Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Just then.

Buzz—Buzz—

A slight vibration broke the tranquility of the carriage. On the girl's wrist, the Rotom phone, which combined communication and encyclopedia functions, displayed the caller ID—Sonia.

With a slight narrowing of her eyes, Nan Yin swiped her finger across the screen.

A virtual screen popped up with the face of the orange-haired beauty, the background of which was a messy research room filled with ancient books and instruments. Upon closer inspection, her curly hair was even more disheveled than usual: "Nanyin! Ke'erni! Where are you now?"

There were many inquiries filled with urgency and anxiety.

"We're on our way back to Gongmen City. What happened, Dr. Sonia?"

The fact that the usually cheerful Sonia was so eager must mean something significant.

“Great! Listen, the situation is extremely urgent!” She spoke so fast it was almost impossible to interrupt. “Through the Marocmon Group’s satellite network, combined with data from the astronomical recorders left behind by the Galar Kingdom, I recalibrated the monitoring of the core of the Great Power—the Eternatus seal point—and the results are... extremely bad!”

"The previous data model has completely failed; the energy readings are climbing at an abnormal rate. Based on the latest decay curve, the force field binding it is being rapidly eroded by the immense energy, and collapse is only a matter of time!"

Unmoved by the former's trembling voice, Nan Yin listened silently, analyzing and deducing in her mind.

Eternatus, the legendary dragon that brought the 'Dark Night' disaster to Galar and was eventually sealed away by Zacian and Zamazenta, was known for its terrifying power and destructiveness from generations of games and Leon's descriptions.

After a thousand years of imprisonment, once freed, its accumulated resentment will naturally lead it to take revenge on this land with its millions of inhabitants.

"Can you estimate the exact time?" The girl's voice remained calm and unwavering.

"It's hard to be precise, it could be a few days, or even... less! The energy leak has already started affecting the Pokémon around the factory, and there's even been some minor chaos." Sonia's eyes were filled with urgency. "Chairman Rose... he..."

Before he could finish speaking, another communication request abruptly interrupted, displaying the name as—Loz.

Nanyin connected with multiple communications.

“Miss Nan Yin, Miss Koelni.” President Loz’s voice rang out, still with that calm and magnetic tone, but upon closer listening, one could detect a trace of suppressed heaviness and fatigue. “I’m sorry to disturb your journey home from your training. You are probably already aware of what Dr. Sonia told you.”

“Yes, President Loz,” Nan Yin replied.

"The situation has developed beyond our expectations." The man's brows furrowed, unable to conceal his worry. "The activity curve of the Void-Tana is extremely steep, and the foundation of the seal is being eroded by the immense energy of the entire region. We have activated the corresponding stabilization program, but the effect is not significant. It is like a new star about to explode, forcibly confined in a narrow cage, and its accumulated destructive power... is immeasurable."

"We suspect that Anuttara was not completely dormant during its long seal. It may have been accumulating power all along, or its recovery process may have been accelerated by some unknown factor."

He paused, seemingly considering his words or calming himself down: "We are currently mobilizing all available resources in the League, including Gym Leaders, elite Trainers, and the most elite technical team, to the Energy Plant to stand by, to try to reinforce the seal, or to prepare for the worst. But frankly, conventional methods are of little use against a legendary being of this caliber."

"Therefore, rather than hoping for a miracle or that the seal will be strengthened, I would rather try to defeat and subdue it before it escapes."

Loz's tone became extremely solemn, even with a hint of pleading: "Miss Nanyin, you are the only trainer we know of who has truly faced a legendary Pokémon and achieved victory. Your strength, your partners, and your extraordinary insight and adaptability are the hope that Galar needs and must have right now."

“I urge you to travel to Quanguan City and the energy plant. The Marocmon Group will use all its resources to ensure your journey is smooth.”

The communication was not yet over, but the other side of the screen had already stopped talking, leaving only the hum of the train speeding along and the sound of the tide.

Without saying a word, if it were true, Nan Yin would naturally be happy to help, as it was a promise she had made previously. However, even through the screen, she could still sense a hint of a lie on Luo Zi's face.

