Elf: Who told him to be an investigator!

Chapter 20 Investigator

If a steady stream of Pokémon hunters could come to him.

That doesn't mean...

Is it a continuous stream of good things?

Isn't that his system's monster spawner? He can also conveniently "pick up" items from Pokémon hunters who come looking for him.

Ze Shu thought this to himself, but then asked, "What solution?"

But seeing that Ze Shu showed no fear and even a hint of joy, Xiong Zheng was momentarily stunned in confusion.

With a sigh, he lost interest in trying to win over Ze Shu: "This is the third thing I've done since I came here, and it's also what I just told you: if you agreed, I would give you this unmelting ice right away."

As he spoke, the movement pulled at the redness and swelling on his face, causing him to grimace slightly. "Of course, you don't have to agree. I'll still give you the unmelted ice, so don't feel guilty. But seeing that you're in good physical condition, hmph, we can have another match then."

That's all.

He stood up, straightened his clothes which were speckled with ice, and solemnly said, "As for the third matter, I want to invite you to join our Pokémon Investigator team. That way, you won't have to be afraid of that Hunter J!"

Ze Shu was taken aback: "Me?"

Is this some kind of mistake?

Although he didn't want to admit it, he was a member of the "Masked Army," an evil organization. He appeared so abruptly and without any official registration in the Sinnoh region; didn't the investigators even bother to check his background?

In Zeqi's memory.

That "birth" that could be considered flawed in Officer Jenny's eyes is sufficient for an ordinary citizen, but for an investigator... it probably isn't quite right, is it?

But Xiong Zheng continued, "We've observed you, and the fight we just had is enough to convince me that you can become an excellent investigator."

"Pokémon-like physical abilities, unconventional fighting style, reactions and qualities in special situations, and... a deep bond with Pokémon are all things that I admire."

He glanced at the Ice Eevee, which, even though it was injured, refused to leave the vicinity of Zeju, and his eyes flickered a few times.

"As long as you love Pokémon, appreciate the beautiful connection between humans and Pokémon, and are willing to protect them, you're qualified to join the Investigator team. Nothing else matters!"

"Therefore, I sincerely invite you to join our ranks of investigators and work with us to protect the light of the Pokémon world."

Xiong Zheng's gaze was very sincere.

Zeki truly felt that he genuinely wanted to "protect the light of the Pokémon world," so he paused for a moment, but still shook his head and refused.

"To be honest, although I deeply abhor Pokémon hunters and all sorts of bad things, I still prefer my current free life, so please forgive me for refusing."

"Of course, if something like the Pokémon hunter incident happened before, I would definitely use all my strength to stop it."

"..."

Xiong Zheng suddenly smiled: "Don't rush to refuse with that reason. I think I should tell you a few things first."

"Besides, what rules govern freedom and unfreedom? If you become a school teacher for money, can you be considered free?"

"Becoming an investigator won't restrict your freedom much; on the contrary, it will give you more freedom. We investigators usually operate independently most of the time. If you yearn for freedom, becoming an investigator might offer you more advantages."

Ze Shu paused for a moment, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, but simply asked, "Could you tell me more about the investigators?"

Xiong Zheng smiled and said, "Of course."

He talked for a long time.

simply put.

Unlike local police who maintain order in their respective areas, investigators work in the shadows to combat crime and handle cases that are difficult to resolve in any region.

It doesn't necessarily mean dealing with troublesome Pokémon hunters; it could also be Pokémon causing trouble, or investigating some strange incident.

This seems to fall within the scope of the functions of international police.

However, unlike the mass operations of the national police, the profession of investigator places greater emphasis on individual combat skills. This makes it easier for them to infiltrate locations that are difficult for multiple people to reach, and to carry out targeted demolitions.

"Therefore, we are extremely cautious in recruiting investigators, focusing more on the trainers' reactions and qualities in dealing with various dangers," Xiong Zheng said. "At least at Sinnoh, we haven't had any new recruits in recent years..."

"But without a doubt, before you answer, I must state—this is a very dangerous profession!"

"For example, it's really hard to predict what extremely insidious and suicidal things those Pokémon hunters who are cornered might do in the end."

In return.

The Alliance naturally spares no effort in allocating resources to investigators, who have considerable power in various locations and enjoy numerous conveniences within the Alliance.

After listening, Ze Shu paused for a moment, genuinely somewhat intrigued: "I have a question. Does the Alliance frequently force investigators to take on missions?"

"We can't rule out that possibility, especially in emergencies," Xiong Zheng said. "But in normal circumstances, you'll mostly have to investigate on your own or seek help. After all, events requiring our intervention aren't very common."

"Take me for example. Before coming here, I had already rested for a full six months! Sigh... my body had slacked off, and I need to do a lot of rehabilitation to get back in shape..."

Ze Shu: "..."

Is this an excuse for losing to me in the battle just now?

However, he did not refuse Xiong Zheng's invitation again.

After all, he didn't mind doing these things, and there were even many rewards; and fighting evil was certainly a good deed, so the investigator's duties were quite compatible with his system, and he could also get an extra reward.

Ze Shu agreed.

Xiong Zheng placed the unmelting ice into Ze Shu's arms, looking very happy: "Hahaha, look at the newcomer I've recruited with great potential. When you make a name for yourself, I can say in front of them—"

"I'm the one who made you an investigator!"

"Ha ha!"

Ze Shu: "..."

……

After making the appointment with Zeki, Xiongzheng left. The appointment of the investigator was not immediate, but rather some time later. This gave Zeki time to 'change his mind'.

However, Xiongzheng seemed to think that Zeshu wouldn't go back on his word, so he left behind a device that resembled a mobile phone.

Opening it reveals a series of task lists, perhaps issued by external police departments or alliances.

There's also a posting function, which allows investigators to communicate internally.

Upon clicking, the first title that caught Ze Shu's eye was—

[Help! Seeking adoption! I'm being harassed by an entire island of Slowpokes while investigating the smuggling of Slowpoke tails! What should I do?!]

Open the reply page again.

【+3】

[Slowpoke's tail, hehehe...]

Where is it? I could adopt one.

Slowpoke? My absolute favorite Pokémon. I wish I could lie next to Slowpoke forever, just spacing out every day...hehehe...

Zeshu had serious doubts about the investigators' mental state.