Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [350]

Geeta—the top Champion of the Paldea League, Chairwoman of the Paldea Pokémon League, and Director of Naranja/Uva Academy.

Across the entire Pokémon League system, no one else held as many simultaneous roles as she did.

Even Leon, known as the strongest Champion, had only been Galar’s Champion before Chairman Rose stepped down after the Eternatus incident.

Being both Champion and League Chair was a testament to Geeta’s political prowess.

All this flashed through August’s mind in the space of a heartbeat.

He smiled and extended his hand. “Hello, Chairwoman Geeta.”

As they shook hands, Mewtwo slowly descended to the ground and stood beside August.

“This is…” Geeta looked at the unfamiliar Pokémon with interest.

“Mewtwo. He’s part of my team,” August replied.

Geeta’s brows rose slightly. She’d expected August to call it his Pokémon, not his subordinate.

But the surprise lasted only a moment.

She had heard of the International Police recruiting Pokémon as operatives.

Then she got to the point. “I’ve heard you’re a distinguished officer with the International Police. I came here to discuss a matter with you.”

Saying this, she glanced at Iono.

Caught off guard, Iono jumped at being addressed so suddenly by the Chairwoman.

But she quickly understood the signal.

Ignoring the flood of “Keep streaming!” comments in her chat, she fumbled with her device, shut down the livestream, and raised her hand like a student.

“Stream’s off, Chairwoman!”

As if she hadn’t just called Geeta an old hag in her head earlier.

August tilted his head. “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

“You encountered [Terastallization] during your match with Larry, didn’t you?”

Geeta leaned in slightly. “Have you ever heard of… Area Zero?”

Area Zero?

Of course August had. Not only Area Zero—he knew about the Paradox Pokémon, too.

But outwardly, he put on a puzzled expression.

Geeta explained, “[Terastallization] originates from Area Zero, which itself traces back to the Great Paldean Crater—formed thousands of years ago.”

She began to recount the crater’s history and its connection to Area Zero in calm, measured tones.

When she finished, August asked, “So… this is what you came to talk to me about? Something involving Area Zero?”

Geeta nodded. “Correct. The Paldea League has never stopped its research into the area. But in recent years… complications have arisen.”

“I heard about how you resolved the Hoenn incident and the Mt. Coronet crisis. That’s why I’d like to request your help investigating Area Zero.”

She spoke with utmost sincerity and held out a small box to August.

August had a hunch, but still asked, “This is…?”

He opened the box to find a black, gem-like object that resembled a Poké Ball.

“A [Tera Orb],” Geeta explained. “It absorbs [Terastal] energy, allowing a Pokémon to undergo [Terastallization]. Once depleted, it can be recharged either at designated crystals around Paldea or by visiting a Pokémon Center.”

“Regardless of whether you choose to assist us, please accept this as a token of appreciation for your contributions to world peace.”

After watching Geeta and the very sheepish Larry leave—looking like an employee caught slacking off—August sat playing with the [Tera Orb], lost in thought.

Iono, seeing his expression, couldn't help but warn him. “Don’t fall for her pitch, August! This is definitely a trap! She just wants free labor out of you!”

Geeta might've sounded polite, but Iono, as a Paldea Gym Leader, knew her far too well.

Every year, new "Champions" were brought in as guest examiners for Gym evaluations—people Geeta had roped into unpaid labor with sweet talk.

August chuckled. “I don’t know about that… I really am curious about Area Zero.”

In the games, Scarlet and Violet had their own versions—Ancient Pokémon and Future Pokémon. But in reality, there were no “versions.” What kind of ecosystem would exist in a place that housed both?

He had to see it with his own eyes.

Plus, he was dying to know what reactions Gardevoir and Salamence would have when meeting their paradox counterparts, Iron Valiant and Roaring Moon.

Seeing how determined he was, Iono sighed. “...If you’re really going, I’ll be your guide, okay?”

August eyed her suspiciously. “You just want to go too, don’t you?”

“Ahem—what? Of course not!” she stammered.

He let it drop. “In any case, no rush. I still need to finish the World Championships first.”

