Lian ceased his offensive; the battle had reached its conclusion. He had adequately punished the Dark Guild members, ensuring they suffered the deserved consequences.
With wings flapping, Lian descended to the ground, picked up Ninetales and Grovyle, and approached Kalia.
Kalia's shoulder was injured, but she witnessed everything unfold, feeling deeply satisfied that these Dark Guild members received their just punishment.
She recalled Grovyle and Ninetales back into their Poké Balls. It seemed urgent to visit the Pokémon Center as soon as possible; injured Pokémon needed immediate care.
At this moment, those who had earlier commanded the Surf move appeared on the scene - it was officers from Rhine City's police force accompanied by several Trainers. Despite Professor Evergreen notifying them promptly at the start of the battle, they arrived late, missing the entire confrontation.
Leading the group was the Chief of Police for Rhine City. Upon seeing the Dark Guild members, he frowned slightly and sternly shouted, "Why were your Pokémon harming humans? Are you unaware of the League's rules? Pokémon attacking humans is strictly prohibited, and if discovered, severe penalties will be enforced!"
The Chief of Police turned towards Lian, his gaze filled with coldness, "I saw it clearly; this Charizard injured those people!"
"Chief, these individuals belong to the Dark Guild," whispered one officer, reminding him.
Everyone despised members of the Dark Guild, and their demise would be widely celebrated even if they were killed outright.
"So what if they're from the Dark Guild? They're still human. Pokemon are mere beasts, and any causing harm must face severe punishment." The Chief rebuked loudly instead.
"Capture that Charizard immediately! Then take these people for treatment, while the rest, bring them back with us," the Chief commanded firmly.
"Why should we treat them? These scum are part of the Dark Guild; let them suffer until death."
"Yeah, why waste resources on Dark Guild members?"
At this point, the accompanying mid-level trainers became discontent. Many had heard about or personally experienced Pokémon theft by the Dark Guild, so the idea of taking care of these captives was unacceptable to them.
Lian chose not to engage with the Chief. If pushed too far, he could simply fly away into the wilderness, level up to 100 using the system, emerge invincible, and deal with anyone who crossed him ruthlessly.
The Chief was taken aback by the collective backlash from the Trainers. It became evident that most held strong negative sentiments towards the Dark Guild's illicit Pokemon trafficking, and his earlier statement seemed to imply favoritism towards them.
From afar, everyone had witnessed this Charizard single-handedly defeat numerous Pokemon. Seeing so many Dark Guild members punished brought immense satisfaction to each onlooker.
If not for the fear of causing fatalities, the Trainer who initially complied with the Chief's order would never have released Surf using their Pokemon.
Burning a few alive felt like just desserts.
Ultimately, under the Chief's threats, the police officers reluctantly allowed their Pokemon to carry the severely burned, incapacitated Dark Guild members towards Rhine City.
At this moment, Professor Evergreen approached and said, "I merely reported the presence of Dark Guild members here, expecting some Trainers as backup. I didn't anticipate even the Chief himself would respond; it's quite surprising."
"Professor Evergreen, why didn't you intervene to stop that Charizard? These Pokemon were already unable to fight, completely defenseless. Yet, the Charizard continued attacking. This must be addressed with punishment," the Chief demanded loudly.
Suddenly, Professor Evergreen's expression shifted as he spoke, "Do you realize what just happened? Members of the Dark Guild attacked a young girl, who is officially a beginner Trainer, endangering her life? Even I was nearly overwhelmed. Do you understand how serious this situation was? Yet here you are, wanting to punish the Pokemon that protected both the girl and me. Are your brains malfunctioning?"
"If not, then perhaps you have connections with the Dark Guild. Should I request the League to investigate you?"
Upon hearing Professor Evergreen's words, the Chief's face abruptly changed, and he quickly responded, "How could I possibly be associated with the Dark Guild? Don't throw around unfounded accusations."
"I'm merely adhering strictly to the League's laws," Professor Evergreen countered. "Since this Charizard saved you, let it go for now."
With a chuckle, Professor Evergreen glanced at the Chief. The reason why the Dark Guild persisted for so many years was simply because they were difficult to eradicate. Although Professor Evergreen knew much about their activities, his focus remained on research, and he preferred not to get involved beyond that.
Where there is light, darkness invariably exists.
***
"Are you alright? Would you like to go to Rhine City for treatment?" Professor Evergreen approached Kalia and asked.
Kalia shook her head, "Thank you, Professor, but I'll be heading straight to Rockcliff City with Charizard for treatment."
"Alright then." Professor Evergreen nodded thoughtfully and added, "During this period, please stay vigilant and try to remain within cities, avoiding unnecessary travel."
"Hmm, isn't it possible for the League to eliminate the Dark Guild? How can they allow such a malignant presence to exist in the Sebas region?" Kalia expressed her frustration.
Being surrounded by over ten adults and thirty Pokemon attacking her simultaneously felt truly hopeless. Even after informing them that she didn't have the bracelet, they still insisted on capturing her.
If caught, there was no telling if she would ever return, the consequences were unimaginable.
"I cannot answer that now, but as you become stronger, you will understand. Focus on strengthening your Pokemon; this world is dangerous, and unfortunately, humans can be more fearsome than Pokemon," Professor Evergreen replied.
Standing nearby, Lian realized he had deeply offended the Dark Guild this time. However, he remained unafraid; after all, despite facing numerous Pokemon of higher levels than himself, his Heat Wave effortlessly took them down.
Now evolved into a Charizard, reaching its second stage of evolution, further growth would primarily rely on leveling up. Ordinary Pokemon were no match for him, except perhaps high-ranking members of the Dark Guild. The lesser grunts stood no chance.
Most importantly, Lian could now fly. With his increased speed and base stats, the sky was truly his limit, allowing him to soar freely like a bird or dart swiftly through vast oceans like a fish. If confronted by adversaries too strong to defeat, outrunning them wouldn't be an issue.
"I understand," Kalia nodded. "Then, Professor, I'd like to leave first if that's alright?"
Kalia didn't want to stay any longer; both Grovyle and Ninetales needed immediate treatment, necessitating a quick visit to the Pokémon Center.
She had no intention of returning to Rhine City. Reaching Rockcliff City involved just crossing a few mountain ranges, made significantly easier with her Charizard at hand.
"No problem at all. Regarding your wristband, if anyone asks, just say I took it for research purposes. Besides, you won't be able to use it temporarily anyway," Professor Evergreen replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Professor. Then, I'll be on my way now." Relieved by his response, Kalia expressed her gratitude.
"You're welcome. Without you, I wouldn't have discovered this hidden power within Pokemon. Now, I'm filled with anticipation about its potential."
Kalia then turned towards Lian, and although she didn't speak, he understood immediately.
Feeling somewhat helpless, Lian knew he couldn't carry Kalia under his arm due to her shoulder injury. Instead, he had to give her a piggyback ride.
Lian slightly bent down, and Kalia smiled as she climbed onto his back, wrapping her arms around his orange-red neck.
With a flap of his wings, creating a gust of wind, Lian gently lifted off the ground with Kalia. Fortunately, thanks to his powerful Pokémon abilities, Kalia's weight did not affect their flight stability.
"Goodbye, Professor," Kalia waved farewell.
Carrying Kalia, Lian soared into the sky and began flying steadily in the direction she indicated.