The Patrol Mission Begins

The next day,

As the elder had mentioned, Bruce was to join a training team and begin his journey of exploration in the vast expanse of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.

Though it was called the Hundred Thousand Mountains, Bruce would primarily be roaming around the periphery of the Diamond Forest.

The Diamond Forest was a primary area of activity for both the Runnels and Bayne families.

After breakfast, Benjamin escorted Bruce to a training ground, where two people were already waiting.

"Captain, Young Master Bayne has arrived," Benjamin announced.

Standing before a man with a buzz cut, Bruce immediately noticed the figure's imposing aura. Though not burly, the man exuded a palpable pressure reminiscent of a tiger or leopard.

He appeared to be in his thirties, with narrow, slightly squinting eyes that gave him an enigmatic intensity.

"Beware the squinting-eyed ones," Bruce thought, recalling an old saying.

Next to him stood a broad-shouldered, round-waisted man wearing nothing but a black vest despite the chilly November weather. His thick legs, wide shoulders, and barrel chest gave him the appearance of an iron tower.

Noticing Bruce's gaze, the man flashed a toothy, intimidating grin.

The two exuded an undeniable sense of security.

"Allow me to introduce myself," the buzz-cut man said loudly. "I'm Lucas Sterling, captain of this temporary patrol team and a Gym-level Trainer."

The man in the vest added in a low voice, "Young Master Bayne, you may call me Ethan Carter. I'm an Ace-level Trainer."

Before Bruce could respond, Benjamin grinned and said, "Oh, Young Master Bayne, I'm also part of the team this time, as an Ace-level Trainer."

"Two Ace-level Trainers and one Gym-level Trainer—this isn't an ordinary patrol team; it's practically overkill," Bruce murmured internally.

He had recently studied the organizational structure of law enforcement. Official members were typically Ace-level Trainers with permanent contracts, handling dangerous situations and special events. On the other hand, auxiliary contractors dealt with logistics and support, enjoying easier tasks but fewer benefits.

Most patrol teams consisted of one official member and two to four auxiliary members with combat capabilities.

Bruce's team, however, was almost ridiculously well-equipped—two Ace-level Trainers and one Gym-level Trainer. This seemed less like a patrol team and more like a personal security detail.

"They're probably worried about my safety," Bruce speculated.

The edge of the Diamond Forest could host anything from Rookie-level Pokemon to Master-level Pokemon, and even Elite-level Pokemon. While the most powerful Pokemon usually stayed deeper within the forest, their occasional appearance near the periphery couldn't be ruled out.

"Let's go to the storage room for gear first," Lucas announced with a clap.

The four of them headed to the storage area.

Inside the Office,

Without looking up, John Bayne asked, "Have they left?"

"They have, Chief," Colin replied, standing by the window as he watched the team's vehicle drive away.

John Bayne nodded slightly.

Colin glanced at him and hesitated before asking, "Chief, should I or Agatha follow them secretly?"

John Bayne shook his head. "No need. Lucas can handle most special situations."

He paused before adding, "And if something truly significant happens, a Master-level Gardevoir won't sit idle."

Turning his gaze to Colin, John Bayne continued in a deep voice, "You and Agatha focus on locating Evolutionary Stones and Key Stones for now."

Tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, he added, "Ensure you gather enough in the shortest time possible."

"Remember—whatever it takes."

His eyes burned with determination as he stared at Colin.

"Understood," Colin affirmed.

John Bayne nodded and added, "One more thing: contact your former mentor and inform them of this discovery."

Colin's eyes flickered. "Chief, are you suggesting…"

John Bayne clarified, "This significant discovery deserves to be shared through an academic publication. Your mentor, being a prominent scholar, can assist with this."

"Bruce has only just started university and isn't familiar with these processes. Let the mentor help refine the findings."

The corners of Colin's mouth lifted slightly. "Understood. My mentor would never miss out on such a groundbreaking discovery.

"With their nature, they'll be delighted to train Bruce even without compensation. This discovery is captivating enough for them."

John Bayne didn't respond but after a moment of thought, reiterated, "Proceed with caution. The Mega Evolution Stones are critical to us."

Back on the Road,

The four members retrieved outdoor equipment from the storage room, including signal flares, insect repellents, infrared sensors, and more. Bruce couldn't help but marvel at the thorough preparation.

They then boarded an off-road vehicle, with Benjamin driving, Lucas in the front passenger seat, and Bruce and Ethan in the back.

After passing two outposts, they approached the Diamond Forest.

Resting his arm on the window, Lucas let the wind tousle his short black hair and loudly explained to Bruce, "We'll be patrolling the eastern and northern edges of the Diamond Forest."

"The task is simple—just keep an eye out for foreign personnel."

Bruce nodded thoughtfully. "How do you identify foreigners?"

Lucas turned to him with a grin. "Young Master Bayne, this area is almost exclusively occupied by us, a few locals, and some villagers."

"Anyone else—especially if they're well-equipped—is likely a foreigner."

"Hardly any Avalon Trainers come here for practice."

"If we encounter foreigners, we'll first contact other patrol teams and then apprehend them."

He paused, then chuckled. "But the edges of the Diamond Forest have been peaceful lately. We haven't seen foreigners in days."

Bruce had a sinking feeling that Lucas might be jinxing them.

Out of curiosity, Bruce asked, "Do people still live here?"

Lucas's expression grew serious. "Yes, mountain folk whose ancestors have lived here for generations."

"They live off the mountains and won't leave them in this lifetime," he continued.

"They've started bartering with us since we arrived, trading rare items for daily necessities."

Before long, the off-road vehicle stopped in an open area.

"Alright, time to get out," Lucas said, leading the way.

The vehicle couldn't go further, so they had to proceed on foot.

Ethan, with his large frame, carried a hefty backpack and released a Poke Ball. A flash of light revealed an Ace-level Rhydon, which also carried a large pack to distribute the load.

Bruce only had a small bag, which barely affected his mobility.

"Go, Pidgeot!"

Lucas released a Poke Ball, and an enormous bird emerged, soaring into the sky.

With wide wings, pink talons, and sleek brown feathers, the Pidgeot was majestic.

[Pokemon: Pidgeot (Flying/Normal)]
Ability: Keen Eye
Qualification: Master
Level: Lv 53 (Gym)

Though Pidgeys were common worldwide, fully evolved Pidgeots were rare.

"Scout the area," Lucas commanded.

With a cry, Pidgeot flapped its wings and took flight, providing aerial surveillance.

Benjamin followed suit, releasing a sleek green Sceptile with sharp, leaf-like blades on its arms.

[Pokemon: Sceptile (Grass)]
Ability: Overgrow
Qualification: Master
Level: Lv 45 (Gym)

"Take care of us, Sceptile," Benjamin instructed.

The Pokemon nodded, then leapt gracefully into the trees, moving swiftly among the branches.

"Let's begin the patrol," Lucas announced.

He turned to Bruce and whispered, "Young Master Bayne, release your Pokemon. We'll notify you when we find suitable wild Pokemon."

Bruce realized the real purpose of this patrol wasn't just to patrol—it was to help him train efficiently.

With Pidgeot and Sceptile scouting ahead, and the others acting as bodyguards, Bruce's task was clear: level up his Pokemon.