"Achoo!!"
Rey wiped his nose, surrounded by a cloud of dust covering his face.
"Ahh, crap, how many days has it been? Why does it feel like a whole month just passed?" Rey rubbed his eyes and looked to the side.
Next to him was someone covered in dust, barely moving.
Rey grabbed a nearby stick and gently poked the person.
"PUFF HUFF AHHHH!! WHAT THE HELL IS IN MY MOUTH??" The person shot up, spitting out dust repeatedly and brushing it off their body.
That red hair looked familiar...
"You're...?"
"Huh? Ohhh, you're Rei?"
"No, you dummy, it's Rey, not Rei."
"Oh, I forgot, been in hibernation for a while."
"So you're... Uhhhh, whatever, I'm too lazy to remember, forget it."
"Hey??"
Both of them stood up and looked around.
They were currently in a cramped, narrow room.
Oh, right, this was the revolutionary group's base.
"Where's Rin? Oi, Kalus, let's go find Rin."
"It's Lukas."
"Whatever."
When the two left the house, they saw Rin outside, feeding her Pokémon.
She noticed them and waved.
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah, a long nap."
"Good, Senpai, you need enough energy to keep going," Rin smiled, making Rey smile back.
Seeing the two being so lovey-dovey made Lukas' eyes itch.
"Oh! You're awake?" The revolutionary leader approached, wearing a straw hat.
"Oh!... Luvian?" Rey tried to recall the name of the person in front of him.
"That's right, Luvian here. I've got a plan to discuss with you guys, follow me."
The three exchanged glances and followed.
Eventually, they arrived at some sort of meeting room.
It seemed like the people inside were arguing.
"That German was right! Those bastards need to be eradicated! Support the leader!"
"They're a minority! And that German's crimes were horrific, I won't accept it!"
What the hell?? Why are they bringing politics into this??
"Quiet down, everyone, we're about to discuss a crucial plan that will definitely impact our future!"
At that, the loud voices suddenly fell silent.
Luvian walked to the center of the meeting table and slammed it hard.
"Right now, we're nobodies, people whose futures were stolen by the scum ruling this underground city!"
"The Pokémon and innocent children have had to endure the worst things they never should have!"
"And that's all because of the scum running this underground city."
"Illegal Pokémon meat trade, harming countless people."
"And worst of all... They've stripped the Pokémon world of the purity it should have! (I won't say that those bastards made the author lose motivation and stop writing this fanfic.)"
"So! We must overthrow them! In one way only!"
"What way??" They asked, curious and anxious.
"It's... these kids!" Luvian pointed at the players.
At that, everyone was confused.
"If you're wondering why... It's because they're trainers! Meaning, if the League knows a trainer is in danger, they'll come to the rescue!"
Hearing this, everyone's jaws dropped.
Even though the Pokémon League wouldn't care about their existence, it's different for trainers!
There was even a case where a trainer was kidnapped, and the League sent a Champion to rescue them. In just one second, all the kidnappers were taken down!
"We need to use them! Find a way to sneak them into the main base of this underground city—the Casino—and let them contact the outside world! That's currently the most feasible way to save us and take down this underground city!"
"Woooo!!!" Everyone clapped enthusiastically.
Well, except for the players.
"Wow, that jerk Luvian straight-up said he wants to use us, how wonderful," Lukas picked his nose, watching them clap excitedly.
"Well, at least he's helping us infiltrate the Casino, and if it works out, that's fine. I'm not complaining," Rey said.
"Agreed with Senpai," Rin added.
"If you say so, I'll go along with it..."
"Alright, we need to inform... Bub, Tesla, and Einstein to move the base here. It's safer, I guess."
"Senpai, their names are Bob, Telsa, and Ensten."
"Oh... I forgot."
***
One airship landed beside the other.
But there was still a difference.
Many people stood in a straight line, as if they were preparing to welcome a special guest.
A rather short young man with blonde hair, dressed quite... flamboyantly, was sitting on a chair that looked like a throne.
"Boss, the subordinates have lined up, sir!" one person approached, saluting, their face full of worry and fear.
"Aha! I knew you guys could do it! Well done, boys!" The blonde young man smiled innocently, then motioned for him to step back.
The engine roared, and the airship's exit opened in a grand manner.
It was a middle-aged man in a very formal suit.
Seeing the guest had arrived, the young man stood up, showing respect.
The man approached with two others, a girl and a boy.
"How's business, Luke?" he asked lightly, but his words carried a heavy weight.
"We're doing very well."
Then the young man looked at the face of the man before him.
"Sir Giovanni."
"No need to be so formal, Luke. I'm here to check if my goods have arrived. If they meet my expectations, I'll definitely sign the partnership contract with you."
"Oh, I'll make sure you're not disappointed!"
Luke snapped his fingers, and immediately a subordinate came forward, pushing a cart.
Then he removed the cloth covering the cart, revealing what was inside.
It was a deep pink gem with a rather unique design.
Upon seeing it, Giovanni smiled.
"Very good, you've exceeded my expectations. Take me to your base, and we'll sign the partnership contract."
Hearing this, Luke was overjoyed.
"Yes, sir, please follow my subordinate's guidance."