Pokémon Detective Case Files.

"The Pokémon Liberation Movement was so popular not just because of Team Plasma's persuasive speeches and overwhelming propaganda, but because it actually hit a common pain point for all Pokémon trainers—buying a Poké Ball only costs 200 yuan, while raising a Pokémon requires hundreds or thousands of times that amount. After the initial excitement faded, trainers had to face this real economic problem... and Team Plasma created a new solution to this problem."

"In the name of freedom, are we releasing Pokémon back into nature?" Karune asked with a serious expression.

“Yes,” Hugo commented, setting aside any differences in opinion and offering a fair assessment.

"In the original trainer culture, releasing unwanted Pokémon is a despicable act that lacks responsibility. But N and the likes of Ghetto have added a new meaning to this release—in the new concept system, humans and Pokémon are not born with a dependent relationship, but are independent individuals. So releasing is not a kind of abandonment, but a return to the natural state."

“As a trainer, I simply cannot agree with this view,” Champion Karune shook her head.

“Abandonment is abandonment. Careless release will not only leave Pokémon with irreparable emotional trauma, but also kill the possibility of building a further emotional bond between the two.”

"So, Ms. Karene, if you were in my shoes right now, as the new Unova Champion, how would you handle this Pokémon liberation movement led by Team Plasma?"

The detective took a sip of his hot coffee and threw the question back at the champion across from him.

The actress pondered for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, she suddenly changed her tone, speaking to Hugo in a serious and deep male voice—

"The most important thing is to separate the Elf Liberation Movement from the Plasma Group. We must prevent the movement from escalating under the instigation of the cult, and we must also be wary of the deep-seated conspiracies hidden by the Plasma Group under the guise of the former."

She picked up the spoon from the tray and slowly stirred the creamy coffee that had become cloudy in front of her.

"Secondly, there's public opinion. I've always felt that a powerful institution like the Alliance has consistently lacked a media agent commensurate with it—which is why the world is filled with noise. Now that the United Alliance is already mired in this quagmire, there's no need to continue cherishing its reputation. It should quickly wrest the banner of elven liberation from immature social organizations like religious groups, turning the people who were originally dancing around the king and priests into prisoners of short videos and social media accounts, firmly grasping public opinion in its hands."

"This is a method I never imagined."

Hugo was somewhat surprised and looked at the champion Carlos with admiration, who seemed to have changed his personality.

"Finally, we need to start by attacking their internal factions. Just by looking at the contradictory behavior that the Plasma Group exhibits externally, it's not hard to imagine the chaotic ideological struggles within... As a detective, Hugo should know this best, right?"

In the end, Karuni regained her normal voice and tone.

Acting, in essence, is about immersing oneself completely in a new role through facial expressions, demeanor, tone of voice, vocalizations, subtle movements, and body language.

Unlike Ditto's "Transform" move and Zoroark's "Illusion" ability, Pokémon's mimicry can only simply reproduce the appearance and abilities of the object. However, an actor's performance can be like a psychological profile, extracting the emotional intentions and behavioral logic of the person being imitated from the depths of their soul—at least, Ms. Karune can do this.

"You were just imitating Mr. Vladari from the Vladari Laboratory, weren't you? In your mind, he was such a dangerous guy?"

Hugo comforted the little fire monkey, who was stunned by the famous actor's performance, and then asked him a question.

“I’ve always felt like he’s hiding some kind of secret, but I can’t find any evidence.” Karuni stirred her coffee in frustration.

"If you weren't the Unova Champion right now, I'd really like to hire you, detective, to travel to the Carlos region."

"Unfortunately, I'm currently overwhelmed. In addition to dealing with the United States' bureaucratic system, the spies sent by Team Plasma, and the countless challengers who covet the championship title, I also have to properly handle the trouble you've brought—a cross-regional exchange group consisting of a champion and two United States Champions."

