Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [406]

After hearing August’s words, the weakened Deoxys froze.

Slowly, it lifted one of its tentacles...

SMACK

Deoxys slapped August’s hand away with a tentacle.

Standing off to the side, Gary Oak couldn’t help but snicker at August’s embarrassment.

August turned to glare at Gary, who instantly put on a straight face and started glancing around with forced seriousness. “Uh… I’ll go check if there are any more Team Rocket grunts hiding nearby!”

And with that, he dashed off without giving August any chance to react.

August turned back to Deoxys, not particularly surprised by its refusal.

Even though Giovanni had abandoned it, the fact remained—Deoxys’s core had been shattered by Rayquaza, and in a sense, August was its enemy as well.

Deoxys might have come from outer space, but that didn’t mean it was stupid.

But still...

“I’m going to heal you. Surely you won’t refuse that?” August released a wave of Verdant Aura.

As Deoxys felt the healing from the [Power of Viridian], this time it did not resist, silently accepting August’s treatment.

While August was stabilizing Deoxys’s injuries, Lusamine approached the device Giovanni had blown up—the one used to open the Ultra Wormhole—Wicke in tow.

After a quick discussion with Wicke, Lusamine came up to August and said, “Dear, I’m planning to establish a research base here to study this device Team Rocket left behind.”

“If we can figure out how this thing works, maybe we’ll finally solve the problem of Ultra Beasts appearing in Alola for good!”

“I don’t have any objections, but if you want to set up a research base, you’ll need to buy the land here in Po Town...” August mused.

“It won’t cost much!” Lusamine replied confidently.

Wicke nodded in agreement—not because she had the money, but because the President herself was wealthy.

It was then that August remembered: as President of the Aether Foundation, Lusamine was one of the world’s top billionaires.

Realizing this, August simply said, “As long as you’re happy.”

“Thank you, dear!”

Taking advantage of the moment while August was busy healing Deoxys, Lusamine gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before walking away.

August stood frozen for several seconds, chills running down his spine.

First she’d snuggled into his arms, and now she was kissing him in public. He honestly didn’t dare imagine what Lusamine might do next.

Off to the side, Sabrina let out a tsk tsk of disapproval.

Clearly unimpressed with August.

He was just about to explain himself when he saw Nanu hurrying over with two people in tow.

Spotting August, Nanu said, “I saw the sky over Po Town darken just now. The guardian deity told me there was some terrifying enemy here, so I came to check... Where is the enemy?”

“It’s been dealt with. Or... more or less dealt with.” August’s gaze shifted to the two people behind Nanu.

The taller one was lanky, wearing glasses, a light blue shirt, and a dark blue jacket.

The shorter one was a little girl with violet hair, a golden ring on her arm, and a purple-and-black dress with a ghostly flair.

August recognized them immediately, but still asked Nanu, “And these are...?”

“Oh, right—almost forgot to introduce you. This is Molayne, director of the Hokulani Observatory, and a strong contender for the Alola League’s Elite Four. And this is Acerola—the captain at the old Thrifty Megamart site!”

“Hello, Mr. August!” Molayne greeted him politely. “I watched your matches in the World Championships. Very impressive!”

“Thank you.”

As August looked toward Acerola, he spotted Gengar sidling up beside her, sniffing left and right...

August’s face darkened. “Gengar!”

Gengar was totally ruining his reputation.

Called out, Gengar stuck its tongue out and dove back into August’s shadow, though it still peeked out, eyeing Acerola curiously.

Acerola quickly said, “Please don’t blame Gengar, Mr. August! I’ve always attracted Ghost-type Pokémon since I was little...”

Gengar nodded vigorously, agreeing with Acerola. She really does smell nice, it seemed to say—that was the only reason it’d gone over to sniff her.

Since Acerola herself had said so, August decided to let it go.

He turned to Nanu. “Mr. Nanu, I tried my best to keep the battle contained. Your house shouldn’t have been affected, right?”

