Watching Giovanni and the other two leave, Lucas' mind raced with countless thoughts. He was already piecing together a perfect plan in his head.
"As long as I can find any information about the residents of the Valley of Creation in Dahara City, then there will definitely be a way to locate the Valley itself!"
A faint grin curved across Lucas's lips. The Valley of Creation was said to be home to a group of reclusive people who had long since cut themselves off from the outside world.
Among them, a few had even received the direct blessing of Arceus itself. A hundred years ago, when Hoopa Unbound was released, it had abused its tremendous power so recklessly that it nearly destroyed the village it lived in.
And the one who ultimately stopped and sealed away Hoopa Unbound—wasn't a Pokémon, but a human being!
Yes, just a mere human. Without the help of any Pokémon, that person had sealed away Hoopa, a being that stood at the very peak of the legendary hierarchy...
After its power was sealed, Hoopa Unbound reverted to Hoopa Confined from an almighty "Super Demon God" to a small, mischievous little trickster god.
Utterly unbelievable.
The village that had almost been destroyed by Hoopa's power had, after a century of growth and change, become what is now known as Dahara City.
Lucas had shared this story with Giovanni because he wanted Team Rocket to send people to the Kalos region and investigate anything related to the Valley of Creation.
Of course, Lucas was deeply interested in Hoopa.
And when it came to Kalos, there were many other things that fascinated him—among them, Zygarde.
"To lure out Zygarde, I'll need to make use of Team Flare."
Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly. Team Flare was Kalos's infamous evil organization, and its leader, Lysandre, had always been obsessed with researching the "Ultimate Weapon," hoping to use it to "purify" the Kalos region.
Zygarde was a very special type of legendary Pokémon. Normally, it scattered its countless "cells" throughout the region to monitor Kalos's ecosystem and maintain balance.
Whenever that balance was disrupted, Zygarde's core would recall its cells and restore its full combat power.
In the anime, Lysandre had managed to capture one of Zygarde's cores and, through a special machine, forced it to go berserk under his control. Once the core gathered its cells, it transformed into Zygarde's 50% form and began wreaking havoc across the land.
"Perfect. Lysandre must be desperate to locate Yveltal or Xerneas. Let Team Flare play the villain this time."
Lucas's lips curved into a faint smirk. If he were to directly approach Hoopa Confined himself, there was no guarantee that the people of the Valley of Creation would even welcome him.
Winning Hoopa's favor would be difficult. But what if he were to save Hoopa in a moment of crisis?
Lysandre was once a truly beautiful person—both in spirit and idealism. He had performed countless acts of kindness, selflessly helping others. But human greed and desire had twisted him completely.
He no longer had "ambition," but rather, a mad obsession to cleanse the world.
His goal was simple yet terrifying: to wipe out all those "foolish humans consumed by their own greed and desires."
Yes, it was a philosophy eerily similar to those of certain other "idealists."
Take Lance from the Pokémon Adventures manga—his dream was to eradicate all those who harmed Pokémon, leaving only true lovers of Pokémon behind.
Or Cyrus of Sinnoh, who believed the world should only exist as he envisioned it and sought to destroy it using Dialga and Palkia to rebuild reality in his image.
And Lysandre? He was a man whose heart had been broken by humanity itself, leading him down a path of fanaticism to create his so-called "ideal world."
Among all villainous characters, Lance, Cyrus, and Lysandre were definitely the three most fanatical and deranged.
Because for their ideal worlds to come true, too many lives would have to be sacrificed.
At least Giovanni, Archie, and Maxie didn't share such insane ambitions.
"A man like Lysandre, who dreams of realizing his perfect world even in his sleep, would never refuse such bait. Using Team Flare to lure out Zygarde and Hoopa—it's absolutely feasible."
Lucas mulled over the plan's feasibility. That was precisely what he had been discussing with Giovanni earlier.
And Giovanni hadn't objected in the slightest. After all, there was no such thing as camaraderie between evil organizations.
If they could achieve their goals while throwing Team Flare under the bus, Giovanni would be more than happy to oblige.
But first, they needed to locate the Valley of Creation.
"What are you smiling about? You look positively sinister right now."
Karen furrowed her brows slightly, watching Lucas with obvious suspicion.
That expression of his definitely didn't suggest he was thinking about anything wholesome—it was enough to make her uneasy.
"Nothing much," Lucas replied with a chuckle, "By the way, Karen—you've really gotten rusty, haven't you? You actually lost to Lorelei."
"What did you say?"
Karen's expression immediately darkened.
"Hah, if that cold bi*** hadn't teamed up with Bruno, you think I would've lost to her? As if she's even worthy of the comparison!"
Her voice dripped with venom as she sneered, full of contempt for the Ice-type Elite Four member.
"But the fact remains—you lost."
Lucas shrugged. Excuses were meaningless. A loss was a loss.
In the end, Karen had to be rescued by Green and Marnie. If they hadn't intervened, she would probably already be sitting in an Alliance prison cell.
Karen's eyes darkened. Though furious, she couldn't refute it.
"Train seriously for once. Don't get lazy. Compared to that useless grunt Will, I still expect a little something from you."
Lucas looked out into the distance as he spoke.
Will was hopeless—barely good enough for errands. But Karen still had talent. He genuinely hoped she would shape up and become a capable subordinate.
"Don't need you to tell me that. I won't let that cold woman get away with it."
Karen snapped back impatiently.
She despised how Lucas spoke down to her from a superior's standpoint. Though she often appeared lazy and flirtatious, deep down, she was a very proud woman.