“Oh dear, I’m not taking advantage of you. This trip was arranged two years ago,” Karuni said, shaking her head.

"After all, the champion of Unova at that time was Mr. Alder, who was very fond of teaching the younger generation. Therefore, whenever there was an exchange activity, the leagues liked to go to the Unova region. However, later Mr. Alder fell seriously ill, and the visit was postponed until now. After hearing that a new champion had taken the top spot in Unova, the Carlos League became even more concerned about this visit and insisted that we come to Unova to find out your strengths and weaknesses."

"You don't have any Elite Four members with you right now. I suppose the ones who came to participate in the visit are Water Elite Four member Shimi and Fire Elite Four member Pachira?"

“Very perceptive, no wonder you’re Detective Hugo. If it were Yan Kai or Ms. Dorasena, they would definitely be with me,” Champion Karuni nodded.

"Currently, Shimi has gone to Sanyo City first to exchange cooking skills with the three brothers. Pachira, on the other hand, has gone around conducting interviews. She is very interested in the King of Plasma and wants to take this opportunity to do a special interview program."

"He really is the king of the league, all free and easygoing," the detective remarked.

"In our Kalos region, this is called 'romance.' But for us, this visit is really no different from a leisurely trip. The only serious matter is that routine exhibition match, which I, as the champion, will be in charge of this time... Oh dear, Gardevoir isn't going to battle Chimchar and the others, is it?"

Miss Karen put down her coffee cup; the liquid inside was gone. The actress interlaced her fingers and looked at the detective before her, awaiting his reply.

Hugo, however, gave a vague response.

"Hmm... I'm not really useful in battles for now. Considering that Fighting and Dark types are weak to your Mega Gardevoir, in open tournaments, it'll probably be Elite Four's Chandelure or Cattleya's Artificial Egg facing you head-on. Champion Alder has been teaching you for so many years, it's time for a guest from afar to teach the Unova Elite Four."

"Is that so? I'm not dissatisfied with the result. However, as the champion, you can't keep shirking your responsibility to accept challenges, can you?"

Karuni leaned forward, getting closer to the detective, and examined his black hair, which he had dyed in Unova, before asking—

"Detective Hugo, or rather, the new Unova Champion. How do you plan to resolve the current crisis, given the numerous challengers rushing towards the title?"

"That's an interesting question. Ever since I opened my eyes in my hospital bed, everyone I've met has asked me that question, not even the Seven Sages of the Plasma Group. But sometimes, all it takes to solve a problem that even the smartest people find difficult is a little bit of genuine stupidity."

Hugo looked up at the old-fashioned clock hanging in the shop. "Hmm, it's about time. The Alliance's announcement is about to be released."

"An announcement? If the league were planning to release news about the champion's true identity, you would definitely be dragged into the press conference. But since you're in this coffee shop, it means... did you voluntarily give up the championship title?"

"Why must things be so black and white? The Unova region is an inclusive continent, and they are already mentally prepared for the capriciousness of those at the top."

Outside the coffee shop's floor-to-ceiling windows, many people suddenly looked at their phone screens in surprise, then began calling to their companions and whispering among themselves.

"Did they see any interesting news? Could it be that announcement Hugo mentioned?"

Karuni, still somewhat skeptical, also opened her own phone.

Having just arrived in Unova, she hadn't specifically downloaded any local news apps. However, even though the champion's phone could only receive news from the Carlos region, she still saw the eye-catching breaking news immediately—

[Breaking News! Unova's New Champion Refuses to Reveal His Identity! He Intends to Win the League Championship and Reclaim the Title Under Official Rules Before Revealing His Name!]

Chapter 307 The Closed Door

"Is this the Feathered Abode? Although I was mentally prepared, I'm not too surprised. But it truly lives up to its reputation..."

Mary stood in front of the courtyard gate of the villa in the city, curiously looking at the two-story building in front of her that contrasted sharply with the surrounding scenery.

The sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly came from around her; photographer Dai had already found the right angle and was raising his camera to start shooting.

"This should be the doorbell. I wonder if Detective Hugo is in the office..."

The reporter tidied her hair, pressed the button on the electronic communication device in front of Yuqi Residence, and waited anxiously for a response from the residents.

"Hello, this is Hugo Detective Agency. Hmm, these are unfamiliar faces... Have you two made an appointment before?"

A friendly female voice came from the speaker of the communication device. It didn't seem to be the obviously male Detective Hugo from the files; it was probably an employee of the detective agency.

"Hello. We are the interview team from Violet TV. We had already obtained the Detective's permission via email. Although the original plan was an online interview conducted remotely, we received a last-minute request from Mr. Daigo to escort valuables, so the TV station increased the budget and decided to conduct a face-to-face interview. That's why we have taken the liberty of coming to the Unova region."

"If the interview format is changed at the last minute, shouldn't they communicate with us in advance as well?"

The female voice from the speaker raised a question with a hint of doubt, which was actually quite reasonable.

In previous incidents, some people have used the trick of impersonation. The officers of Team Aqua even wore masks and disguised themselves as President Zvoich, making their appearances in the Unova region across the ocean to carry out illegal transactions.

As an employee of Hugo Detective Agency, it was perfectly reasonable for that lady to verify the visitor's identity repeatedly.

Mary replied sincerely, “Of course we also wanted to make contact in advance. But for some reason, when we tried to contact them last week, we found that the email address we had been using to communicate had suddenly stopped working. Since we were entrusted by Mr. Daigo, we could not cancel our trip to the Unova region without his permission, so we had no choice but to take the liberty of visiting you here.”

"Moreover, our original online interview date was today, so we guessed that Detective Hugo might be able to find the time today to accept an in-person interview," the photographer added, holding his camera.

"Oh, I see. It seems there's a reason for it after all..."

One of the acting directors in the firm was silently sweating.

The smug voice of a girl from a week ago still lingered in her ears—

"What era are we living in? Still using email? Sister Lan, if you ask me, if you want to contact a client, it would be much more convenient to just use a social media account!"

I really shouldn't have listened to that junior's instigation...

The reporter outside still hadn't heard the sound of the door unlocking, but calmly continued rummaging through her pockets, intending to compile evidence to prove her identity—

“We understand your concerns, and we also have our Hoenn press credentials to prove our identities…”

"Oh? You're here to see Detective Hugo too?"

Behind the reporter came a voice that was clearly not the cameraman's partner; it was another unfamiliar female voice.

Turning around, he saw a beige police uniform from the Unova region suddenly appear before him as if he had used "teleportation".

It turned out to be Ms. Officer Jenny, who was on official business.

Behind her followed a bespectacled police officer who seemed to be her deputy. Mary's photographer partner, under the latter's sharp gaze, awkwardly put away his camera.

"I don't know if you are clients of a case or reporters or something, but I'm sorry. We have official business to attend to and have to cut in line."

The smart and capable policewoman adjusted her cap in apology and pressed Mary's hand, which had just been pulled out her press pass, back down.

Then, as if by magic, he flicked his fingertips, producing a police handbook bearing the emblem of the Alliance Police. While shaking it repeatedly, he shouted into the communicator by the door—

“Miss Azure, I have some regrettable news to share. Mr. Hugo, the head of your detective agency, is a prime suspect in a recent heinous crime. On behalf of the Feiyun City Police Department, I request that you immediately open your doors and cooperate with the investigation.”

"what?"

The acting director stared in disbelief at the monitor.

Now that things have come to this, she doesn't know whether she should open the door or not.

Why is it that Hugo has been out for only a few hours, yet so many inexplicable old debt lawsuits have come knocking on his door?

Didn't that guy go to challenge the Unova Champions last week? And he caused such a huge mess. How could he possibly be involved in a criminal case being investigated by the Feiyun Police Department at the same time?