Nanu only then remembered—he’d been so busy calling for help, he hadn’t checked on his house. He glanced over toward where it should be.

And saw nothing but ruins.

Nanu’s expression froze instantly. “……”

August followed his gaze, realizing it was the house that Mewtwo had blasted through while fighting Deoxys.

Well, this was awkward.

“Who did this...?”

Nanu was trying his best to stay calm, but August could feel the seething fury beneath his tone.

Nothing stings more than coming home to find your house flattened.

“It was Giovanni!” August said quickly, distancing himself from the disaster.

Not like Giovanni could jump back through the Ultra Wormhole to argue.

“Giovanni...” Nanu’s face darkened further. “And where is he now?”

“Uh...”

August glanced at the wrecked device. “He jumped into the Ultra Wormhole.”

Nanu fell silent, even his anger left with nowhere to go.

August quickly added, “Even though Giovanni started it, we do bear some responsibility. Tell you what—I’ll apply for compensation from headquarters.”

“Plus, the Aether Foundation is planning to buy up this land, so you should get another payment. That ought to be enough for a new house, Mr. Nanu!”

Nanu’s face lit up with gratitude. “Thank you, August. Really, thank you!”

“No need for thanks. We’re all in the same department—don’t be so formal.” August waved it off as nothing.

Still, Nanu kept thanking him, grateful not to be left homeless.

Watching Nanu’s emotional reaction, Acerola mentally labeled August as a truly good person.

August, meanwhile, had no idea he’d just been promoted to “good guy” in Acerola’s eyes.

After a quick round of treatment for Deoxys to stabilize its injuries, August handed over the Team Rocket grunts who’d captured and confiscated the Ultra Beasts to Nanu for safekeeping.

Just as August was about to call everyone to head back to Aether Paradise—

Gary’s voice rang out from behind. “August, I caught one that slipped through the net!”

“Huh?”

There really was one left?

August turned around to see Gary looking delighted, dragging someone along.

And that person—

“Faba?” August asked.

“That’s right, it’s me! I’ve already emailed my defection—don’t treat me like this! I gave my youth to the Aether Foundation. I want to see the President!”

August laughed.

“You did defect, I’ll give you that...” August started, confirming Faba’s actions.

But before Faba could feel pleased, August’s tone shifted. “But who said defectors have to be accepted?”

Faba’s smug grin froze on his face.

“Wait, I’m willing to atone! I’ve collected Rocket’s research data on the Ultra Wormhole—!”

“Keep that for yourself.” August gave Gary a nod to knock him out, utterly merciless.

Seriously, I infiltrated Rocket’s data center myself and copied everything. What do I need his scraps for?

Meanwhile, on Gold’s end, they’d found Guzma and the rest of Team Skull, previously locked up.

Team Rocket clearly hadn’t mistreated them.

In fact, according to Wicke, Guzma and his Team Skull grunts had all gained weight.

Unbelievable. So joining Team Rocket improved your meals? What kind of life did you lead before this?

Unfortunately, with Giovanni jumping into the Ultra Wormhole, whether he was dead or alive was anyone’s guess. With Deoxys there, he’d probably survive...

To be honest, without Giovanni around, August felt strangely empty inside.

...

Back at Aether Paradise, August found Lillie hugging a trembling little Nebby.

When she saw August return, Lillie called out, “Mr. August, I don’t know why, but Nebby suddenly curled up like this…”

August glanced at Nebby, already forming a guess in his mind.

He gently reached out, channeling the [Power of Viridian] as he patted Nebby, and then used telepathy to share the memory of Necrozma being driven off by Dialga.

The effect was immediate—Nebby stopped shaking, looked up at August with wide, astonished eyes, and its little mouth hung open in shock.

“August-oniisan, how did you do that?” Yellow’s face was full of curiosity.

She’d just tried using the [Power of Viridian] herself to calm Nebby, but at best, she could only soothe Nebby’s nerves for a moment—nothing like August’s instant results.

