Pokemon Paldea [259-260] (Patreon)

Chapter 259: Principal Clavell, the promoted Lucas, and a spar with the other Battle Studies teacher, Dendra!

After a half-month break, Naranja Academy finally reopened today.

Dressed casually, Lucas walked up the seemingly endless steps of Mesagoza, eyeing the students in Naranja uniforms around him, looking thoughtful.

The crowd feels thinner.

That, too, was within his expectations. Under Geeta's sweeping reforms, many staff and students were dismissed; some staff, even the Director, resigned to take responsibility.

Coupled with a wave of withdrawals from parents worried about safety after the academy scandal, the ancient, storied Naranja Academy suffered a heavy blow.

Working the farm every day had made Lucas sturdier. After climbing the big stairway straight to the academy gates in one go, he was only slightly winded—he even had energy for another round.

"Hm, only 8:55. Just in time to slip in—not like I have to clock in anyway."

He raised his wrist: a stylish silver mechanical watch—a purchase Oranguru had insisted on. "As a teacher, you need at least this level of self-presentation," it had said.

He usually checked the time on his phone, but glancing at a watch now and then wasn't so bad.

With that, Lucas pushed open the academy gates—

Urgent footsteps rang behind him, racing closer, accompanied by a sweet voice wailing in distress.

He paused. Those sharp clacks on stone—high heels?

"I'm gonna be late! I'm gonna be late! I'm gonna be late! I can't leave a bad impression on the chairwoman on my first day!"

The triple late conveyed her panic, and the rest gave away her identity—a newly hired staff member.

As she neared, Lucas slipped through the gate and turned aside, letting a pink-lavender-haired woman in high heels breeze past into campus.

Her retreating figure looked familiar. Lucas frowned slightly.

Probably a named NPC from the game. White lab coat and pink-purple hair—likely the new nurse.

The previous nurse had colluded with the head of discipline to cover up bullying; after being fired, someone had to replace her.

Her name was… Miriam, right?

On the high podium, Geeta's speech reached its final stretch.

Facing the reporters she had exceptionally allowed onto campus, Geeta declared solemnly, "In my capacity as Chairwoman of the Paldea League, its Top Champion, and the academy's Chairwoman, I guarantee that Naranja Academy will strictly punish all behaviors mentioned, and provide a clear, free, harmonious, and joyful campus environment for all faculty and students."

"We ask the people of Paldea—and of all leagues—to grant us one more chance to prove ourselves."

She bowed deeply. The newly appointed leadership standing with her bowed as well.

Students and reporters, moved by her speech, applauded. Parents watching the unprecedented live broadcast around the world wore pensive looks.

Could they trust Naranja Academy one more time?

Moments later, as the media withdrew in an orderly fashion, only staff, students, and League personnel temporarily helping remained on campus.

Geeta exhaled almost imperceptibly, then murmured to the elderly white-haired man beside her, "Clavell, say a few words."

The man she called Clavell nodded, picked up the mic, and stood.

Geeta had already introduced the new staff; the students knew Clavell was the new Director of Naranja Academy. They straightened and listened attentively.

As Clavell delivered a warm, personable speech, Lucas—seated to Geeta's left—wore a complicated expression.

For the record, he had nothing against Clavell. In the game, this Director who cared deeply for his students left a great impression on him.

What nearly made him lose composure was…

Because almost all the former staff had resigned, he—a part-time teacher who'd been shoved onstage only months ago—had suddenly become the most senior instructor.

As he sat down, he'd heard a bunch of familiar faces calling him "senpai." 

That included Hassel, now the art teacher, and even the former Montenevera Gym Leader, old Ms. Tyme… 

And Geeta had seated him at her left for a simple reason: despite no standout achievements yet, Lucas had been promoted.

Not only was his pay multiplied several times and his workload lightened, but he also got the title Head of Battle Studies.

From now on, he only needed to teach the students whose talent he personally recognized. All other students would be taught by the new Battle Studies teacher, Dendra.

How did I suddenly become Geeta's right-hand man at the academy?

After Clavell's speech and the new teachers' self-introductions, Geeta dismissed everyone.

There would be no classes today—to let students reacquaint themselves with campus and give new teachers time to learn the grounds and meet the students.

As they dispersed, everyone's senpai for Lucas upgraded to Head. Hassel in particular was waggling his brows and calling him "Head," and Lucas almost couldn't resist decking him.

