Victor caught the look on Richard's face and immediately came back to his senses. He lowered his head and didn't dare say another word.
Richard's expression shifted just as quickly. A polite smile returned as he turned to Sebastian.
"Sebastian… my apologies."
"My poor discipline allowed you to witness such an unsightly scene."
Without sparing Aaron another glance, he walked straight over to Sebastian and began chatting with him warmly.
In his eyes, Aaron was nothing more than a placeholder. All his hopes were pinned on Sebastian.
"Aaron… I'm sorry."
"I've put you in an awkward position."
Simon looked uneasy as he apologized.
"It's fine. It's nothing."
Aaron waved it off, completely unfazed.
This was about his mission reward.
Even if it meant swallowing his pride, he didn't mind. He could take it.
Once the mission was completed, Grovyle would break through to the Advanced level and evolve into Sceptile.
As for everything else?
Who cared. Once he got the reward and the money, he'd leave without looking back.
Thinking of the Water Shuriken Barrage Skill Card, Aaron's eyes flickered slightly.
Maybe it was finally time for Frog Boss's Flying Thunder God to show what it could really do.
In his mind, he pictured Frog Boss unleashing a storm of Water Shuriken, scattering Flying Thunder God markers across the field—then blinking endlessly between them through space itself.
...
From that point on, Richard acted as if Aaron didn't exist, not sparing him a single word.
Instead, he continued speaking warmly with Sebastian, all but catering to him.
Meanwhile, Aaron, Simon, and Victor stood off to the side, exchanging quiet remarks among themselves. The atmosphere was painfully awkward.
Fortunately, a butler stepped in at that moment and addressed Richard.
"Chairman, all Group members have arrived. The challenge can begin."
Richard, who had been chatting animatedly with Sebastian, rose at once.
"Good. Let's head over."
He turned with a polite smile.
"Sebastian."
"I'll be counting on you from here."
A faint smile curved at Sebastian's lips.
"Rest assured, Chairman Wright. I'll secure control of the Group for you."
"Then I leave it to you."
Beaming, Richard walked forward alongside Sebastian. The two passed right by Aaron, chatting and laughing. Richard didn't even glance at him, treating him as if he were invisible.
Sebastian, however, cast Aaron a sideways look, a thin sneer tugging at his lips—like he was looking at a clown, amused by Aaron's overconfidence.
Aaron maintained his usual blank expression, giving Sebastian a casual glance before looking away.
"Aaron… let's go too."
Simon called out.
Aaron nodded, and the three of them followed.
...
Inside a lavish Pokémon Battle Arena, at least two hundred people filled the spectator stands.
They were all direct and collateral members of the Wright Group, gathered here to witness a pivotal moment in the family's history.
Would there be a new Chairman?
Or would the current leader continue in office?
Everything depended on this challenge match...
At that moment, Richard entered the arena with Sebastian, Aaron, and the others in tow, immediately drawing everyone's attention.
Aaron and Sebastian were escorted by staff to the waiting room.
Richard strode steadily to the main seat in the audience section.
Simon and Victor took their seats among the younger generation.
"Brother... I hear you've found quite a capable expert this time!?"
"Hahaha..."
"I wonder what rank he holds on the Hidden Dragon List!?"
From the seat to Richard's right, a middle-aged man who somewhat resembled Rowan Wright spoke with a broad smile.
He was the Wright Group's second-in-command—Rowan Wright.
Richard's own brother, and the only one whose influence came close to matching his.
Within the Wright Group, power was divided among three factions: Richard's, Rowan's, and a neutral bloc.
And this time, the one who had initiated the leadership challenge was Rowan.
Richard's expression remained steady as he replied calmly,
"Rowan, don't assume you've secured victory just because you brought in a hired challenger from the Hidden Dragon List."
"Who gets the last laugh is still uncertain."
Rowan let out a laugh, louder than before.
"Richard, I forgot to mention—my challenger, Nathan, visited the Hidden Dragon Tower again yesterday."
"He had a bit of luck and improved his standing."
"His current ranking on the Hidden Dragon List…"
Rowan paused deliberately, locking eyes with Richard, whose expression had begun to shift ever so slightly.
Then, enunciating each word, he said,
"Fifty-second."
A sharp crack echoed through the arena.
Richard's hand tightened around the armrest, crushing it in his grip. The wood splintered and collapsed under the pressure.