazes, the girl looked up curiously. Seeing August and his group watching her, she smiled warmly.

“Hello! My name is Gloria. Did you need something?”

“Oh, nothing major,” August lied with complete sincerity, “Just saw a girl named Marnie looking around for you earlier!”

Zinnia beside him stared dumbfoundedly at his brazen deception.

“Huh?” Gloria started to say she didn’t know any girl named Marnie.

But August already pointed helpfully: “She went that way!”

Exactly the direction Marnie had just left.

Seeing August’s serious expression, Gloria grew slightly unsure.

Maybe someone really was looking for her?

“Thank you!” Gloria nodded gratefully, scooped Sobble into her arms, and hurried in the direction August indicated.

“You’re even tricking little girls now?” Sabrina stared disdainfully.

August didn’t explain himself.

What do you mean, ‘tricking’? I’m just pulling the plot—now warped beyond recognition by my own interference—back onto its rightful course!

After bidding farewell to Team Yell, who planned to follow Marnie onward to the next Gym, August set out again.

Team Yell was deeply reluctant to part ways with their “Strategist Gary.”

Because of "Strategist Gary," they had, for the first time, truly "moved" Miss Marnie... Yes, they interpreted humiliation as a touching experience.

Even as August left, he overheard Team Yell, newly inspired, eagerly discussing how to give Marnie an even greater surprise next time.

Who knew what Marnie would feel if she overheard?

August silently gave Marnie a three-second moment of pity.

...

Wedgehurst.

A small town in southern Galar, home to Pokémon Professor Magnolia’s research lab and her granddaughter/assistant, Sonia.

This time, August had specifically come to visit Professor Magnolia.

Stepping out of the station, August casually opened his phone and found Team Yell’s performance at Turffield Stadium already making headlines.

The massive banners had been photographed and uploaded online.

The video footage was edited together with a hilariously infectious audio track.

When August opened Marnie’s social media profile, her follower count had exploded to nearly a million in just one day—and was still skyrocketing.

Marnie had unwittingly gone viral, in precisely the way she least wanted!

Checking any random comment, he saw countless voices all crying out how cute she was.

Having admired his handiwork enough, August—mastermind behind all of it—now quietly concealed his achievement, heading toward the lab in southeast Wedgehurst.

“These Pokémon professors are really weird, always setting their labs up in small towns…” Zinnia observed, looking around curiously. “Why not in big cities?”

“They’re researchers, not businessmen. Without being able to endure solitude, it’s impossible to do proper research,” August replied casually, pressing the lab’s doorbell.

Moments later, footsteps hurriedly approached, and the door swung open.

A young woman with orange hair, wearing a beige coat—Sonia—stood before them.

“You are...? August?!”

Initially confused by the sudden visitors, Sonia instantly exclaimed in surprise upon recognizing August.

As Leon’s childhood friend, Sonia remembered August vividly—the trainer who’d replaced Leon as the World Champion.

She’d never expected August to appear at her doorstep.

August explained, “Hello, Miss Sonia. I came looking for Professor Magnolia. Professor Oak asked me to deliver something.”

Realizing she'd unintentionally blocked August at the door, Sonia quickly stepped aside, embarrassedly inviting him inside.

Upon entering the lab, August immediately noticed a messy table stacked with research papers.

Sonia grew even more flustered. “Sorry! I didn’t expect visitors today, so I didn’t tidy up...”

“It's fine. Is Professor Magnolia here?”

“My grandmother’s attending an academic conference… Is it urgent? I can call her.”

“Not urgent. This is something Professor Oak asked me to deliver...”

“Professor Oak, the renowned authority?!” Sonia’s interest spiked, eyeing the box curiously.

“You can open it.”

“Can I really?”

“It’s nothing fragile,” August reassured.

No longer suppressing her curiosity, Sonia opened the box, finding inside an ancient-style mask.

“This is...?” Sonia examined it carefully.

“A mask from the Hisui region, during ancient Sinnoh times.”

