"This is…?"
Surprise flashed across Gu Qiu's eyes.
An egg—from an Elite Four.
"I don't even know what species is inside it," Kona said casually.
"I obtained it during a special mission."
Gu Qiu shook his head.
"Elite Four Kona, you've already gifted me Ice Beam. I can't accept this as well."
He meant it.
The egg radiated cold mist, frost patterns shimmering faintly across its shell.
It was clearly extraordinary.
That was exactly why he refused.
"Do you remember what I told you last time?" Kona asked calmly.
Before he could respond—
Two figures hurried over behind her immediately.
"Elite Four Kona!"
"We've secured the perimeter."
Gu Qiu glanced at their badges.
Elite Trainers.
And not weak ones.
Their aura was steady and refined.
Far beyond the three Rockets he had just eliminated.
Elite level ranged from 31 to 50—a massive gap.
Within that range existed ranks: 1-Star Elite, 2-Star Elite, and 3-Star Elite.
Three-Star Elites stood at the top of that bracket.
The two behind Kona—
Were clearly Three-Star Elites.
"Last time," Kona continued smoothly, "I told you something."
"I don't take back what I give."
Her gaze carried meaning.
"And I think… you should accept this."
"Why?"
"Because you need a visible backer."
Her words were direct.
"You accepted my Ice Beam. That already signals goodwill."
"Add this egg, and in the eyes of others, you are now aligned with me."
She stepped closer.
"Anyone who wants to move against you will have to consider my position."
Gu Qiu's eyes flickered.
So that was her angle—not charity, but strategy.
Her presence might be impressive—but her mind was sharper.
"Why me?" he asked quietly.
"Because you're worth investing in."
She smiled faintly.
"Don't overthink it. I simply think you're exceptional."
She turned to leave.
Then paused.
Her last step was deliberately close.
Close enough that he caught the faint scent of ice and perfume.
Then she turned and was gone.
One of the Elite subordinates chuckled.
"Kid, you're something special."
"Elite Four Kona doesn't look at just anyone like that."
"We'll be waiting for you at the Indigo Plateau."
The other nodded before following her.
Gu Qiu watched their retreating figures.
He understood now—he did need protection on the surface.
This world wasn't peaceful.
The Ice Elite Four as a shield was an excellent choice.
Kanto had four titled Elite Four members:
Ice — Kona Fighting — Bruno Dark — Karen Psychic — Will
Above them—
Champion Lance—the Dragon Master.
A terrifying existence.
Every Elite Four managed territories.
And they competed.
For influence.
For resources.
For the chance to challenge the Champion seat.
Behind the League—
Powerful families lurked.
The Joy family controlled Pokémon Centers worldwide.
The Jenny family controlled military and police forces.
Both ancient and mysterious.
As if they had existed since Pokémon first appeared.
Then there were:
Starter line clans
• Elemental lineage families
• Corporate factions
• And criminal syndicates
Most powerful trainers came from such forces.
True independents were rare, and even they eventually joined someone.
Gu Qiu lowered his gaze to the egg.
"If you're willing to shield my early growth…"
"Then this debt grows heavier."
He was not ungrateful.
If Kona invested in him—
He would repay it tenfold.
At some point in the future.
He would stand on equal ground someday.
System notification sounded.
[Mission Complete: Rescue Ralts]
Reward:
• Increased Ralts Favorability
• 100,000 Poké-dollars
• 10 Mid-Tier Psychic Energy Cubes
The notification only triggered after Kona fully left his perception range.
So even her presence had counted as threat.
Gu Qiu glanced down.
Ralts was still in his arms.
Quiet, holding onto his clothes.
Not letting go.
And this time—
There was no fear in her touch.
Only dependence and trust.
Gu Qiu smiled faintly.
"Well…"
"Looks like today's harvest isn't small."
An Ice-type mystery egg, a future Psychic Queen, and Elite Four backing.
And Frogadier at Level 24.
Viridian Forest had just changed his trajectory.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed.
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