[Title Unlocked: Hero of Hisui.]
[Effect: Pokémon gain a 10% boost to their combat power while in the Sinnoh region.]
Vaguely, Elias heard the system's mechanical voice in his ear.
He sorted through his sluggish thoughts, finally recalling that he'd recently finished the simulation.
Not long after waking up, he'd fallen unconscious again.
With that in mind, Elias tried to wake himself up.
But strangely, despite his mind being clear, he found that he couldn't control his body.
He couldn't open his eyes, and even his senses seemed blocked somehow.
[Host, are you sure you want to wake up now?]
Suddenly, the system's voice sounded again, and Elias could swear it sounded… a bit embarrassed?
That seemed strange.
What's going on? Hurry up and wake me, Elias commanded the system firmly after a pause.
After all, this simulation had probably lasted quite some time, and Gardevoir was likely growing anxious. If he stayed unconscious too long, she'd inevitably start worrying needlessly.
[Do you really want to wake up right now?]
The system asked cautiously again.
After seeing what was going on outside, she genuinely thought it would be better if Elias remained asleep a little longer.
Unfortunately…
Elias insisted with a nod.
[Ah… okay then.]
[I'll deactivate the sleep mode]
The system reluctantly agreed, tapping the sleep-mode button with delicate hesitation.
Click—
Instantly, Elias felt a lightness wash over him as control of his body and senses gradually returned.
Perhaps due to the system's sleep mode, he felt surprisingly refreshed and energetic.
"Nn..."
Stretching comfortably, Elias slowly opened his eyes.
"Hmm?"
His vision gradually focused, and his movements abruptly froze.
Had he gotten up too quickly?
When Elias opened his eyes, the strange environment of the Distortion World wasn't what greeted him.
Instead, it was…
A pair of bright, watery eyes?
Gardevoir, about to continue her feeding routine, froze in shock as Elias awakened unexpectedly.
Moments earlier, she had lightly poked Elias and seen no signs of him waking up.
Feeling safe, she'd just been about to carry on when Elias suddenly opened his eyes.
Right now, they were extremely close, close enough to feel each other's warm breaths.
Moreover, between Gardevoir's pearly white teeth was a berry, peeled and ready. Juice glistened enticingly on her lips, making the scene all the more alluring.
Gardevoir's mind momentarily blanked.
She had no idea what she could possibly say at this moment to convincingly explain away what Elias had just witnessed.
"Gar—Gardevoir?"
Elias leaned back slightly, uncertain about what was happening.
Waking up to find his usually well-behaved Pokémon attempting mischievous acts in his sleep was, to put it mildly, quite unusual.
Hearing Elias's voice, Gardevoir trembled slightly.
After realizing Elias had clearly recognized her, she slowly took a deep breath.
She had been caught…
Well, nothing could be done about it now.
In an instant, her gaze sharpened decisively.
A spiral ripple formed in her eyes—the unmistakable sign of [Hypnosis].
She decided to resort to some more forceful methods!
...
A short while later…
Gardevoir sat miserably on the ground, looking utterly dejected.
Elias had dodged her [Hypnosis]—something she hadn't anticipated.
Most upsettingly of all…
In the scuffle, the berry she'd been holding had fallen to the ground.
That was her last berry. Dropping it meant that feeding Elias this way was no longer possible.
"Stupid Elias, mean Elias."
"You owe me a berry!"
Gardevoir protested unhappily, glaring at Elias.
Elias smiled helplessly at that.
Only Gardevoir would think of feeding him in such an unusual way.
Still…
It actually tasted pretty good.
"Don't be upset," he gently comforted her, patting her head affectionately.
"We should be able to get out of here soon."
As he spoke, Elias took out the rewards from this simulation, meeting Gardevoir's puzzled gaze.
"Here, this is for you."
He selected the [Mind Plate] and handed it to Gardevoir.
Instinctively accepting the plate, Gardevoir's pout gradually faded.
She furrowed her brow slightly, inspecting Elias's gift seriously.
The psychic energy contained within the plate was immense, even stronger than her own.
Ever since becoming stronger, it had been a long time since she'd encountered psychic energy superior to hers.
Without a doubt, having such a precious item would drastically boost her strength.
With this, if they encountered Giratina again, they might not be as passive as before.
"Elias, you're not hurt, are you?"
Gardevoir asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern.
More than gaining power, she worried far more about whether Elias had gotten injured while obtaining the plate.
"I'm fine," Elias assured her warmly, smiling.
As always, Gardevoir remained thoughtful and caring.
With Elias's permission, Gardevoir meticulously examined his body to ensure he wasn't hurt, finally breathing a sigh of relief when she found nothing wrong.
It was good he was safe.
Just as she thought that, her gaze suddenly fell on something new—an unfamiliar Poké Ball on Elias's waist.
It was extremely ornate, decorated with charming illustrations.
Gardevoir narrowed her eyes slightly, recognizing the drawing as a cute little fox.
This ball was even more refined than her own, clearly handmade.
"Elias, whose Poké Ball is this?"
She picked it up, lightly shaking it as she asked.
Elias, who had been relaxed about Gardevoir's inspection, stiffened immediately upon hearing her question.
He had completely forgotten about Zoroark's Poké Ball.
This ball had been his reward, labeled [Zoroark's Gift].
Noticing Elias's reaction, Gardevoir smiled understandingly.
It was entirely normal for a trainer to capture new Pokémon.
Likewise, it was entirely reasonable for trainers to give their favorite Pokémon the best Poké Balls.
As a thoughtful Pokémon, she certainly wouldn't get jealous over such trivial matters.
However…
This ball had reminded her of something.
Gardevoir glanced around quickly.
Hmm, nobody else around.
The barren, isolated Distortion World ensured nobody would interrupt them.
Then… wasn't it completely reasonable for a well-behaved Pokémon to ask for a small gift while taking their relationship with their trainer further?
With this thought, Gardevoir softly licked her lips.
Too many opportunities had slipped by before.
If things continued this way, with Elias capturing more Pokémon, her chances would only diminish further.
This time, she intended to seize the opportunity completely!
With a gentle wave, Gardevoir quickly erected a series of shimmering [Light Screens] around them.
Blocking all external sight, she decisively closed off Elias's only escape route.