Dante asked the golden egg bunny beside him. Along with the notification about his team leader, there was a notice to gather together with the rest of the team. It's just to introduce themselves, so there was no need to bring all his Pokemon.
Pikachu and the others were busy either watching a movie or playing games. Only Mawile and Ninetales were on the couch reading some Pokemon fashion magazine. Mawile would definitely clamor to accompany him when he went out, so he just took this opportunity to invite Ninetales as well.
"Azu." (I'll go too.)
Azumarill hopped down and turned off the massage chair. Mawile and Ninetales also trotted over at this time, and after Dante shouted to inform Pikachu and the others, they left the room.
Since the meeting place was in the hotel room, he didn't bother to return Mawile and the others to their Pokeball. The four of them strolled along the hallways, casually chatting about the upcoming ruins exploration and their trip to the Desert.
Oh, yeah. Because of the presence of Victini, Dante decided to delay going to the Northern Desert and took the Victory Pokemon to complete various tasks first. So far, he was slowly getting used to being part of the team.
Dante had even planned to bring Victini to the human world after their exploration here. That was why he stationed Regieleki back at home- to prepare for the consequences when people learned that he managed to befriend and capture a Legendary Pokemon.
Soon, they arrived in front of the room where the meeting was about to take place. The room's door was more luxurious than the one assigned to him, and based on the decorations outside, this area should be allocated for VIPs.
Dante knocked firmly twice, and after a while, a familiar figure greeted them at the door.
"Hey. What a coincidence. It seems we'll be on the same team."
Dante said with a warm smile. In front of him stood the orange haired girl, Hine, whom he just met at the orientation.
"Ah! H-hahaha, yeah! What a coincidence."
Hine let out an awkward laugh as she made way for Dante. He raised an eyebrow at her strange behaviour before entering the room.
It seems he wasn't the first to arrive. Inside, he found familiar faces of students from other schools that the coach had them studied.
Kinich, a 3rd year student from Philippines Pokemon University. He has light, tan skin and black hair with blue undertones. Just like Dante, he wore a black suit. He's a Grass-type specialist and the rival Mualani always says she will surpass. On his shoulder was a Flapple, who was flapping its wings animatedly.
Beside him sat a blond boy who was talking while constantly making gestures. His name is Barry, one of the characters Dante knew from the Pokemon games and anime in his previous world. In this world, he is just a 3rd year student in the same school as Kinich.
Sitting at the couch beside them was Varesa, a student from the same Philippines Pokemon University as them. She's a 4th year pink-haired senior with an ornamental horn worn on her head.
She munched on the burger in her hand, and waved at him with her other when their eyes met. Her figure was a bit plump, with her thighs and boobs being the most prominent.
Although she looks very ditzy and carefree, she is the second strongest student in their school, just right behind Nemona.
Luiz was also here. But Dante just glanced over and nodded at him, and then fixed his gaze on the only student from the International Pokemon University in this room.
Sitting in a prim and proper posture on the sofa, was a girl with short brown hair that was tied up into two pigtails. This was another character that Dante recognized from the original Pokemon world, the leader of the Rustboro Gym, Roxanne.
She seemed to be fixated on the textbook on her hand. However, based on the emotions Dante could feel, she was just using it to avoid the awkwardness of having no one to talk to in the room.
And indeed, except for him who just arrived, Dante saw no other students from other Universities.
"Ohh!! Is this the Shiny Azumarill who defeats all his opponents in one punch?"
Dante turned to the source of the voice. Here, he had a face to face encounter with the Fire Type Elite of their country for the first time.
Even though he had seen her pictures from the news and social media countless times, Dante still couldn't help raising an eyebrow.
She had light skin, long, fiery red hair and eyes like those of the sun. Although it was stated that she was in her early 30s, just based on physical appearance alone, Dante would have guessed she was in her mid 20's at most.
Though the youthful vigor she was exuding also influenced his decision to some extent.
At this time, she was crouching right at Azumarill's level, staring at this Shiny Pokemon with a curious expression.
"...yes, Lady Mavuika."
"Hahaha, don't be so stiff. Just call me Mavuika."
Mavuika said in an easy going manner as she gestured for Dante to sit wherever he liked.
"...thank you."
Well, as expected of a Fire-type Trainer, I guess? Dante mused as he gazed at the rambunctious Mavuika who returned to her seat in the middle. Although she had shown the same carefreeness when on TV, that was possibly just a persona after all.
But now that they were face-to-face, with his ability, Dante could confirm that this Fire Type Elite really was just as easy-going and open-minded. Lucky. That is 1 possible team drama off the list.
Dante scanned the empty seats, and after some thought, decided to sit beside Roxanne. The only other choice he had was either next to Luiz, Varesa or on one of the empty couches.
