"Run and you die!"
Just four simple words, yet Ron's murderous intent surged like a tidal wave, making Kirlia tremble.
There was no doubt in Girafarig's mind—if it tried to escape, it would be torn apart by the surrounding Pokémon.
Its only means of escape, Teleport, had already been rendered useless by Gardevoir.
"From now on, I ask, and you answer. If you dare lie to me, you die. Understood!?"
Seeing that Girafarig had given up on running, Ron continued speaking through telepathy.
"...Understood."
A young man's voice responded—it sounded like someone in his twenties, yet there was a hint of grievance in his tone.
"Tell me, why were you spying on Persian? And why did you try to spy on us?"
After confirming through Gardevoir that Girafarig didn't seem to be under any external influence, Ron wasted no time getting straight to the point.
Girafarig hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Gardevoir before resigning itself to fate.
"At first, I thought Persian was here for a treasure, so I got curious and took a peek. Then I was drawn in by a scent and wanted to see what it was. But before I could even get close, I was caught."
After stating its case, Girafarig suddenly felt even more wronged—it hadn't even done anything, yet it got beaten up and now had its life hanging by a thread.
"What exactly is this 'treasure' you're talking about?"
Ron wasn't concerned with Girafarig's grievances. Instead, he became intrigued by the so-called treasure.
"It's… a lotus seed, from a flower. I think that's how you'd describe it."
Hearing Girafarig's uncertain tone, Ron began to suspect that Machamp had knocked it senseless. Nonetheless, he maintained his patience and had Girafarig explain in detail.
"Every year, around this time, there's a small lake a few kilometers from here. At its center, a flower blooms and releases lotus seeds—nine in total. Each one provides immense benefits to Psychic-type Pokémon."
"But I don't know exactly what kind of benefits. I've never been able to get my hands on one. This year, I just came to try my luck."
After carefully recalling the details, Girafarig provided Ron with a more thorough explanation.
"Tell me more—where exactly is this lake? What kinds of Pokémon usually fight over these seeds? How many are there, and what's their strength level?"
Ron was clearly interested in the lotus seeds, but he maintained an indifferent expression as he questioned Girafarig.
"Only Psychic-type Pokémon go after them. The seeds don't seem to have any effect on other types."
"There are usually around twenty Pokémon competing for them. More than half are at the High Elite level like me, about seven or eight are quasi-Elite Four level, and two or three are full-fledged Elite Four-level Pokémon."
After confirming with Gardevoir that Girafarig wasn't lying, Ron gave Machamp a subtle signal. In the next second, Girafarig was knocked unconscious.
"Gardevoir, we're heading to that lake next. I want to see for myself what makes those lotus seeds so special."
"Understood."
After responding with a soft sound, Gardevoir used Teleport to instantly transport Ron and Girafarig away from their original location.
Knocking Girafarig unconscious was a precautionary measure—ensuring it wouldn't attempt anything untoward while Gardevoir was executing Teleport.
For Gardevoir, covering a few kilometers was effortless. In no time, Ron found himself standing before the small lake Girafarig had described, along with the mysterious flower it had struggled to put into words.
Setting Girafarig down to the side, Ron approached the lake with Gardevoir and Machamp.
Even without a warning from Gardevoir, Ron could already see that this area was teeming with rare Psychic-type Pokémon.
He spotted Xatu, Grumpig, and Medicham moving in groups. Surprisingly, he even noticed a Gallade among them.
Instinctively, Ron positioned himself between Gardevoir and Gallade, ensuring they wouldn't see each other.
Other Psychic-types, including Alakazam and Hypno, were present as well.
Among them, two stood out with Elite Four-level strength—an Alakazam and a Grumpig. The rest were either quasi-Elite Four or weaker, not yet worth Ron's concern.
With Machamp's Elite Four-level power, Ron confidently moved to the lake's edge.
After nodding in acknowledgment to Alakazam and Grumpig, his gaze shifted to the flower at the lake's center—a peculiar bloom shaped like a rose, yet capable of releasing lotus-like seeds.
That raised an amusing question: Was the rose two-timing, or had the lotus gone astray?
Noticing that the lotus seeds had yet to mature, Ron wasn't in a hurry. He sat cross-legged on the ground and began meditating to enhance his psychic abilities.
With Gardevoir and Machamp guarding him, any Psychic-type Pokémon attempting an attack would have to seriously consider if they were strong enough.
Unsurprisingly, Ron's meditative training didn't go unnoticed by the Elite Four-level Alakazam and Grumpig. However, neither seemed inclined to make a move.
At their level, Psychic-type Pokémon possessed intelligence surpassing most humans.
Since Machamp was an equal match for them, they had no reason to act rashly unless their own interests were threatened.
With Alakazam and Grumpig remaining still, there was even less reason for the quasi-Elite Four or High Elite Pokémon to take action.
And so, time passed in silent anticipation.
By dusk, the flower still showed no signs of releasing its lotus seeds.
Observing the other Psychic-types, who were all meditating while maintaining their vigilance, Ron deduced that the lotus seeds would likely be fully matured within a day or two.
For Ron—who had already broken through to a Novice Psychic—meditation had become a substitute for sleep. With Gardevoir standing watch and Machamp ensuring safety, he had no concerns about rest.
The following day, shimmering light particles radiated from the flower.
As the first petal bloomed, a fragrant aroma filled the air. Just inhaling it for a moment made Ron feel sharp and refreshed.
"Get ready, Machamp. It's time for you to snatch the lotus seeds. Our baseline goal is two seeds—if possible, grab more."
"Persian, I'm leaving the defensive perimeter to you."
"Gardevoir, keep Machamp updated with psychic information and support whenever necessary."
As the other Psychic-types prepared themselves, Ron relayed his instructions via telepathy.
Machamp nodded, bracing for action.
Persian remained on high alert, keeping a wary eye on the surrounding Pokémon, while Gardevoir expanded its psychic field, ensuring they'd sense any incoming hostility the moment it arose.
On the lake's surface, the flower had bloomed halfway. The scent had grown even richer, yet it remained pleasant rather than overwhelming.
The power contained within the fragrance left Ron completely invigorated, further proving the lotus seeds' potency.
Time ticked by.
Finally, the last petal began to unfurl.
All eyes were on the flower as its fate was about to be decided...
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