"Head" evokes stereotypical middle-aged bald guys or menopausal aunties—it made Lucas a bit uncomfortable.

But remembering Geeta's quiet talk—and the triple salary raise—he pinched his nose and accepted it.

What could he do? The offer was too good.

Choosing which promising students to take on, though, needed careful thought. According to Geeta, he'd be taking some students to Blueberry Academy for friendly exchange.

Lucas strolled across the academy field, considering whom to train.

First, Nemona—her Trainer talent really shone like the morning star. After half a month, she'd probably improved a lot.

Eri was good too: a Fighting-type specialist who progressed alongside her partners—a great trait. As the trusted mentor of Team Star in the future he'd already butterfly-effected, her character was beyond reproach.

Ortega and Giacomo, by contrast, seemed more talented in other areas than as Trainers. As for Mela and Atticuso, whom he hadn't met yet, maybe put them on hold.

He'd already promised to help Arven grow stronger, and Arven was trying hard. Arven could count too.

That made two from the Scarlet/Violet main cast.

As for Penny—her Trainer talent might be solid; in the original game she rallied Team Star and turned the tables on the bullies, scaring them into dropping out.

But perhaps because she's cute? As the descendant of Galar's former Steel Champion Peony, Penny's favorite Pokémon were the Eeveelutions.

Lucas liked them too. He even wanted to collect them all someday—one of each—making an Eevee Paradise on the farm!

He could try inviting Penny, but he suspected the homebody might refuse, claiming it was too troublesome.

"Sigh… Feels like Geeta maneuvered me. Being a teacher who only handles enrolled students was easier."

He sighed and decided to head to the library. Besides holing up in her dorm to game, Penny liked checking out computer science books there.

Just as he turned toward the library, a lively female voice called from behind.

"Head! Please wait!"

Lucas: "…"

He turned to see not only white-haired Clavell with six Premier Balls at his waist, but also a black-haired woman in athletic wear, with a healed X-shaped scar above her left eye.

Her name was Dendra—the new Battle Studies teacher, technically Lucas's subordinate—and she was the one calling out.

Meeting Lucas's visible confusion, Dendra got straight to the point. Clenching her yellow-white gloved fists, she said firmly, "This might be sudden, but I've heard you're a very powerful Trainer, Head. Please have a Pokémon battle with me!"

"I want to know how far I am from a fabled Champion-level Trainer!"

"Please!"

She bowed so low her forehead nearly touched the ground. She was one step short of a full dogeza.

Seeing Lucas silent—Clavell thought he was hesitating.

Honestly, Clavell also wanted to see the power of the Champion-level Trainer who passed Geeta's test—especially since Geeta wanted to entrust the Blueberry Academy exchange to him.

So Clavell urged, "Head Lucas, Dendra will be half your subordinate going forward. Consider it testing your subordinate's strength?"

"…All right. Also, no need to be so formal—just call me by my name. I don't care about titles."

Under their puzzled looks, Lucas, gritting his teeth, accepted Dendra's challenge.

…

"Did you hear? On the practice field, Head Lucas's battling the new Battle Studies teacher Dendra!"

The rumor spread fast. With nothing else to do, students flocked to watch.

Arven, bonding with Shellder by the pool; Nemona, catching up with friends after half a month; Penny, reading in the library… Lucas's acquaintances all paused, then headed to the field.

In a blink, the field was packed.

In the chairwoman's office, Geeta stood at the window, watching the sea of heads below, smiling with interest.

According to Larry's rush report that night, Lucas's skills hadn't dulled amid farm life—they'd surged. The Swampert that could Mega Evolve, per Larry's evaluation, was already at a level comparable to her ace.

"Interesting… Champion Lucas, I knew I read you right. Your talent shines like the morning star in the night."

Watching the two take their places on the field, Geeta's lips curled.

"More people than I expected."

Lucas stared deadpan at the crowd choking the field. He hadn't expected his spar with Dendra to cause such a stir. In the crowd he spotted Nemona, Arven, Penny, Eri, and others.

A flush rose on Dendra's cheeks, stoked by fighting spirit. She felt totally fired up—getting to battle a legendary Champion-level Trainer! 

Too lucky!

 She had to go all out!

"Both sides ready. Battle, start!"

