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Jacob lay sprawled across the soft hotel bed, his eyes fixed on the plain white ceiling above. His mind raced with strategies and possibilities, all centered around one crucial question: How could he possibly defeat Chandler's Garganacl?
The Rock-type Salt Pokémon was a defensive fortress. Its signature move, Salt Cure, could trap opponents in a prison of crystallized salt while steadily draining their health. Worse yet, Garganacl had access to powerful support moves like Iron Defense to boost its already impressive physical defense, Stealth Rock to punish switching, and Recover to restore its health when things got tough.
Breaking through Chandler's ace Pokémon seemed like an impossible task. But that wasn't even Jacob's biggest concern.
The real nightmare was Chandler's Rabsca. The Bug and Psychic-type Pokémon knew Revival Blessing, a move that could bring a fainted Pokémon back from defeat with restored health. Even if Jacob somehow managed to break through Garganacl's defenses and knock it out, Rabsca could simply revive it with a prayer of compassion.
Revival Blessing was a Normal-type status move that worked only once per battle, but once was enough to turn the tide completely. The thought made Jacob's stomach churn with anxiety.
He rolled onto his side, burying his face in the pillow. This upcoming battle would determine everything. Victory meant advancing to the National Finals – the ultimate stage where the best young trainers in China would compete. Defeat meant watching his dreams crumble before his eyes.
The pressure was suffocating. Jacob had even prepared a secret weapon: a Charizite Y stone hidden in his bag. His Charizard could undergo Mega Evolution, transforming into Mega Charizard Y with incredible special attack power. Combined with Sunny Day to intensify the sun's rays, Charizard could launch a devastatingly powerful Solar Beam without the usual charging time.
But using Mega Evolution here would expose his trump card far too early. Other trainers would have time to prepare counterstrategi es, and Jacob wanted to save this revelation for the most crucial moments.
He let out a long, frustrated sigh. If only Z-Crystals were allowed in high school competitions. Jacob would have gladly given his Sceptile a Dragon-type Z-Crystal. The explosive power of a Z-Move might be enough to shatter even Garganacl's incredible defenses.
It seemed absurd that Z-Moves were banned when Jacob himself had contributed to their development. Shouldn't the creator of such technology be allowed to demonstrate its potential?
His brooding was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.
"Coming!" Jacob called out, though he frowned in confusion. The hotel reserved these rooms exclusively for High School Cup participants, and visitors were typically restricted.
"Jacob, it's me," came his father's familiar voice from the hallway.
Jacob opened the door to find Rory standing there with another man. The stranger was tall and straight-backed, wearing a baseball cap pulled low over his face. Despite the casual attire, he carried himself with unmistakable authority.
The man's weathered face spoke of years spent outdoors, with sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see everything. He appeared to be in his forties, with the kind of presence that commanded respect without demanding it.
"Jacob, this is Captain Alfredo," Rory said, gesturing to his companion. Jacob noticed how his father stood slightly behind the stranger, clearly indicating that this Captain Alfredo was the more important figure.
"Thank you for the introduction, Gym Leader Rory," Captain Alfredo said with a respectful nod.
"I'll leave you two to talk," Rory said, stepping back. "I have some matters to attend to."
As his father departed, Jacob couldn't help but notice the slight tension in Rory's shoulders. His father seemed both impressed and slightly intimidated by their visitor. Jacob had never seen his father defer so readily to anyone before.
Once they were alone, Captain Alfredo settled onto the hotel room's small sofa, studying Jacob with penetrating eyes. When he spoke, his voice was rough but commanding, like gravel mixed with steel.
"Jacob, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Alfredo, Captain of the Charizard Special Operations Team."
Jacob had never heard that name before, but the title alone was enough to capture his attention. The Charizard Special Operations Team was legendary among trainers – one of China's three elite military units.
"Hello, Captain Alfredo," Jacob replied politely, settling into the chair across from his unexpected guest.
"Let me be direct about why I'm here," Captain Alfredo continued, his tone businesslike. "I represent both Capital University and the Charizard Special Operations Team. Based on your research capabilities and exceptional training skills, we believe you would be an ideal candidate for our organization."
Jacob listened intently as Captain Alfredo continued.
"We would like you to consider attending Capital University's Trainer program. Upon enrollment, the Charizard Special Operations Team would like to offer you a position with our newly formed unit: Team Zero."
The Charizard Special Operations Team was indeed impressive. Jacob had encountered them once before, during the attack on the Imperial Capital Dragon-type Secret Realm. Every member he'd met had been at least Gym Leader level in strength, each partnered with a powerful Charizard.
The team was one of three elite special operations units in China. The others were the Gyarados Special Operations Team, which protected the coastal regions, and the Earth Dragon Special Operations Team, which operated in the inland areas.
"You encountered my team members during the Dawn Society attack on the Imperial Capital Dragon-type Secret Realm," Captain Alfredo explained. "I'm here to invite you to join our new Team Zero unit specifically."
"Team Zero?" Jacob asked, intrigued despite himself. The name certainly sounded impressive, but he needed to understand what he was being asked to commit to.
Jacob was no longer the unknown teenager who could be easily manipulated or impressed by fancy titles. He had established himself as both a promising researcher and one of the top four trainers in the Frosthollow Province High School Cup. His reputation preceded him now.
