Earned Respect

The rewards in the form of merit points were promptly credited to Yuga's identity account. The Attribute Gems, once Yuga selected the corresponding attribute, were sent to the Verdanturf Gym.

Yuga decided to allocate all these Attribute Gems to Lapras, specifically opting for Water Gems.

As for the ceremony to confer the status of a Direct-lineage Trainer, it was more of a symbol of one's identity. Officially, these trainers were known as Direct-lineage Trainers, not simply "heirs" as the term was colloquially used.

In the league's system, anyone who registered as a trainer, met the age requirements, and upheld the league's rules could become a registered trainer, an off-roster member of the league.

Beyond that were the official trainers, recognized by the league, which indicated a formal entry into the league's ranks. Apprentice trainers acknowledged by the official gyms fell into this category.

However, becoming a Direct-lineage Trainer, colloquially known as an heir, required either significant merit or specific circumstances. Unlike other ranks, becoming a Direct-lineage Trainer relied primarily on one's merit.

Subsequently, the hierarchy extended to Senior Trainer, Honored Trainer, and Hall of Fame Trainer.

Example the Gym Leader Wattson of Mauville City, and Grandpa Milton currently hold the title of Senior Trainer within the League.

Mr. Norman and Gym Leader Juan, on the other hand, are Honorary Trainers.

At the pinnacle of this ranking system, Hall of Fame Trainers held a position on par with the Elite Four, albeit primarily in terms of recognition and treatment rather than actual power.

Few individuals reached this echelon. In the league's official gyms, only Kanto's Cinnabar Gym Leader, Blaine, Johto's Mahogany Gym Leader, Prycee, Hoenn's Lavaridge Gym Leader, Mr. Moore, and Unova's Opelucid Gym Leader, Drayden, had achieved this status. Each of them had made tremendous contributions to the league, resulting in unique circumstances.

The most direct route to advancing one's rank was through merit points. All official trainers and above had a merit points account. This account was divided into two categories: earned merit points and spent merit points.

When trainers accumulated a certain amount of earned merit points, an equivalent amount was transferred to their spent merit points account. Spent merit points functioned as currency, used for various transactions within the league's shop.

Earned merit points, on the other hand, were never expended. They served as a record of one's contributions and could lead to an elevation in trainer status.

With each promotion, trainers received increased recognition within the league, resulting in improved treatment. However, in the event that a trainer committed a crime, no amount of earned merit points could absolve them. Legal matters were handled impartially.

The ceremony to appoint a Direct-lineage Trainer was not a grand affair and remained discreet. A representative from the league would typically preside, ensuring the proceedings concluded swiftly. Yuga, aware of this, did not attach much importance to the event.

Once Yuga felt that Lapras had undergone sufficient training, he decided it was time to capture Archeops.

The choice of the Shallow Seashore Sub-Ecopark was primarily due to the environment, which favored Lapras's strengths. Moreover, the spacious seascape provided ample room for the forthcoming battle.

Upon arrival, Yuga released Lapras first, followed by Archeops. The Archeops appeared rather lackluster, displaying signs of exhaustion. However, as soon as it spotted Yuga, it became visibly agitated.

This person had kept it imprisoned and hungry for so long!

Despite its weakened state, Archeops glared menacingly at Yuga. Yet, owing to lingering gratitude and sheer fatigue, it refrained from launching an attack.

Witnessing Archeops's glare, Lapras reciprocated with an equally fierce stare.

Feeling Lapras's gaze, Archeops looked at Lapras with caution. It sensed immense pressure from Lapras.

"Archeops, I saved your life. How about you pledge your allegiance to me?" Yuga didn't say 'capture'; he used the term 'allegiance.'

As creatures raised in a savage environment, 'allegiance' was a term that Archeops could comprehend. However, Yuga didn't expect it to agree readily. As a creature ingrained with the law of survival of the fittest, it wouldn't easily submit to others.

Indeed! Upon hearing Yuga's words, Archeops grew furious. It let out an angry roar, displaying its sharp teeth menacingly, which almost came dangerously close to Yuga's face, creating a truly intimidating sight.

"What if I win against you? Will you pledge your allegiance to me then? Think carefully before you answer. If I defeat you and you still refuse to submit to me, you might become someone else's prey," Yuga bluffed. Of course, he had no intention of letting Archeops become anyone's meal, but given Archeops's unique background, it might take his words seriously.

Yuga's threat did indeed compel Archeops to agree. It didn't mind submitting to a stronger entity, but it felt a slight annoyance due to Yuga's tactics.

After reaching an agreement with Archeops, Yuga didn't rush into a battle. Instead, he allowed Archeops to eat, drink, and rest to regain its strength.

Since he intended to capture it, he needed Archeops to submit willingly, and Yuga had confidence in Lapras's abilities.

Yuga's considerate actions made Archeops feel comfortable, and any lingering resentment from Yuga's earlier threat dissipated.

Once Archeops had fully recovered its spirits, they began their duel.

To prevent environmental damage and the accidental harm of other Pokémon, Yuga chose a location far from Lake Island.

Since there was no land in the vicinity, Yuga had to fly on his Charizard, planning to command Lapras from its back.

Archeops was a Flying-type Pokémon, so a battle over the sea posed no issues for it.

Lapras calmly floated on the sea's surface, refraining from using its flying abilities. In this watery environment, it had greater freedom of movement compared to the air.

"Let's begin," Yuga said, seated on Charizard's back, addressing Archeops.

Archeops nodded. However, when it turned to look at Lapras again, its gaze turned piercing.

This battle would decide its future!

Oh, right, if this human wins against me and I'm supposed to submit to him, what if I win against him? Did he mention releasing me? Archeops suddenly thought.

But just as it was about to ponder further, Lapras's attack was already upon it. At that moment, Archeops had no room for contemplation.

With a sweep of its two fins against the sea's surface, Lapras created a colossal wave that surged towards Archeops in the sky.

The force of this Surf far exceeded what it had used against the Mega Metagross.

Seeing the immense wave created by Lapras, Archeops was taken aback. This was a bit exaggerated, wasn't it? It hastily ascended into the air, intending to evade the wave's attack.

As Archeops ascended, the colossal wave created by Lapras continued to rise, relentlessly pursuing its target.