Pokémon Devil King

Chapter 365 Confusing Behavior

The hum of the dissipating ice mirror mingled with the howling of the sea breeze.

Milotic slowly lowered its long neck, its iridescent scales appearing somewhat dull under the influence of water vapor and ice crystals.

It emitted a barely audible hum.

Robert stood there, staring at the final score displayed on the big screen, and slowly exhaled.

All the complex emotions in my chest were dispelled by this sea breeze.

He raised his hand, and a soft red light flashed, pulling Milos back into the ball.

"A truly magnificent battle, Miss Jiuji." Robert looked up.

A smile returned to his face.

That smile carried a sense of clarity, as if the fighting spirit had been completely ignited and then completely extinguished.

And undisguised admiration.

"I haven't played this...exhilaratingly in a long time, and I'm completely helpless."

He walked to the center of the field and extended his hand to Jiuji.

Jiuji shook hands with him and felt the slight sweat and pressure on the other's palm.

"It was Mr. Robert's final response that showed me the true depth of a top-notch mediator."

She paused, then added, "That move of turning the blizzard into the background was brilliant."

“But that’s still within your calculations, isn’t it?” Robert shook his head.

“From the very beginning, you never intended to crush them with sheer force.”

“You let me showcase my rhythm and creativity.”

"Then, just when I thought I was about to turn the tide, you told me that you could provide the stage, but the spotlight was up to me to decide."

He looked at the dazed beast that had slowly strolled back to Jiuji's side, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"This Slowbro... it possesses more than just power."

"That almost instinctive, unrestrained control over the battlefield environment is what makes it so terrifying."

This is extremely high praise.

Jiuji accepted the praise readily and patted his dazed head.

"It's just better at simplifying complex things."

Robert was taken aback by this nonchalant remark.

In the end, it turned into a helpless laugh.

"Your way of being humble is really hurtful."

The two walked side by side to the sidelines.

Pichu made a "chu" sound and jumped off Jiuji's shoulder.

Curious, it circled around Robert once, then jumped back onto the Slowpoke's head and used its little paws to poke at the ice crystals on its shell.

"This battle showed me a lot," Robert said, his voice regaining its usual composure.

But his tone was more serious.

"At its core, the Pokémon Contest is ultimately one of the ways in which the power of Pokémon and their trainers is manifested."

“Miss Jiuji, you have interpreted this in a… well, unconventional way.”

"I think the upcoming grand celebration will be even more interesting and challenging because of you."

He stopped and looked at Jiuji.

His eyes gleamed with the burning fervor of someone who had met their match.

"Although I lost in a private match, I will not make the same mistake again on the official competition stage."

"I will adjust my tactics and look forward to competing against you on the final stage of the celebration."

"I couldn't ask for more." Jiuji nodded.

A hint of fighting spirit ignited in her eyes as well.

A strong opponent is always a catalyst for progress.

"Then I won't bother you any longer." Robert bowed slightly.

He regained his impeccable gentlemanly demeanor.

"You and your companions need a rest."

"Wishing you success in the Grand Contest in Green Ridge City and the acquisition of your fifth Ribbon Medal."

"See you at the celebration."

See you at the celebration.

Only after watching Robert's figure disappear down the winding path leading to the city did Jiuji turn his gaze away.

She bent down and picked up Pichu, who was trying to put the ice shards in his mouth to taste them.

She poked its puffed-up cheek.

"Let's go back and check on those two troublemakers."

"Qiu~"

Back on the spaceship, the cabin was brightly lit.

Dragonite was carefully holding a new chew stone with the tip of its claws, trying to stuff it into the arms of Sharpedo, who was sleeping sprawled out.

His movements were clumsy, yet they revealed a hint of doting affection.

Shark smacked its lips in its sleep, unconsciously hugged the chew stone, and continued to snore.

On the other side, the ugly fish finished its nutrient soaking.

It swam slowly in the water in the rest area.

Its tail occasionally flashed with a metallic gleam, which it then carefully concealed.

The data on the screen is stable, indicating that the energy circuit is steadily consolidating.

Seven's electronic voice rang out at the opportune moment: "Master, welcome back."

[Your entire match against Mr. Robert has been recorded and analyzed.]

[Preliminary conclusion: The opponent has a complete tactical system and extremely strong on-the-spot adaptability. Milos' overall strength is rated A+.]

[It is recommended that contingency plans be prepared for their potential use of adversity-driven tactics and high-speed combination attacks to break through defenses.]

"Understood." Jiuji took off his coat and leaned back in the chair at the control panel.

Looking at the harmonious yet slightly frilly scene inside the cabin, she suddenly found it somewhat amusing.

"Dana?" Venusaur walked over.

It used a vine whip to hand her a glass of juice at just the right temperature.

Jiuji took the juice and took a sip.

The sweetness is just right.

She turned on her communicator.

The detailed schedule and preliminary information on the opponents for the Green Ridge City Grand Contest have been sent to you.

The next ribbon medal is just around the corner.

"Seven, pull up the known seeded players for the Green Ridge Tournament, especially those with unique styles or who may have hidden cards up their sleeves."

[Retrieving...]

*

The morning light shone through the porthole, spreading a golden hue across the sea.

Jiuji was awakened by a rhythmic "thump-thump" sound.

She rubbed her eyes and sat up, discovering the sound was coming from the rest area.

Sharky is holding the new chew stone that Dragonite gave it and is seriously slamming it onto the floor.

With each hit, it let out a "roar," as if encouraging itself.

Dragonite curled up in the corner, one eye opened a crack, glanced at Sharpedo, and then closed again.

The tip of its tail swayed lazily.

"What is it doing?" Jiuji asked, yawning.

[Based on behavioral analysis, the giblets are mimicking the rhythm of the feline fish ramming into the training channel.] Seven's electronic voice smoothly sounded.

[However, the lack of a clear goal constitutes ineffective training. This has been recorded as "17th instance of morning confusion."]

Jiuji was both amused and exasperated.

She walked to the rest area.

When Shark saw her, it immediately dropped its chew stone and ran over, howling.

It hugged her calf and tilted its head back.

His dark, vertical pupils seemed to be asking for praise.

"Good, good, very energetic." Jiuji rubbed its big head perfunctorily.

"But you're going to smash a hole in the floor."

"Awooo!" Shark didn't listen at all.

It ran back to continue its "morning exercise".

Meanwhile, the ugly fish had already begun its new day of training in the waterway.

Occasionally, the iron tail would slice through the water, leaving a trail of silvery arcs.

It's much more stable than yesterday.

Slowpoke had already prepared breakfast without anyone noticing.

Energy cubes are arranged into a small tower, and tree sap is served in a glass.

"Stunned." It pushed Jiuji's share over.

"Thank you, Daidai." Jiuji sat down and took a sip of juice.