August smiled. “The trick is to treat the root of the problem.”

“Treat the root…?” Yellow looked half-confused, half-enlightened.

“Alright, don’t worry about it for now. I’ll teach you more in future practical lessons. For now—let’s start the celebration party!” August called out to everyone.

“Mew!”

Mew was the first to shoot her paw in the air, cheering.

Aside from eating cupcakes and napping, nothing made Mew happier than a party.

Lusamine was all smiles as well.

Watching the scene, Lillie felt happier than she’d been in ages—this was the life she’d always dreamed of. Although… wasn’t something missing?

But before she could figure it out, Yellow dragged her away to watch the Sirfetch’d chef troupe’s cooking performance.

Today’s act: Slowpoke tail carving!

Slowpoke: “…”

While Yellow and Lillie enjoyed the Farfetch’d’s intricate carvings, Akari, Arezu, and Irida teamed up with Blue for a two-on-two network battle.

Watching them, August couldn’t help but see a reflection of his old days as a ranger: if he wasn’t chasing down Pokémon poachers or watching livestreams, online Pokémon battles were about the only entertainment he had left.

The last time I played a serious online battle was my first day as an International Police agent… That match against ‘FlareonIsTheBest’ was my swan song online.

Time really flies… August sighed to himself.

“Does time pass quickly?” Cogita asked, puzzled.

“….”

Easy for an immortal to say.

August was watching Psyduck and Slowbro conspiring in a corner, just about to eavesdrop, when Cynthia called out to him.

“I’m heading back to Sinnoh.”

“Huh? So suddenly?” August was surprised.

Cynthia smiled. “My conversation with Miss Cogita was eye-opening, and while I was in Hisui I collected a trove of historical material. I can’t wait to get back to Sinnoh and write it all up for publication.”

“And I’ve been away so long… Even though Team Galactic is gone, if I keep skipping work, I’ll be in trouble at the year-end Champion’s assessment. So…”

August replied without thinking, “I’ll visit Sinnoh when I get the chance!”

Cynthia’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “It’s a promise, then!”

“For now, let’s enjoy the party! We’ve got Alolan berries in the fruit ice cream this time… and the Sirfetch’d chef apparently got inspired by Ultra Beasts and wants to make an ‘Ultra’ flavor ice cream. Don’t ask me what that means.” August chuckled.

Cynthia’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Her urge to eat ice cream now surpassed her desire to rush home and write her papers!

When August looked back at Psyduck and Slowbro, he found the two of them had slipped into the pool.

Psyduck was balancing on Slowbro’s back while Slowbro idly paddled through the water.

August: “…?”

Performance art again? Or are they practicing surfing?

Mew, who had come looking for August, followed his gaze and saw the scene. Her eyes glinted mischievously.

Bad-tempered as ever, Mew used [Surf].

A wave surged up, crashing over Psyduck and Slowbro.

Psyduck tumbled off Slowbro’s back and flailed about in the water, completely panicked.

August shot Mew a glare for laughing, then watched Psyduck’s frantic splashing. “You’re a Water-type Pokémon, you know!”

August’s words seemed to trigger a revelation. Psyduck stared at him, eyes wide in epiphany. “Quack!”

Wait, I’m a Water-type Pokémon?

Watching Psyduck’s blank expression, August could only feel numb.

He sighed. No wonder Giovanni always mocks me—what kind of Pokémon have I even caught?

Thinking of Giovanni, August pulled out his phone and fired off a message.

[Are you still alive?]

Not blocked.

Which meant Giovanni wasn’t back yet.

…

It wasn’t until the party ended that Lillie finally realized what had been missing—

Her brother still hadn’t turned up!

She hurried to find her mother Lusamine, who then went to find her “husband,” August.

August: “……”

He’d just assumed Gladion was simply away, that Lusamine and Lillie had already contacted him and he’d return soon.

