Pokemon: The Untamed Journey

A lively and cheerful voice filled the quiet stream.

"Lighting up your screen like a Thunder Wave! Who's got the story? Kisaki's here!"

"Good morning, afternoon, and evening, everyone!"

"Now~ join me, Kisaki, as we witness the final moments of the Paldea Pokémon League Champion Assessment!"

"Trainer Kai versus the Chairwoman and Top Champion of the Paldea League—Geeta!"

With an electrifying background score, the camera zoomed in, focusing on the summit of the Pokémon League in northwest Mesagoza. The battle's climax was about to unfold.

Embers of electricity crackled across the battlefield. Looking closer, faint traces of purple Toxic Spikes were still scattered on the ground.

Two battered Pokémon stood locked in a tense standoff.

One had crystalline petals, radiating both mystery and danger.

The other had a mane of fierce black fur, standing tall and imposing. Even with poison coursing through its veins, its golden eyes gleamed with unwavering determination, burning like the sun—resolute, unyielding.

From the left side of the battlefield, a young man, around eighteen, dressed in a clean, casual outfit, gave his command.

"Wild Charge!"

The Luxray's eyes flashed with sharp intent. Electricity surged over its body like golden armor, and even the poison couldn't dampen its resolve. In the blink of an eye, it became a streak of lightning, racing toward Glimmora—the impact so powerful that even the battlefield was scorched in its wake.

On the right, a composed woman in a pristine black suit refused to back down. Exuding an aura of regal authority, Geeta's voice was commanding as she countered:

"Sludge Wave!"

In an instant, a tidal wave of toxic sludge flooded the battlefield. The thick, venomous muck made every step forward an immense struggle for Luxray.

And yet, its gaze remained steadfast.

At that moment, something deep within Luxray awakened, as if resonating with Kai's unyielding spirit. Memories of their journey flickered through its mind.

A surge of unknown power coursed through Luxray's body. It gritted its teeth, pushed forward with everything it had—until it finally reached its target.

A golden storm of lightning exploded across the battlefield, shaking the entire Paldea League headquarters. The air grew thick with an unbearable stench—a noxious mix of burnt ozone and acrid poison.

Kai and Luxray, however, paid no mind to the awful smell.

Instead, they smiled.

From their perspective, Geeta's Glimmora had already lost its ability to float, crashing down onto the battlefield—a battlefield that now looked as if a meteor had struck, its once pristine surface reduced to rubble.

A new Champion-level Trainer was born.

"I'm Retiring."

Having officially passed the Champion Assessment and earned the title of Champion-level Trainer, Kai was surprised when Geeta extended an offer.

"Why not take a position in the Paldea League?"

His answer, however, was not what she expected.

"I'm retiring."

Geeta rubbed her temples, already feeling a headache coming on. With a deep frown, she asked, "Champion Kai… do you even understand what you're saying?"

Without hesitation, he responded, "I do. But my decision won't change."

Geeta sighed, gazing at him with unconcealed disappointment. "I can't force you to stay, but at least tell me why. You've reached this level in just a year. You have the potential to achieve so much more. Why throw that away?"

For a brief moment, Kai hesitated. He had a feeling his answer might actually upset the usually composed and elegant League Chairwoman.

But under Geeta's piercing gaze, he relented, raising his hands in surrender.

"You probably know my background. Becoming a Trainer was never really part of my plan—it just kind of happened by chance. Actually… my real dream is to open a small shop or a farm, live a peaceful, countryside life."

"Now that I've become a Champion-level Trainer, I have the confidence and freedom to finally make that dream a reality."

Geeta took a deep breath. She understood, in a way. And yet, losing such a talented Trainer to something so… mundane left her feeling deeply regretful. She sighed once more and relented, "Fine. You've convinced me. But—I have one request."

Kai blinked, then gestured for her to continue.

Geeta's voice was steady. "You're the strongest Trainer to emerge in recent years, the only one to pass the Champion Assessment. If the Paldea region ever faces a crisis I can't handle alone, I want to be able to count on you as my personal backup."

This time, Kai didn't refuse. He nodded and replied softly, "Alright. No problem."

Paldea Region – South Province, Cascarrafa

Half a month had passed since the nearly unknown battle in the Pokémon League.

Despite his new title, Kai never took on any official duties. Few within the League even knew a new Champion-level Trainer existed.

Life in the peaceful little town continued as always, undisturbed.

At the heart of Cascarrafa, a modern-looking building stood out. From it emerged a young man in a casual T-shirt and knee-length shorts, sunglasses perched on his face as if he were heading to a beach vacation.

In his hands were two documents:

[Land Ownership Certificate] and [Construction Permit].

Kai nearly teared up on the spot.

He never expected that buying a piece of land in the Pokémon world would be such a bureaucratic nightmare. It had taken a full seven days of back-and-forth with the Cascarrafa mayor before he finally got the paperwork.

If he had known it would be this difficult, he would've just swallowed his pride and asked a League official for help. Did dignity really matter at a time like this?

But as he stepped onto the land he had spent nearly all his savings on—leaving just enough to care for his Pokémon—his eyes shone with a light unlike ever before.

This is it.

Pokémon battles weren't the only way to live.

There was another path—one where he could spend his days with his beloved partners in happiness.

Lazing around in the warm sun, brushing Luxray's fur.

Teasing his grumpy Serperior.

Cuddling his ever-quiet Mimikyu while riding on Goodra's back, admiring the sky.

Watching his masterful Gallade prepare meals in the kitchen while Swampert engaged in playful sparring matches.

A perfect life.

However…

A sudden notification appeared before his eyes.

[Ding! Special System Successfully Installed!]

[System Directive: Train each Host to become the strongest of their era! Or in this world's terms—Champion!]

Kai: "..."

His expression froze. A closer look would reveal a deep, hidden look of sheer annoyance in his eyes.

I already became a Champion-level Trainer through my own hard work.

What's the point of some "system" showing up now, other than ruining my peaceful retirement?!

Honestly… how frustrating.