At referee Clavell's signal, the two—unfazed by the many eyes—sent out their Pokémon.

"Kommo-o, make a grand entrance!"

"Raging Bolt, come stretch your legs."

With twin flashes of red, two Dragon-type Pokémon appeared.

On Dendra's side, the dark-gold armored dragon shook its tail, scales clanging as it postured at the much larger Raging Bolt!

Kommo-o loves fighting strong foes who don't flinch at the clack of its scales. Even if the other's size and aura surpass it, it won't back down.

As an Alolan pseudo-legend, Kommo-o is well known even in Paldea, with many fans.

But right now, Kommo-o's presence was utterly eclipsed by Raging Bolt.

Dendra's eyes widened. She whispered, "…First time seeing this Pokémon."

Students gasped at the sight of Raging Bolt.

"What is that Pokémon?"

"Never seen it—so big! Looks insanely strong!"

Students from Johto were especially confused.

Why did this "Raging Bolt" share features with their region's legendary beast Raikou?

Clavell's expression changed; sweat beaded as he gripped a Premier Ball. His body trembled as memories surfaced.

That size, that primeval, savage aura—he couldn't mistake it.

Raging Bolt was a Paradox Pokémon!

Goodness—Lucas had captured a Paradox Pokémon and brought it out of Area Zero? Was he mad?

 These beings lack sapience; guided only by instinct, they're bloodthirsty beasts. If it rampaged, the lives of this densely packed crowd would be at risk!

 Naranja Academy's reputation would be finished!

Only one thought remained in Clavell's mind—he had to stop Raging Bolt!

Just as he was about to release a Pokémon, his special ringtone sounded—Geeta was calling.

Eyes locked on the still-calm Raging Bolt, Clavell answered. Geeta's voice came through.

"It's fine, Clavell. I authorized him to bring the Paradox Pokémon Raging Bolt out of the crater. That Raging Bolt is… a bit different."

"Let's see it: the Paradox Pokémon thought untamable—what brilliance will it show under the command of a top-tier, Champion-level Trainer?"

At the window, Geeta's face was lit with anticipation and a smile.

Chapter 260: Raging Bolt vs. Kommo-o

Whether Area Zero's monsters can be tamed has nothing to do with a trainer's talent or strength—they lack the crucial sapience of Pokémon. Clavell knew this truth from working alongside Professors Sada and Turo.

It was the consensus of all who had ventured into Area Zero.

Clavell lowered his arm. For now, he could only trust Geeta—and Lucas.

On the field, the battle began under countless eyes.

Not refusing Lucas's offer to let her move first, Dendra smiled and ordered excitedly, "Kommo-o, begin with Dragon Dance!"

It was practically a free turn. Rather than attacking rashly, it was better to boost and seize advantage—a lesson Dendra had learned from countless matches against Iono.

"Roooaaar!"

Kommo-o slammed its powerful arms together and leapt into a fierce Dragon Dance. A faint red aura lit its form—its already excellent Speed and Attack rose a stage!

Lucas ordered in time, "Electric Terrain."

In Clavell's widening eyes, Raging Bolt began to move—obeying command.

Raging Bolt slammed its forefeet down. Lightning erupted from its purple, storm-cloud mane; terrifying Electric energy coursed into the ground. In a blink, the field was a crackling domain of arcs and sparks!

"So it's Electric. Kommo-o, Earthquake!"

With the initiative, Dendra pressed the advantage, giving the second order while Raging Bolt set up.

Kommo-o obeyed. Earthen energy coated its arms as it hammered the ground with crushing force.

No one doubted the quake would be terrifying; students braced or grabbed supports to avoid falling.

In that instant, Electric Terrain finished spreading. Lucas chuckled, "Thunderclap."

A muffled thundercrack burst. In the next heartbeat—before anyone fully processed it—thunder roared from Raging Bolt's mane and smote Kommo-o's sturdy body, overtaking it before its move landed!

"Gyaaa!!!"

Kommo-o's pupils shrank. Before its sharp senses could react, its body was flooded with lightning. It howled in pain, and its Earthquake motion stalled under paralysis.

Arven's eyes went round. 

What just happened? Even for lightning, wasn't that too fast?

Raging Bolt is a Paradox Pokémon, right?

So if he wanted to go into Area Zero to protect his parents, that meant he'd have to face down Paradox Pokémon like Raging Bolt?