He had no interest in chatting with that guy, and Varesa was eating her food. Meanwhile, sitting on one of the empty seats was rather boring. Thus, he decided to accompany this introverted girl.
As soon as he sat down, Mawile climbed onto his lap with a giddy look on her face, while Ninetales curled up beside his feet. Only Azumarill stood expressionlessly at the side of the couch he was sitting on, uncaring of the curious looks that fell his way from time to time.
"Dante Zulueta. Nice to meet you."
"Greeting, Mr. Dante. I'm Roxanne. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Roxanne closed the book she was reading and turned to him with a serious look on her face. But on the inside, Dante could feel a mix of relief and elation coming off her.
The two of them were having a chat when Hine came back and sat on the empty space beside Mavuika. Seeing them side-by-side, Dante's eyebrows furrowed.
"Are the two of you…related?"
"Hmm? Ah, you don't know? Hine's my younger sister. I thought it was obvious with the hair and all."
Mavuika said as she rubbed Hine's hair with fondness. Said younger sister pouted at her older sister's action, but otherwise didn't say anything about it.
"Anyways, let's wait for the others before we begin the introductions. It would be a waste of time to have everyone introduce themselves multiple times. Here, have some snacks first."
Dante nodded in understanding and took a brownie from the center table. While waiting, he had an idle chat with Roxanne about their Pokemon training experience. The pig-tailed girl expressed curiosity at Mawile and Ninetales, whom she had never seen him use before.
The other members of their team arrived soon after. There were three of them, making the total number of the members reach 10- 11 if Mavuika is counted. All of them were also students from the university, making Dante ponder.
"Great, everyone's here! Before we start the meeting, let's have a brief introduction. To build up the team spirit! Hmm, let's start with you Hine. Just say your name, specialization, hobbies and the like. Oh, and what do you think you could contribute best to the team."
Hine nodded and stood up, looking at everyone in the room with bright and clear eyes.
"My name's Hine Haborym, and I specialize in Fire-type Pokemon. If we don't count Pokemon training, then I guess my hobby is watching Pokemon battles? Anyways, I'm very excited to explore the ruins, and me and my Charizard would definitely help in taking down the rampaging Pokemon!"
"Good! Just remember not to get too overexcited and rush out on your own."
"Geez, sis. I'm not a child anymore, of course I know that!"
"Haha, just reminding you."
Mavuika smiled fondly before she signalled for the next student to stand up.
"Ah! M-my name's Varesa. I kinda specialize in Normal types, I guess? But I do have a Fighting-type Pokemon- just one though! And my hobby is…"
After Varesa, everyone introduced themselves one by one. With the data Coach Jomar gathered and had their team memorized, Dante already knew their information. Only someone like Hine, who is a first-year student like him, does he have no information.
Soon, the guy beside Dante was done and it was finally his turn. He hugged Mawile in his arms and stood up.
Dante paused as he felt several intense stares from all around the room. Thinking about it, he chuckled. Among their team today, most were senior students who were considered the rising stars of the younger generation.
Each of them had their own pride, with some aiming to even become the Elite Four or Champion in the future. But now, on the Pokenet, only his name would be mentioned when talking about the strongest trainer in the younger generation.
It looks like instead of Mavuika, I'd also have to be wary about my future teammates. Oh, the woes of being the strongest.
Dante inwardly sighed as he finished his introduction. He didn't really have much to say. These guys probably studied all his information already, just like their coach had him study theirs.
After his introduction, Roxanne was next. Same as in the games, she still specialized in Rock-type Pokemon, and her hobby was reading and studying.
"And lastly, me. As the Fire-type Elite, I'm sure you can take a guess at my specialization. During my free time, I love to try out all sorts of things- things like painting, singing, dancing, and extreme sports. Of course, I also love spending it with my family and sister."
Mavuika said as she stood up. Right after she finished, the warm smile on her face disappeared and was replaced with a serious look.
"Now that we're done with the introduction, let's start discussing the exploration of the ruin."
Everybody straightened up, infected by the aura Mavuika exuded. Even Hine was looking at her sister with wide eyes, as if seeing this side of her for the first time.
"Your professors and Dean must have told you about the ruin already. However, due to the privacy of the matter, we could only tell them the general situation. So, for the sake of everyone's safety, listen carefully to what I'm about to say next."
Mavuika paused. She glanced at everyone in the room before continuing.
"From the initial scouting, this ruin is determined to be at the 2nd grade- a temple or shrine. There are hostile Pokemon even right at the entrance, with a Sneasel, Onix, Snorunt..."
Hearing that it was a 2nd grade ruin, Dante's lips curled in displeasure. Ruins are divided into three grades based on their value.
