Riolu, the Aura Pokémon.
Its appearance resembles both a puppy and a child, its small body concealing terrifying potential.
According to historical records of this world, it was from Riolu's evolved form, Lucario, that humans first discovered the powerful force known as "Aura".
Put simply, Riolu can sense Aura and interpret the emotions of other beings by reading their Auras.
Thus, they are incredibly selective about their Trainers.
"Ri…"
The moment it appeared on the field, Riolu immediately assumed a defensive stance, instinctively scanning the Aura of everything around it.
After excluding the two familiar strong Auras behind it, several unfamiliar ones remained.
Closing its eyes to observe silently for a moment, Riolu suddenly raised its head, locking its gaze directly onto Aiden, who was curiously examining it.
So this is the Trainer attempting to capture me?
Its Aura was far purer than many humans it had encountered before—it felt almost no malice whatsoever.
It seemed this would be a kind Trainer.
But for a Trainer, strength was paramount.
Especially for someone trying to capture it—if their strength wasn't sufficient, it wouldn't recognize them.
With that in mind, Riolu lifted its head proudly and let out a low growl, urging the battle to begin.
It really was a Riolu…
Initially, Aiden had planned to outright refuse Cynthia's offer of gifting him a Pokémon.
What was the difference between this and living off a sugar mama?
I, Aiden, became a Gym Leader through my own efforts—when have I ever relied on someone else's help!
But the moment he laid eyes on it, he couldn't look away.
After all, who could resist a cool yet adorable Riolu?
As his gaze fixed on it, the Pokédex information for Riolu quickly appeared before him.
[Riolu (Male)]
[Type: Fighting]
[Ability: Prankster]
[Moves: Quick Attack, Endure, Feint, Metal Claw, Counter, Detect, Bullet Punch]
[Very Cautious Nature.]
Inherited Bullet Punch? Judging by the moves it knows, its strength must be impressive…
Wait…
It even has the Hidden Ability Prankster???
Aiden froze for a moment, then quickly realized what this meant, his heart racing with excitement.
This was a treasure-tier Riolu!
While his Eevee was gifted to the point of being almost illegal, it lacked combat ability before fully growing.
If he could capture this Riolu, not only would it solve the immediate issue of the Gym's fighting power, but it could also inspire new strategies based on its Ability.
And it was one of his favorite Pokémon from his past life!
Hell yeah!
But his wishful thinking aside, whether Riolu would recognize him was another matter entirely.
Noticing Aiden's easily readable expression, Cynthia spoke slowly:
"This child is exceptional, you know. But capturing it won't be so easy~"
"If it doesn't recognize you, it won't follow your commands."
This Riolu's potential was visibly high. At least a dozen Trainers had attempted to capture it.
However, none had earned its recognition.
Perhaps because it had been exposed to Trainers like her since birth, this child's standards were frighteningly high.
But if it's Aiden, it should be fine, right?
---
"Good luck, Miss Cynthia!"
"And Teacher Aiden too!"
From outside the battlefield lines, Nemona, acting as the temporary referee, enthusiastically cheered for both sides.
However, to Aiden, her words felt slightly off.
Wasn't he the Gym Leader? Why did it feel like he was just an afterthought?
And…
Me versus a Champion? Really?
If Eevee faced Riolu, it might be a 50-50 matchup, but factoring in the Trainers on both sides…
There was no doubt—I'd get wrecked!
Seemingly noticing Aiden's conflicted and resentful glance, Cynthia chuckled:
"I won't command this child. To earn its recognition, show commanding skills that surpass Riolu's battle instincts~"
Aiden breathed a sigh of relief.
Forcing a half-newbie like him, who had only trained with Nemona, to face the commanding skill of a Champion would've been like roasting him alive.
Even so, he still had to approach this carefully.
Using a Normal-type Eevee against a Fighting-type Riolu naturally put him at a clear disadvantage.
How to overcome this type disadvantage depended entirely on his performance as a Trainer.
Both Aiden and Eevee turned their gazes toward Riolu across the field.
Honestly, Eevee thought Aiden only needed it as his sole Pokémon.
But this one… was strong, visibly strong.
Just making eye contact with it made its heartbeat uncontrollably sound an alarm.
If it could become a companion, it would undoubtedly be a great help to Aiden.
Eevee understood clearly that whether as a Gym Leader or just a Trainer, more powerful companions were essential.
So, it couldn't afford to be selfish.
The idiot Trainer now only has me to rely on!
Thump, thump-thump—
The heavy heartbeat reached Riolu's ears as it meditated with closed eyes, as if the air pressure around it increased significantly.
Riolu slowly opened its eyes, its expression grave.
It could sense Eevee's intense emotions, confirming its earlier observation.
That such a sensitive Eevee trusted this human so deeply was proof enough—judging purely from a Trainer's perspective, this human was excellent.
But precisely because of that, its standards would only rise!
Riolu assumed its starting stance.
"Ri!"
Nice to meet you!
Generally speaking, Fighting-type Pokémon tend to have short tempers and excel at aggressive tactics.
But this Riolu was completely different.
Despite knowing Bullet Punch and Quick Attack, it stood firm, ceding the initiative and preparing a defensive stance.
Aiden quietly observed its actions.
True to its nature, it was a very cautious little one.
If it didn't attack and he didn't either, they'd just stare each other down indefinitely.
"Eevee, Covet!"
Aiden decided to take the initiative and test the waters.
Probably due to Eevee's nature, it hadn't learned Quick Attack or Tackle—this was the only offensive move it had…
Eevee crouched low, cautiously watching Riolu's reaction while stealthily closing the distance.
Once within range, it lunged forward with a sudden grab.
The instant it launched its attack, Riolu's body faintly glowed white, instinctively dodging in the opposite direction.
It effortlessly evaded Eevee's attack.
At the same time, its right fist was already poised, ready to counterattack at incredible speed!
Was that Detect just now?
And this punch—it wasn't Bullet Punch, but…
Counter???
Did Eevee even hit you for you to use Counter?
Aiden was utterly baffled.
The speed of that punch was so fast that even if he immediately commanded Eevee to dodge, it would already be too late!
The right fist sliced through the air as Riolu revealed a triumphant smile.
However…
Its smile lasted only a moment before its pupils suddenly dilated.
When its right fist swung out, Eevee, which had initiated the attack, seemed to instinctively sense the impending danger and abruptly lowered its center of gravity.
In an eerie sliding motion, it narrowly avoided the counterattack.
Simultaneously, its heartbeat grew even more intense.
Witnessing the entire exchange, Aiden's lips twitched.
Both Pokémon concealed countless hidden intentions in their moves, yet nothing happened in the end.
They were the same type of people, wait no, the same type of Pokemon.
Things were getting interesting.
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