There's Something Off About My Pokémon [85]

"What exactly is the Security Division?" Lu Cheng asked.

"The Security Division is a branch under the Pokémon Association," Guo Zhang explained. "In C Country, the Association is divided into the Security Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Research Division, Logistics Division, and the Events Division. The role of the Security Division is to handle conflicts involving Pokémon and any combat situations."

"Even today, small-scale conflicts continue to flare up along the borders," he continued. "And dealing with underground organizations falls under our jurisdiction as well."

Lu Cheng waited, half-expecting his system to chime in with advice, but it remained silent. He sighed, realizing that he would have to make this decision on his own.

"Can you tell me why news of the explosion was suppressed?" Lu Cheng suddenly asked, staring intently at the man.

Caught off-guard, Guo Zhang paused. He removed his sunglasses and spoke with deep sincerity, "I understand your concerns. I assure you, every injured person will receive the best possible treatment. As for suppressing the news, it's to prevent panic, but also—"

"It's to protect you young trainers."

Lu Cheng was stunned.

"I suspect Team Galactic knew about our intentions behind hosting the U20 tournament," Guo Zhang said, his tone chilling despite the smile on his face. "To be frank, when we decided to host this tournament, the Association's plan was to scout and recruit promising new trainers. We need fresh blood."

"That's why Team Galactic chose to attack during the awards ceremony," Guo Zhang continued. "Partly to show off, partly to test us, and partly to make contact with all of you."

A sharp pain flared in Lu Cheng's back, where his wound still throbbed. He recalled the icy stare of Wang Yingjie.

"What about Wang Yingjie?" he asked.

Guo Zhang sighed. "I had intended to make contact with him earlier, but it seems we were too late. But believe me, if you join the Security Division, we will provide you with the best resources and support."

"That includes access to top-tier Pokémon, newly developed items, and much more," Guo Zhang said, looking Lu Cheng straight in the eyes. "I've even discussed this with your grandfather. He said the decision is up to you."

Lu Cheng stared at him, taken aback.

Guo Zhang reached for his waist and pulled out a Poké Ball. With a flash of red light, a stunning Ninetales appeared before them. With its nine long, elegant tails tipped in golden hues, and creamy fur that seemed to shimmer, the Ninetales regarded Lu Cheng with crimson eyes.

This Pokémon felt strangely familiar.

Grinning, Guo Zhang said, "Your Vulpix hatched from an egg laid by this very Ninetales."

Lu Cheng's Vulpix popped out of its Poké Ball, gazing curiously at the Ninetales. Without hesitation, Vulpix nuzzled up to its evolved counterpart, who wrapped its tails around the younger Pokémon in a warm embrace.

Watching the two Pokémon, Lu Cheng felt a surge of warmth and familiarity towards Guo Zhang. A thought struck him, and he said, "I need some time to think this over."

"Of course," Guo Zhang replied with a nod. "We won't be making any further announcements about your championship win to avoid escalating the situation. But don't worry, your rewards will be delivered as promised."

"The 200,000 yuan cash prize will be transferred to your account, and the evolution stone you chose will be sent to your home soon," Guo Zhang added with a smile. "Let me guess—you chose the Fire Stone, didn't you?"

Lu Cheng nodded.

"Additionally, the Security Division will offer you 100,000 yuan and a newly developed Poké Ball as compensation," Guo Zhang said, handing him a business card. "If you make your decision, contact this number. You've already met the tall woman from last time—her name is Liu Shengnan. Oh, and she's single, by the way."

Lu Cheng forced a smile, a little embarrassed.

---

The Security Division.

The name alone felt overwhelming, as if a massive entity had suddenly appeared in Lu Cheng's life, leaving him uncertain. At his core, he was just a high school student, striving to get into a prestigious university. One of the main reasons he'd participated in the tournament was because a top-three finish meant a guaranteed spot at Jiangnan University.

Moreover, the trauma from that day had left a lasting impression. Even now, his back injury still ached. And that was just from a Zubat attack. What if he encountered something stronger in the future? A Dark-type, a Psychic-type, or even a Ghost-type Pokémon…

Lu Cheng sighed, only to be interrupted by the sudden chime of his system.

"System upgrade in progress, triggered by first tournament victory. Please wait..."

"35%... 67%... 98%... Upgrade complete!"

"New functions unlocked: 'Daily Missions.' Completing these will earn you potential points."

"New feature: 'Badge Collection.' Collecting Gym Badges will provide permanent stat boosts."

"New feature: 'Attribute Sharing.' The host can now share system-enhanced attributes, gaining physical enhancements."

Lu Cheng's eyes widened. Share Pokémon stats?

He hurriedly checked the system's detailed explanation.

"Attribute Sharing: The host can share system-enhanced Pokémon stats. The current sharing ratio is 10:1. For every 10 points in a stat, the host's corresponding attribute will increase by 1 point."

Lu Cheng was stunned. If he raised his Pokémon's stats high enough, could he fight alongside them?

"That means... I don't have to be afraid anymore!"

Host: Lu Cheng

HP: 10

Physical Attack: 13

Defense: 13

Special Attack: 10

Special Defense: 3

Speed: 12

Available Potential Points: 30

He had received 30 potential points as part of the tournament reward, which didn't seem like much. According to the system's "3:1" ratio, allocating the points would only give him a 10-point increase.

To test the "Attribute Sharing" feature, Lu Cheng allocated 24 potential points to speed, increasing it by 8 points and reaching the 20-point threshold. Beyond this, the ratio would increase to "5:1" for each additional stat point.

In theory, Lu Cheng should be able to gain 2 points in speed through the shared attributes.

He waited.

"No reaction at all!" Lu Cheng shouted. "This feature is way too underwhelming!"

Indeed, the "Attribute Sharing" was currently offering minimal boosts—making him slightly faster and tougher than a regular person, but still nowhere near the level of a Pokémon.

"Well, I guess my attributes are too low for now. Maybe one day I'll be able to take on a Caterpie," Lu Cheng sighed. "Plus, the sharing ratio might not be fixed…"

"But how do Special Attack and Special Defense work?" he wondered, rubbing his chin. "I guess Special Defense might mean I recover faster from burns or something. But Special Attack…"

"Host can gain skills and abilities by completing system missions or meeting hidden conditions."

Lu Cheng was stunned.

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