Proficiency System: Galactic Grunt!

Host: Lily Viper

Age: 13

Rank: Team Galactic Grunt

Skills: Battling F (0/10), Poison Resistance F (0/10), Training F (0/10), Communication F (0/10),

Unique Skills: None

Equipment: Gas Mask

In a brightly lit building at the heart of Team Galactic's clandestine headquarters, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The walls were adorned with the unmistakable yellow insignias of the organization, casting an eerie hue that contrasted starkly with the cold metal surfaces. The room was illuminated by the soft, pulsating glow of holographic screens displaying intricate schematics of energy sources and powerful machinery.

The assembled grunts, clad in the signature Team Galactic uniforms, stood in formation, their eyes fixed on a raised platform at the room's forefront. Lily Viper, a no-name grunt with nothing to her name, stood at attention. Her gas mask, a distinctive accessory that concealed her expression, lent an air of enigma to her presence among the crowd of spacemen and spacewomen.

As the soft hum of digital devices and the occasional flicker of screens filled the air, a sense of tension hung like a shroud. Lily's fellow grunts shifted uneasily, the anticipation palpable as they awaited the arrival of the one who commanded their loyalty. Whispers of Cyrus, the enigmatic leader, circulated through the ranks, invoking both admiration and unease.

The entrance to the chamber slid open with a faint hiss, and a figure emerged, exuding an aura of authority that seemed to permeate the very air. Cyrus, the leader of Team Galactic, strode forward with confident steps, his sharp, calculating eyes surveying the assembled grunts. His presence was as commanding as it was unnerving, a testament to his unwavering conviction and strength.

Lily Viper, her gas mask concealing her features, stood among her comrades, quite interested in their supposed leader. The room seemed to hold its breath as Cyrus ascended the platform, his gaze sweeping over each individual as if assessing their worthiness. The air was charged with a mix of admiration, apprehension, and an undeniable loyalty that bound the grunts to his cause.

"Dear Team Galactic members, lend me your ears! I stand before you today as Cyrus, a name you know well or shall know well. Our world, as we perceive it, is a raw and unfinished creation. It has forever been a harsh struggle to thrive in this environment. Humans and Pokémon, both, are born incomplete, and this deficiency fuels our conflicts, our suffering... It's a gruesome reality. I loathe this imperfection with every fiber of my being." He looked sorrowful

"This world yearns for wholeness. And who, my comrades, shall bring about this transformation? It shall be me, Cyrus, in concert with Team Galactic, and each and every one of you. Together, we will delve into ancient legends, unveil their hidden truths, and harness the power of legendary Pokémon. Now, Team Galactic shall wield the might to reshape our world. The very essence of dreams is within our reach." Cyrus clenched his fist as he looked at them.

"Comprehend this, my devoted allies. Our long-cherished vision is on the brink of becoming a reality. Let us herald a new era for Team Galactic! Let glory be our reward!" Cyrus concluded his arousing speech to the applause of the crowd.

Lily watched the parting of Cyrus with his back straight as he took in his words. A whole new world, huh? She was interested. Very interested. Just what were the possibilities of this new world? It wouldn't hurt to find out, for herself, what this new world would entail.

After Cyrus left, the grunts were gathered up. Each grunt was being sent to complete different tasks at random, it seems. When Lily made it to the front of the line, she was greeted by Commander Jupiter. "Well, look at you… Aren't you a cutie?" She smiled at her. "I have something special in mind for you."

Lily made her way to Sandgem Town to confront Professor Rowan and convince him to hand over his research findings to their organization. Alongside her was another grunt, an older man. As Lily set out on her first mission alongside her dismissive and arrogant partner, his demeanor was immediately revealed to be unpleasant. With each step they took towards Sandgem Town, he couldn't seem to resist showcasing his rather annoying personality.

"Hey, kid, try not to slow me down too much. We're on a mission here, not a leisurely stroll," he scoffed, casting an impatient glance her way.

Lily's silence only seemed to fuel his need to fill the air with his words. "You know, not everyone's cut out for this kind of work. But I suppose Team Galactic has to take what it can get if they're taking in brats like you." He chuckled to himself, his arrogance evident. "I mean, look at you. But I guess someone thinks you might have some use." His tone dripped with condescension, and Lily's gas mask hid any display of emotion she might have had.

