Chapter 49: First Encounter with Elesa!

"Ding! Congratulations, Host, you've successfully reached the Battle Dome. Sign-in starting..." Ash paused mid-step as the familiar chime resonated in his mind. He'd grown used to the mysterious system's sudden announcements, but each time it brought a thrill of excitement. "Ding! Congratulations, Host, sign-in successful! Reward distribution beginning..." 100,000 Poké Coins! System storage space upgraded to 5 cubic meters! Aura Power detection range increased to 5,000 meters! Advanced Culinary Skills Mastery! Advanced Martial Arts Mastery! Charisma +10! Increased bond level +1 with all Pokémon! One Fire Stone, one Water Stone, one Thunder Stone, one Leaf Stone, and one Ice Stone! Ash's eyes widened as he mentally took in the list of rewards. It was a massive reward drop! The Poké Coins alone would be a huge help for supplies, but the upgrades to his skills and tools left him buzzing with excitement. With nearly every evolution stone obtained, he was more prepared than ever to help his Pokémon evolve if needed. The charisma boost, though invisible, added an extra air of confidence to his demeanor, and the newfound mastery in cooking and martial arts made him feel stronger and more capable. His Pokémon bonds strengthening was the cherry on top, deepening the trust and synergy he already shared with his team. Feeling a renewed sense of vigor, Ash couldn't help but grin. "Ash, why do you seem... a bit different from before?" May asked, her brows furrowing as she noticed his subtle shift in aura. Misty glanced over, curiosity piqued. "Yeah, you're acting weird. What's with that smug look?" "Oh? Do I look even cooler now?" Ash teased, striking an exaggerated pose. "Ugh, no way, narcissist!" Misty retorted, though her cheeks flushed a light pink. May tried to stifle a giggle but also turned away, a faint blush dusting her face. Despite their protests, both girls couldn't help but notice the added charm radiating from Ash. Scott approached them, giving Ash a thumbs-up. "You're in great form today, Ash. I can tell this match is going to be exciting. Let's get going; Tucker won't wait forever!" Scott led the group into the Battle Dome's main hall. Its sleek, high-tech design and roaring crowd gave the atmosphere an electric buzz. The anticipation of upcoming battles filled the air. While Brock, Misty, and May followed Scott to the spectators' area, Ash took a special route toward the challenger's room. As Ash opened the door to the spacious room, he froze mid-step, his mouth slightly agape. Sitting calmly on one of the plush benches was someone he never expected to see. "What? Why is she here?" Ash muttered, rubbing his eyes as if to clear his vision. "Pika?" Pikachu tilted its head, tugging lightly on Ash's hat to snap him out of his daze. It really was her—Elesa, the famous Unova Gym Leader and world-renowned model. Known for her grace, beauty, and expertise with Electric Pokémon, Elesa was a superstar in her own right. If Tucker was a big deal in Kanto, Elesa was an international phenomenon. Her iconic fashion and bright personality had made her a household name, and now she was sitting just a few feet away, completely at ease. Elesa was wearing her signature high-fashion outfit, and a pair of oversized headphones rested comfortably around her neck. She appeared deep in thought, her gaze distant, until she noticed Ash standing in the doorway. For a moment, their eyes met. Ash felt a strange, magnetic pull in that instant, captivated by Elesa's confident and composed demeanor. Meanwhile, Elesa was quietly impressed by the boy's striking presence. There was something unusually charming about him—something that immediately caught her attention. "Looks like you might be in the wrong area," Elesa said with a soft laugh, breaking the silence. "The challenger's room is through the other door." Ash blinked, realizing he'd been staring. "Oh! Uh, thanks for the reminder," he replied, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "But, hey, Elesa, what brings you here? I didn't expect to see you in Kanto." Elesa raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You know me?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "I didn't think I was that well-known in Kanto." Ash grinned. "Of course I know you! You're Elesa, the Nimbasa City Gym Leader and famous model. Who doesn't know you?" Pikachu nodded in agreement, offering a cheerful "Pika!" Elesa chuckled, her curiosity piqued further. "Well, aren't you full of surprises? I'm here for a TV collaboration between the Unova and Kanto networks. It's part of a cross-regional event. They thought having me here would spice things up. Not that I had much of a choice," she added, her tone laced with a hint of annoyance. "I've got unfinished business back in Unova, but... duty calls." "Sounds like a busy schedule," Ash said. "Well, I'd better head to my match against Tucker. Nice meeting you, Elesa!" Elesa watched him go, a faint smile playing on her lips. There's something interesting about that kid, she thought, turning her attention back to her headphones. Ash, meanwhile, couldn't help but wonder if Elesa would come to watch his match. The idea of showcasing his newly refined skills in front of such a famous personality gave him an extra boost of determination. "Let's show them what we're made of, Pikachu!" he declared. "Pika-chu!" Pikachu cheered enthusiastically, as they headed toward the battle arena. With the roar of the crowd echoing in the distance, Ash felt the familiar thrill of battle rising within him. This wasn't just about earning a Frontier Symbol—it was a chance to prove himself on an even grander stage. Whatever Tucker had in store, Ash was ready. -------------- T/N: Access 30 Chapters in Advance on my P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals