Pokémon Detective Case Files.

"Since the misunderstanding about Hayden Pharmaceuticals was deliberately planted by Hades, then Hades must know that at this point in time when he received the intelligence, it was only a matter of time before the explosion of the Forest Mansion occurred. At this critical moment, as long as your intelligence agency pays the most basic attention to that mansion, after the explosion actually happens there, regardless of whether anyone dies in the accident, you will pay utmost attention to Hades and the others in the prison... In this way, the prison relocation is very likely to be put on the agenda."

"Hmm, after all, she's that paranoid commander. She's always so cautious. If she discovers that the prisoner has a way of communicating with the outside world, she's very likely to do this. Could it be that Hades noticed the commander's cleverly hidden personality and nickname during the interrogation, which is why he decided on this plan?"

Whether you realize it or not, this plan was already laid out the moment Team Galactic collapsed. So even if your boss is completely careless, extravagant and unrestrained, Pluto will still mention the Forest Mansion to you at this time. Hugo, who was struggling with a cold and drowsiness, did not make a sound, but Officer Jenny still saw his rebuttal in his disapproving eyes.

"If we calculate it this way, only one question remains."

Officer Jenny adjusted her glasses, looked intently at the detective whose eyelids were gradually closing, and raised her voice—

"Who exactly is the prisoner who leaked the current situation of the Forest Mansion into the prison? Although we can check the prison's reception records over the years and the list of people who recently bought tickets to the harsh mountain, time is of the essence. We hope that Detective Hugo can provide a specific name as our main suspect."

Hugo's eyes were half-closed as the influenza virus fiercely battled his immune system.

Cough, headache, night sweats, drowsiness, muscle aches—these are minor ailments that should only last a day or two to recover from, but they are so uncomfortable until you get through them.

At that moment, the detective barely had the strength to turn over, but upon hearing Officer Jenny's words, he answered without hesitation—

"Qina".

"Understood, we will make the arrest immediately."

Hearing the name of the girl she had once been close to in the mansion, Officer Jenny was not surprised at all, nor did she question Hugo's judgment. She simply nodded.

She put down the documents in her hand, reached for her phone screen, and prepared to end the abrupt video call.

"By the way, Hugo, apart from being sick, you shouldn't have anything else going on, right?"

The detective forced a smile, shrugged, and shook his head, replying, "No problem, go back to your work."

The phone screen went dark and then switched to the default interface of the social media app.

The call has ended.

The detective breathed a long sigh of relief.

.

Pop, pop, pop.

Across from the empty ward, in front of Hugo's bed, came intermittent applause, sounding both perfunctory and mocking.

"As expected of the famous detective Hugo from the Sinnoh region, he still managed to put on a very brilliant deduction even under such difficult circumstances."

The speaker's tone was listless and affected, and even straightforward praise sounded like unrestrained flattery.

“Miss Officer Jenny certainly has a keen intuition, but why don’t you tell her about your current situation? Do you still believe that everything is under your control as a detective?”

Hugo remained silent, closing his eyes as if he hadn't heard anything.

"The final step of identifying the traitor was extremely swift and decisive, which I found to be nothing short of miraculous. How exactly did you find the prisoner who leaked information about the Forest Mansion into the jail? You have to understand—the number of people who knew about the existence of the Forest Mansion was quite limited. Excluding the Hayden Medical construction workers who were unaware of the inside story, and the Team Galactic members who had already been arrested by the Sinnoh League, there were only eight people left who participated in the Forest Mansion incident."

Sunlight streamed through the curtains into the ward, creating a hazy and tranquil atmosphere. The detective lay motionless, seemingly asleep, breathing steadily through his mouth and nose.

The man standing opposite him remained calm and continued speaking—

"Since the information leak occurred long before the Sinnoh League discovered the Forest Mansion, your Cynthia Champion and Officer Jenny can be ruled out as suspects. Hayden and Medal are a community of interest in jointly creating bionic robots; they were too busy stealing Team Galactic's technology to do anything like assisting Pluton's escape. That leaves only the last four suspects."

Vinnie, Neil, Aying, Zina.

"Venetian is the daughter of the Master of the Medan Mansion. She often bickers with her father, always exposing his hypocritical facade. She loves shopping, and even in late winter and early spring, she still bought a brand new winter outfit—it seems quite possible that she might betray her father for money. After all, the King of the Underworld wouldn't tell that traitor that he's going to blow up the Forest Mansion. If it doesn't put either of them in mortal danger, and it's just a little bit of insignificant information leaked, I believe anyone would waver between thinking 'maybe it's okay' and choosing to betray him."