The thought of Hugo winning the championship gave Azure another headache...

She's even started to wonder recently if she has some kind of doom aura, like a detective's, that she can unknowingly turn the people around her into league champions—this is the third one already!

"Sir, I think it would be better if we made things clearer to avoid being turned away."

Sierra's deputy's voice rang out behind Officer Jenny.

The deputy then bypassed his superior, who was basking in the satisfaction of delivering a cool line, and presumptuously spoke into the communication device connecting the agency—

“Miss Azure, it’s like this. Although Detective Hugo does have some connection to the case we’re investigating, it’s only a slight, far-fetched connection. Knowing him well, we can see that his suspicion was immediately eliminated. The reason we’re here is because the case is extremely serious and needs to be resolved as soon as possible. That’s why we wanted to ask Mr. Hugo for his opinion on the case.”

"Oh, is that so? Well, that's alright then..."

The acting director breathed a sigh of relief and was about to unlock the door when—

“Yes. We should also ask Hugo about his alibi for these past few days; we haven’t seen him in Flying Cloud City recently,” Officer Jenny added.

Beep—beep—beep—

There was no sound of the lock being opened.

Conversely, a blinding flashing red light suddenly lit up the entrance of Yuqi Residence, and a loud burglar alarm instantly resounded throughout the city center street, attracting the attention of passersby.

"Detective Hugo is not here, and the agency is closed today. Please come back another day."

Acting Director Bilan quickly summarized his remarks and then abruptly hung up the communication.

Only two police officers and two interviewers remained, silently facing each other in front of the courtyard gate of Yuxi Mansion.

Chapter 308 Poisoning – A Dark and Cruel Criminal Method

"Why is Azure reacting so strongly? Could Hugo really be involved in some troublesome matter, which is why he can't produce an alibi from a few days ago?"

To avoid the alarm sounding in front of the Yuxi Mansion, the police duo and the interview duo joined forces and awkwardly turned into a narrow alley behind a tall building in the distance.

"Judging from the current situation, it seems very likely that we will not be able to get support from the detective agency for the time being."

Sera adjusted her square-rimmed glasses, turned to Mary and Dai apologetically, and said—

"I'm sorry, because of our situation, neither of you can enter the Yuqi Residence."

"It's alright. After all, Detective Hugo isn't at the agency right now, so even if he's nitpicking about the interview efficiency, we haven't lost anything. By the way, my name is Mary, and this is my partner photographer, Dai. We're reporters from the Hoenn region."

"Hello, my name is Sera, and this is my superior, Officer Jenny. We are from the Criminal Investigation Division of the Flying Cloud Police Department. Welcome to Flying Cloud City."

After exchanging brief greetings, Mary instinctively blurted out—

"By the way, regarding that heinous case you mentioned earlier, would you two be willing to tell us about it? Is Detective Hugo really involved in that incident?"

The deputy looked at her superior, seeking his opinion. Officer Jenny, in a very unconventional manner, crossed her arms and shrugged, replying nonchalantly—

"This matter cannot be kept secret any longer, and the police station's announcement will be issued soon. At this time, it should be alright to reveal a little bit to you."

"What exactly happened?" Mary asked curiously.

"Sigh...it was poisoning."

Sera said with a heavy expression.

“Someone has set up a large-scale poison trap in the suburbs of Feiyun City, and the method is extremely vicious.”

Because it involved internal information from the United States Police Department, Mary cooperated by not taking out paper and pen, but continued to press for answers based on speculation—

"A poison trap... It doesn't sound like a crime involving polluting water sources. Could it be a trap like a bear trap? Or a concealed miniature device like a poison needle?"

"Oh? You guys sound like you're quite experienced with this kind of thing."

Officer Jenny raised her eyebrows and looked the reporter up and down.

"Yes, after all, Team Aqua and Team Magma have both used this kind of poisoning method before."

The reporter sighed helplessly.