(The two chapters marked as dark history are pretty cringeworthy when I look back on them. Feel free to skip them; it won't affect your enjoyment of what follows.)
Verde had never imagined that he could still learn something new after living this long.
That man named Sakaki had commanded a monster resembling a wasp, with two enormous spikes growing from its forelegs, and toyed with his Pikachu as if it were in the palm of his hand.
After his brief adventure with Pikachu, he had considered himself a perfect partner for Pikachu, their coordination seamless. Whenever he directed Pikachu in battle, they had been completely in sync, striking wherever he pointed and never losing.
But Sakaki—that man had shattered his confidence completely.
[Beedrill used Protect!] [Pikachu used Iron Tail, but the attack was blocked!] [Beedrill used Toxic Spikes! The battlefield was covered in Toxic Spikes, and Pikachu was poisoned!] [Beedrill used Agility! Its body became light and nimble!] [Pikachu used Thunderbolt! It missed Beedrill!]
Sakaki seemed able to predict the future, completely anticipating whatever move Pikachu would use!
On top of that, he seemed intent on showing off. Every time he ordered Beedrill to use a move, he shouted it out loud, as if afraid that everyone might not know what was coming next.
And yet, Pikachu still couldn't win.
[Beedrill used String Shot! Pikachu was caught!] [Beedrill used Venoshock! Pikachu was unable to battle!]
"Pikachu!"
Verde rushed over in a panic and held the unconscious Pikachu in his arms, at a complete loss for what to do.
Pikachu needed treatment, but he didn't know any healing magic, and they had already used up their Healing Potions.
He had never felt so powerless.
"Use this."
Gong Qiying had appeared in front of him at some point and tossed down a strangely shaped little bottle.
"...What is this?"
"Healing Potion. Spray it on the injured Pokémon, like this." He sprayed the Healing Potion over Pikachu. Before long, Pikachu slowly came around. "See? It's recovered."
Verde said nothing. He held Pikachu tightly in his arms, and only after a moment did he say:
"Thank you."
Although Gong Qiying had injured Pikachu, he had also thrown them a strange healing item, leaving Verde unable to figure out what this man was trying to do.
Still, there was one thing he understood: Gong Qiying had definitely held back. His displayed command of battle was unparalleled, and Beedrill's strength was terrifying.
No matter how angry Verde was, he wouldn't be foolish enough to pick a fight with Gong Qiying. Nobles valued making friends far and wide, especially House of Bede, which made its living through business. His former arrogance had merely come from never meeting anyone worth lowering his head to—and from being spoiled rotten.
But there was one thing he couldn't help complaining about. No matter what, he had to complain about it—
Beedrill might be strong, but what the hell did it have to do with Caterpie?!
Was he trying to say that there were no weak bugs, only weak Trainers? And what kind of strong person was a Trainer, anyway? It sounded like a beast tamer.
No matter how good he was at training monsters, it was impossible for him to beat Beedrill with a Caterpie!
So he isn't completely brainless after all. Gong Qiying nodded inwardly and said, "I don't know why Pikachu chose you, but as a Trainer, you still need to work harder. Otherwise, you won't be able to bring out the potential of Pokémon."
"I've had my fill of battling. Until next time."
Gong Qiying waved and recalled Beedrill into its Poké Ball before turning to leave.
"Um, please wait!"
Verde hurriedly stopped him and asked, "May I ask... You seem to know a great deal about monsters like Pikachu. Could you explain what Pokémon and Trainers are? And why can these monsters understand human nature?"
"That's a lot of questions."
Gong Qiying pretended to be impatient and picked at his ear.
"I'll give you a reward! After you leave the dungeon, could you come visit House of Bede's estate?"
Verde estimated that it was almost time for the dungeon to close, which was why he extended the invitation.
"Forget about visiting your estate. I don't have time to run around."
Gong Qiying had also noticed the time. He smiled faintly and said, "It's getting late. If you want to know more about Pikachu, come find me here next time. I'm always here. If you want to see me, have Pikachu use Discharge."
"Okay, okay."
The moment Verde agreed, a series of deep, resonant bells rang out. His vision suddenly blurred, and the world seemed to spin. When he opened his eyes again, he had already been expelled from the dungeon.
"Ah, I made it out alive."
He pinched his cheek, still finding it somewhat unreal.
But the sensation of Pikachu in his arms was undeniably real.
"Hey, hey, hey, I really brought it out!?"
Gong Qiying reverted to his undead appearance and placed the Poké Ball containing Beedrill on the table.
After what had just happened, he had reached one conclusion—
Bullying noobs really was satisfying.
Gong Qiying, Gong Qiying, how had you fallen this far? You were even picking on a beginner. Could you still call yourself a person of noble character?
Hee hee hee hee, that's just the kind of person I am!
Gong Qiying had come to terms with it. Bullying noobs was satisfying for a moment, but doing it forever was even more satisfying. He had already piqued Verde's curiosity, so he wasn't worried about him refusing to come back.
Once Verde went home and spread the word, plenty of people interested in Pokémon, these monsters that understood human nature, would probably flock to Sain Underground City. When that happened, the dungeon would receive another surge of visitors.
Speaking of visitors, today's Mental Power was a little lower than yesterday's.
Adventurers who lacked sufficient strength no longer dared to set foot here, and the miners were unwilling to come in and throw their lives away either. He would probably have to raise their wages if he wanted them to keep working.
Gong Qiying had already figured out what these miners had come for. It turned out they were after an ore called "Blood Crystal."
This ore was a specialty of Sain Underground City, but it couldn't be converted into Mental Power for reuse. Even if he altered the terrain, he still had to find somewhere to dump the ore.
He had originally put it in the Lower Level mine simply because there was nowhere else to store it. He hadn't expected people to come specifically for it.
So tonight's work had to be replanned. The distribution of Blood Essence Ore couldn't all be crammed into the Lower Level. He needed to leave some in the upper areas as well, to draw the miners inside.
Besides that, the various facilities throughout the dungeon still needed some polishing. Gong Qiying had his eye on several novel items, and the Mental Power earned today happened to be enough.
To be honest, although the daily income looked quite substantial, after deducting the dungeon's maintenance costs, making a few repairs here and there, and summoning a few new monsters, he would suddenly find—
Where did all my Mental Power go? How did I spend every last bit of it?!
He desperately needed more people. He needed more people to die here!
"I hope the arrangements I made a few days ago will have the desired effect."
Weapons equipped with Battle Skills, new species of monsters, the dungeon's frequent mutations... Once those topics had gathered enough momentum, surely some busybodies would come exploring.
Late at night, in a dark alley somewhere in Bed City.
"Old Jack, oh, Old Jack. I finally caught you."
After being pursued and surrounded by several muscular men, Jack was ultimately forced into a dead end.
And the person approaching was the last person he wanted to see—Sackman!
"G-Good evening. Have you eaten?"
Jack smiled awkwardly.
Fortunately, he had managed to make the update. Phew.
Before you continue