Turns out… they’d just forgotten.

But seeing the hopeful faces of Lusamine and Lillie, August couldn’t bring himself to refuse, so he joined in the search for Gladion.

Aether Foundation put out a bounty across all of Alola for information on their heir’s whereabouts.

Even Team Skull got roped in.

But after all the searching, it turned out no one in Alola had seen Gladion for over a month—the last sightings were before Team Rocket ever arrived.

And so, everything circled back to Lusamine.

“Lusamine, do you remember how you escaped the Aether Foundation that day?”

Lusamine thought back carefully, pain flickering across her face. “I… I only remember that, by chance, I managed to open the Ultra Wormhole and jumped in. Gladion followed right after me… After that, my memory’s blank.”

So they ended up in Ultra Space.

According to Lusamine, Gladion was carrying “Null,” the artificial Pokémon created by Aether Foundation as a replica of Arceus, the Creation God of Sinnoh.

(ps: Cogita refuses to acknowledge it as her lookalike.)

So safety shouldn’t be a problem.

All that was left was to find Gladion.

As August saw it, there were two possibilities for escaping Ultra Space:

One, you get lucky—like Lusamine—and make it out on your own. There’s a lot of randomness, and you might show up anywhere in the world, but at least you’re somewhere.

With the Aether Foundation’s resources, they could post missing person bulletins across every region. Even if Gladion ended up in Area Zero, they’d eventually dig him out.

But if it was the second possibility—that he was still stuck in Ultra Space…

That would be a real headache. Unless they could repair Giovanni’s device, or—

If Nebby evolved into Solgaleo or Lunala, Nebby alone could open an Ultra Wormhole.

August watched Nebby trailing after Lugia, thinking the first option seemed less difficult.

In the end, Lusamine decided they’d try both paths.

Wicke would lead a team of Aether Foundation researchers to reverse-engineer the device Team Rocket left behind. Meanwhile, Lusamine and Lillie would travel the world with August, posting missing person notices and looking for Gladion, while also helping Lillie train Nebby to speed up its evolution.

August: “……”

…

After the Team Rocket incident was over, August wasn’t in any rush to return to Kanto.

After all, it wasn’t every day he got to visit Alola—a paradise for vacations—and with everyone gathered here, he decided he might as well enjoy some holiday time before heading back.

While Blue helped him draft the mission report, August kicked off his own Alolan vacation.

His days were spent lazing in the sun with Gardevoir, gleefully bullying Mew and Eevee, and occasionally messaging Giovanni to check if he was still alive.

Until one day—

“Lance, you’re actually going to be the official Johto Champion?”

The news jolted August upright from his lounge chair, startling Mew, who was building sandcastles nearby and accidentally knocked over the one Eevee had just finished.

“Bui…”

Seeing Eevee’s eyes begin to brim with tears, Mew glanced around anxiously—then her eyes sparkled with an idea and she zipped away.

Moments later, Mew returned carrying an enormous, animate sandcastle and set it down before Eevee.

Eevee stared up at the massive, moving sandcastle, absolutely dumbfounded.

The forcibly relocated Palossand looked none too happy about the situation.

It stretched out, trying to swallow both Eevee and Mew in one gulp.

But the moment Mew conjured a [Shadow Ball], Palossand froze, instantly switching to damage control mode. Do whatever you want—just don’t pull out my shovel or hit me with that!

So Mew and Eevee began building new sandcastles atop Palossand itself.

Once August finished his call with Lance and promised to be there for the champion inauguration in a few days, he turned and caught sight of the scene.

He stared, speechless for a long moment, mouth twitching at the absurdity.

This has Mew written all over it.

He shot Palossand a look of sympathetic helplessness—if it even noticed—then lay back down with Gardevoir to soak up the sun.

Vacation was almost over; might as well savor what was left.

…

Setting foot on the Indigo Plateau, August was flooded with a sense of nostalgia.

