Carl curiously approached Selena, noticing the usually shy Pokémon gathered around her. As he got closer, he realized she had won them over with donuts.
"Good morning, Gym Leader!" Fennekin, one of the Pokémon, spotted Carl first and alerted Selena. She quickly stood up to greet him, her cheeks suddenly turning red, as if recalling something embarrassing.
Carl casually inquired about breakfast, and Emboar promptly brought out some exquisite sandwiches. Although he was more accustomed to a traditional breakfast, hunger got the better of him, and he picked one up to try. Seeing Emboar's expectant gaze, he jokingly declared he'd only eat one, causing the gluttonous Emboar to become excited.
Taking a bite, Carl was instantly impressed. He hadn't expected much from a simple sandwich, but its taste was surprisingly delightful.
"This is amazing!" he exclaimed, finishing it in a few bites and reaching for another.
Emboar gave him a look, as if to say, "Who's complaining now?"
Carl savored the sandwich, noting it was better than anything he'd tasted in a Michelin-starred restaurant back on Earth. Despite the general improvement in ingredient quality here, crafting such a remarkable sandwich was quite a feat.
He marveled at Selena's culinary skills. Previously dismissing Western snacks as simple, he now stood corrected, thoroughly enchanted.
Recalling the five-star cakes he'd tasted at banquets, they paled in comparison to Selena's handiwork. For an eighteen-year-old to make such a stellar sandwich spoke volumes about her culinary talent.
Reflecting on his own struggles in the kitchen, Carl had to acknowledge the importance of talent. He even began to fantasize about how delicious Selena's cooking would be if she learned traditional cuisines.
Staring at the sandwich, Carl's eyes were fixed. Her skills were extraordinary, a culinary genius of ancient times. He silently vowed to keep this talented cook around.
Swallowing hard, Carl planned his approach. If money could solve it, great. If not, he was ready to offer other incentives. At worst, he wasn't above making personal sacrifices. With that thought, he glanced at Emboar beside him.
Sure enough, the Pokémon was winking at him. Carl suddenly understood: "So that's why you insisted on Selena making breakfast! You wanted her to stay for the long haul!" Clearly, Emboar was aiming for long-term meal benefits.
"Well done!" Carl wasn't angry, instead giving Emboar a thumbs-up. A life filled with good food and good company was one worth pursuing, and Selena offered both.
"Selena, come with me," Carl said, an idea sparking in his mind. He took her hand, leading her towards the gym. Selena, caught off guard, was dazed as she followed him.
Seeing this, Emboar rejoiced and quickly tagged along, ready to assist. The other Pokémon paused their activities, silently cheering Carl on: "Go, Boss! Our meals depend on you!"
In the office, Carl had Selena sit down, instructing Emboar to serve tea. He then opened his laptop, swiftly editing the apprentice contract. In less than a minute, the new contract was ready.
Carl printed three copies, signed his name, and sat across from Selena, placing the contract on the table. "Selena, let's talk about you becoming an apprentice here at the gym. Here's the contract. Read it over, and if everything's in order, sign it."
Selena was a bit stunned. Last night, Carl hadn't seemed interested in her plans, so why the sudden change? She picked up the contract to read it. She had considered becoming an apprentice before, but it depended on the gym's terms and Carl's conditions. His actions last night had already reassured her halfway.
Carl suddenly slammed the table, startling her. "You know Calem and Wallace, right?"
"Of course!" Selena nodded enthusiastically, clutching the contract. They were her idols.
"You want to become a performer and coordinator like them?"
"Absolutely."
"But don't forget, they are also champion-level trainers," Carl said meaningfully.
Selena blinked, unsure how this related to her dreams.
"Think I'm rambling?" Carl saw through her thoughts. "Big mistake. Top-tier performers and coordinators are often strong trainers, but the reverse isn't always true."
Carl explained seriously, "Strong trainers have a better grasp of moves, creating more dazzling performances. Wallace and Calem are perfect examples."
"Do you agree?" he asked.
Selena nodded vigorously. "It makes a lot of sense!"
"Have you noticed my main Pokémon?" Carl suddenly changed the topic.
"Huh?" Selena was momentarily confused but answered, "Yes, I have."
"Did you notice their types?"
Internally, Selena mused: Though it was a Fighting-type gym, aside from the unfamiliar Pancham, Blaziken, Infernape, Emboar, and Talonflame made it more of a Fire-type specialist's lair!
"I noticed," she replied truthfully.
Unaware of her thoughts, Carl continued, "Emboar has been with me since childhood, Blaziken reached elite level in a year, and Infernape is close to breaking through. They're all Fire-type starters, just like your Fennekin."
He looked directly at Selena. "Though I'm only a year older than you, I am confident that within a year, I can elevate your Fennekin to advanced peak, with a seventy percent chance of reaching elite level."
Selena saw absolute confidence in his eyes. Considering his powerful Pokémon, she didn't hesitate to reply, "I believe you!"
"Excellent!" Carl nodded in satisfaction.
He clapped his hands and praised, "See? To become a top coordinator or performer, the quickest path is first becoming a strong trainer."
"Traveling solo without real skills is risky; the wild isn't a playground."
"Missing out on capturing a Pokémon you love due to lack of strength would be a shame."
"Even if traveling with others, being weak only holds back your team."
"Plus, travel expenses are no joke; without skills, how will you earn money? Let alone research dazzling performances."
"Work with me, and you'll start with a monthly salary of ten thousand. Within a year, I'll ensure you reach advanced trainer level, with the potential to challenge professional levels."
"When you've got the skills and funds, traveling will be so much easier."
"This is a rare opportunity; miss it, and it won't come again!"
As he spoke, Carl pushed the contract and ink pad towards Selena, pointing out the benefits clause.
It was clearly stated: a monthly salary of ten thousand, guaranteed advancement to advanced trainer level, or compensation of one hundred thousand.
The terms were indeed tempting.
Looking at the clear conditions and recalling Carl's words, Selena felt a surge of excitement and eagerly signed her name, pressing her fingerprint in approval.