Pokemon: I am a God-level Player

Due to Team Rocket's bombing, many parts of the Ocean cruise ship were damaged, especially the deck where Eddie and Lt. Surge had fought, which was completely destroyed.

Concerned that the ship might sink, almost everyone suggested that the cruise ship return to Vermilion City as soon as possible.

The captain agreed with this assessment. After all, there were too many important people aboard, and he didn't dare risk having these passengers remain on a vessel that could sink at any moment.

After making simple repairs, the cruise ship immediately turned around. Following a night of rapid sailing, it finally returned to Vermilion City by morning.

At dawn, Riolu, who had been guarding Eddie, suddenly began to change. A burst of brilliant light instantly startled Eddie, who had been resting nearby.

As Riolu emitted this radiance, his body gradually grew larger, and his aura became more powerful.

"Ding! Congratulations on your Riolu evolving into Lucario! Learned [Aura Sphere]!"

Name: Lucario

Attribute: Fighting + Steel

Ability: Steadfast

"What a shame! If this had happened when we were fighting Lt. Surge, he wouldn't have escaped no matter what," Eddie remarked, witnessing Riolu's evolution without much surprise, though with a touch of regret.

Though they had only been together for a few days, their bond was strong. With the help of the Soothe Bell, their friendship had likely reached over 225 during the late stages of last night's battle.

But for Riolu to evolve, it had to happen during daylight hours. Although Eddie didn't understand the principle behind it, Riolu could only evolve during the day.

"Still, after this battle, all my Pokémon have completed their final evolutions, and our overall strength has improved significantly. I think if we encounter Lt. Surge again now, Ash might not need to face him directly."

Both Ash and Eddie's injuries had been treated, and thanks to the advanced medical technology of the Pokémon world, they had fully recovered. Ash had even jumped out of bed, energetic as ever.

Finally, under Ash and Eddie's guidance, everyone on the ship learned that Team Rocket had stolen numerous Pokémon in Vermilion City and hidden them in the lower decks of the Ocean cruise ship.

They contacted the Vermilion City police, and with everyone's help, the stolen Pokémon were returned intact to their owners.

"Ding! You have successfully helped Ash investigate and solve the Pokémon theft incident, completing the hidden task: Vermilion City Pokémon Theft Investigation!"

"Ding! Obtained the task rewards: Metal Coat, TM [Blizzard], Rare Candy×5, Gold Bottle Cap×2, Ability Capsule!"

"Wow, these rewards are incredible—worth all my hard work," Eddie murmured, examining the generous rewards. He was especially pleased with the last item. If he weren't in public, he would have laughed out loud.

Since he couldn't properly examine his rewards here, he planned to say goodbye to Ash and leave immediately.

Eddie and Ash had already disembarked from the ship. Ash was speaking with the president of the so-called Pokémon Fan Club, who was tearfully expressing his gratitude.

"Morning Sun, I'm truly grateful. If you hadn't come to help me, I might have been in danger. No—I would have died," Ash said with sincere appreciation as he walked over to Eddie after speaking with the president.

"Actually, if I hadn't participated, according to the original plot, Lt. Surge might have only used a level 30-something Electabuzz," Eddie thought to himself, feeling somewhat embarrassed by Ash's gratitude. In the original story, the enemy had been just one Electabuzz—one that could be defeated by a fast-swimming Poliwrath.

And Ash had been an excellent assistant during the battle. Without him, Eddie would certainly have needed to reveal more of his capabilities.

"Don't mention it. I gained a lot from this battle too. Next time there's such a good opportunity, call me," Eddie replied honestly, but his response made Ash look at him like a close friend.

"Alright, we've been fighting for a day and a night. I need to get some proper rest today. See you next time." Eddie had already spotted police officers approaching. Not wanting to deal with the tedious process of giving statements, he quickly said goodbye to Ash and smoothly made his escape.

Watching Eddie leave, Ash's mind filled with question marks.

But seconds later, several police officers approached Ash and asked in a friendly tone, "Would you mind providing a statement? It might take all day."

Ash's face instantly darkened as he understood why Eddie had run away—and realized he'd been tricked. Eddie's actions had essentially pushed all these responsibilities onto Ash.

But Eddie was already long gone, so Ash could only follow the officers to the police station to give his statement.

Meanwhile, Eddie arrived at the Pokémon Center. After quickly buying some Pokémon delicacies, he secured a room, planning to go inside and immediately inventory his newly acquired items.

"Morning Sun, wait a minute!"

A familiar voice suddenly called from behind him, reaching out to grab Eddie just as he was about to enter his room.

"Oh, Professor Birch! Why are you here?" Eddie turned to see Professor Birch smiling at him, with May beside him staring at Eddie with extremely admiring eyes.

"The cruise ship was damaged beyond recognition. It barely made it back to Vermilion City. Additionally, many people were traumatized, so we'll be changing ships and departing tomorrow."

Professor Birch rolled his eyes when he heard Eddie's question, his expression suggesting that Eddie had contributed significantly to the cruise ship's damage.

"Alright, you don't need to explain. Ultimately, you helped expose Team Rocket's Pokémon trafficking operation, which is commendable. As for your fight with Lt. Surge, we just need to understand what happened."

Professor Birch had initially been suspicious of Lt. Surge, but when Team Rocket appeared and Lt. Surge immediately vanished, he understood why Eddie had been fighting him.

However, he would make his own arrangements regarding these matters after returning, so there was no need for further discussion at this point.

"Is there anything else you need? I'm rather tired and would like to rest," Eddie said. In truth, he was quite energetic, eager to examine his rewards—something he always did with great enthusiasm.

"I didn't want to disturb you, but May insisted on seeing you," Professor Birch explained, looking somewhat helpless as he gestured toward May.

"Brother Morning Sun, that trainer battle you just had was a real fight, wasn't it? How can I become as strong as you?" May asked with a determined expression, quite different from her softer demeanor on the boat.