Third grade ruins are natural terrains like the caves and plains which often only have more abundant natural resources than in the portals. This type of ruins is where resources like the Peat Block that Ursaring needed could be found.
Next, second grade ruins contained a trace of human civilization of the Pokemon world from ancient times. These are the favorite ruins of archaeologists and some researchers as it allows them to further discover the history of the destroyed world. Sometimes, the value of information that can be discovered in these ruins can even reach or exceed that of a first grade ruin.
Speaking of, the first grade ruins are also known as technological ruins. It is the most desirable ruin for the Alliance and the general public alike. It is here that the method of creation for Pokeballs and other modern day Pokemon items are discovered.
With his knowledge from his previous world, the second ruin type was the least desirable for him. He already knew the general history: from the creation of the world to some other important moments in the Pokemon world timeline.
The only thing he doesn't know is how the Pokemon world was destroyed, but the answer to that question is more likely to be found in a technological ruin.
Mavuika continued to debrief everyone on the information the Alliance managed to obtain about the ruins. She gave each of them a rough map of the place, and marked the area they still needed to explore.
"Now then, do you have any questions?"
"Ms. Mavuika, how about the responsibility of our team?"
From the side, Kinich asked. His tone was calm and steady, like he was already used to this. And indeed he was. Even though he is just a 3rd year student, he was a pseudo-mercenary who had accepted multiple commissions at the PokePortal Alliance station.
"Good question. We'll be the reinforcements stationed at the camp inside the ruins. Our task is to patrol and fend off any Pokemon that the vanguard team may have let through."
"...I understand, thank you."
Kinich said, though his face sported a slight frown. That was basically no different from a glorified bodyguard. Since their leader was one of the Elite Four, even if not on the front lines, he had hoped they were one of those who could venture deeper inside the ruins.
Mavuika chuckled as she saw through his thoughts. Looking at everyone, it seemed some of the others realized the meaning of this as well.
"Don't worry, when the exploration progress of the main team has reached the deeper area, the range where our team can patrol will also widen. And when it's fully explored, we will be one of the first who can go to the deepest part."
Mavuika smirked when she saw the excited expressions of the kids before her. Normally, with her status, she shouldn't have been the team leader of a group of students. After all, as the future pillars of their country, the tasks the Alliance would assign to them wouldn't be too dangerous.
However, she didn't expect her little sister to use the Mega Stone she gave to obtain a top position in her school.
Hine hasn't even been a Trainer for a year yet. And among her team, she only had Charizard whom she grew up with, as well as a little Vulpix that she had just begun to train.
Although most students who came on this trip also had an incomplete team, her sister and the one named Luiz were definitely severely lacking. Thus, because she was unable to let go of her worries, she volunteered to become the leader.
"Alright. If you don't have any more questions, then go back to your rooms and rest. We'll set off early tomorrow morning."
"Wait! I have a question!"
Everyone looked at Barry, who had his arms raised as if asking the professor for permission to speak. With Mavuika's nod, he continued.
"Can we do some light sparring before the match?"
"Hmm?"
Dante raised his eyebrows. As soon as Barry said that, he turned towards him. It looks like this guy is very impatient to challenge him.
"Hahaha, I like your enthusiasm, kid. But no. If you want to fight, wait for next week when the University Tournament starts."
"Urk! B-but! What if the ruins exploration took longer than expected? Wouldn't we miss the Tournament and not be able to fight, then?"
Dante and the others stared at Barry with a strange expression. The blond-haired boy himself was confused at the sudden silence in the room. Wasn't he correct?
"Sigh Barry, haven't you read the contract?"
Kinich shook his head in helplessness. On his shoulders, Flapple cackled at Barry's plight.
"O-of course! Hahaha, I mean, everyone knows to read contracts before signing them!"
"If you've read them, then you should know that we could only stay for five days with the exploration team. By that time, if the exploration still hasn't finished, we'd be forced to return."
"Ehh!! Isn't that, like, very bad for us then? If the time expires, then wouldn't we be unable to explore the deepest part like Ms. Mavuika said?"
Barry turned to Mavuika with a look of confusion. Even though he hadn't fully read the contract, it seems he was still listening very attentively during her explanation earlier.
"Hahaha, yes. If that occurs, I can only say that your group is very unlucky."
Mavuika smiled, crossing her arms over her ample chest before continuing.
"However, you don't have to worry. That is very unlikely to happen. After all, there are Champions and Elites from other countries who have joined us. They couldn't spend weeks or months just exploring a ruin."
"Whew, is that so? That's great, then."
After that fiasco, there were finally no more incidents and everyone returned to their room to rest. Oh, Dante did ask Mavuika about which Champion and Elites would accompany them. But the red-haired woman just smiled and said that they would find out tomorrow.