"As expected, a leader-class Pokémon is truly formidable." Silver spoke, but his eyes gleamed with excitement.
Although Tyrantrum was a Rock/Dragon-type, its mastery of Ground-type moves far surpassed that of his Nidoking. To put it bluntly, even if Tyrantrum stood still and let Nidoking attack, it wouldn't suffer much damage.
"The essence of the earth lies in its weight, solidity, support, and vitality. Each of these characteristics requires extensive time to comprehend and master," Lucius explained.
A Pokémon's type was a gift from nature and was naturally linked to it. Experienced trainers always tailored their Pokémon's growth paths according to their attributes and personalities.
Silver nodded. He understood this, but he also knew that a Pokémon's growth wasn't an overnight process. It required both technique and time-honed experience.
"Since you've joined Omega Squad, I have a mission for you," Lucius continued, noticing Silver's curiosity. "I'm heading to Unova to borrow something from Team Plasma. You're coming with me."
"Unova..." Silver contemplated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Having grown up in Johto, he rarely even visited Kanto, let alone Unova. Still, he knew it was one of the world's most developed regions.
Lucius and Silver discreetly departed by car, and en route, he sent an order to Ophelia and her team.
Within a month, Hive must expand to 100 members.
Lucius didn't specify how they should achieve this. He trusted Ophelia's capabilities—this wasn't a difficult task for her. As for funding, with Archer's clearance, money wasn't an issue.
He deliberately refrained from instructing whether to use viral expansion or conventional recruitment, knowing Ophelia would make the judgment call herself.
At the same time, he instructed Zeyan and the others, who were still in Cerulean City, to head to Saffron City immediately.
The cause of Kuran and his team's deaths had been identified, and with Cerulean City being the League's first stop for virus eradication efforts, it was no longer a safe place for them.
Just then, his communicator received a classified report from Team Rocket's intelligence division—an exclusive update for high-ranking officers to stay informed on major global events.
League Directive: UB Countermeasure Headquarters Director Anabel dispatched to Cerulean City outskirts—Captured Raikou...
Lucius' pupils contracted as he read the report.
Raikou had been captured?
Having spent considerable time in this world, Lucius understood that capturing a Legendary Pokémon here was nothing like in the games. It wasn't as simple as weakening it and throwing a Poké Ball.
Beyond immense strength, a trainer also needed the Legendary Pokémon's acknowledgment. Otherwise, even if subdued, it wouldn't submit—just like how Vicious failed to control Celebi even after sealing it inside a Dark Ball.
Anabel?
Lucius suddenly recalled—wasn't she the cousin Zeyan mentioned?
He examined the public records and images of Anabel: the Head of the Hoenn Battle Frontier, Tower Tycoon of the Hoenn Battle Tower, Director of the UB Countermeasure Headquarters, and President of the Hoenn Psychic Association—an impressive list of titles.
No wonder Zeyan aimed to become a Champion and defeat his cousin. But looking at Anabel's achievements, even if Zeyan reached the Champion level, defeating her would be nearly impossible...
This matter had to be taken seriously. Anabel represented the League, and Raikou had been sent by Ho-Oh to purge virus carriers.
If Anabel had captured Raikou, this could signal a collaboration between the Pokémon League and Mythical Pokémon...
...
Anabel sat cross-legged in the meditation chamber. As a psychic, daily meditation training was a necessity.
Among her usual Pokémon meditating alongside her, there was now an imposing new presence—a golden-furred, black-striped Pokémon radiating an awe-inspiring aura. It was none other than the Legendary Pokémon, Raikou.
Meditating with Pokémon not only enhanced their bond but also strengthened their resonance, allowing for better coordination in battle.
"So this is the evil aura Ho-Oh spoke of..." Anabel, linked to Raikou's consciousness via her psychic powers, etched the sensation of this so-called "evil aura" into her mind.
Raikou was powerful, but its sensory capabilities had limits. As one of the world's top psychics, Anabel's tracking abilities far surpassed Raikou's.
"I'm sorry..." Anabel suddenly whispered, tears slipping down her face. Her beautiful eyes opened, filled with sorrow.
Through her mental connection with Raikou, she could still feel the agony of its past—the torment of being burned alive—and the deep disappointment it carried toward humanity after years of wandering the world.
Psychics had a far greater capacity for empathy than ordinary people. She could fully experience Raikou's emotions and deeply understood why it harbored such a fierce killing intent.
Seeing Anabel weep, Raikou stood up and walked away. It had already passed Ho-Oh's imprint onto her; it had no need for human sympathy...
Anabel didn't mind Raikou's reaction. She allowed herself to fully merge with the pain, immersing in it completely. Only by feeling as Raikou did—experiencing its sorrow and suffering—could she truly resonate with it.
...
"Elder Blaine, how is Dragonite?" Drake anxiously asked.
Ever since confirming that his Dragonite had been infected, he had barely been able to eat or sleep.
"Don't worry too much. I'll do my best," Blaine reassured him. He understood Drake's concern—after all, Dragonite was his closest partner and his only King-class Pokémon.
Noticing that Drake was still tense, Blaine added, "For now, Dragonite's condition is stable. Although the virus continues to spread, its overall health remains intact—it's even stronger than before."
"Really...?" Drake finally let out a small sigh of relief.
"Drake, leave Dragonite to Elder Blaine. Don't neglect your training in the meantime," Lance interjected.
Drake nodded. He understood what Lance meant. Dragonite was infected, and there was nothing he could do about it right now. Instead of dwelling on it, he should focus on training his other Pokémon.
It was a harsh reality, but Drake knew Lance was right.
"Elder Blaine, I'll leave it to you." Drake bowed slightly before exiting the lab.
Blaine nodded slightly. Drake had the qualities of a true Elite Four—he could make the right decisions quickly.
Turning back to look at Dragonite, pacing restlessly inside the cryogenic chamber, Blaine couldn't help but sigh.
Every King-class Pokémon was a crucial asset to the League. But for now, all he could do was slow the virus' spread using low temperatures—eliminating it was impossible.
What was even more troubling was that, as the infection progressed, Dragonite was growing stronger. Moreover, it seemed to enjoy the sensation, resisting treatment.
Blaine narrowed his eyes. Perhaps he should conduct daily psychological evaluations to determine whether the virus was subtly altering Dragonite's consciousness before any mutations occurred...
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