"Neil is a research assistant living under the spotlight of a genius, but the genius he assists is already old and decadent, going further and further down the wrong path. He himself is also a half-baked trainer, catching Pokémon haphazardly without training them, and from this he has developed the bizarre fantasy that he can defeat his opponents based on scientific theories—don't you think such a person might be very interested in the new form of Electrode? If he were that Team Galactic spy hiding in the mansion, he would definitely not hesitate to break the seal on Electrode, right?"

"Ah Ying, hehe, this person is the most suspicious. Putting aside his consistently vague name, just the fact that he was in charge of the entire renovation of the Mori Mansion should make him the prime suspect in the whole case. Did he really not notice any traces left by the former owner of the mansion? That's hard to believe. Moreover, this person is actually Hayden's second-in-command. Wouldn't he want his employer to die in the explosion so that he could take his place?"

The visitor, who, along with Hugo, heard the entire story of the Mori Mansion incident from Officer Jenny, meticulously reviewed all those involved in the case, maliciously speculating on each person's motives. It was as if those involved, if they were actually present, might have been persuaded by this person and committed an irreparable crime.

"Why are you so certain without a doubt that the traitor who provided intelligence to Team Galactic is not one of the people I mentioned above, but rather that seemingly harmless maid?"

Faced with the visitor's aggressive questioning, Hugo had no choice but to reopen his eyes, clear his throat, and speak again in a dry voice—

“Venetian…does have a habit of buying designer goods. But logically speaking, it’s unlikely that someone who loves shopping so much would make the mistake of forgetting to cut off the tag before wearing the suit.”

"I remember this was a detail that Officer Jenny noticed when the museum owner's daughter first appeared. What's the point of still dwelling on this now?"

"This means that the newly bought winter coat was a gift, purchased by someone who didn't know much about clothing sales patterns but wanted to please a girl. And Venetian, after receiving the gift, immediately put it on happily, so much so that she didn't even have time to clean the tag."

"I see. You believe that Neil and Venetian, who were present together, are actually a couple with a fairly close relationship. This greatly reduces the possibility that they are colluding with Group Galactic. After all, humans don't act without expecting something in return. Compared to the empty promises made by prisoners in jail, real feelings are certainly more tempting. Such a couple is unlikely to be recruited as spies. So, Manager Aying, how did you rule him out of suspicion?"

“I investigated him in the past for other cases, and it’s impossible for him to be on Team Galactic’s side.”

Hugo said briefly but definitively.

"Really? Then there's nothing we can do."

The visitor did not reprimand the detective for using off-site information to undermine the fairness of the reasoning; he simply nodded indifferently.

"The Sinnoh Galactic Team's ideology is indeed difficult for the general public to accept. Since that person passed your vetting as a detective, you must be able to see that. I have nothing to say about it."

If I could, I would prefer you not to say a word—if human expressions could speak, Hugo would surely be saying something like that now.

However, the detective didn't waste his energy expressing his emotions. Having already deduced the case to its final step, Hugo chose to refute the visitor with the facts he had deduced—

"Actually, using the process of elimination based on motivation is a complete waste of time."

"Oh? How do you say this?"

"There is a more direct way of screening, which is also more effective at addressing the core issues."

The detective gently raised his index finger.

"Of the four people you listed, Neil and Venetian are about the same age, and the latter has already graduated from university and started working at the research institute. Therefore, even if we include the construction workers from Haiden Pharmaceuticals and the Team Galactic members who have visited the mansion in the past, among all the people related to the whole incident, only Zina was not yet of legal age when the entire Team Galactic was arrested two years ago."

"Adult age? What does that even mean?"

"The Sinnoh League's purge of Team Galactic is absolutely strict. Therefore, even now that the organization has been destroyed, there is absolutely no possibility of any die-hard Team Galactic fans outside of prison—but there is only one exception, a compromise made out of humanitarian considerations."

"I see. It's to protect minors, so the Sinnoh League has concealed their past records of involvement with Team Galactic. How inflexible. They should at least keep a copy in their own files."

"The reason why no trace was left is that the Galactic Group in the past did not regard such underage followers as its members."

The ailing Hugo defiantly raised his chin, looking down at the person opposite him with disdain—

"After all, unlike you who recklessly expand your ranks, the Galactic Group does not allow underage children to join its organization. Even if Crimson Sun's goal is to destroy the entire world, his methods still have limits."

"That's why he ultimately failed."

The visitor remained expressionless and spoke softly in his usual manner.

The afternoon sunlight shifted its angle imperceptibly, illuminating the patterns on the man's robes with a shimmering golden light. The visitor's light green hair cascaded over his shoulders, giving him the appearance of a wise sage. However, the gaze behind the single eye patch was cold and piercing.

