John began grinding at 11 o’clock, finally accumulating 6,000 reputation points at 2:30 AM. It took three and a half hours to complete fifteen tasks and gain twenty reputation points.

Every battle required John’s physical presence in the game world, but even after fifteen encounters, including five particularly difficult ones, he emerged victorious and energized!

The physical enhancement from the three orbs meant he could stay awake for a week without fatigue, but more importantly, Kubfu awaited him just ahead. How could he possibly stop now?

"Kubfu, hehehe, Kubfu~~" John chuckled to himself, hurrying toward Master Mustard’s dojo with his 6,000 reputation points to find the senior disciple for his promotion assessment.

[Senior Disciple: The promotion test for direct disciples is conducted by the Master himself]

[Senior Disciple: Hurry to the dojo, the Master is already waiting for you there]

John headed straight for the dojo. His previous promotion from ordinary disciple to core disciple had also involved a task from Master Mustard himself, collecting threeMax Mushroomsand oneMax Honey.

Max MushroomsandMax Honeywere ingredients forMax Soup, which enabled Pokemon to undergo special Dynamax transformations. John had deliberately gathered extras, and after becoming a core disciple, he’d immediately purchased theMax Souprecipe and prepared servings for Venusaur and Gengar.

Now both Pokemon could exclusively Dynamax!

His character approached the dojo entrance and stepped inside.

The scenery before John suddenly shifted. Instead of the familiar interior, he found himself in a spacious, empty dojo hall. The sides were open to gentle sunlight and warm breezes, while soft wind chimes tinkled melodiously overhead.

A serene atmosphere enveloped John.

His heart skipped a beat.

His physical body had entered the game dojo!

During his last visit to receive the core disciple promotion task, his body hadn’t been transported into the game world. This promotion would clearly take place directly within the dojo.

He’d probably have to battle Mustard himself.

Master Mustard lay sprawled on the wooden floor ahead, supporting his head with one hand while operating a Gameboy with the other.

"Little Johnny~ Have you decided to become my direct disciple?" Master Mustard asked without looking up, his hands never pausing their gameplay.

"Yes," John replied. He didn’t particularly care about learning Pokemon battling from Master Mustard, his true goal was Kubfu. Otherwise, he would have left the Isle of Armor long ago.

Only then did Master Mustard glance up.

"Old man here has taught many disciples, but I’ve only had one direct disciple, the current Galar Region Champion, Leon. Little Leonny~"

Calling Leon "Little Leonny"?

John suppressed a shudder.

Compared to "Little Johnny," "Little Leonny" somehow felt even more uncomfortable.

He wondered how Master Mustard had developed such peculiar speech habits. Still, Master Mustard was probably the only person in the world who could address the so-called "strongest Champion" in such a manner.

"I don’t require you to possess Leon’s battling talent, but as a trainer, you must at least demonstrate genuine love for Pokemon." Master Mustard withdrew a Pokeball. "Old man thinks nothing better reflects a trainer’s attitude toward Pokemon than battle itself."

"So let’s have a match! Show me your Pokemon’s bond with you, your passion!" Master Mustard’s playful demeanor vanished as he stood up with serious expression, even setting aside his Gameboy.

"After all that buildup, it’s still just a battle," John muttered. "What are the rules?"

"No rules, as long as you can defeat this old man, even if you use six Pokemon or fight me personally."

"And I’ll only use one Pokemon!" Master Mustard had already thrown his Pokeball.

Silver light exploded, revealing a two-meter-tall humanoid bear Pokemon.

ThisUrshifu’shair drooped thickly all over its body, resembling an airtight coat. Above its head displayed:

[Urshifu LV70]

"Urshifu?! And it’s the Rapid Strike Style!" John’s mouth twitched slightly. Though he’d known Master Mustard’s ace wasUrshifu, he hadn’t expected the master to deploy it for a disciple assessment.

This was a legendary Pokemon!

No wonder there were no rules.

John’s only consolation was its level, merely 70. Probably not Master Mustard’s true ace.

Master Mustard must possess at least twoUrshifuand oneKubfu.

Lucky bastard.

Master Mustard crossed his arms, corners of his mouth rising with satisfaction at John’s surprised expression. He thought silently, "Sorry, Little Johnny! You didn’t have to battle it to become my direct disciple, but now, if you want the opportunity to trainKubfu, you must at least earn its mother’s recognition as a worthy trainer!"

John studiedUrshifuwithout fear.

Urshifuqualified as a legendary Pokemon, but its 550 base stat total placed it among the lowest tier, comparable to the legendary birds. He’d already defeatedZapdos, and aZapdoswielding spatial power at that. Why should he fearUrshifu?

"Go, Zeraora!"

The silver-white electric cat materialized on the ground, white sparks dancing across its form.

"Roar!" The big cat roared with open arms, fighting spirit blazing. Except for theZapdosit had previously encountered, this was the strongest opponent it had ever faced.

However, the current situation differed from before.

Zapdos’selectrical attacks had no effect on Zeraora, instead serving as "nutrition", but this bear was different. The oppressive force and aura emanating from it was something Zeraora had never experienced and couldn’t ignore.

Urshifuwas a more menacing opponent thanZapdos!

Zeraora was thrilled!

Even more excited than Zeraora was Mustard.

He stared at John’s Zeraora with bright eyes.

"Little Johnny, your Pokemon is the mighty Zeraora?!"

"This should be quite the close match!" Mustard said eagerly. "Come on, let’s begin our battle!"

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com