“Back at last—Kanto, my second home!”

“So what’s your first home, then?” Gary Oak popped up beside him.

“My first home…” August paused, then met Gary’s eager gaze with a teasing smile. “Take a guess.”

Gary’s face instantly darkened.

Teasing Gary (1/1)

August strolled out of the airport. Outside, Koga was already waiting for him, his daughter Janine at his side.

August had Gary and the others head to the International Police’s Indigo Plateau office ahead of him.

He got in Koga’s car.

Koga clearly hadn’t forgotten how August had tripped him up at the World Championships—the look he gave August was pure grievance.

August: “Come on, Koga. You’re about to become an Elite Four member—why so petty?”

Koga scowled. “That was my first vacation with my daughter!”

“Ah….”

August had nothing to say to that, so he quickly changed the subject. “Koga, ever think about expanding your ninja school’s influence?”

Sure enough, Koga’s attention was caught. “Ninjas? Who’d believe in that these days?”

He might be the heir to a true ninja lineage, but even he knew no one wanted to be a ninja anymore.

Trainers were what mattered now.

Even those ninja-dressed students at his gym were really just trainers cosplaying as ninjas.

August grinned mysteriously. “No one studies it now, but people sure did in the past!”

“The past?”

Koga’s expression said he thought August was joking. Of course he knew there were ninjas in the old days—but how was he supposed to travel back in time?

Wait a minute…

Koga remembered August had a Celebi.

He paled in horror. “You’re not planning to disappear me to ancient times just because I complained, are you?!”

August deadpanned, “What are you talking about… I mean the kind of past you can come back from.”

He pulled out his phone, opened the Arceus app, and sent Koga a “friend coupon.”

“If you’re interested, just accept the invite and look for a guy named Kamado. Tell him I sent you!”

It sounded dodgy as hell to Koga. “I’ll… try it when I have time.”

They soon arrived at the Johto League headquarters.

Since the Johto and Kanto Leagues had just separated, the two still shared office space on the Indigo Plateau.

When August finally saw Lance, the latter was still using his old office.

“So being Champion is just a change of title?” August asked.

Lance thought for a moment. “Pay went up.”

He laughed at his own joke.

“I’m not doing it for the money. I just want to build a better Johto…” Lance insisted.

August: “Pretty sure I’ve heard that somewhere before…”

“So, the inauguration’s tomorrow?” August asked.

Lance nodded.

“Then why did you call me back?”

“I was worried Giovanni and Team Rocket might try something at the ceremony…” Lance admitted.

“You didn’t know?” August was surprised.

Lance was blank. “Should I know something?”

“I already foiled Team Rocket’s scheme in Alola. Giovanni abandoned his crew and ran. Right now…” August checked his phone. “Yeah, he hasn’t blocked me—must still be stuck in Ultra Space.”

“Alola? Ultra Space?” Lance was lost.

So August gave him the quick version of what had happened in Alola—his “hard-fought” battle, the narrow victory over Giovanni, and Giovanni being forced to retreat into Ultra Space.

Lance listened, emotions shifting wildly. “August, you really go all out for world peace.”

Koga, on the other hand, didn’t buy a word beyond “August beat Giovanni.” He didn’t know much about Legendary Pokémon, but after being arrested by August once, he had a pretty clear sense of what August was really like.

“In that case, maybe I can relax for once,” Lance said, relieved.

August’s win was a blessing not just for Alola, but also for Johto—one of Team Rocket’s main strongholds—so peace would likely last a while.

That was great news for the soon-to-be Johto Champion.

Just then, August remembered something. He took out a missing persons flyer and handed it to Lance. “Can I ask a favor? Help me post this.”

Lance glanced at it, puzzled. “This is…”

“A friend’s son!”

Lance read it carefully.

“The Aether Foundation heir… That’s Lusamine’s son, right?” As the future Johto Champion, of course Lance knew who Lusamine was.

Immediately, Lance’s gaze toward August changed.