Perhaps Sonia was completely unaware of it, but it all happened too coincidentally. She had just finished her trip to the Isle of Armor and had no further plans to explore Galar when this phone call came at just the right time.

Why? Is it because they fear she will have no reason to stay on this land and will eventually distance herself from it all?

A shrewd person is good at telling hidden facts, letting others see the truth they want to see. If she hadn't left, even without a reason, she would have been drawn into the matter by this phone call, which is a matter of morality and responsibility.

If one doesn't see through it, then this is perfectly normal; but if one does see through the truth, then this is what is called a cunning scheme.

After a long silence, Nan Yin nodded heavily, as if weighed down by a thousand pounds, and uttered only a single word.

"it is good."

The communication was cut off, the screen went dark, and the sea view outside the window was still magnificent and the sun was shining brightly, but an invisible, suffocating sense of heaviness had already pressed down on it.

Glancing sideways at her friend, the blonde girl's eyes lost their usual playfulness, replaced by a deep seriousness and worry for herself: "Nan Yin..."

Nan Yin slowly raised her head, her silver hair falling down her cheeks. She gazed at the increasingly clear coastline rushing past in the distance, her usually calm eyes now brimming with turbulent undercurrents.

She hated the businessman's rhetoric and the mask of honesty and dedication, which reminded her of the past, of her youth when she was unaware of hardship and was deceived by her boss.

"He concealed the truth. Dr. Sonia's monitoring data is real, but although Loz's purpose was for the safety of the people of Galar, his methods were not honorable."

Korne was taken aback, and then her delicate brows furrowed.

You mean, he might—

"The 'unknown factors' that accelerated the recovery may not be accidental." The girl gently stroked the pure white crystal around her neck. Facing Wujitana, even the White Dragon could not guarantee victory.

"The Marocmon Group controls almost all of Galar's massive energy resources, and its factory in Hammerlocke is its core hub. If anyone could 'provoke' the sealed legendary dragon, they would be the first to be targeted."

"He brought the crisis to the forefront, perhaps not only out of necessity, but also out of some kind of coercion, like using a powerful enough piece to confront the calamity he himself (or tacitly approved) unleashed, and to bear the most dangerous consequences."

"Then we..."

Suddenly grabbing her friend's wrist, Korne's knuckles turned slightly white, showing no sympathy, only deep concern in her eyes.

"No matter what methods he uses, the threat of Muktana is real. Just like Mr. Mastadt and Master Miye, just like the students of those dojos, just like the masses of people, they are kind and warm-hearted, and they have their land to carry on, which should not be destroyed."

She looked at Korne, and in that exchange of glances, without needing to say a word, the blonde girl understood the resolute determination and the promise to stand together.

She leaned her shoulder against hers, only whispering in her ear.

"No matter what we face, Lucario and I, and they, will be by your side."

"The train will arrive at the Motosuke City Hub Station in five minutes. The special passage to the energy plant is open for passengers with special permits. The remaining passengers, please proceed to Platform 1 to transfer." The train's announcement came on at the right time, a cold female voice announcing the change of destination and journey.

As the train slowly pulled into the city surrounded by massive steel structures, staff members dressed in Marocmont Group uniforms, their expressions tense, were already waiting on the platform. Leading them was Olive, the secretary of Loz, whom Nan Yin had met once before.

She pushed up her glasses, revealing a sharp and indifferent gaze behind the lenses, without offering any further pleasantries.

"Miss Nan Yin, Miss Korne, the president has arranged everything. The trainers who came for the Champion Invitational Tournament are also here, so please don't worry too much."

Just as the former said, Nan Yin did indeed encounter a very familiar-looking person nearby.

With a handsome face and a tall, upright figure, the man greeted her with considerable surprise as his short, azure hair turned to the side.

"Oh, I didn't expect to see you here, Nan Yin."

"It's been a long time, Mr. Daigo."

Yes, waiting by the wall is none other than Daigo, the former champion of Hoenn.

"Haha, I'm the one who should say that. To be honest, I only came to participate in this championship invitational tournament because I couldn't stand Mikoli's nagging. I never expected to encounter this."