 Huh? Me, fighting Paradox Pokémon? Seriously?

Arven fell into thought.

As a Dragon famed for physical prowess—and a top-tier one at that—Kommo-o endured the current by sheer durability.

Even so, scorched patches marred its scales; the air reeked of something singed. Despite resisting Electric, Thunderclap under Electric Terrain dealt hefty damage.

The Thunderclap caught Dendra off guard—not just the unfamiliar name, but the effect. Electric moves shouldn't work like that; only something like the Dark-type Sucker Punch felt similar.

She called out, worried, "Kommo-o! You okay?"

Kommo-o shook its head and growled to show it could continue.

Dendra's eyes sharpened. "Good. Let Mr. Lucas see our grit—Dragon Pulse!"

A blue-violet energy dragon lunged at Raging Bolt. Its force made students involuntarily step back, cowed by Kommo-o's presence.

Though it looked like a melee bruiser, Kommo-o's special attack wasn't shabby.

"We'll do it too. Dragon Pulse."

Lucas waited a moment for Dendra and Kommo-o to recover before ordering. This was a spar—a teaching match. No need to nitpick seconds; testing Raging Bolt's resistance to command mattered more.

Raging Bolt opened its jaws; massive Dragon energy gathered and surged forth as a snarling dragon.

The pulses collided and churned. Dust billowed at their clash, then Raging Bolt's clearly stronger pulse ripped through the smoke and howled on toward Kommo-o.

"Dragon Claw!"

"Rooar!"

Kommo-o roared, crossing its arms. Green dragon energy formed giant talons as it smashed into the oncoming pulse!

 Boom!

 The blast sent pressure and sound rolling outward; dust forced students to cover their noses and squint toward the center, eager to see if Kommo-o endured.

Anyone could tell there was a stark power gap. They wanted to know how long the new teacher could last against Lucas.

"Kommo-o is still standing!"

At the shout, eyes focused on the wavering silhouette in the dust—Kommo-o remained upright.

Dendra's face was grave. The physical gap was too big; she had to narrow it—now!

She would go all in!

 "Clangorous Soul!"

From within the dust came a roar louder than before; a metallic, stirring clamor resounded. As a blast of pressure cleared the air, Kommo-o charged with overwhelming presence!

 With each step, its life force waned.

With each step, its momentum soared.

Kommo-o's signature—sacrifice a large chunk of HP to boost all stats!

Dendra thrust her right fist forward. "Close Combat!"

Kommo-o, eyes reddened, blurred forward to Raging Bolt, unleashing a storm of punches. Flesh-on-armor thuds boomed; the shockwaves made students raise arms to shield themselves.

Raging Bolt lowered its gaze, admiring Kommo-o's full-power assault.

Not bad—striking at a much larger foe without fear. Fine courage.

But a dragon's majesty can't be infringed. Kommo-o knew the price to pay.

As that thought surfaced, Lucas's voice arrived on cue.

"Dragon Hammer."

Vast Dragon energy armored Raging Bolt's body—like a hard carapace, an unbreakable shell. Its massive form became a colossal battering ram, sweeping down with irresistible force!

 Kommo-o's flurry halted. In the next instant, overpowering force transmitted through its fists. Like a tennis ball off a racket, it was smashed into the cracking field.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Even that heavily boosted Kommo-o couldn't gain ground. How terrifying was Raging Bolt's raw power?

The blow was decisive, dropping Kommo-o's already low HP into the red.

Sparking and staggering within Electric Terrain, Kommo-o rose, feeling like it had been hit head-on by a truck.

Even on the brink, Kommo-o and Dendra's fighting spirit didn't falter—they still sought a way through!

Dendra didn't want to use a self-harming move, but she knew she had to use everything to contend with Raging Bolt.

"Clanging Scales, then Outrage!"

Kommo-o scraped its scales, letting loose a nails-on-chalkboard screech that sent students clutching their ears. Dragon-charged sound waves spread outward, then focused on Raging Bolt, making it falter.

Seizing that instant, Kommo-o threw back its head and roared. Blood-red light engulfed it as a terrifying aura shook the air. Fury-filled dragon eyes locked on Raging Bolt!

Now Kommo-o looked more like an Area Zero beast than Raging Bolt. Some students, boys and girls alike, hid behind friends.