“You went to Alola just to fight Team Rocket, huh?”

Everyone knew Lusamine was single. Lance could smell drama.

August: “…I’m Lillie’s teacher. Helping my own student out—is that so strange?”

“You just said you were helping a friend find their son…” Koga chimed in quietly.

August bristled. “You picking a fight?”

Koga quickly backed off, waving his hands. Not another word from him.

But both Koga and Lance were thinking the same thing: He’s flustered!

They shared a knowing look and moved on to discussing details for tomorrow’s ceremony.

…

The next day, at the Indigo League’s main stadium—

August, accompanied by the Kanto branch crew and a huge crowd of spectators, witnessed the founding of the Johto League and Lance’s official crowning as Champion.

As Lance took the Champion’s cloak—

Ho-oh soared across the sky, trailing a rainbow in its wake.

The crowd and media burst into gasps and cheers, frantically snapping pictures.

Lance, momentarily stunned, glanced over at August’s seat—

And saw August waving from a distance as he turned to leave.

Lance was filled with gratitude.

Meanwhile, as August left the ceremony, he got a call from Geeta.

“Mr. August, thank you for saving the world from another evil organization in Alola.”

August hesitated. “Er, that’s a bit much…”

Even without him, Giovanni was never going to destroy the world. First, Giovanni wasn’t that reckless. Second, it wouldn’t serve his interests.

If anything, you could tell by the way Giovanni only used Necrozma as a last resort.

But Geeta was clearly ramping up the flattery, which put August instantly on guard. When someone goes out of their way to butter you up for no reason, you’d better watch out—because next comes…

“I wonder if you’re free soon, Mr. August? We urgently need your help in Paldea’s Area Zero,” Geeta said, sincerely.

August was about to brush it off, but Geeta’s tone piqued his curiosity. “Is it really that urgent?”

Geeta’s voice grew grave. “Recently, the Pokémon in Area Zero have shown signs of rioting. I’ve already sent several teams in to investigate, but every single one has lost contact—no word from any of them…”

August thought it over.

Geeta had a reputation for roping people into unpaid work, but she probably wouldn’t lie about something like this.

And it’d just be a quick trip, anyway. Plus, he hadn’t seen Iono in half a month.

After a moment, August made up his mind. “Alright. I’ll head over in a few days.”

Geeta sounded deeply relieved. “Thank you, August—you’re a good person!”

August: “…If you keep saying that, I might change my mind.”

He hung up, only to find everyone watching him curiously.

“Anyone want to go to Paldea?”

Blue: “I want to take Akari, Irida, and Arezu around Kanto a bit—let them experience the culture and the way people and Pokémon live together.”

“I’ve left the gym unattended too long. I need to check in,” Sabrina added.

Silver had his own plans. “I’m going to look for Giovanni. I don’t believe he’d die so easily.”

“I’ll go with Silver!” Gold said.

Pearl & Diamond: “We’re challenging the Silver League!”

Gary: “I—”

Before he could finish, August clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I know you’re coming.”

He couldn’t wait to see the look on Gary’s face when he meets Walking Wake.

Gary swallowed his pride. “August is right.”

As for Zinnia, there was no need to ask—wherever Rayquaza was, she’d follow.

Add in Lusamine and Lillie, who’d use the opportunity to post missing person notices for their son and brother—

“So it’s me, Gary, Zinnia, Cogita, Lillie, and Lusamine…”

Six people. Not too many, not too few.

“Two days to prepare. We leave the day after tomorrow!” August announced.

“Mew!”

Mew cheered, paw raised.

She’d heard the secret ingredient for August’s Pokéblocks was a Paldea specialty. She hadn’t tasted his special blend in ages—this time, she’d make sure to collect enough for a lifetime!

…

Back at the Saffron City manor.

For once, August didn’t flop straight onto his second bed—the living room sofa—but headed down to the basement.

The underground “jail” looked very different from its old, spartan state.