Back in Hisui, Professor Oak had bulk-purchased a crate of ceremonial masks through Gary from Ginkgo Guild. August initially thought they had special use.

Only later did August realize Professor Oak just bought them to give out as souvenirs.

“This is too precious!” Sonia hesitated to even touch it.

Not precious at all, August thought internally. Back in Hisui, these things were wholesale by the crate.

But he didn’t voice it aloud. Instead, he continued:

“There’s also something personal I’d like from Professor Magnolia.”

“What is it?”

“Since Professor Magnolia was involved in developing the [Dynamax Band], I'd like to commission a batch from her.”

Hearing this, Sonia’s face became troubled.

It wasn't that the bands were hard to make, nor was she unwilling to help—rather…

“I’m sorry, August. Chairman Rose has restricted access to [Wishing Stars] used for [Dynamax Bands] in Galar. Without materials, we simply can’t produce them.”

Instead of disappointment, August asked calmly: “Do you have a sample of a [Wishing Star]?”

“Yes, a little!”

After some rummaging, Sonia handed him a glass vial containing several tiny reddish-purple fragments.

August took one out carefully, immediately called Silver, and asked him to have Hoopa come over.

A golden ring appeared beside August.

Hoopa emerged right after, floating eagerly near him.

"What does August need from Hoopa? Hoopa~!" The Pokémon was delighted at being called upon.

August handed Hoopa the fragment of a [Wishing Star]. "Help me find more of this stone."

Hoopa took the fragment from August, carefully inspecting it before proudly pounding its chest. "Leave it to Hoopa!"

Sonia watched each step of August’s actions, completely unable to predict any of it.

She hesitated a moment, about to ask August exactly how this talking Pokémon was planning to find [Wishing Stars]—

Swish!

Hoopa threw out its golden ring, then reached into the glowing portal. Moments later, its hand emerged holding an oddly shaped stone.

"Boss, is this it? Hoopa~" Hoopa turned to ask August.

A [Wishing Star]—an intact one! Sonia was stunned.

And it didn’t stop there. Hoopa reached into the ring again, pulling out three more [Wishing Stars], making four in total.

"Is this enough?" August asked.

Sonia nodded rapidly. "More than enough!"

Crafting [Dynamax Bands] required only small fragments of [Wishing Stars]. These four could easily make forty bands with plenty to spare.

"May I ask—where did you obtain these four [Wishing Stars]?" Sonia asked cautiously.

August simply smiled, remaining silent.

Realizing August didn't intend to answer, Sonia tactfully stopped pressing.

Meanwhile, in the storage warehouse beneath Hammerlocke's energy plant, a trusted subordinate of Chairman Rose stood dumbfounded in front of four empty shelves.

He had just checked minutes ago—the four [Wishing Stars] had been sitting there securely…

What kind of supernatural event just happened!?

"Thieves! Check the security footage, hurry!" his companion shouted urgently.

Snapped back to reality, the guard ran frantically to the surveillance room to review the footage.

And then—

Nothing.

On camera, the four [Wishing Stars] vanished in the blink of an eye.

Even after slowing the footage down countless times, they couldn’t find a single trace of an intruder.

The [Wishing Stars] had vanished as though evaporating into thin air.

Finally, realizing this was beyond their pay grade, the two guards quickly reported the incident to Rose.

Rose: "?"

What? The [Wishing Stars] were stolen? And four of them at once!?

Rose felt his blood pressure spiking uncontrollably.

Thinking of how much painstaking effort he’d invested in gathering those [Wishing Stars], Rose’s heart was bleeding.

But to maintain his composed image before his subordinates, Rose forcefully restrained himself and curtly said, "I understand," before hanging up.

Once the phone was down, Rose slammed his fist onto the desk with a loud bang.

He suspected August was behind this.

Of course, he had no proof—only his intuition!

But how could August possibly know exactly where he’d stored those [Wishing Stars]?

Could there be a traitor among his subordinates?

Rose, already in a foul mood, felt even worse now.

