Pokemon: A Journey of Champions

After inserting the map into the stone, it emitted a blinding light that completely illuminated the dark surroundings where Adriann was. A crack resounded when the stone split in two, revealing an opening that descended into the unknown. Adriann calmly observed, his eyes scanning the beginning of a staircase that seemed to descend eternally.

The walls of the passage were made of smooth stone, impeccably carved, as if expert hands had worked on it centuries ago. Despite the time, there was no trace of mold or moisture. Each stone was precisely fitted, forming a perfect tunnel. The air inside the passage was cold and dry, contrasting with the warm breeze outside.

Lit torches adorned the walls, emitting a flickering light that cast shadows that seemed to dance to the rhythm of Adriann's movements. As he descended, the sound of his footsteps echoed in a soft whisper, like a persistent murmur in the void. There was something hypnotic in the rhythm of the descent, a calm that bordered on the unsettling, but Adriann, with his tranquil nature, did not let the environment affect his concentration.

The tunnel curved slightly, and with each step, the silence seemed to deepen. Five minutes of descent passed until he finally reached the end of the staircase. There stood a monumental metal door, adorned with intricate engravings that seemed to tell forgotten stories. Faces carved into the surface watched from eternity, while arcane symbols glowed faintly under the torchlight.

Without hesitation, Adriann raised a hand and touched the door. It responded with a mechanical creak that echoed down the hallway and slowly opened, revealing the main hall.

Crossing the threshold, Adriann found himself in a vast room, whose size was difficult to comprehend at a glance. The walls were covered with polished obsidian panels, reflecting the bright white light emanating from a modern lighting system, installed in apparent contrast to the archaic surroundings.

The ceiling, several meters high, was supported by colossal columns that seemed to have been extracted directly from the depths of the earth. Each column was engraved with runes and reliefs representing legendary creatures, as if telling the feats of the most powerful Pokémon of the past.

The floor was made of a material similar to black marble, so polished that Adriann could see his reflection as he walked. There was a faint hum in the air, a barely perceptible vibration that seemed to emanate from the very core of the hall. Along the walls, electric torches interspersed with traditional candles provided a strange balance between the ancient and the modern.

In the center of the hall was an elevated platform, where a gigantic table full of Poké Balls rested. The spheres were perfectly aligned, each shining under the light as if hiding an important secret. Around the platform, a multitude of recruits were scattered, their expressions ranging from excitement to anxiety and fear. The murmur of their voices barely broke the imposing silence of the hall.

Above everyone, a balcony protruded from one of the walls, adorned with a wrought iron railing and gold details. From there, a man observed the crowd with an air of superiority, like a king contemplating his subjects. The hall imposed respect; it seemed designed to intimidate and remind those who entered that only the strong could aspire to survive there.

Adriann, with his calm demeanor, moved towards the line where a Team Rocket soldier called him with an authoritative voice. From that moment, he knew there was no turning back.

—Boy, follow me —he said in a dry, authoritative tone.

Adriann obeyed, following his steps to a long line that advanced slowly. He placed himself right behind a girl with blonde hair and fair skin. She seemed to be around 15 years old and was undoubtedly incredibly attractive. However, Adriann suppressed those thoughts, focusing on his goal.

Thirty minutes passed before the lights in the hall suddenly went out, leaving everything in darkness. A single spotlight illuminated a raised balcony, where a man of imposing presence appeared.

Mysterious Man: —Hello, young recruits and future companions! Welcome to Team Rocket. My name is Jhon, captain of the new recruits in this city, and I will be in charge of welcoming you. Now, we will begin your first test. We will give you a Pokémon, but this will not be an easy task. Your mission will be to tame that wild Pokémon, make it your companion, and prove that you have what it takes to join our ranks. In this world, you are nothing without a Pokémon.

When he finished speaking, a large table appeared at the front of the room. On it, there were dozens of Poké Balls. Jhon smiled sinisterly and continued:

—On this table, you will find recently captured Pokémon. They are aggressive, dangerous, and wild. Your job will be to tame them... or die trying. Hahaha! Also, the first three to tame their Pokémon will receive valuable rewards. Good luck!

The first row began to pass, one by one, to choose a Poké Ball. Adriann, who was in the third row, listened attentively to the captain's words. Suddenly, a voice resonated in his mind:

System: System activated. Congratulations, host. You have obtained the Champion System. Do you wish to open your starter package?

Intrigued, Adriann responded mentally: "Open starter package."

System: Opening starter package... Congratulations. You have obtained the 'Champion's Sight' ability. This ability allows you to observe and scan the name, abilities, and potential of any Pokémon.

Adriann was surprised. "This is like having an integrated Pokédex," he thought calmly. Testing the ability, he scanned the Poké Balls in front of him and asked the system to highlight the Pokémon with the highest potential.

System: Analysis complete. A Pokémon with Champion-level potential has been found.

Adriann smiled slightly. "Show stats," he thought.

System:

Name: Pikachu

Egg Move: Lightning Rod

Potential: Champion

Abilities: Thunder Shock, Thunderbolt, Agility, Thunder, Quick Attack, Double Team.

When his turn came, he advanced calmly and took the corresponding Poké Ball. He returned to his place in line without showing emotion, but inside, he was determined to tame his new companion.

When all the recruits had chosen their Poké Balls, Jhon spoke again:

—It's time to show what you're made of! Tame your Pokémon and make sure they don't kill you. Remember: only the strong survive in Team Rocket. Good luck! —he laughed, showing his sadistic side.

The recruits were guided to individual rooms. Adriann, upon entering his, sat on the floor and observed the Poké Ball in his hands. Before releasing Pikachu, the system surprised him with another notification.

System: Congratulations, host. For being the only recruit to choose a Pokémon with Champion potential, you have received 1,000 points.

Adriann took the opportunity to open the system shop. He found a variety of useful items, including Sitrus Berries at 200 points per kilogram. He bought a kilogram and also noticed a Light Ball, though he couldn't afford it yet. After organizing himself, he decided to release Pikachu.

From the Poké Ball came a golden flash, and in front of him appeared Pikachu, who looked at him with eyes full of challenge.