This left Nathan feeling a little troubled. Was he being forced to make a military-style pledge?
"I have confidence, but the world is a big place—getting a top ranking won't be easy."
If someone else had asked, Nathan might've confidently said he could get a good ranking. But in front of this person, he really didn't dare say it so easily.
"I heard your Volcarona has already reached Champion-level, right?"
The Elder nodded slightly and asked.
Looking at the Elder's expression, Nathan really couldn't figure out why he had been summoned here. Was it truly just for the World Tournament?
Then again, the World Tournament did relate to national pride, so it wasn't unreasonable for someone of this level to be concerned about it.
"That's right. My Volcarona is Champion-level, and the rest of my Pokémon are also strong," Nathan answered humbly.
"And how close are you with the Legendary Pokémon?" the Elder asked again.
Nathan had already guessed something, though he wasn't entirely sure. But if it really was what he suspected, it would put him in a difficult position.
"We're on good terms. I've helped the Legendary Pokémon, and they've helped me," he replied with an ambiguous answer—neither too good nor too bad—presenting their relationship more as a mutually beneficial one.
The Elder nodded, then found a file on his desk and placed it in front of Nathan.
"Take a look."
Nathan took the file and found it full of resources for Pokémon training—items extremely attractive to Pokémon.
After carefully going through it, he returned the file to the desk.
"I'm done reading."
Those resources weren't too tempting for Nathan, after all, he had the system shop. However, if someone else received them, they'd be overjoyed.
Having trained many Pokémon, Nathan knew exactly how valuable those resources were. A Level 1 Pokémon could use them to reach almost Champion-level.
"What do you think of those resources? Just speak your mind—no need for false modesty," the Elder said, specifically asking for honesty.
But if Nathan were to speak the truth...
"They're not very useful…"
After much thought, Nathan still decided to be honest.
His method of training Pokémon was different. As long as he could feed them, he could level them up to Elite-tier simply through grinding. But to push them beyond that, other tools were needed.
While the resources in that file could boost strength, compared to what he could get in the system shop, they fell far short.
The Elder wasn't surprised by his answer, as if he had anticipated it.
"What is it then that can attract you or attract the Legendary Pokémon?"
The Elder smiled as he looked at Nathan.
Nathan paused. So, it really was what he suspected!
When the Elder had asked about his relationship with Legendary Pokémon, he had already guessed the intent—to have them participate in the World Tournament.
Only now had the Elder made it clear.
"Well… If it's to motivate me, just give me money. I don't lack resources—but I do lack money."
Nathan answered honestly. As for what would motivate Legendary Pokémon, he didn't really know.
"What about the Legendary Pokémon?"
"I'm not sure. But if you really want to get their attention, at the very least it'll have to involve something on the level of Legendary-Class Pokémon."
Nathan said with a bitter smile.
It wasn't that such things were impossible to obtain, but they cost billions, and he just didn't have that kind of money.
Now that the Elder had laid it out clearly, it was obvious he wanted Nathan to bring a Legendary Pokémon to the World Tournament.
"If I gave you 10 billion Pokémon Coins, could you win the World Championship with a Legendary Pokémon on your team?"
Seeing that the time was right, the Elder asked directly.
Then he placed another file on the table in front of Nathan for him to review.
Nathan was stunned by the offer of 10 billion Pokémon Coins.
Still in shock, he slowly picked up the file. Once he opened it, he realized that there weren't many secrets left about him.
The file contained incredibly detailed information about Nathan—even down to things he'd done in his childhood.
Fortunately, there was no mention of the source of his resources. After all, no one but Nathan himself knew about the system shop.
Despite the depth of the investigation, Nathan wasn't angry. Given his current fame, being investigated was understandable.
And since he had been summoned to meet the Elder, he had already expected such scrutiny. You don't get brought to someone like this without a full background check.
The Elder's real reason for showing him this file was simple: to tell him, "We know you have a way to get powerful resources. We'll give you money. Now deliver."
To be honest, the offer of 10 billion Pokémon Coins was extremely tempting to Nathan. But temptation was one thing—if he couldn't deliver results, all of it would be meaningless.
"If I can bring a Legendary Pokémon to the World Tournament, I'll definitely win the championship," Nathan replied with certainty.
Seriously, if he brought a Legendary Pokémon and still didn't win, he might as well shut down his system altogether.
"But… as for the Legendary Pokémon, I'll have to ask them first. I can't make that decision for them," Nathan added.
Truthfully, even with just his current Pokémon, he was confident he could win. But having a Legendary Pokémon would provide extra security.
The Elder was clearly surprised by Nathan's answer.
After all, the World Tournament featured Trainers from all over the world. For someone to speak so confidently—this wasn't something just anyone could do.
"Very well. From now on, Kelly will stay with you. If you manage to convince a Legendary Pokémon to join you for the World Tournament, those 10 billion Pokémon Coins will be immediately transferred to your account."
The Elder beamed with joy as he spoke.
Although the World Tournament looked like just another Trainer competition, it was also a test of national power.
If they could field a Legendary Pokémon, it would intimidate many nations.
That's what the Elder really wanted.
And honestly, 10 billion Pokémon Coins wasn't much to a vast and powerful country.
With humanity and Pokémon becoming more deeply connected, national investments in Pokémon surpassed trillions every year.
Spending 10 billion on a World Tournament championship? A bargain.
After chatting a bit more, Nathan left the room.
Kelly was still standing in military posture outside the door. When he saw Nathan come out, he immediately escorted him out of the compound.
Back in the car, Nathan let out a long sigh.
Coming here was an honor, but also a mental ordeal.
Kelly also breathed a sigh of relief—his rank didn't qualify him to enter this place under normal circumstances. This was all thanks to Nathan.
"So, how was it? Nervous meeting the Elder?" Kelly said casually.
"Yeah. But starting now, you're officially my chauffeur. Haha."
Now that the Elder was no longer around, Nathan relaxed a bit.
As for heading to the Wandering Mountains to find Entei and the others—there was no rush. The World Tournament was still far off.
He had been away long enough. It was about time to return home.
After all, there was still a food-loving glutton waiting at home. If he stayed out too long and she starved to death, Nathan would be devastated.
"Let's go. Take me to the airport. I'm heading back to school."
Nathan stretched his arms behind his head and lay back in the car seat with a relaxed expression.
"Alright."
Kelly knew there were many things he wasn't supposed to ask. The higher-ups had told him as much—his job was to fully cooperate with Nathan.
Back at school, Nathan couldn't help but sigh in relief.
No high-stakes battles. No tense meetings with national leaders. Just peace.
When Nathan returned to the dorm, Mira was eating.
She clearly didn't expect him to show up so suddenly. Her mouth was stuffed full of food as she stared blankly at him.
"Isn't your mouth tired from cramming in that much food?" Nathan asked, speechless.
Mira quickly chewed a few times, put down her bowl and chopsticks, and ran to grab a box.
"This is your delivery."
She handed the package to Nathan, then sat back down and resumed eating.
Nathan froze. Who would send him a package?
Lily? His parents?
(End of Chapter)