"Let me give you a little piece of advice since you seem like you could use it," he continued a self-satisfied grin on his face. "Stick close to me, and maybe you'll learn a thing or two. But who am I kidding? You'll probably just be dead weight."

He quickened his pace to stay ahead of Lily. "And another thing, don't think for a second that you're going to get any special treatment. You're just a grunt like the rest of us, no matter how much you might daydream otherwise." Lily maintained her silence, not thinking too much of the blabbermouth.

"Let's make this clear, shall we? This mission is important, and I won't let you mess it up. Got it? I've got a reputation to uphold, and I won't let you drag me down." His words were a mixture of arrogance and hostility.

Lily's focus remained on the task at hand, her thoughts hidden behind her gas mask. She was rather interested in Professor Rowan's research. The fact that this was a mission at all suggested that the research had some use in acquiring a new world or to the new world. All she knew of Professor Rowan was what everyone knew of him as the Pokemon Professor of Sinnoh. Finally, they spotted Professor Rowan in Jubilife City, and Lily's ears could get the deserved break they needed.

"Now, now, now, now, now! Professor Rowan, you must comply! Hand over all of your research findings. For free, naturally." He dismissively spoke to the famous professor. "Failure to comply will result in a painful time for your assistant." Lily finally saw a good trait in the talkative fool. Threatening the assistant was a good decision.

"Ah, Dawn. Well, how is the Pokedex progressing?" Not giving mind to Lily's partner in the slightest.

"Hi, Professor Rowan! The Pokédex is coming along really well. I've been traveling all over Sinnoh and encountering so many different Pokémon. It's been quite the adventure!" Dawn excitedly responded.

"Hm! That's Oreburgh's Gym Badge, I see. But hadn't I given you your first Pokemon only recently…? Perhaps being a trainer is like second nature to you." Professor Rowan complimented.

"Oh, professor of Pokemon, must you be so difficult? We are speaking to you on business. Because this is work for us. What we're saying is-- we demand you comply with our demands." Lily's partner wasn't so easily deterred.

"Quiet, you lot! Why must you be such a nuisance?!" Rowan sternly retorted. "Let me list some lessons you still need to learn."

"#1: Don't loiter about for no good reason. #2: Don't interrupt others while they are attempting to converse. #3: If you don't get your way, don't raise your voice to be intimidating. #4: Don't think you've grown strong just because you're in a group. #5: What is with those outlandish outfits you got on?" The old man ranted. "My goodness, and you call yourself an adult? Child, you shouldn't be traveling along with this ill-mannered poor excuse of an adult, I tell you. Dawn, Lucas, don't grow up to be like this man." He lectured them.

"Yes, professor." They responded.

"Eeeeeh! You had to make this personal! You have forced our hands into making a show of force! We will make you regret insulting Team Galactic!" Her partner dragged her into his personal vendetta.

"You kids, give these thugs a lesson in civility, please." Professor Rowan requested.

"Dawn! Let's battle together!" The assistant shouted at the girl.

With a swift, practiced motion, Lily unclipped a Poké Ball from her belt. The spherical device glimmered in the sunlight, its surface reflecting the promise of the battle ahead. She held the Poké Ball aloft, her fingers pressing against the button with a resolute purpose. In an instant, the sphere expanded into a radiant burst of light.

As the brilliance subsided, the light coalesced into a distinct form, revealing Lily's chosen partner. Emerging from the red beam was Koffing, its appearance not catching anyone's attention. The spherical Pokémon hung suspended just above the ground, its thin, purplish skin glistening in the sunlight.

Koffing's vacant eyes, normally shrouded in a daze, were focused on the battlefield with an air of readiness. Its wide mouth, lined with pointed teeth, gave it a strangely determined expression despite its otherwise amorphous appearance. A cream-colored skull-and-crossbones marking adorned the space beneath its face, a stark contrast to its otherwise unconventional appearance.

Protrusions resembling geyser vents covered Koffing's body, exuding an eerie and mustard-hued gas that lingered in the air around it. The toxic cloud swirled and danced, giving Koffing an almost lethal presence as it floated effortlessly above the ground.