Chapter 1: Champion Retires

In the Paldea region, in a livestream with very few viewers, a cheerful and lively sweet voice rang out.

“Capture your eyes with Electric Web! Who’s the host? It’s Kishu!”

“Good morning, afternoon, and evening!”

“Now~ Kishu will be watching with you the final moments of this Paldea Pokémon League Champion Test!”

“Trainer Luo Mu vs. Paldea League President and Chief Champion—Yaci!”

Amidst an intense background score, the livestream Dehuamian gradually zoomed in, revealing the summit of the Pokémon League in the northwest of Desk City as the final battle unfolded.

Countless sparks of electricity flew across the battlefield, and upon closer inspection, faint purple Toxic Spikes were scattered across the ground.

On the field, two battered Pokémon faced each other in tense standoff.

One Pokémon had crystalline petals, appearing mysterious and dangerous.

The other had a majestic, jet-black mane; even poisoned, its sunlike golden eyes held no hesitation, filled with resolute determination.

During the standoff, the young man on the left, dressed in clean, casual clothes and seemingly about eighteen, spoke: “Crazy Volt!”

Electrike’s eyes flashed sharply, its body instantly wrapped in countless currents, as if clad in a golden battle armor—even poison could not hinder its resolve. In the next instant, Electrike became a streak of lightning racing toward Crystal Bloom, the ground along its path scorched black by the electric surge.

On the right, the black-haired beauty in a spotless suit refused to stand idle; her battle style was as majestic as a martial god. Yaci coldly ordered: “Sludge Wave!”

Instantly, a torrent of toxic sludge surged outward, engulfing everything around it, leaving Electrike nearly immobilized.

Yet Electrike’s gaze remained unwavering; at this moment, it seemed to resonate with Luo Mu, memories of the past flooding its mind.

Electrike felt an unexpected power surging within its body, clenched its teeth tightly, and pushed forward with all its strength until it made contact with that small form.

A golden storm of lightning instantly engulfed the entire battlefield, shaking the entire Paldea League headquarters, while a strange, foul odor began to permeate the air.

The smell mixed with the stench of poison was utterly nauseating.

But neither Luo Mu nor Electrike frowned at the odor; instead, they both wore sincere smiles.

For in their view, Yaci’s Crystal Bloom had lost the ability to hover, collapsing directly onto the ground—now unrecognizable as if struck by a meteor—completely incapacitated.

A new Champion Trainer was born here.

“I’m planning to retire!”

After completing the Champion Test and earning the Champion Trainer title, Luo Mu’s response to Yaci’s offer—“Join the Paldea League”—surprised her.

Yaci rubbed her throbbing temples, frowning: “Champion Luo Mu… do you know what you’re saying?”

Luo Mu replied without hesitation: “I know. But my decision won’t change.”

Yaci sighed, glancing at Luo Mu with regret: “I can’t force you to change your mind, but at least tell me why… you’ve reached this level in just one year.”

“You have such outstanding potential—why choose to give it up?”

Luo Mu’s eyes flickered for an instant; he felt his next answer might anger Yaci, who was always elegant and good-tempered.

But under Yaci’s piercing gaze, Luo Mu caved, raising his hands in surrender: “You know my background—I became a Trainer by chance… Actually, my dream is to open a small shop or farm and live a peaceful rural life!”

“Now that I’ve become a Champion Trainer, I have the confidence and courage to realize my dream!”

Yaci took a deep breath. She understood his reasoning, but the idea of such a talented Trainer retiring still made her sigh heavily. “I understand. Your reason has convinced me… but I have one request I hope you’ll accept.”

Luo Mu blinked slightly, then assumed an attentive posture.

Yaci spoke slowly: “You are a powerful Trainer—and the only one in recent years to pass the Champion Test. If ever Paldea faces an issue I can’t handle personally, I ask you to assist me as a private favor.”

This time, Luo Mu did not refuse. He nodded softly: “Alright.”

In the southern Paldea region, Flat Plate Town.

Half a month had passed since the rare battle at the Pokémon League.

The new Champion Trainer had taken up no official duties; few within the League even knew of his ascension. This small, peaceful town carried on its ordinary, day-after-day life.

From a stylish building at the center of Flat Plate Town stepped a young man wearing a casual T-shirt and capri pants, sunglasses on despite the bright sun—as if heading to a beach.

Luo Mu stared at the stamped [Land Transfer Certificate] and [Construction Permit] in his hands, his eyes nearly welling with tears.

He never imagined buying a large plot of land in the Pokémon world would be this complicated—he’d had to wait seven full days just to receive the documents from the town mayor’s residence behind him.

I should’ve swallowed my pride and asked a friend for help. What’s the point of saving face?

But…

When Luo Mu finally arrived at the land he’d spent nearly all his savings on—keeping only enough for Pokémon food—his eyes glowed with unprecedented brilliance.

This was the feeling!

The Pokémon world isn’t just about fighting—it also offers the choice of a happy life with your best partner!

Sunbathing with Electrike, teasing the tsundere Serperior, riding Snorlax while hugging the barely-there Mimikyu, watching the masterful chef Flareon battle the swampy Swampert in daily sparring.

Yet suddenly, a jarring line of text appeared before Luo Mu’s eyes.

【Ding! Special Prompt System successfully loaded!】

【System Purpose: Cultivate every host into the strongest of their era—the Champion!】

Luo Mu: “..........”

A look of shock crossed Luo Mu’s face; if you looked closely, you could see deep disdain hidden in his eyes.

I became a Champion Trainer all on my own—what use is this golden finger now, other than ruining my peaceful retirement?

It’s just… inexplicably bad luck!