To the enraged Kommo-o, only Raging Bolt existed. It shattered the ground, flashed in, and resumed a brutal Close Combat!

With all its boosts stacked, Kommo-o finally reached damage that could meaningfully hurt Raging Bolt. Lucas spoke.

"Wild Charge—"

Blinding current exploded around Raging Bolt, boosted by Electric Terrain.

Its huge body became a cannonball and slammed into Kommo-o. Gritting through the searing pain of electricity, Kommo-o held on—even as it was bulldozed back more than ten meters.

Behind her lenses, Penny's eyes flickered. She remembered how, when her father became Galar's new Champion, he'd also fought like Dendra…

 "Kommo-o, well done!"

Seeing Kommo-o finally withstand an exchange, Dendra's eyes lit. The chance was now or never.

"Use this strike to turn the tide! Kommo-o—Reversal!!!"

For a heartbeat, clarity returned to Kommo-o's blood-red eyes. It roared to the heavens; its precarious life force became boundless power, its aura spearing the sky.

Even if it would fall afterward, it would carve a mark onto Raging Bolt!

Right—Fighting-types love that comeback move; wasn't Cynthia's Garchomp flipped by Ash's Mega Lucario with Reversal?

Lucas's gaze dropped slightly. Electric Terrain was fading—time to end it.

He also wondered how brilliant this would look with Terastal and harsh sunlight someday.

As Kommo-o's tightly clenched fist shot for Raging Bolt, Lucas flicked his right hand up and murmured, "Electric Surge."

Vmm—

The sky thrummed.

In an instant, dazzling golden light filled every eye. Students flinched, tearing up reflexively.

The dying Terrain's electricity gathered into raging thunder at a single point. With an eardrum-shaking roar, a pillar of lightning speared the clouds.

Kommo-o's final lunge froze in place.

As the fury of lightning dissipated, a pungent burnt smell spread.

Dendra cracked her eyes open, heart hammering.

She saw it—Kommo-o still standing, fist just a step from Raging Bolt, body charred black. Her face changed and she stumbled forward.

In her panic, she couldn't even speak.

Raging Bolt looked down at the still-standing Kommo-o, admiration in its eyes.

Such grit—challenging a stronger foe and fighting to the last moment—deserved praise.

Knowing its presence made some nervous, Raging Bolt didn't toy with anyone's feelings. It glanced at Lucas, who returned it to a high-grade ball.

In the crowd, Nemona and Pawmot were shaken to their cores; a tiny seed took root.

Could they one day blaze with lightning like that?

Just then, a pretty pink-haired woman slipped through the crowd and hurried to Dendra and Kommo-o. Slightly surprised, she flashed a sweet smile.

"I'm Miriam, the nurse. Let me handle Kommo-o's treatment."

She pulled a Paralyze Heal spray from her lab coat, then released a Meganium to use Heal Pulse on the downed Kommo-o.

Lucas paused with Comfey's ball in hand, then smiled wryly. Fate sure wanted Miriam and Dendra to become friends.

Seeing Dendra's eyes fixed only on Kommo-o, he decided to save his suggestions for later. Right now, her entire heart was with Kommo-o.

Under gazes of awe or fear, Lucas turned away. With the battle done, he'd go check out his new private office from the promotion.

Clavell stared deeply at Lucas's back. Today, he had witnessed history—human and Paradox Pokémon fighting together.

The prejudice and stereotypes from his Area Zero research days were rewritten in that moment.

"Among Paradox Pokémon, there are truly special individuals who can partner with Trainers to fight."

Suppressing his excitement, Clavell announced, voice steady, "In this one-on-one singles match, the winners are Lucas and Raging Bolt!"

In the chairwoman's office, Geeta stood with hands behind her back, eyes still reflecting that pillar of lightning.

Her lips curled slightly. Glancing at a cooperation proposal from the Galar League, she whispered, "With his talent, it won't be long before he surpasses me—and contends with the brightest stars of other leagues."

"Professors Sada and Turo will be even more thrilled when they see this footage. The research into special Paradox individuals who can partner with Trainers already has a very mature direction."

"Oh—his Dragonite hasn't learned Extreme Speed yet, has it? The Johto dragon clan plans to host that… Hassel will probably dodge his family and not go. I'll ask Lucas if he wants to go."