Pokemon: Champion's Path

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Caller: Professor Sada.

"Huh?"

Eric blinked in surprise. 'Why would Sada be calling now? Could it be that the Tera Orb was finally complete?'

His fingers moved quickly, answering the call. The faint crackling sound of static reminded him how outdated his phone had become. He sighed. "I really should replace this old thing."

He vividly remembered buying this second-hand phone shortly after arriving in this world, burning through most of his early savings. Ironically, it was also the reason he had met Luxray.

"What's wrong with your phone?"

Sada's voice, tinged with amusement, came through the receiver.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Eric chuckled. "It's just getting old. I'll have to upgrade it soon."

"I see," Sada replied, the smile evident in her tone. "Anyway, the Tera Orb is ready."

Eric's eyes lit up. "Oh? Should I come to the lighthouse lab to pick it up?"

"Not necessary. A certain eager delivery boy volunteered to bring it to you." Sada's voice softened with a hint of pride.

"…Arven?" Eric paused, his tone hesitant. Her silence was all the confirmation he needed.

He sighed. "He's just a kid. Are you really okay with him crossing the wilds of South Province Area One to get to my location?"

"Why not? Arven's already ten years old. In other regions, kids his age would've already set off on their Pokémon journey," Sada reasoned. "Besides, Mabosstiff is with him. Its strength is more than enough to handle the area's Pokémon."

"…Fair point," Eric conceded. He had momentarily forgotten one of the Pokémon world's most absurd rules: ten-year-olds were considered independent enough to travel and train Pokémon.

He couldn't help but think of Arven and Nemona both at the age where they were deemed "adults" by this world's standards.

"Well, Arven should be arriving at the town gate soon. He doesn't know where your farm is, so you'll need to meet him there," Sada added.

"Got it," Eric replied, glancing at Swampert, who had just lumbered into view.

"Oh, one more thing," Sada said, her tone turning serious. "If you have any questions about the Tera Orb, ask me in the next few days. Once the school term begins, my husband and I will be returning to the Great Crater for research. We won't be available for a while."

Eric was silent for a moment before asking, "If you're both heading into the crater… what about Arven?"

Sada's expression softened. "The academy has a boarding system, so Arven will stay there even when we're home. To help him adapt, we've always encouraged him to live on campus. He's more independent than he seems recently, he's even taken an interest in cooking."

She chuckled. "Still, I'll feel much better knowing he has someone looking out for him. So, please take care of him, Eric."

"…Fine," Eric sighed.

After a few more exchanges, Sada ended the call. Turning to Swampert, Eric smiled apologetically. "Change of plans. Let's go pick someone up."

Swampert gave a stoic nod, its heavy footsteps echoing as it followed Eric toward the town gate.

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South Province Area One, Lighthouse Laboratory.

Sada set her phone down and glanced at her husband, Turo.

"It seems we'll owe Eric a significant favour," Turo said, adjusting his futuristic attire.

Sada toyed with the beast-tooth necklace around her neck, nodding. "I've been worried about Arven ever since I heard rumours of bullying at the academy. He's not the kind of child to fight back he'd probably just take it in silence. Aside from Geeta, we don't have many connections at the academy."

She paused. "Call it instinct, but I trust Eric to look out for Arven. Asking him to do so might've been shameless, but I couldn't help it."

Turo pulled out a copy of the Violet Book, running his hand over its cover. "Shameless or not, you're right. Once we're in the crater, we'll barely have time for anything else, let alone Arven. These years of absence… who knows how long they'll last?"

He sighed. "It's cruel that we're forced to choose between our dream and our responsibility as parents."

Sada placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Then let's work hard to find a balance between the two."

Turo gave her a small, grateful smile. "Agreed."

---

At Farm

"Wow! Is this your farm, Un—Brother Eric?" Arven's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he eagerly took in the surroundings.

Eric raised a brow at the near slip. "You were about to call me 'Uncle,' weren't you?"

Ignoring his teasing, Arven exclaimed, "It looks so big! But… it still seems like a lot of work."

Eric smirked. "Exactly. Right now, it's mostly just barren land. Turning it into a proper farm will take time and effort."

Arven nodded thoughtfully before rummaging through Mabosstiff's saddlebag. Pulling out a sleek, black crystal-like orb, he presented it to Eric with both hands.

"This is the Tera Orb Mom asked me to deliver!"

Eric carefully took the orb, marvelling at its craftsmanship. Smooth and flawless, the Tera Orb felt cool to the touch, its glossy black surface glinting faintly in the sunlight.

Holding it up, he couldn't help but admire its elegance. "Incredible… I can't imagine the skill it took to create something like this."

Arven tugged on his sleeve. "Brother Eric, do you know how to use it?"

Eric hesitated, then nodded. "I remember the basics. Let's give it a try."

He turned to Swampert, who met his gaze with a steady, knowing look. Their bond spoke volumes without the need for words.

A grin spread across Eric's face. Placing the Tera Orb into his palm, he shouted, "Swampert, let's Terastallize!"

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