Yuan County had descended into chaos, with a massive crowd fleeing in panic. Although government officials were organizing evacuation efforts, their numbers fell short of what was needed to control a population nearing two million.
Riots broke out in parts of town, with some people smashing store windows and looting whatever they could find.
As the looting began, more people followed suit, creating a situation that was difficult to control.
While some bystanders tried to intervene, their efforts were overwhelmed by the scale of the disorder.
At Yuan County No. 1 Middle School, the principal was rallying the school's Trainer Teachers to head toward the No. 36 intermediate-level secret realm. With only eight professional Trainers on staff, their resources were stretched thin.
"Where's Teacher Brad?"
The principal asked, noticing the strongest trainer—who happened to be a pseudo-Elite—was missing.
"Hurry up and contact Teacher Brad," the principal said urgently.
A teacher said hesitantly, "Brad… he's already gone."
The principal nodded.
"Gone? Then he's already at the secret realm. Teacher Brad is a pseudo-Elite Trainer and takes his responsibility seriously."
"No," the teacher corrected, "he went south."
The room fell silent.
The secret realm riot was in north, yet Brad had gone south and was unreachable. Now, everyone understood where their pseudo-Elite had gone: he'd deserted them.
"Deserter, that guy turned out to be a deserter."
The principal spat in disgust. "That gold-plated slacker is completely unreliable! It makes sense, He was only here for appearances—otherwise, why would a pseudo-Elite come to teach at a county school?"
Setting aside his frustration, the principal addressed the remaining trainers.
"Forget the deserter. Let's move out quickly. If anyone wishes to leave, I won't stop you."
But the teachers all shook their heads; they had roots in Yuan County and couldn't walk away now.
"Good. Rest assured, reinforcements are on the way. The nearest Imperial University is sending upperclassmen along with two Elite Trainers. Shu University's support team is also en route," the principal said.
"We just need to hold out for an hour."
The riotous No. 36 intermediate secret realm was only 10 kilometers away, and Pokémon had already begun appearing in the skies over Yuan County.
With a flap of its wings, a Pidgeotto whipped up a powerful whirlwind, blowing people off their feet.
A swarm of Spearows swooped down, their claws targeting anyone in sight.
Beedrills buzzed ominously, Twineedles gleaming as they struck with deadly precision, taking a few lives in seconds.
For ordinary people, even a level 5 Pokémon could be lethal if they weren't careful, and facing level 10 Pokémon was almost like confronting death itself.
Fortunately, not every resident was defenseless.
Though only about ten percent of Drakoria's newly registered Trainers went on to pursue the profession seriously, the rest kept Pokémon as companions.
These domesticated Pokémon, although less powerful than those of professional trainers, still offered protection.
Families with domestic Pokémon deployed them to defend their homes, and some even protected neighbors.
Grass and Bug-types, easy to care for and inexpensive, were among the most common domestic Pokémon, serving as valiant defenders amidst the chaos.
Roughly 70% of the wild Pokémon emerging from the secret realm were between level 12 and 20, matching the strength of Rookie Trainers.
Around 20% ranged from levels 20 to 40, equaling the strength of regular Trainers.
While the remainder, above level 40, advanced-level Pokémon, posed a serious threat to even experienced Trainers.
And most domestic Pokémon ranged between level 20 to 40.
Therefore, with the help of domestic Pokémon, the Pokémon who flew into Yuan County to cause destruction were quickly suppressed.
In the sky, a level 35 Fearow screeched, rallying a flock of Spearows to attack the domestic Pokémon resisting below.
"Nicely done, Oddish!"
A middle-aged man cheered as his Oddish took down a Spearow. His joy however was short-lived.
With a single dive, the Fearow stirred up a whirlwind, sending the middle-aged man and his Oddish crashing against a nearby building.
Oddish lay unconscious, and the man, impaled by a steel pipe, lay bleeding heavily.
Fearow, eyes gleaming with malice, prepared to strike.
"Machoke, Brick Break!"
A construction worker's voice rang out as Machoke appeared, attacking Fearow with a powerful strike.
The Fearow dodged, enraged, and retaliated with a peck, its beak piercing Machoke's shoulder.
Grimacing in pain, Machoke grabbed Fearow's beak with one hand, then raised his other arm, delivering another Brick Break.
Fearow let out a screech, stunned by the attack.
"Well done, Machoke!"
The construction worker praised, he didn't expect his Machoke to be this strong but his joy vanished as he noticed the blood pouring from the injured man's wound.
If this was not dealt with soon, the man would definitely die.
But he had no experience in this area, nor did he have any drugs.
"Go, don't worry about me."
The middle-aged man, struggling to speak, tried to push him away.
"Shut up!" the construction worker snapped. "I'm not about to let someone die right in front of me!"
Just then, Machoke was thrown back as Fearow struck again, its fury and level advantage wearing Machoke down.
"It's all your fault! You just had to appear in front of me, but that's fine, I swear, if we're going down, it's together!," the construction worker cursed.
Seriously injured middle-aged man: (*⊙~①)
At this time, Julian was still on his way.