He pulled out his phone and tapped the quick-match button.

The screen stuttered before a message popped up:

[Estimated Match Time: 71h 59m 59s]

Fair enough. The higher the rank, the longer the wait.

Glancing outside, August said, “It’s getting late. I should find a place to stay. Iono, got any good hotel recommendations?”

He returned Mewtwo to its Poké Ball.

Sure, he could sleep on the airship—but its luxury upgrades weren’t finished yet. A hotel would definitely be more comfortable.

And it would help burn through the ballooning budget.

Without thinking, Iono blurted out, “Wanna stay at my place?”

Dead silence.

Even the restaurant owner, who happened to be walking by, stared in shock.

You two denied being a couple, and now you’re already moving in together?

August: “?”

Did you really just say that, Iono?

Realizing her blunder, Iono turned bright red and scrambled to explain.

“I mean—my house is pretty big! You’re welcome to hang out! That’s all!”

“……”

Stop. You're just making it worse.

...

Levincia

Paldea’s second-largest city, known for its neon brilliance that dazzled day and night.

As they strolled through its streets, Iono grew more and more anxious the closer they got to her place.

She was the one who invited him, so why did it feel like she was the guest instead?

Come on, Iono! Channel your streamer energy! You’re just giving August a tour of your place. No big deal!

By the time her inner pep talk ended, they had arrived at the high-rise building that housed Levincia Gym.

Like other Gym Trainers, Iono lived within the Gym’s facility.

The Gym stood right in the middle of downtown, prime real estate. Every square foot was worth a fortune.

Compared to Larry, who had to borrow the Treasure Eatery for his matches, Iono was living the life of a low-key heiress.

Of all the Gym Leaders August knew, only Sabrina and Erika could rival her in wealth.

She punched in a passcode, peeked into the lobby, and, seeing that the staff had already left, let out a breath of relief.

“Quick, come in!”

August followed her inside. Iono stuck her head out once more, scanning the area like a spy, then shut the door and dragged him into the elevator.

Not until they reached the third floor did she finally relax.

August: “…”

You're acting like you just broke into your own house.

“Ahem…”

Coughing to mask her awkwardness under August’s gaze, Iono quickly changed the subject.

“Wanna try some snacks? Levincia specialties!”

The word snacks hadn’t even finished leaving her mouth when Mew, who had been invisibly napping on August’s shoulder, sprang to life.

“Mew?!”

Did someone say snacks?!

“…You’re awfully enthusiastic when food’s involved.”

Still, faced with those big, gleaming eyes, August sighed. “Just a little. I mean it.”

With the tension broken, Iono breathed a sigh of relief and dashed off to prepare refreshments.

August sat on the couch, looking around.

The décor screamed Electric-type: bright, modern, and lively. Her walls were covered with photos—every one a screenshot from a stream.

Trophies lined the shelves.

“Paldea’s Outstanding Gym Trainer,” “Most Influential Streamer of the Year,” “10 Million Followers Milestone,” “Third Place: Eating Contest Challenge.”

Wait—Eating Contest?

Before he could inspect further, a hand slapped over the award.

He looked up to see Iono, one hand gripping a snack tray, the other hiding the plaque, face bright red.

“That one’s misplaced! It was for my Bellibolt!”

“You really don’t need to explain.”

“I swear it was!”

“Mew~”

Mew munched on snacks while watching the two bicker, shaking its head.

Humans. Do they not understand that snacks are the only thing that matters?

Satisfied, it stuffed another treat into its mouth.

...

The next morning, August awoke to find Mew curled up beside him, snuggled with Eevee.

For once, he hadn't been squished awake by either of them.

He got dressed, stepped out, and found Iono in an apron, cooking beside her Rotom.

“Add a pinch of salt—Loto!”

“How much is ‘a pinch’…?” Iono muttered.

She scooped a massive spoonful of salt and dumped it on—

A fried egg?

August’s eye twitched violently.

Before he could flee, Iono spotted him and beamed.

“August! Try this!”

She offered the egg like a proud chef awaiting Michelin stars.