"Upon hearing that Eterna is a Dragon-type Pokémon, Mr. Lance couldn't wait to rush down there. He really is an impatient person."

Their eyes met, and the young man's gaze was not as innocent as he had claimed. As the only son of a business tycoon, he certainly sensed the lie.

However, before the former could remind him, the Poké Ball at his waist opened and closed, and the enormous silver-white beast shoved the trainer aside with an elbow, causing him to stumble and awkwardly grab onto a nearby pillar to steady himself.

Ignoring Daigo's reaction, Metagross simply embraced Nanon with extra enthusiasm, expressing its closeness through simple physical gestures.

"Metamorphosis?!" Steven exclaimed, patting his expensive, dusty coat with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "I'm your trainer!"

His tone was more helpless than blaming, clearly used to the big guy's occasional 'eccentricities'.

Chapter 258 Champions Gather

"Hey, how have you been lately, big guy?"

Standing on tiptoe, Nan Yin gently stroked the giant monster's forehead. She wasn't surprised that the beast was so friendly to her.

That day on the cliff in the snowfield, she met Daigo briefly and they became acquainted. Although they did not meet in person as commissioned by the breeder, the Bouffet and Energy Cubes she sent were carefully prepared by her, combining nutrition with color and aroma.

Even those Pokémon, with their enormous size, couldn't resist this delicious and satisfying treat.

Moreover, having spent so much time immersing herself in shaping and processing tree fruits, the girl herself seemed to possess a natural allure, and simply being by her side brought a profound sense of peace.

"Kang Jin".

The Metagross emitted a deep, cheerful tremor, its enormous head drooping slightly, almost brushing against Nan Yin's shoulder. Its massive body completely enveloped the girl, yet there was no sense of oppression; instead, it resembled a silent and loyal fortress.

"It seems it still remembers those 'snacks' you specially made, and even more so, it remembers that time we stood side by side in the snowfield." Daigo straightened his collar and put on that elegant and composed smile again. "To be honest, as soon as it saw you, it almost forgot about me, its trainer."

The lighthearted banter eased the somber atmosphere, and just then, a languid female voice approached from afar, carrying the annoyance of a long dream being disturbed.

"Phew, what bad timing, I haven't had enough sleep yet."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound.

At the end of the passage, a tall, blonde woman walked gracefully towards the entrance. She wore a well-tailored dark trench coat over a simple turtleneck, and her long, flowing hair swayed gently with each step.

What's most striking is the thick book she's holding, its cover adorned with ancient patterns, and the nonchalant expression on her face, as if she's just woken from an afternoon nap.

However, beneath the languid look in his eyes lies a deep, tranquil, and profound knowledge.

She is Cynthia, the champion of Sinnoh and a scholar of mythology and history.

Beside her, a massive and ferocious Garchomp followed closely. Its deep blue scales gleamed with a cold, hard sheen under the platform lights, its scythe-like pectoral fins hung naturally, and its scarlet eyes were half-open, its expression mirroring that of its trainer—a languid air of dominance mixed with a hidden sharpness.

Zhu Lan's gaze swept lightly over everyone present, lingering on Daigo for a moment before giving a slight nod in greeting. Then, it landed on Nan Yin, her smile overshadowing her annoyance, forming a captivating, shallow arc.

"Originally, I was wondering where to find you two young ladies. Although things are not going well, it is much more convenient to see you now."

"Bamboo Orchid".

Without causing any disturbance, the championship invitational tournament was naturally not limited to one event. Nan Yin had already anticipated the possibility of predecessors arriving and also questioned the meaning of the words just spoken with her eyes.

They already knew each other, so there was no need for them to act like strangers in front of Oliver.

"It's not a very important matter. It's just that Karune repeatedly asked me to take extra care of you. I got carried away by my concern, even though you are all capable trainers."

She sighed softly, her murmur barely audible.

"She was so serious that I was even a little jealous."

Closing the ancient book in his hands, the languor completely vanished with his words, leaving only the composure and decisiveness of a champion.

