Pokemon: Lord of Fear

"Sir, these are the Pokémon we've selected that meet your requirements." An Alakazam, with eyes slightly narrowed, floated before Edward. Its intelligent gaze locked onto him as a stack of files floated gracefully to Edward, hovering right in front of him.

Edward glanced over the files.

[Name: Melody]

[Species: Gothitelle]

[Profile: Psychic-type Pokémon with certifications in over fifty professional fields, including Alliance-certified licenses for law practice, accounting, teaching, and management. Extensive experience in administration and HR.]

[Salary expectation: 10k/month]

[Additional requirements: Miss Melody does not accept overtime or work outside regular hours.]

"Uh-huh," Edward scratched his head and then shook it. While Miss Melody was undoubtedly impressive, she didn't suit Edward's needs. As a film director, Edward often had to work late shooting movies, which didn't align with her strict work-life boundaries.

Edward proceeded to look through Alakazam's and Gardevoir's files but decided to keep exploring his options. After all, the secretary position was crucial.

[Name: The Most Handsome and Tragic Zoroark in the Alliance]

[Species: Zoroark]

[Profile: Dark-type Pokémon with 172 certifications, triple doctorates in economics, physics, and Pokémon studies. Exceptionally knowledgeable but known for a difficult personality and high demands. Most previous jobs lasted less than a month.]

[Salary expectation: 15k/month]

[Additional requirements: Job must align with Zoroark's interests, and the employer must meet Zoroark's aesthetic standards.]

"?" Edward slowly typed a question mark in his mind.

What on earth?

What kind of mythical Pokémon was this?

Edward scanned the list of certifications. Each one was remarkably prestigious, including an eighth-level welding license. He couldn't fathom why this Zoroark needed such a qualification, but there it was.

Its peculiar personality and high standards seemed accurate. Just look at the demands:

The job must fit its preferences, and the employer had to meet its aesthetic standards. A Pokémon that literally judged by appearances—and just check out its name.

Edward could already tell how challenging this Zoroark would be. Pokémon applicants wrote their own names on the forms, so this exaggerated title was entirely self-chosen.

"This Zoroark has been unemployed for quite some time. If you choose to hire it, the salary can be lowered to 10k/month," Alakazam explained dutifully, though with a peculiar expression.

"I'll take a look at the Escavalier files instead," Edward shook his head. He was here to find a secretary, not to take on a new challenge.

Compared to this troublesome Zoroark, Escavalier seemed far more reliable. Male Escavalier, naturally skilled as butlers, would make excellent secretaries.

"Someone accessed my file?" a lazy voice chimed in, causing Alakazam's eyes to widen. Edward froze for a moment, then felt a smooth, warm arm rest on his shoulder. He turned his head to find a blonde, blue-eyed woman smiling brightly at him.

"Zoroark, this is the employer, but he hasn't decided to hire you yet," Alakazam used psychic energy to separate Zoroark, who shrugged playfully. Before Edward's eyes, the woman transformed into a dark-haired man.

"Relax, old Kode. I'm so broke I'm eating dirt. That's why I came to see if anyone wanted to hire me." The smooth, magnetic voice came from Zoroark as it stretched lazily. A black tail swayed behind it, proving its Pokémon identity.

Edward squinted.

This Zoroark was something else. Its ability to freely transform appearances, even altering its voice, was extraordinary. Without it revealing its tail, he wouldn't have realized it was a Pokémon.

Kode, the old Alakazam, stood silently behind Edward, his gaze unreadable as he watched Zoroark. Its peculiar personality was undeniable, leaving Edward wondering if he should hire it.

"Zoroark, if your demands weren't so high, plenty of people would hire you," Kode said, exasperated.

"Better no job than the wrong one. I'm just looking for something normal," Zoroark replied, propping its chin on its hands as it leaned on a cabinet. Its bright blue eyes briefly studied Edward before it nodded in approval. "This employer has a decent appearance."

"Hey, little guy~ How about hiring me?" Zoroark chuckled warmly, watching Edward as it continuously shifted forms.

From a young girl to a mature woman, a handsome man, an older gentleman, and a boy, its voice and appearance constantly morphed, giving Edward a headache.

He couldn't help but wonder about Zoroark's gender. Was it male or female?

Of course, he wasn't trying to form a relationship with a Pokémon—he was simply curious.

"I'm hiring a secretary who will handle a lot of daily tasks," Edward started, feeling that Zoroark was bound to be more trouble than it was worth. He opted for a polite rejection.

"Big brother, Zoroark can do anything!" A black-haired young girl with wide, hopeful eyes looked up at him.

"Just a secretary? Boss, I've already planned your afternoon schedule," a man in a butler's outfit said next.

Edward's face twitched at the sight of Zoroark's antics.

"Perhaps being a secretary isn't suitable, but I think you should consider acting. Your transformation skills would be perfect for films," Edward suggested seriously.

Zoroark, now in the form of an elegant woman, paused.

"Acting?" it asked with a curious smile.

"Yes. Your abilities make you a natural fit for acting," Edward replied earnestly.

Zoroark rested its chin on its hand, its sapphire eyes fixed on Edward.

"Does it pay well?" Zoroark asked with a grin.

"Movie roles pay well, and if you gain fame, your pay will only increase," Edward explained, slightly puzzled. Had Zoroark never acted before?

(End of chapter)