He opened his mouth to politely decline—

But Mew beat him to it.

Sniff sniff. Mew’s nose twitched. It locked onto the egg like a heat-seeking missile.

“Mew?”

Before August could protest, Mew snatched the egg with psychic power and took a big bite.

At first, all was fine.

Then…

ptooey ptooey ptooey!!

Face scrunched in horror, Mew spit out bite after bite and chugged the milk August hastily passed over.

It glared at the egg like it had just eaten a Muk.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: I told you. Eating everything will be the death of you.
[Mew]: mew!!

Iono, having witnessed the entire debacle, blinked. “Was it that bad?”

She picked up a small piece herself and tasted it.

BLEGH—

So. Bad.

So, so bad.

...

After confirming she had zero talent for making breakfast, Iono had no choice but to sulkily accompany August out for food.

Shoulders slumped, she stood beside him in the elevator, riding it down in gloomy silence.

As the elevator doors slid open—

A group of Levincia Gym staff members turned to look their way, puzzled.

When they saw Iono standing inside, they froze.

“Gym Leader? Weren’t you still at the Battle Frontier?”

“I must be sleep-deprived. No way I’m seeing the Gym Leader right now.”

“Ugh, you clearly didn’t watch the matches. She was just commentating August’s battle with Larry yesterday.”

Iono stiffened.

No—no no no I forgot to avoid running into the staff—!

She had just come downstairs with August.

Wouldn’t they get the wrong idea?

I’m gonna die.

Her cheeks burned bright red as the Magneton hovering above her head began spinning rapidly to help cool her down.

Just as she was bracing herself for social annihilation—

A voice echoed in her ear.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: Don’t worry. I turned invisible. They can’t see me.

Iono’s head snapped up. She glanced around and, sure enough, to the staff, it looked like she was alone in the elevator.

Listening more closely to their chatter, it was all surprise about her being back, not about who she was with.

She was so moved she nearly teared up on the spot.

August didn’t stay long in Paldea.

Mainly because Iono, who had nearly died of embarrassment from being seen by her employees, was now adamant about getting out of the region.

By noon, the two of them had already boarded the airship and returned to the Battle Frontier.

Even before stepping inside the villa, August could hear Gary bragging loudly from within.

“Ultra Ball rank? Piece of cake for Gary Oak!”

“So you ranked up?”

“Of course!” Gary responded on reflex.

But then he recognized the voice. Turning around, his eyes widened. “August? You’re back already?!”

Realizing he’d messed up his phrasing, he quickly tried to cover it up. “Ahem—I mean, you didn’t stay longer in Paldea?”

“If I hadn’t come back, someone might’ve gotten so full of himself he’d float away.” August gave a nod to Sabrina and Blue.

“Come on, I’m the picture of modesty.”

At that, everyone in the room exchanged glances and tried their best not to laugh.

August sighed. Might as well humor him.

“Where’s Iono?” Sabrina asked, noticing she wasn’t with him.

She remembered them leaving together—surely he didn’t abandon her in Paldea?

“She said she had a TV appearance—some talk show,” August replied, picking up the remote and switching the channel.

Onscreen, a debate show was in progress.

Iono was seated between two hosts, brought on as a guest to discuss World Championship contenders.

The program was… well, basically a live reenactment of internet flame wars. The producers clearly wanted drama.

Poor Iono—after sitting for hours on a bumpy airship and still foggy-headed—had been tossed into a lion’s den.

As the two hosts bickered fiercely back and forth, Iono looked like a deer in headlights, trembling with her mic in hand, barely daring to speak.

“She looks so pitiful,” Zinnia said.

Everyone nodded.

Watching her struggle, August decided to help.

“Mew,” he said to the little creature drooling in its sleep on his shoulder, “go find Iono—tell her to say this…”

At first Mew looked confused. Then its eyes widened. “Mew?”

“You heard me.” August patted it and slipped a Master Ball into its tiny paw. “Now go!”

Mew hesitated, then vanished into thin air.

“What’d you send Mew to do?” Blue asked curiously.