"We have to relocate. Immediately transfer the warehouse!" Rose grabbed the phone again, ordering Oleana to handle it personally, and only then did he feel slightly relieved.

He let out a heavy sigh, glanced at his daily schedule, then stood up to begin today’s tasks.

...

Because crafting [Dynamax Bands] would still take some time, August bid farewell temporarily to Sonia and left the lab, planning to wander around a bit.

"Where are we going next?" Zinnia asked.

Mew’s face radiated joy, having just received another round of Casteliacones from Hoopa.

"Ever heard of the Slumbering Weald?" August asked.

Zinnia, who clearly hadn’t studied anything, shook her head like a rattle drum.

"You mean the forest where anyone who goes too deep mysteriously falls asleep, and when they wake up, find themselves outside again?" Blue asked.

"Exactly!"

Good old Blue, always reliable.

"Let's go sightseeing there!"

Zinnia protested nervously, "Won't it be too dangerous!?"

"Maybe the forest is filled with Hypno secretly hypnotizing people!" Zinnia added suspiciously.

Thunk!

August promptly knocked Zinnia on the head with a karate chop.

"Read less weird stuff online. And stop scaring people!"

August seriously wondered what nonsense filled Zinnia’s head all day.

Holding her aching head, teary-eyed, Zinnia glared miserably at August.

If you’re going to scold me, fine—but why hit me!?

Hoopa circled around August reassuringly, patting its chest again. "Don’t worry! Hoopa will protect everyone!"

To reach the Slumbering Weald, they first passed through Postwick—Leon’s hometown.

This pastoral town, filled with ranches, had countless Wooloo rolling lazily across grassy fields in every direction.

"This is Leon’s hometown? Looks totally ordinary!" Zinnia glanced left and right, grumbling skeptically.

Aside from the omnipresent Leon posters, everything else about the town seemed perfectly average.

Nowhere near as fun as August’s hometown—the Nature Preserve.

At least the Nature Preserve was full of Pokémon you couldn't usually see around August.

"No wonder Leon lost to August!" Zinnia concluded confidently.

Sabrina, standing nearby, visibly twitched her mouth, quickly stepping away from Zinnia to avoid infection by her foolishness.

Noticing strangers arriving, the Wooloo didn't shy away at all. Instead, they curiously crowded toward August.

Several Wooloo got pushed right out of the fence by their companions, rolling directly to August’s feet.

August squatted down to stroke the Wooloo’s fleece—soft, fluffy, and extremely springy!

No wonder they could roll around effortlessly all day.

"Baa~!"

One Wooloo bleated loudly.

As if triggered, the entire town instantly erupted in a chorus of bleating.

Blue found this amusing, and playfully bleated along, prompting an enthusiastic "Baa~" in reply from the flock.

"This looks fun! Let me try!" Zinnia shouted excitedly.

By this time, the noisy sheep had drawn a local villager’s attention. "Who are you guys…?"

"We’re friends of Leon!" August quickly replied.

The man stared carefully at August, confusion turning into shock.

Then August clearly heard the man shouting at full volume, "Everyone, come quickly! August, who took Leon’s championship title, is here in our village!"

August: "?"

Weren’t small-town people supposed to be simple and friendly? Why does this sound like they’re out for revenge?

But when the townspeople swarmed in, August realized he had misunderstood them.

Good news: The villagers were incredibly warm-hearted and didn't hold any grudge against him for defeating Leon.

Bad news: They were overly enthusiastic, surrounding him so tightly that he couldn't move at all.

Watching August helplessly trapped by the crowd, Blue whispered anxiously to Sabrina, "Should we really just watch?"

"Trust August!" Sabrina replied calmly.

Beside them, Zinnia nodded vigorously.

Meanwhile, Mew cheerfully clung to a Wooloo’s braided horns, proudly riding atop it.

"Mew!"

Mew, Knight of the Wooloo, rides forth!

Completely immersed in fun, Mew utterly forgot about August’s plight.

In the end, it was Hoopa who rescued August, plucking him out of the crowd with a swift portal.

