"So interesting, Mr. Lucas! Vanillite is really amazing!"
After the battle ended and they returned to the shop, Miya still looked energized. Her eyes were bright as she excitedly talked nonstop beside Lucas.
Lucas: "..."
You're happy, but I really can't be.
Inside, Lucas felt utterly depressed, yet he could only keep an awkward but polite smile on his face in front of his subordinates.
He had originally wanted to show off a little. After all, he was a so-called "senior trainer" now.
But the result…
It was honestly painful.
"So," Ren said with a light laugh as he poured tea for them again, "you should both be able to feel now that type advantage isn't everything in real Pokémon battles. How a Pokémon is trained can have an even bigger impact on the outcome."
Lucas's smile stiffened slightly.
Yes—this was the difference between real Pokémon battles and games.
In a game, if a novice Aron fought against Vanillite, Vanillite would probably get crushed immediately.
Steel-type resistance, high defense—one Metal Claw might wipe out most of Vanillite's HP. Two hits, and it would be over.
Because games strictly follow preset data, move accuracy, damage, and positioning are all locked into numbers.
But reality was different.
Vanillite could float.
That single advantage gave it complete control over the battlefield, leaving Aron stuck on the ground, forced to take hits from afar.
Even if Vanillite's attacks barely damaged Aron, there was no time limit in a real battle.
If I chip you down slowly, you'll still lose eventually.
There were simply too many factors affecting real battles. It was nothing like the simplified logic of a game. Training style and battlefield awareness mattered just as much as typing.
"Miya really taught me a lesson today," Lucas said with a sigh. "I learned a lot… the hard way."
A very bloody lesson.
He had clearly noticed the type advantage and thought victory was guaranteed.
But he had completely overlooked one thing—
Vanillite could fly.
"..."
Miya pressed her lips together and smiled shyly, her cheeks slightly red. Only after calming down did she realize that her fighting style had indeed been extremely troublesome for Aron.
Still…
As Jason and Lily had commented under the earlier battle video—
This was called tactics.
"And how do you feel about Pokémon battles now, Miss Miya?" Ren asked with a gentle smile, noticing her reaction.
"Very interesting," Miya replied seriously. She gently pinched Vanillite's soft body. "Boss, with all due respect—Pokémon battles are definitely going to become popular worldwide. It's only a matter of time."
She was absolutely certain.
Creatures like Pokémon were simply too incredible. Commanding them in battle was immersive and exciting—it was impossible not to be drawn in.
Before today, Miya could never have imagined owning something like this.
She still remembered the shock she felt when she first saw Vanillite use Rock Slide.
It was magical.
"Then I'll gladly accept your blessing," Ren said with a smile. "Being liked by customers is the greatest affirmation for me—and for Pokémon."
Even a career-focused office elite like Miya couldn't resist their charm. That alone made Ren deeply satisfied.
"Boss," Lucas suddenly said after watching Aron resume cooking nearby, "I want to draw another Pokémon."
He spoke seriously.
That defeat had driven one thing into his head—
I need a Flying-type Pokémon.
"Mr. Lucas, it's already eleven," Miya said, glancing at the time in surprise.
"It's fine," Lucas shook his head. "We'll head back to the company after the draw."
It wouldn't take long anyway.
"..."
Miya didn't argue. She knew her position well—she was only a secretary. Besides, Lucas didn't have any urgent schedule today.
And honestly… she was curious too.
"Then please go ahead, Mr. Lucas," Ren said, handing him the Pokédex interface.
"But you only have three draws left today."
"I know," Lucas said confidently. "I believe in my luck."
He clicked Draw.
He didn't expect a Legendary Pokémon—but a strong Flying-type or even a pseudo-legend would be perfect.
Then—
"Boss," Lucas stared at the screen. "Why did I get… a mouse?"
"…That's Rattata," Ren replied carefully. "A Normal-type Pokémon. As for its strength—"
"Boss, you don't need to explain," Lucas interrupted calmly. "Your expression already tells me everything."
Miya covered her mouth and laughed. It was honestly hilarious.
"Boss," Lucas said again, pointing at the next Pokémon, "then what's this pink star?"
Miya leaned over to take a look. The Pokémon was small, round, and undeniably cute.
"That's Cleffa," Ren said, his expression a little awkward. "It's usually kept as a companion Pokémon for children. As for combat ability… well."
"I understand," Lucas said, his mouth twitching.
What is this luck?
Without hesitation, he exited the interface and clicked Draw one last time, staring intensely at the Pokédex.
Please… just give me something usable.
The shadow on the screen slowed… and finally stopped.
"Wow!" Miya exclaimed. "This one looks really handsome!"
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the Pokémon displayed on the screen.