Champion's Retirement

In the Paldea region, on a sparsely watched livestream, a cheerful and energetic sweet female voice rang out.

"Electrifying your eyeballs! Who's here to make a splash? Kofu is here!"

"Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, hello!"

"Now~ Kofu will be watching the final moments of this Paldea Pokémon League Champion Trial with everyone!"

"Trainer Rōmu VS the Paldea League President and Chief Champion—Poppy!"

Accompanied by rousing background music, the livestream's camera gradually zoomed in. Atop the Pokémon League headquarters in the northwestern part of Mesagoza City, the final act of the battle slowly began.

Countless electric sparks flew across the battlefield. Looking closely at the ground, faint purple poison spikes were scattered across it.

On the field, two battered Pokémon faced off against each other.

One Pokémon had crystalline petals, appearing mysterious and dangerous.

One Pokémon had majestic black fur. Even though it was poisoned, its golden, sun-like eyes showed no confusion, filled instead with a desperate resolve.

As they confronted each other, a young man on the left, dressed in neat casual wear and appearing to be about eighteen years old, spoke: "Wild Charge!"

Luxray's eyes flashed. Its body was instantly enveloped in countless currents, as if clad in golden battle armor. Even the poison couldn't hinder its determination. The next moment, Luxray transformed into a bolt of electricity and charged towards Glimmerbloom, scorching the ground along its path.

On the right, the black-haired beauty in an immaculate suit had no intention of waiting to be defeated. Her battle style was as imposing as a war god. Poppy coldly commanded: "Sludge Wave!"

Instantly, a Sludge Wave filled with potent toxins swept over everything around. Luxray, obstructed by the attack, could barely move an inch.

But Luxray's gaze remained steadfast. At this moment, it felt as if it resonated with Rōmu. Memories of the past continuously surfaced in Luxray's mind.

Luxray felt an inexplicable surge of power within its body. Its heart tightened, and gritting its teeth, it charged forward with all its might, finally reaching that small body.

A golden lightning storm instantly engulfed the entire battlefield. The entire Paldea League headquarters trembled, and even a foul, strange odor began to permeate the air.

This smell mixed with the stench of poison, making it quite unpleasant.

Rōmu and Luxray didn't frown at the smell at all. Instead, they genuinely smiled.

Because from their perspective, Chief Champion Poppy's Glimmerbloom could no longer maintain its floating posture. It fell directly onto the ground, which looked like it had been hit by a meteor and was no longer recognizable as flat, completely losing its ability to battle.

A new Champion level Trainer was born.

"I'm ready to retire!"

After the Champion Trial, Rōmu, having obtained the title of Champion level Trainer, responded to Poppy's olive branch—"Will you take a position in the Paldea League?"—with an answer that exceeded her expectations.

Poppy rubbed her slightly throbbing temples and asked with a frown, "Champion Rōmu. Do you know what you're saying?"

Rōmu replied without hesitation, "I know, but my plans won't change at all!"

Poppy let out a sigh, casting a regretful glance at Luo Mu. "I can't force your decision, but at least tell me your reasons. You've only taken a year to reach this point."

"With such excellent potential, why choose to give up?"

Luo Mu's eyes flickered. He had a feeling his next answer might provoke the usually elegant and good-tempered League President Poppy into anger.

But under Poppy's oppressive gaze, Luo Mu caved. He raised his hands in surrender. "You should know my background. Becoming a Trainer was just a coincidence. Actually, my dream is to open a small shop or a farm and live a leisurely pastoral life!"

"Now that I've reached Champion level, I'm confident and courageous enough to achieve my dream!"

Poppy took a deep breath. She could understand Luo Mu's idea, but the retirement of such an excellent Trainer still made her sigh heavily again. "I understand. Your reasons have convinced me. But I have one request, and I hope you'll agree."

Luo Mu's expression faltered slightly, then he assumed an attentive posture.

Poppy slowly said, "You are a powerful Trainer, and the only one to pass the Champion Trial in recent years. If, in the future, something happens in the Paldea region that I can't handle alone, I hope you'll assist me in a private capacity."

This time, Luo Mu didn't refuse. He nodded and softly replied, "No problem."

South of the Paldea region, Pingdie Town.

Half a month had passed since the little-known battle in the Pokémon League ended.

The new Champion-level Trainer had not taken on any work since then. Not many people knew the inside story of a new Champion-level Trainer joining the League. This small, peaceful town continued its ordinary daily life.

In the center of Pingdie Town, a young man wearing a casual T-shirt and capri pants, with sunglasses on as if heading to the beach under the warm sun, walked out of a rather stylish building.

Luo Mu gazed at the stamped [Land Transfer Certificate] and [Construction Permit] in his hand, his eyes nearly welling up with tears.

He truly hadn't expected buying a large piece of land in the Pokémon world to be so troublesome. He had to wait a full seven days to get the documents from the Pingdie Town Mayor's residence behind him.

He should have just humbled himself and asked acquaintances for help. Were pride and dignity that important?

However...

When Luo Mu arrived at the land he had bought with almost all his savings, leaving only enough for Pokémon feed, his eyes shone with unprecedented brilliance.

This was the feeling!

The Pokémon world wasn't just about fighting; there was also the option of living a happy life with one's best partners!

Basking in the warm sunlight, petting his Luxray, occasionally teasing the Tsundere Snake, riding Hug Dragon with the barely-there Mimikyu to admire the magnificent sky, and watching the skilled chef Ceruledge and Swampert engage in their daily sparring.

Suddenly, an unwelcome font appeared in Luo Mu's vision.

[Ding! Special Hint System loading successful!]

[System Purpose: To cultivate every host into a strong individual of the current era, the strongest! In the terms of this world's power system, that is-- a Champion!]

Luo Mu: "..."

Luo Mu's face showed a look of astonishment. If one looked closely, they could even see the deep disgust hidden in his eyes.

I've already become a Champion-level Trainer on my own. What use is this Golden Finger now, other than to disturb my leisurely retirement?

This is truly inexplicably unlucky!

Glossary: "Champion-level Trainer", a newly introduced Trainer rank in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. In the Paldea region, there is a challenge event called the Champion Trial. After defeating the eight Gym Leaders and successfully challenging the Elite Four and Chief Champion Poppy at the Paldea League, one is bestowed the title of Champion-level Trainer.

Above, is the same process as other generations.

Then comes the difference: in other regions, after completing the challenge, the old League Champion abdicates and a new League Champion takes over. But in the Paldea region, you only obtain the title of Champion-level to prove you have the strength, yet you cannot gain the rights and responsibilities that only the League Champion possesses. Poppy remains the Chief Champion.