[The gym assessment held earlier didn't stump you, the traveler from the future. Despite the difficulty of defeating Rika's ace Pokémon, the result was good since you had prepared well in advance.]
[You reversed your fate with unmatched strength, announcing your rise to Paldea. At the same time, you've secured your participation in next year's Victory Road assessment.]
[The Sunlight Gym left by your parents has now joined the ranks of the main Eight Gyms!]
[Mission: Defeat at least one of Rika's Pokémon in the gym assessment (Completed)]
[Assessment Result: 100 points (This isn't your limit but the maximum score possible)]
[Reward calculation in progress…]
???
Aiden was utterly baffled.
What the heck? How did I get full marks? How did I lock in the main Eight Gyms status so soon?
He suddenly realized that he might have fallen into the system's trap.
Initially, the mission indeed prioritized securing the gym's qualification, with joining the eight gyms being an added bonus.
However, when the assessment was moved forward and the task updated again, there was no mention of what the outcome would be.
The goal shifted from passing the assessment to defeating Rika's Clodsire.
It was the system's hints that misled me into thinking it was too difficult, but in reality, this requirement was directly aimed at securing the main Eight Gyms slot!
I'm such a fool, really…
Aiden couldn't help but sigh.
Perhaps other gym leaders had already seen through the truth, all turning into Oscar-worthy actors, while only he went all out to perform for President Geeta.
Thinking about his "perfect" performance just moments ago, he couldn't help but laugh at himself.
Sigh, the tactics of this broken system are too deep…
But at this point, he could only accept the outcome.
[Reward calculation complete…]
[Reward: Growth Points * 5000, Strength Item Set (Optimized Version), Wish-Fulfillment Treasure Map.]
Looking at the mission rewards, Aiden couldn't help but gasp.
Though the system tricked him, the rewards were generous!
He already had a stable way to obtain growth points, but they were the basic currency of the system; who would complain about having more?
As for the other two items…
[Strength Item Set (Optimized Version): A complete set of heavy training items, modified to reduce their impact on speed. Pokémon wearing them will grow stronger than usual!]
Clearly, this was meant for Riolu.
In the Pokémon series, there indeed exists a category of "Effort Value Enhancing Items" that double the effort values gained when worn.
These items don't make much of an impact in the game because effort values have caps and there are plenty of ways to obtain them.
But in reality, things might be different.
With hard work, even Swinubs and Beedrills can gain the qualifications to rival gods.
And his Riolu visibly embodies diligence.
Perhaps it might even accelerate its training speed for Unseen Fist?
While pondering this, Aiden looked at the other item.
[Wish-Fulfillment Treasure Map (One-time use): Originally a blank parchment, but if held and silently praying for something, the treasure map will show the exact location of the wish!]
This thing was incredible, concept-level power…
Unfortunately, he seemed to have no immediate use for it.
Aiden thought about it—there wasn't anything he urgently needed in the Pokémon world.
Riolu already had suitable equipment, so this treasure map could be used to boost Eevee's strength, maybe triggering another absurd encounter like learning Sketch?
…
After the day's struggle, the crisis at the Sunlight Gym was temporarily averted.
That night, Riolu, as usual, used the travel cultivation function to visit the Isle of Armor dojo again.
However, unlike before, this time it wore the system-provided weighted gear set.
For Riolu, there couldn't be a more suitable reward.
Having recognized its shortcomings in leg techniques, it would spend the upcoming period improving its lower body strength under the guidance of the two Urshifus.
As for Eevee…
After experiencing a thrilling gym battle, the little guy was like a drained battery, lying on the couch watching films all day.
To this, Aiden could only smile affectionately.
Let it rest for now; after all, its strength is relatively limited before evolution.
From a timid creature afraid of battles, to now hiding its trembling emotions and appearing mysterious, Eevee's growth delighted him.
Perhaps Eevee's evolution wasn't far off.
As for whether to use an item to assist its evolution or wait until its friendship level was high enough for natural evolution, Aiden's answer remained the same—
Pokémon show obvious signs before evolving, specifically their bodies occasionally glowing white, which indicated they had the strength to evolve.
So Aiden planned to see what Eevee itself wanted when the time came.
…
Opening its eyes again, Riolu found itself outside the Isle of Armor dojo.
Feeling dozens of powerful aura energies around, it took a deep breath and knocked on the dojo door.
"Coming!"
This time, a middle-aged woman opened the door.
"Oh, it's little Riolu."
"Ri!"
Riolu nodded, bowing to this woman who appeared to be Master Mustard's wife.
It could sense that her aura energy was not weaker than Master Mustard's.
Undoubtedly, she was a strong individual.
Arriving at the familiar training room, the two tall and burly Urshifus had been waiting for some time.
However, besides Master Mustard, there seemed to be an unfamiliar guest today.
"Ri?"
Looking at the purple-haired man wearing a competition suit and a red cape adorned with strange symbols, Riolu instantly felt a powerful presence.
Another strong individual…
This Isle of Armor dojo indeed has hidden dragons and tigers everywhere!
"Master, this Riolu…?"
Leon, who had been chatting idly with Master Mustard, quickly noticed this unfamiliar Riolu and cast a puzzled glance.
"It's a very talented little guy; just think of it as an apprentice from the Isle of Armor dojo!"
Master Mustard laughed heartily.
"This Pokémon's trainer sure has guts, daring to let their Pokémon seek out nearby martial artists for sparring."
"But, it also shows confidence in it—a trainer with great boldness, right!"
Being a lifelong martial arts fanatic, Master Mustard never questioned how Riolu arrived here.
For him, seeing a Pokémon capable of practicing his Unseen Fist technique was already enough to make him happy; other trivial matters were completely unimportant.
"Oh? If Master says so…"
Leon smiled gently, looking at the alert Riolu and casting a friendly glance.
"I'm quite interested in meeting this excellent trainer praised by Master."
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)