"The legends of Galar's Dark Night bear a striking resemblance to certain 'extraterrestrial calamities' recorded in the ancient Sinnoh texts in their descriptions of energy dissipation."

“The energy readings are still rising, and the sealing force field is weakening faster than expected.” Interrupting, Olivier stated coldly without a smile, “Please proceed to the core area of ​​the factory immediately.”

Although not a single word was mentioned, this was clearly an urging.

As if to confirm her words, a heart-stopping tremor ran through the ground beneath her feet. In the distance, the energy halo that had been faintly visible above the cluster of chimneys in the direction of the factory was now becoming denser and thicker at a visible speed, like turbulent, foul blood.

The sky was tinged with an ominous dark red, which even the midday sun could not penetrate.

A fierce aura, originating from the ancient wilderness, spread from the ground like an invisible tsunami, causing all the trainers' Poké Balls to vibrate uneasily. Metagross raised its head warily, its eyes scanning the corresponding data stream; Garchomp's half-closed vertical pupils suddenly snapped open, letting out a low, threatening roar.

"The situation is perhaps worse than Dr. Sonia described. It seems that Anuttara is polluting the fundamental energy channels of this land."

"Chairman Rose's so-called 'stabilization program'," Daigo's voice turned cold. He straightened his tie, which had been knocked askew by Metagross, and his gaze behind his glasses was sharp as a knife as he swept over Olive's expressionless face, "I'm afraid it's not reinforcing the seal, but rather extracting, or even... catalyzing, this energy?"

The Hoenn Champion's business acumen allowed him to instantly grasp the paradox: would the Marocmon Group, whose core business is energy development, really be content to merely seal away such a violent and 'abundant' energy source?

Olive adjusted her glasses, her expression remaining flat and expressionless: "All of the Chairman's instructions prioritize the overall interests and safety of the Galar region. Specific technical details are confidential to the group, and I am not authorized to disclose them. Champions, please follow me; the elevator to the core area of ​​the factory is ready."

She turned around, her high heels clicking with an undeniable rhythm on the polished floor.

In the silence, the elevator leading deep underground carried everyone down.

The steel box sank, as if falling towards the earth's core. The deeper it went, the heavier the suffocating sense of oppression from the depths of the earth became.

"Ding."

A faint beep sounded, and the heavy alloy door slid open silently to the sides.

The sight before them took their breath away, even for the most seasoned champions.

The enormous underground space is far larger than imagined, as if it had hollowed out the foundation of the entire city of Quanguan.

The dome soared into the darkness, supported by countless thick alloy beams, densely covered with flickering indicator lights and a complex network of conduits. At the center of the space was a bottomless, enormous vertical shaft, its edges encircled by a blinding energy field that emitted an unstable, heart-pounding hum.

Like an inverted mechanical heart, it is filled with countless pipes of varying thicknesses and rotating turbine structures layered upon each other, intertwined and coiled, extending downwards into a deep vertical shaft, greedily drawing dark purple energy streams from it.

That energy was indeed immense. But now, it had lost its former brilliance and vitality, becoming filthy, viscous, and churning with nauseating malice.

In this pure darkness, two scarlet vertical pupils, like beacons of hell, pierced through the cracks in the seal, staring intently at all living beings above.

Its essence is the boundless and boundless.

Chapter 259 People Who Deeply Love This Land

"Welcome, everyone, to the 'heart' of Galar." A steady but weary voice rang out.

On the circular platform at the edge of the shaft, Loz, the chairman of the Marocomon Group, stood. His well-tailored suit looked somewhat disheveled, and a few strands of his usually meticulously combed brown hair fell down. His face remained as calm as ever, but his eyes held an unyielding desire and a hint of fanatical obsession.

Beside him stood Du, his expression as cold and stern as iron. His red hair was as bright as fire, his figure as upright as a mountain, and his sharp eyes, like blades, were fixed on the former, his anger undisguised.

"Loz!" The young man's voice boomed like thunder, drowning out the hum of energy, burning with the fury of being deceived. "Your actions have violated the laws of the Alliance. Is this what you call a 'stabilization program'?!"