Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!

Life at the Saffron Gym was a bit different from life at Cerulean Gym.

To Luo Yuan, the primary difference lay in the personalities of Sabrina and Misty.

Misty was the type who seemed lively and outgoing on the surface but was rather shy deep down. When they were together, Luo Yuan often took the lead.

Sabrina, on the other hand, was quite the opposite. Outwardly, she appeared attentive and nurturing, letting Luo Yuan take the reins day to day.

But anyone close to her would know Sabrina's strong-willed side.

---

Another early morning.

Luo Yuan awoke once again in Sabrina's embrace.

Ever since she discovered that being in close contact with Luo Yuan helped her psychic powers grow faster, this had become his daily wake-up call.

Two pleasantly soft mounds pressed against his face—not too stifling, but perfectly snug. Reaching out, he gently moved Sabrina aside and slid his head free.

Extending a hand toward the living room, Luo Yuan reached out with his psychic powers.

The refrigerator door swung open, and a water pitcher floated out. After a few ice cubes plunked into a glass, it poured Luo Yuan a drink.

The glass glided smoothly into his hand, not a drop spilled. Luo Yuan felt a moment of pride at how naturally his psychic skills were coming along.

He then looked down at Sabrina, still resting against him.

The morning light peeked through the curtains, casting a soft glow on her skin, giving it an almost enchanting sheen.

A mischievous thought crept into Luo Yuan's mind. He bit down on an ice cube and pressed his cool lips against Sabrina's delicate, slender neck, slowly trailing downward.

Wham!

---

A moment later, Luo Yuan stumbled out of the bedroom, rubbing his sore back and wincing in pain.

Beside him, Sabrina was both amused and exasperated as she glanced his way.

"You didn't have to go that hard..." Luo Yuan muttered.

"Well, what did you expect when you pulled that icy trick on me while I was asleep..." Sabrina's face flushed slightly, and she left her words unfinished.

"Still, did you really have to hit me with a full-force psychic blast?"

Lucky for Luo Yuan, he wasn't lacking in psychic skills himself. Otherwise, Sabrina's reflexive blast could've done more than just leave his back aching.

"That was just an involuntary reaction; I couldn't control it," Sabrina replied with a playful smile.

Luo Yuan knew this was all his own doing. He just couldn't resist how irresistible she looked in that moment.

At least now, he had a better sense of just how powerful Sabrina's psychic abilities were when unleashed at full strength.

"Any plans for today?" Luo Yuan asked.

He was planning a visit to Silph Co.

Sabrina pulled out her schedule and checked it. "Hmm... I've got two challengers booked for this morning, and three more this afternoon, so I won't be able to join you."

With the Indigo League drawing near, gyms were getting busier, almost overflowing with challengers.

Saffron Gym had fewer, mostly due to Sabrina's reputation. Most Trainers didn't have the courage to take her on.

Luo Yuan nodded, a bit disappointed, but he and Sabrina were mature Rocket members—not the type to prioritize romance above all else.

"Alright, I'll head over to Silph Co. I've booked us a table for lunch, so let's meet up there."

---

It was Luo Yuan's third visit to Silph Co.

The front desk staff had grown quite familiar with him by now.

After a polite greeting, he took the elevator straight to the president's office.

Inside, President Silph was smiling and playing with a Growlithe.

Ever since resolving his troubles with Team Rocket, the president's mood had been light. Already over seventy, he felt as if he'd gained another decade or two to live.

His plans to hand over the company to his son had faded from his mind.

Luo Yuan, of course, had no idea that President Silph planned to hold on to the reins a little longer.

And even if he did, it would've suited him just fine, as Silph Co. aligned more with his interests under President Silph's steady leadership.

"Good morning, President Silph," Luo Yuan greeted him.

"Luo Yuan! What brings you here?" The president looked intrigued.

With a wave, he sent Growlithe off to play and returned to his desk, gesturing for Luo Yuan to sit.

Luo Yuan took a seat without hesitation.

"I heard some news," he began. "Apparently, the League is planning to select a new Champion and Elite Four soon."

President Silph's eyes widened in surprise. "You've heard about that, too?"

From what he knew, this information was still classified. Even with his strong connections across Kanto and Johto, he'd only recently learned about it.

Silph glanced at Luo Yuan, recalling Sabrina's status as Saffron Gym's Leader.

Noting the president's expression, Luo Yuan could easily guess his thoughts—he likely assumed Luo Yuan had learned the news from Sabrina.

But Luo Yuan said nothing, letting the president fill in the blanks himself.

"So, why mention this?" President Silph asked, puzzled.

Luo Yuan cut to the chase. "I plan to enter the Elite Four selection within six months and may need support from Silph Co."

The president stared at him, initially dumbfounded, clearly not expecting that answer.

"Wait... you've reached Elite Four-level strength?" he asked, incredulous.

Luo Yuan understood the president's skepticism.

He nodded. "Almost."

To be honest, he'd entertained this idea before, but it wasn't something he'd have voiced openly. Despite having several Elite Four-level Pokémon, Ditto was the only one he could openly showcase.

This time, however, things had changed—he'd recently captured a powerful Dragonite, officially verified by Professor Elm. Luo Yuan's name was even on the research paper detailing the Colossal Dragonite's strength.

With two Elite Four-level Pokémon, plus Charizard, whose power had surged under his fire affinity...

Dragonite, Ditto, and Charizard.

With some focused training for his other Pokémon and a few targeted strategies, Luo Yuan believed he could realistically challenge for an Elite Four spot within six months.

President Silph was still processing what he'd heard.

'Almost' was really just a hair away from 'already there.'

But what struck him most was Luo Yuan's age.

Silph was suddenly reminded of a thought he'd once had when he first met Luo Yuan.

"When I was his age... what was I doing with my life?"

The president fell into deep contemplation.

---

Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine! 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and... well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?

Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!

— Furina ✨