August just pointed to the TV. “You’ll see.”

Time ticked by.

The hosts had shifted the topic to a hot-button debate: who had a better shot at the championship—Cynthia or Leon?

The kind of question tailor-made for stirring the pot and racking up viewership.

Iono was still trying to shrink into her seat—

Then suddenly, she blinked, ears twitching. She turned and glanced around, confused.

The female host noticed. “Iono, do you have a pick? Who do you think will win?”

She pushed the mic into Iono’s hands.

Now both hosts were staring at her, silently urging her to take sides.

Iono’s brain went blank.

And then—she blurted out the words that had just echoed in her ear:

“Why don’t we talk about August instead?”

Dead. Silence.

Everyone in the villa turned to stare at August.

You sent Mew… just for that?

August: “What? Was something wrong with what she said?”

Was it?

Onscreen, even the hosts were taken aback.

Of all the people she could’ve named—Lance, even!—she picked August?

The male host gave a dismissive chuckle. “August has some skill, sure—but I think the Elite Eight is his ceiling.”

The female host shook her head. “I actually think he may not make it that far. Even with Rayquaza on his team, that doesn’t guarantee victory.”

Iono flushed red. Just as she opened her mouth to defend August—

ROAR—!

A dragon’s cry shook the skies.

Off-camera, outside the studio window, a massive green silhouette appeared—Rayquaza, its red eyes peering directly into the building.

Rayquaza: What was that about my boss? Say it again, I dare you.

“Th-th-that…”

The two hosts froze, completely flustered and fumbling over their words.

Zinnia, having heard the roar and seen their expressions, put two and two together.

“That’s the way! Lord Rayquaza strikes again!” she cheered, pumping her fists.

The debate segment quickly fizzled into awkward silence.

Moments later, Mew returned, Master Ball in hand.

“Thanks, Mew.” August tossed it a diet Pokéblock.

Returning Rayquaza’s ball to his belt, August added, “People are allowed to question us. We can’t silence everyone. In the end, it all comes down to strength.”

Everyone: “…..”

So silencing them with Rayquaza wasn’t silencing?

“I was just helping Iono out,” August said, shaking his head. “You all misunderstand me. I only drew the fire so she wouldn’t get roasted on live TV.”

Just then, his phone buzzed.

[Match Found]

[Trainer August – Your next opponent has been selected: Raihan, Gym Leader of Hammerlocke. Please arrive at the Battle Dome by 13:00 tomorrow. Failure to arrive will be treated as a forfeit.]

“….”

August shut off the app and dialed Anabel.

She picked up quickly. Her round face filled the screen. “You’re back from Paldea already?”

“Yeah. I’ve got a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“…You didn’t pull any strings behind the scenes, did you?”

That match timing was way too fast.

The app said 72 hours. It hadn’t even been a day.

“Huh? What kind of strings?” Anabel blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“I just got matched with Raihan…”

He explained the absurdly fast matchmaking.

“Raihan… give me a second.” Anabel typed rapidly. “Found it! He just arrived at the Battle Frontier and queued for a warm-up match. Looks like you matched by chance.”

“And the ranking system’s overseen by the League. I’m just the contractor—I couldn’t rig anything even if I wanted to. You just got lucky.”

August frowned. Lucky? Me?

That made no sense. If he had good luck, he wouldn’t have ended up begging Cynthia for a Togepi years ago.

He looked over at his Togepi, now playing cards with Psyduck and Slowbro.

Could it be… after raising it for so long, Serene Grace finally rubbed off on me?

“By the way—Lance wanted me to warn you,” Anabel said. “Raihan’s no pushover. If not for Leon overshadowing him, he could’ve been Champion himself. Don’t underestimate him.”

August knew that.

But that wasn’t what caught his attention.

“…Lance is with you?”

Anabel turned the camera.

There he was, cape and all, sipping tea calmly.

Lance looked up, smiling faintly at the screen.

Before he could speak, August beat him to it:

“Lance, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

“…?”

“Don’t you get hot wearing that cape in a tropical climate?”

Lance: “…..”

---

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!