Looking somewhat disheveled, August breathed a sigh of relief. He hadn't expected Hoopa to be his most reliable ally.

He suddenly felt he’d treated Hoopa too harshly in the past, and resolved to reflect on his behavior.

Noticing August had vanished, the villagers started searching again. Quickly stopping them, August pleaded, "I’m just here sightseeing! Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, but please go back home now!"

Only then did the crowd disperse.

After signing autographs for a few lingering kids and encouraging them briefly—

"It's finally over!" August sighed deeply.

Truly the town that raised Leon—Leon’s passionate personality clearly came from this place.

But after reflecting came time for settling scores.

Not one of you besides Hoopa even tried helping me!

August glared accusingly at Blue, Zinnia, and Sabrina.

Zinnia nervously avoided his gaze.

Blue mumbled apologetically, "I wanted to help you…"

Only Sabrina remained arrogantly defiant, openly challenging him with a provocative look.

August: "?"

Looks like the last punishment wasn’t severe enough. Time to increase intensity!

He shot back a glare promising Sabrina she'd regret it tonight.

Turning next to Mew, August caught the Pokémon awkwardly pretending nothing had happened. Panicking, Mew tried escaping—but August was quicker.

"So quick when there’s food, but gone the instant trouble arrives!"

August grabbed Mew by the scruff of her neck, sternly spanking her backside.

"Mewww!"

Mew’s wails were tragic enough to break hearts and shed tears.

Seeing "Demon King" Mew disciplined, the Wooloo she’d been bullying gratefully fled back into the flock.

When punishment finished, Mew miserably sprawled on August’s head, rubbing her sore backside pitifully.

But…

I’m disciplining Mew—so Sabrina, why are YOU blushing like a Sinistea!?

There’s definitely something wrong with you!

Suddenly, August had a terrifying thought.

Top-tier hunters often disguise themselves as prey…

Chills ran down his spine.

He realized with dread—he, thinking himself the hunter, might very well have become Sabrina’s prey!

Stop thinking about it! Too terrifying!

...

The group arrived at the entrance to the Slumbering Weald, just west of Postwick.

“So this is the Slumbering Weald?” Blue looked around carefully.

Apart from a faint layer of mist and being slightly quieter, it didn’t seem too different from an ordinary forest.

“There seems to be some kind of special fluctuation in the air…” Sabrina’s eyes flickered briefly with blue light. “August, this is the real reason you came here, isn’t it? Since we’ve already arrived, don’t keep us guessing.”

“You all know the legend about how the ‘Sword and Shield’ ended the Darkest Day, right? But do you actually know what the Sword and Shield are?”

“Aren’t the Sword and Shield supposed to be two ancient heroes from Galar?” Zinnia asked.

But hearing August’s words, Blue began to guess: “Could it be…?”

“Looks like Blue already figured it out. That’s right! The ones who put an end to the Darkest Day three thousand years ago weren’t the royal ancestors of Galar—well, more precisely, it wasn’t only the royal family.”

“Back then, two Pokémon played crucial roles in ending the Darkest Day. The ancestors of Galar’s royalty borrowed the strength of those two Pokémon.”

“That’s amazing! But August, how do you even know all this?” Zinnia asked suspiciously.

“Cogita told me!” August responded without a moment’s hesitation.

Anyway, if there’s anything I can’t explain clearly, I’ll just push the blame onto Cogita.

---

Kanto Branch Headquarters.

Cogita, who was currently sitting with Eevee in her arms, reading quietly, suddenly revealed an expression of helpless resignation.

“Vee?” Eevee stared up at Cogita curiously.

Did something happen? Why is Cogita sighing?

“It’s nothing,” Cogita shook her head gently, smiling wryly. “It’s just someone out there using my name again to deceive people.”

Upon hearing this, Eevee angrily waved its tiny fists, as if vowing to get revenge for Cogita.

Cogita chuckled softly, stroking Eevee’s head with a gentle smile.

“Alright then, I’ll look forward to the day you get even for me!”

---

T/N: long chaptert

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!