"Captain Alfredo , may I ask why you've specifically sought me out?" Jacob inquired carefully. "And what exactly would Team Zero's mission entail?"
"Your strength and talent speak for themselves," Captain Alfredo replied without hesitation. "Your performance in the High School Cup has been remarkable. I've thoroughly reviewed your background, and your record is exemplary. That's precisely why I'm extending this invitation."
He paused, his expression growing more serious. "As for Team Zero's mission, I'm afraid I cannot discuss the details until you've committed to joining us. The nature of our work requires absolute discretion."
Jacob fell silent, considering the offer carefully. Truth be told, joining Team Zero held limited appeal for him personally. He already had a strong team of Pokémon partners. Through his business partnership with Raya, he had more than enough financial resources, especially once Mega Evolution became public knowledge.
As for power and influence within the Pokémon Association – well, Jacob had seen enough of their bureaucratic inefficiencies to know that wasn't particularly attractive either.
"Captain Alfredo, you should know that I'm not just a trainer," Jacob said thoughtfully. "I'm also a researcher. Even if I were to join the Charizard Special Operations Team, I may not have sufficient time to carry out regular missions."
"We've taken your research talents into full consideration," Captain Alfredo replied smoothly, as if he had anticipated this exact concern. "Team Zero's mission schedule is deliberately light. I can guarantee you'll have at least half of each month free for your personal research and training."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more persuasive. "Additionally, joining the Charizard Special Operations Team would elevate the protection status of your family members to match your own. Your direct relatives – parents, siblings, and future spouse and children – would all receive selection opportunities for rare Pokémon from both the Southwest and North China regions."
Captain Alfredo's eyes gleamed as he delivered his final point. "Should you ever achieve Heavenly King-level trainer status, I personally guarantee you'll receive a selection opportunity for a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon."
Jacob's frown deepened. The offer was almost too generous, which made him suspicious. Such incredible benefits suggested that Team Zero's missions might be far more dangerous or complicated than Captain Alfredo was letting on. These rewards felt uncomfortably similar to compensation for extreme risk.
"I apologize, Captain Alfredo, but this is a significant decision," Jacob said diplomatically. "I cannot agree immediately without more consideration."
"Of course, Jacob. Take your time," Captain Alfredo replied calmly, showing no sign of disappointment at the refusal. "However, before you make your final decision, let me make a phone call."
He pulled out what looked like an oversized brick phone – clearly a secure military communication device – and dialed a number. After a brief, whispered conversation, he handed the phone to Jacob.
"It's Maximus," Captain Alfredo said simply.
Jacob took the phone with surprise. "Hello?"
"Jacob," came the familiar voice of the Dragon-type Gym Leader and one of China's most respected trainers. "Accept Captain Alfredo's offer. Join Team Zero."
Maximus's words were characteristically direct and without unnecessary elaboration. "Don't ask me to explain the details right now. This is an excellent opportunity for you. Champion Conner of the Southwest Region has personally requested you for this position."
Champion Conner – the Fighting-type specialist who ruled the Southwest Region with unquestioned authority. Jacob felt a chill of both excitement and apprehension.
"I understand," Jacob replied after a moment of stunned silence. He exchanged a few more brief words with Maximus before ending the call.
With Maximus's endorsement, Jacob knew he couldn't refuse, even though many questions remained unanswered. The Dragon-type specialist had never steered him wrong before.
"Captain Alfredo, I accept," Jacob said, handing back the phone. "I'll join Team Zero."
"Excellent," Captain Alfredo replied with evident satisfaction. Then his expression grew grave and urgent. "Focus on preparing for your next match. Give everything you have to reach the National Finals. I have urgent matters to attend to elsewhere."
Captain Alfredo rose abruptly and headed for the door. "I'll be in touch soon with more details about your new position."
After Captain Alfredo departed, Jacob watched through his window as the man mounted a powerful Charizard and flew rapidly toward the Sundawn Plateau Wilderness Area. The dragon's wings beat with military precision as they disappeared into the distance.
Unknown to Jacob, Captain Alfredo was responding to a tragic emergency. That morning, police had received an anonymous tip about the death of Roger, the captain of the Sundawn Plateau Wilderness Area's patrol unit. The informant had provided precise coordinates where Roger's body could be found.
When the patrol team investigated the location, they discovered Roger's corpse exactly as described. The patrol captain had been brutally murdered by poachers, and the discovery had sent shockwaves through the Pokémon Association.
Roger's death was particularly sensitive because of his background. Before becoming a patrol captain, he had served with distinction in the Charizard Special Operations Team and had been involved in numerous classified operations. His knowledge of state secrets made the investigation too delicate for regular law enforcement.
The Charizard Special Operations Team had therefore taken over the case. Captain Alfredo was racing to the crime scene to begin a comprehensive investigation into Roger's murder, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and protect any classified information that might have been compromised.
As Jacob watched the Charizard disappear into the distance, he wondered what kind of world he was about to enter. Team Zero sounded like it would bring dangers and responsibilities he could barely imagine.
But first, he had a battle to win. Chandler and his seemingly unbeatable Garganacl were waiting, and Jacob needed every ounce of his skill and cunning to advance to the National Finals.
The stakes had never been higher, and now he had even more reasons to succeed.