For the sake of human rights, August had installed a stationary bike in the evil team leaders’ cells, letting them exercise and stave off muscle atrophy—and, as a bonus, help generate a little power for the estate.

Pity, not a single one had shown any gratitude.

August approached the cell holding Ariana.

“I brought you a new companion,” he said.

Matori frowned, wary of whatever scheme August was up to this time.

August gestured, and a ripple of space appeared beside him. In the next moment, a familiar face appeared.

“Ariana?!” Matori gasped.

As Team Rocket’s secretary, she knew things most Rocket Admins didn’t—including the ranking of Giovanni’s trust.

Before Sird’s betrayal, the top three were Sird, then Archer, then Ariana herself.

Now that Sird had turned traitor and Archer was clearly not cut out to be a secretary, Ariana was the obvious successor.

But now, here she was.

“How’s the boss?!” Matori demanded anxiously.

August: “Take a guess.”

Matori glared daggers at him.

But August wasn’t that heartless. “Giovanni went into Ultra Space with his Pokémon. He’s not in danger… probably.”

Matori knew all about the various regions’ affairs—she’d been in charge of Aether Foundation infiltration in Alola, after all, so she understood just how dangerous Ultra Space could be.

Hearing August’s words, her expression darkened with worry.

August left her in a spare cell for now—he planned to build a proper cellblock for evil team Admins, but until then, this would have to do.

Next, August walked over to Cyrus, who was calmly staring at the ceiling. “You know, you’re nothing like your ancestor.”

Cyrus, usually expressionless, actually reacted.

He turned his head. “My ancestor?”

“Cyllene. As Galaxy Team's leader, you should know the origins of the organization… Cyllene was the first head of the investigation team.”

Cyrus fell silent.

August could tell by his face that he knew.

“I wonder what your ancestor would think, seeing what Team Galactic has become—a group that once risked everything to expand humanity’s future,” August mused.

“What’s your point?” Cyrus asked.

He didn’t believe August came just to mock him.

August paused, then smiled. “Ever think about traveling to ancient Hisui and meeting your ancestor? Maybe it’d cure you of your obsession.”

Cyrus was silent.

August didn’t push. “I’m heading to Paldea soon. Think it over before I get back.”

He waved to Pryce and turned to go.

From behind him came shouts from Maxie and Archie.

“What about us? August, have you met our ancestors?”

“Don’t go! We want to talk to them too!”

“Nope!” August dismissed them with a wave, leaving them muttering about discrimination and favoritism.

But with a single word from Pryce, the basement went silent again.

…

When August returned to the living room, ready to collapse on the sofa, he found Cogita already sitting there, playing with Mew.

“That’s my spot…” August complained.

Cogita looked up in mock surprise. “But I don’t see anyone else here…”

Despite her words, she made no move to get up.

August sighed—this is exactly why I was reluctant to bring Arceus home.

There used to be only one “sun” in the Kanto branch—now there were two.

Well, if Cogita wanted to play hardball, he’d just have to show her who was boss.

He sat down next to Cogita, and, ignoring her startled look, promptly laid his head in her lap.

August and Cogita locked eyes.

Now it was a contest of endurance.

Whoever gave in first, lost the spot!

Minute after minute ticked by. After her initial surprise, Cogita’s expression returned to its usual calm, almost smiling as she watched August.

But for August, what started out as a soft pillow soon felt more like lying on a bed of thorns, each second sharper than the last.

Eventually, he caved—giving up under Cogita’s amused gaze. “Fine, you win. Take the spot…”

Not because he chickened out, of course.

Mainly, he just didn’t want Blue and the others to get the wrong idea. Otherwise, with a pillow like that, he could’ve stayed there three days straight.

To avoid further embarrassment, August shifted his consciousness into the system to check the rewards for defeating Giovanni.

---

T/N: I WANT A LAP PILLOW FROM COGITAAAAAAAAA

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!