"Mr. Hugo, the newly crowned champion of the Unova region and a private detective. May we continue our conversation?"

Quixote, the mastermind behind Group Plasma, held a magnificent dagger that was more of a work of art than a weapon in his hand, and asked politely with gentlemanly manners.

Chapter 302 The Ring of Quixote

"Perhaps you think your activities against the Plasma Group are very secretive, but we have been paying attention to you, Detective Hugo, with your extraordinary background, since a long time ago, probably since that time at the Dream Lab."

Quixote flipped the hilt of his knife with one hand in the sunlight, the gleaming blade reflecting light onto the patient's pale face.

"Many followers have advised me that a dangerous individual like Detective Hugo, who is exceptionally capable and naturally aligned with the Alliance, should be eliminated as soon as possible. This is indeed a very persuasive opinion. However, considering your intelligence and the strange ability to automatically cause various accidents, I ultimately felt that such a approach was too hasty, so I suppressed those voices."

"It's probably because the risks and rewards can't be balanced."

Despite his sickly appearance, the detective was not alarmed by the death threat from the Plasma Group. He suppressed a cough and succinctly exposed his opponent's true intentions.

"Quite perceptive, but this trait of yours is something we already knew. If we weigh the negative impact of a failed assassination against your level of danger, I must say the former is far more serious—however, times have changed, and as a private detective, you should understand better than anyone how times change, don't you think?"

Hugo simply shook his head with difficulty.

“If your purpose in coming here was to kill me, then you should have done it already.”

"Indeed, this is also an extremely simple line of reasoning. No one would do anything unnecessary without a reason, especially wise men like you and me. This sharp weapon in my hand is merely a tool to help you calm down and conduct negotiations quietly. In the end, looking at the entire United States, there are many, many more dangerous individuals like you, Detective. If we had to deal with them one by one, we would be unable to continue advancing our great cause."

"The cause of liberating the elves?"

"A cause that wins people's hearts."

Quixote ignored Hugo's provocative retort and continued, raising his left hand that held the knife—

"With the help of the masses, even the weak will become strong; with the departure of the masses, even the great will perish. The Unova region is named 'Unova' because this land is home to various tribes of ancient kingdoms, as well as immigrants from all over the world. Countless diametrically opposed and contradictory cultures coexist in this region, maintaining a strange and delicate balance, much like the unique Pokémon ecosystem in the native world. As the saying goes, the more something is lacking, the more it is called for. It is precisely because Unova is such a world of conflict among peoples that it yearns for unity and solidarity."

Something's not right, something's very wrong.

While forcing himself not to reveal his weakness and illness, Hugo still habitually fell into deep thought.

What is Quixote's purpose in launching into a lengthy discourse on unity to his new champion?

"In other words, only those who can grasp the power of Unova can become the true rulers of the Unova region. The so-called liberation of Pokémon or the revival of the ancient kingdoms are merely temporary measures. The inequality between humans and Pokémon is like a giant sleeping in a house. As long as this giant can be moved by raising a finger or moving an ankle, the others in the house will huddle together in fear, achieving the so-called 'Unova.' And if someone steps forward at this time, he will become a king and a hero... It's just a means, and since it's a means—the more the better."

It turned out to be the case.

The detective understood.

"Isn't it more convenient to make an existing champion a puppet rather than to have a king you've groomed become the champion?"

Collaborators who have something to offer are easier to manipulate than puppets who have something to ask for.

"You're very smart. I enjoy talking to intelligent people."

The mastermind behind the scenes wore an unusually sincere smile. Beneath that smile, the red markings between the golden patterns of his robe resembled the crimson eyes of a three-headed dragon, ready to devour anyone who dared to approach.

"The previous holder of that title was too old and too stubborn. He couldn't understand the basic common sense of 'win-win cooperation' that forms the foundation of modern society, and he refused to negotiate or compromise. Despite accumulating popularity over decades, he allowed this power to remain inactive. However, power, once it slips from the hands of the holder, is quickly picked up by others. In a sense, the reason his Volcano died young, riddled with injuries, was precisely because of this former champion's policy of allowing the enemy to grow stronger."

"So it seems... cough cough... you have high hopes for me."

“That is indeed the case.” Quixote did not refute this. “In fact, compared to my adopted son, I, as a noble king, prefer you, the new champion who won the title by accident.”

"Oh, why?"

