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At 7:00 AM, Chris, Eliana, and Josh sat in the Pokémon Investigators' base having breakfast.
Chris's breakfast today consisted of a salted duck egg, two bowls of porridge, a deep-fried dough stick, and two dishes of pickled vegetables. After last night's long operation, he deserved a hearty meal before getting some well-needed rest.
At the Asuka Group's base in Nether City, Chris had successfully ambushed and eliminated Owl.
Chris felt no guilt for killing a murderer whose hands were stained with the blood of countless innocents.
As for Owl's Houndoom, Chris didn't kill it, but chose to release it in the game. In other words, it would be virtually impossible for the Pokémon to appear in this world again.
After leaving Nether City, Chris went to White Horse Bridge, but the Pokémon Investigator team's operations there proceeded more smoothly than in Nether City. When Chris and his companions arrived, the team had already begun cleaning up the battlefield.
Afterward, they learned from the Pokémon Investigator at White Horse Bridge that the other three bases were already wrapping up their operations as well, so Chris and his team returned to the main base.
While eating breakfast, Senior Stephen walked in from outside.
"Senior, how was the haul?" Chris asked.
"The leader of the organization was captured by you, and the number one officer was eliminated by you. What do you think of the results?" Stephen asked back with a smile, walked to Chris's side and patted him on the shoulder. "Come on, let's chat in my office."
Chris stood up and followed Stephen into the office. Before going in, he glared at Eliana, who was eyeing the fried dough stick he hadn't finished, silently warning her to behave herself.
Eliana snorted and put away her chopsticks as if nothing had happened.
"Sit!" Stephen gestured for Chris to take a seat while pouring him a cup of tea.
"You've done excellent work targeting Team Asuka this time!"
"So, is there any reward? For example, a Secret treasure-level Pokémon item or something?" Chris rubbed his fingers together. Tangible rewards were always more motivating than verbal praise.
"Of course there will be Secret treasure-level Pokémon items, and not just one!" Stephen said with a smile.
"Huh?" Now it was Chris's turn to be surprised.
"Are you Pokémon Investigators so wealthy? Taking down a criminal organization will reward you with several Secret treasure-level Pokémon items? You're making me want to join the Pokémon Investigators!"
The Gym Trainer position officially provided three Secret treasure-level Pokémon items as annual salary.
In conversion, that was equivalent to one item every four months. If he worked as a Pokémon Investigator, he might be able to get four items a month, which was far more than he could earn as a Gym Trainer.
"If you want to join the Pokémon Investigator team, I'd welcome it gladly, but I have to tell you in advance, this is just a coincidence! Since I joined the Pokémon Investigators, this is the first time I've received so many rewards," Stephen waved his hand, shattering Chris's fantasy.
"The haul this time is quite special. We pried open the eagle's mouth and finally got a legendary Pokémon item, so headquarters promised to give out three Secret treasure-level Pokémon items as a reward for you, the main hero of this operation!"
Hearing about the legendary Pokémon item, Chris's eyes filled with curiosity. "What legendary item?"
"This is classified information. Only Pokémon Investigators with sufficient clearance can know about it," Stephen shook his head.
"Is that so? Forget it..." Chris sighed, though he was just curious.
There was no point in thinking about legendary Pokémon items that had already been claimed by the government. Besides, he didn't have any immediate need for such items anyway.
Being able to get three Secret treasure-level Pokémon items was already a significant gain from this mission.
This was equivalent to a full year's salary as a Gym Trainer!
"However... I have a job offer for you. I don't know if you're interested. If you're willing to accept, then I can tell you more!" Stephen suddenly proposed.
Chris raised his eyebrows. "Senior, you're fishing for me!"
"Tell me, what job do you want me to take? You must know that I'm a Gym Trainer. If you want me to work as a Pokémon Investigator, you'd better consider the importance of my current position first."
"Of course," Stephen said, indicating he had already thought this through. "Considering the excellent Pokémon Investigator qualities and combat effectiveness you've shown during this operation, the Pokémon Investigator Headquarters in China has a strong desire to bring you into our ranks."
"However, considering your status as a Gym Trainer, after discussion at the China Pokémon Investigator Headquarters, it has been decided to invite you to serve as an Honorary Pokémon Investigator!"
"What are the responsibilities and obligations of this position, and what are my rewards and rights?" Chris asked calmly, not caring about honorary titles at all.
"...I like straightforward people like you, junior!" Stephen looked at Chris the way a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, with growing satisfaction. Although... that comparison seemed a bit strange.
"The position of Honorary Pokémon Investigator doesn't come with many obligations; it's more like the role of a temporary worker."
"Minimal obligations means minimal responsibilities. You don't need to participate in any investigator work on a regular basis, but if we encounter a job similar to the Asuka team operation, we'll send you an invitation, and you can choose to help or refuse."
"During missions, the Pokémon Investigator headquarters will determine your compensation based on your performance and the operation's outcome, just like today."
"However, that's not to say you have no rights. As an Honorary Pokémon Investigator, you'll have access to Pokémon Investigator Bases in the Trainer Association just like regular Investigators, and you'll have the right to view information within your clearance level through the Pokémon Investigator Database, along with other perks!"
"Okay, then I'm willing to accept," Chris agreed without a second thought.
No real responsibilities, complete freedom to choose missions, and some Pokémon Investigator privileges.
Only a fool would refuse such an arrangement.
"Excellent! Here is your letter of appointment! Sign your name on it, and you'll officially be an Honorary Pokémon Investigator from now on!" Stephen pushed a prepared appointment letter in front of Chris.
Chris picked up a pen and signed his name on the employment letter. He'd been practicing his calligraphy specifically for signing autographs in the future.
"Now, Senior, can you tell me which legendary Pokémon the legendary item we recovered came from?"
Stephen nodded and said softly: "Manaphy. Phione."