Chapter 57: Chapter 57: The Challenge
A pale figure streaked forward like lightning—Persian disappeared in an instant, dashing toward the cave at incredible speed.
Two Geodude attempted to block its path midway, but Persian quickly subdued them using Hypnosis.
With the stark level difference, the Geodude stood no chance and drifted into a deep slumber, allowing Persian to slip past them effortlessly.
Having neutralized the key obstacles, Persian utilized Soru (Shave) once again, leaping into the cave with precision.
From his vantage point, Ron observed Persian's smooth entry and maintained vigilance.
Should the Graveler or Geodude show any unusual behavior, Ron would immediately order Machoke and Bellossom to attack, providing cover for Persian's safe retreat.
Inside the cave, Persian adjusted its breathing to remain utterly silent.
With eyes unimpeded by the dim environment, it carefully surveyed the interior.
Years of Geodude and Graveler activity had rendered the cave floor unusually compact. Despite Persian's sharp gaze, it couldn't find any valuable stones on the ground or walls.
As Persian ventured deeper, the light dimmed further, but its observations remained sharp and meticulous.
At the cave's deepest point, Persian finally noticed a peculiar stone embedded in the wall that stood out significantly.
Unleashing its sharp claws, Persian used Fury Swipes to swiftly extract the stone.
As the suspected fossil fell, Persian suddenly experienced an inexplicable sense of unease. The feeling vanished as quickly as it came, leaving Persian uncertain if it was real or imagined.
After briefly confirming that there were no apparent threats, Persian grabbed the stone and darted out of the cave.
Racing at full speed, Persian ignored the now-awake Geodude and picked up another fossil lying on the ground outside. With both fossils secured in its mouth, it vanished using Soru once more.
As Persian emerged from their lair, the two Geodude sounded an alarm, but it was too late—they could only watch as Persian disappeared.
Moments later, a horde of enraged Graveler and Geodude gave chase, their heavy bodies causing the ground to quake.
But with their speed and lack of Persian's trail, their pursuit was ultimately futile.
Meanwhile, Ron and his team quietly left their hiding spot and rendezvoused with Persian at the designated location.
"You were amazing, Persian! I couldn't have done it without you."
Taking the fossils from Persian, Ron showered it with praise, gently stroking its head.
After the excitement subsided, Ron carefully examined the fossils, ensuring that Persian's hard-won prizes weren't fakes.
While Ron's knowledge of fossils was limited to what the Pokédex provided, both fossils appeared genuine based on the data.
Notably, the fossil retrieved from the cave had an impressive contribution value of 1500 points.
After safely stowing the fossils in his backpack, Ron prepared to leave Mt. Moon and head to the nearest Exchange Point.
Exchange Points were facilities not featured in the anime.
At these locations, trainers could submit quests, earn contribution points, and exchange points for Pokémon, items, and other resources.
To aid trainers, the number of Exchange Points rivaled that of Pokémon Centers.
On the way, Ron easily found an elite-level wild Pokémon, allowing Bellossom to break through its limits successfully.
When they reached the League's paved road, Nidoran, who had been cooped up in its Poké Ball for a long time, was finally let out to enjoy the scenery.
However, with Ron's quickened pace, Nidoran's sightseeing was cut short as they soon arrived at the Exchange Point.
After presenting his Pokédex, Ron smoothly entered the facility.
Curious yet cautious in the unfamiliar environment, Nidoran stayed close to Ron while observing everything with wide eyes.
Determined to appear mature in front of the Pokémon still in their Poké Balls, Nidoran walked with an exaggeratedly serious demeanor.
Unbeknownst to it, Machoke and Bellossom were watching its antics through their Poké Balls, amused by the display.
Ron, equally intrigued, surveyed his surroundings as it was his first time in an Exchange Point.
The League had gone to great lengths to make these facilities user-friendly, placing clear instructions everywhere—how to accept and submit quests, categorize them, and so forth.
After taking a few minutes to familiarize himself, Ron headed straight to the counter.
Long-term quests, such as fossil collection, were continuously active and adjusted based on demand rather than being limited to a few submissions.
"Hello, I'd like to submit a fossil collection quest."
Hearing Ron's voice, the attendant, a young woman named Naomi, was momentarily captivated by his striking violet eyes before snapping out of her daze.
"Of course. Please place the fossils here; our specialists will examine them. The process should take about ten minutes."
Taking out two boxes, Naomi's cheeks flushed faintly as she spoke.
"Thank you."
Ron placed the fossils in the boxes and waited nervously, unable to fully relax until the results were confirmed.
Fortunately, the League's years of technological development meant common fossils could be verified swiftly.
"We'll need you to register some basic information and sync your Pokédex. If the fossils are authentic, the contribution points will be credited directly to your account."
Handing Ron a form, Naomi stole glances at him as he filled it out.
At only fourteen, Ron already stood over 170 cm tall, exuding the presence of a handsome young man. His uniquely enchanting violet eyes added to his charm, leaving Naomi blushing uncontrollably.
"Does this look okay?"
After completing the form, Ron handed it back to her.
"Ron…"
Naomi muttered his name softly, flustered as she took the form.
Nearby, another trainer, a red-haired man named Buggy, perked up. Intrigued, he began scrutinizing Ron and his Nidoran.
"Everything is set. Please wait for a moment."
"No problem."
"You're Ron, the one who turned the tide during the Pokémon uprising, right? Battle me!"
Ron had barely finished speaking when a voice called out from his right.
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