Pokémon Tech Pokémon Center.
Since Pokémon Tech was recognized by the Indigo League, it naturally had its own Pokémon Center on campus.
When Silas burst into the Pokémon Center covered in blood, he nearly gave Nurse Joy a heart attack. But before she had a chance to voice her concerns, Silas rushed up to the counter and shoved two Master Balls into her hands, speaking urgently: "Nurse Joy, please—treat my two Pokémon immediately!"
"Of course." Nurse Joy's expression turned serious in an instant. If even the Trainer was this badly hurt, how much worse must his Pokémon be? She immediately replied, "I'll run a checkup on both Pokémon right away, and then—"
"No need for a checkup," Silas interrupted hastily. "Charizard's right eye has been severely injured, its right wing can't fly anymore, and it has twenty-seven wounds. As for Tyranitar—the spikes on its back and head are completely broken, and it has fifty-three wounds!"
"Yikes…" Nurse Joy sucked in a sharp breath, then gave a troubled, apologetic look. "Sir, if your Pokémon are this badly hurt, the center can't cover treatment for free. The medicines required are far too expensive, so you'll need to—"
"Charge it." Silas tossed over his black bank card without hesitation, then pressed his words carefully: "I want only the best medicine and the best recovery room for both of them. As long as you provide the absolute finest care, money is no object!"
"Understood." Nurse Joy nodded, then took the black bank card and the two Master Balls and hurried away from the reception desk.
As soon as Nurse Joy had left, Silas finally let his guard down. He collapsed right down to the floor, a silly grin spreading over his face. The spoils from that battle were enormous—so enormous he could hardly even process it!
First: he had gained Tyranitar!
Second: after defeating Tyranitar, the system had rewarded him with a Top-grade Fire Crystal!
Tyranitar's power was undeniable. With it added to his team, Silas's overall strength had skyrocketed. But what truly filled him with joy was that Top-grade Fire Crystal—because with it, Silas was certain that Charizard would push through to the absolute pinnacle of Champion power. Two Pokémon at the very peak of Champion tier, all at once—how could he not be ecstatic?
As Silas grinned to himself, Takashi and Suzie arrived.
"Ah!" Suzie gasped when she saw Silas, bloody and sitting on the ground. She dashed over, already fussing over him. "What happened to you? Are you hurt anywhere serious? Should I take you to the hospital?"
"No need." Silas composed himself and smiled softly. "These are just minor injuries, don't worry."
"Minor?" Suzie wouldn't even dignify that answer. She turned and marched deeper into the center. "I'm getting you some iodine and bandages. With this many wounds, don't you dare use the word 'minor.'"
Once Suzie hurried away, Takashi slid in next to Silas, eyeing him curiously. "So, you did it, kid?"
"Having second thoughts?" Silas arched an eyebrow.
"No, that's not it." Takashi shook his head, turning serious. "You pulling it off is the best news possible. It means you'll have better odds if you ever go for Champion. Still, I have to admit, I never thought you'd manage it so soon. I figured it would take you another ten years at least."
"Yeah." Silas nodded, lingering anxiety still in his voice. "If I hadn't pulled off that sneak attack, it would have taken me a lot longer to bring down Tyranitar. That win was incredibly close."
"Nani?!" Takashi's eyes went wide in disbelief. "You actually took down Tyranitar? Your Charizard beat Tyranitar?"
"Just got lucky," Silas answered honestly. "Managed to pull it off with Blaze and Outrage, but it was barely enough."
Monster.
Takashi couldn't think of any other word for Silas now.
Silas claimed it was luck, but luck was just another part of a Trainer's power. If Silas came out on top, that was proof in itself that he was strong as hell.
"Silas," Takashi said, looking at him with genuine concern, "when do you plan to aim for that spot?"
"I don't know." Silas shook his head slightly. He'd originally wanted to wait three years, but now, with Tyranitar, he actually had the resources to try out some truly crazy ideas. If his wildest plan worked, the day the Kanto League ended this year might be the day he rose as Champion.
"No need to rush," Takashi said. To him, Silas still seemed a little uncertain, so he offered reassurance: "You're still young—take a few more years to hone yourself, and make your move when you're ready. We old men are still around, and we can keep the storms off your path a while yet."
"Fine!" Silas smiled faintly, mouth curling upward. "Then I'll rely on you old-timers for a few more years. I'll wander around and have my fun, and once I've had enough, I'll come back and aim for the Champion's throne."
"Don't say that!" Takashi was stunned. "I was only kidding—honestly, our lot can't hold out much longer. The next generation of the League depends on you younger Trainers."
"Tch." Silas shot Takashi a look, mocking him: "Didn't you just sound all noble a minute ago?"
"That was just so you wouldn't stress yourself out!"
"Alright, alright." Silas grinned. "I can't guarantee anything, but three years at the most. Deal?"
"Deal!" Takashi nodded. "But—"