"Because of your status as an outsider, and your lack of any strength other than misfortune, your championship victory, once made public, will inevitably be criticized—you should know this yourself, right? The hearts and minds of the people in the Unova region will never be aligned with a detective like you who is used to observing from the sidelines. Whether it's truth or ideals, black lightning or white flames, those transcendent powers can never be bestowed upon a trainer like you who even dims the Star of Victory."

"Admit it, you need us," Quixote said, walking toward the bedside with a voice as hollow as a dagger slicing through glass, leaving no room for argument.

If you don't want to be swallowed up by reality or crushed by your ideals, then grasp this fallen hand that stretches out from hell.

"Sigh, this isn't the attitude you'd use when asking someone for a favor."

Weakened all over, Hugo shook his head slightly and adopted a delaying tactic.

"I don't believe that brandishing a knife in front of a person with a cold and exposing their weaknesses will lead to any 'win-win' agreement. If this is how Group Plasma treats future collaborators, it's no wonder you were given the cold shoulder by Alder."

"Trying to stall for time with words? In my opinion, Mr. Champion should give up on that idea as soon as possible."

The elderly man, dressed in a magnificent robe, raised his left hand, which was holding a dagger, and showed the detective the gold ring on his knuckle.

"Witness this well. This ring is a heirloom passed down through generations of the Harmenia family. It is the only legacy this family has left in the world after losing its throne, its honor and wealth, and its royal dignity. And its seemingly insignificant function is..."

Quixote flicked the ring with his thumb, and the next moment—

There were no strange sounds or suspicious light effects; the only anomaly was...

Quixote's figure vanished without a trace.

Aura, outline, shape, appearance, face, height, volume, reflection, shadow, existence... all the characteristics that constitute the entity "Quechice" in space completely disappeared at that moment.

"...Consider this intelligence in front of you as my initial gesture of goodwill towards my collaborators."

From the void came the elusive voice of the mastermind behind the scenes, like an invisible person pacing in a hospital room, emitting sounds that seemed to be purely echoes. Even Hugo could not determine the speaker's exact location based on the volume of the sound—

"This is neither an optical camouflage created by technology, nor the invisibility ability of a superhuman. In front of you, I would never use Pokémon techniques to conceal myself. So this is a genuine miracle. It is by using this miracle that I have been able to obtain information without your knowledge, continuously recruit talent, and subtly instigate schemes, growing Team Plasma to its current size. It is also because of this that I was able to witness your spectacular duel with the former champion at such close range, and to swagger into this sealed room wearing such a brightly colored robe."

"Ahem... I see. In that case, even if I call for help, I still won't be able to capture you, the number one sage of Team Plasma."

"What you say is absolutely right."

A chilling whisper rang out, almost whispering in the detective's ear.

Hugo felt a chill run down his spine; his immune system, which had been working excessively to expel the virus, seemed to suddenly stop functioning at that moment.

"Moreover, not only is there absolutely no way you can bring me, Quixote, to justice here, but you are also certain to die before I leave."

After saying this, Quixote deactivated his invisibility and removed the dagger that had been pressed against the detective's carotid artery. He then calmly returned to a safe social distance and resumed the conversation—

"To be honest, you only have a handful of helpers left. Of those who can pose a threat to me, Aldak has already returned to Suanmu Town in despair. Of his four Heavenly Kings, the super-powered girl who looked after you for half a day has also returned to her residence to rest. Lianwu and Yueju were held back by the information I leaked and went to Chuiji High School on the other side of the city. The only one who stayed behind to keep watch was Wanlong, who went to the hospital's rest room for a nap due to daily lack of sleep. She probably thinks that being on standby there at any time will ensure everything goes smoothly."

"Ahem, that's quite a brilliant plan. But I'm curious, what intelligence did you use to keep those two Heavenly Kings in check?"

Fukiyoshi High School, that sounds like a very familiar school... If Hugo were in perfect condition right now, he would probably recognize it immediately.

“It’s alright to tell you about this,” Quixote said with a mocking smile.

"At that school, a female student once went to Shippo Gym as an exchange student, intending to train her Normal-type Pokémon's battle skills there. However, later, due to the gym's own crisis, the exchange program was canceled, and the female student naturally returned to her original school. Interestingly, this student seemed to have had some interaction with the Dark-type Elite Four member during her trip. After returning to high school, she heard rumors that the latter had betrayed the League, and immediately spoke out in his defense. As a result, she was ostracized by her classmates, which reportedly led to a regrettable bullying incident... And I, I just inadvertently let this rumor reach the Pokémon Center nearby."

Upon hearing the news, the League's King of the Oranges grabbed his companion Lianwu and headed excitedly to Fukiyoshi High School—the mastermind behind the scenes shook his head in front of the lone patient, adding gloatingly.