"Team Rocket's finished now. What's our next move? Don't forget, we still have that mission from the boss—and it's been over half a year already."
After a moment, Karen regained her composure and frowned.
The mission the masked man had assigned them had already dragged on for more than six months, and they still didn't have the slightest lead.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. The boss's mission will be completed."
Lucas waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned. The so-called mission didn't worry him at all.
After all, if he "couldn't find it," then he simply couldn't find it. And if push came to shove…
He could always pluck one of little Lugia's feathers and hand it over to the masked man as a temporary substitute, right?
Yeah, even if little Lugia was still young, a feather was a feather—there shouldn't be any difference.
As long as the masked man didn't obtain Ho-Oh's Rainbow Feather, he couldn't make a GS Ball anyway. No problem at all.
"Whatever. You're the one in charge this time."
Karen huffed, crossing her arms in irritation. She really couldn't figure out what was going on in that man's head.
"Then let's leave it at that for now. Everyone's free to do as they please. You'll probably be seeing me on TV soon anyway. I'll be off now—Goodbyee~"
Lucas waved casually, flashing her a faint smile before turning and leaving without looking back.
"Hmph!"
Karen snorted coldly as she watched his back disappear into the distance.
"You're gonna die between some woman's thighs one day!"
She cursed under her breath.
Not far away, she spotted two familiar girls, Lucas's little followers.
Seriously? That bastard just left her here for those two brats?
And to think he used to say he wanted to "discuss life" with her!
Ha—what a scumbag!
…
Half a day later, at the Indigo Plateau, inside the League President's office—
"So, you're saying Lucas really has quit Team Rocket?"
The elderly man, short and white-haired, sat deep in thought as he asked Agatha for confirmation.
Agatha had just given a detailed report on the battle on Saffron City, emphasizing everything related to Lucas.
"Yes," Agatha nodded. "I don't think he was lying."
After living for so many years, her instincts were razor-sharp. She could tell immediately whether someone was lying.
"I see…"
Chairman Loki rubbed his chin, deep in contemplation.
To think that someone could utterly crush four regional Champions and four champion level trainers…
Had Agatha not said it herself, he would've thought it was pure fantasy.
As much as he hated to admit it, the League really had no way of dealing with Lucas.
"Lance?"
After some thought, Loki turned toward the young man reclining lazily on the sofa.
But Lance didn't even open his eyes. He had no interest in entertaining this topic.
Of course, he knew why Loki was calling on him.
He was Lucas' cousin and the only one here with any sort of connection to him. What else could the old man want?
But Lance had no intention of humbling himself to reach out to Lucas on the League's behalf. That would only make him look pathetic.
"Send some gifts to the Blackthorn family in my name."
Seeing Lance's unresponsiveness, Loki sighed helplessly. That rebellious temperament of his was just like Lucas's.
Still, he didn't press the matter further. Turning to his secretary, he instructed quietly.
If Lance refused to reach out directly, then they would go through the Blackthorn clan instead.
One way or another, that was their only viable option for now.
And when the time came, Loki resolved to personally visit the Blackthorn estate himself.
…
Meanwhile, in another lounge—
"That's the situation, Chairman. You've always wanted to contact Lucas, haven't you? Now's the perfect opportunity."
Leon spoke earnestly into the video call, sipping coffee with Raihan beside him.
On the screen appeared the composed, mature face of Chairman Rose.
"Well, that's unexpected, Leon. I thought you'd be the last person to want me reaching out to him."
Rose chuckled, his tone half-joking.
Ever since the Eternatus incident had gone public, the relationship between him and Leon had been… strained, to say the least.
To Leon, Eternatus, the Pokémon that nearly annihilated Galar three thousand years ago was far too dangerous. Yet Rose had secretly been "raising" it all this time.
Completely insane, in Leon's eyes.
Even though Rose had explained everything about the future energy crisis, Leon couldn't agree with his reasoning.
He believed the future should be left to future generations not solved through reckless desperation now.
"Lucas is truly exceptional. I can't compare to him."
Leon admitted frankly. Even though his reputation had taken a hit after his defeat to Lance, he didn't care about the mockery from other regions.
He was an open-minded man. Strength could only be proven through battle and he had learned firsthand that Lucas was stronger.
"I understand," Rose said with a smile. "I'll reach out to him. If he joins us here in Galar, your burden will be much lighter, Leon."
At last—the opportunity he had long awaited!
He had been thinking about how to recruit Lucas for ages. And now, just as he predicted, Team Rocket had fallen, and Kanto's Team Rocket syndicate was in ruins making Lucas a free man!
Rose couldn't help but mentally pat himself on the back. I really am a genius!
While everyone else feared Lucas, he had taken the initiative to approach him, form an alliance, and build rapport.
And if any region had the best chance of recruiting Lucas, it was undoubtedly Galar.
"I'll look forward to it," Leon grinned. "Oh, by the way, Chairman, I've recently found two incredible prodigies. They're only eighteen, yet already close to my level. If they keep improving, they might even break into the Master Class ranking soon!"
He smiled proudly. "Give them some time, and I wouldn't be surprised if they surpassed Steven and Cynthia!"
He was, of course, referring to Red and Blue.
If they could bring those two into Galar along with Lucas it would be a monumental victory.
"Just imagine it," Leon said seriously. "If we have Lucas, Red, Blue, and me, four Master-ranked Trainers all representing Galar it would be the ultimate display of prestige!"
After all, the World Championship was being watched by every region across the globe!
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
"Hello? Caitlin?"
"Cynthia?"
"Hey Caitlin! I'm in Indigo Plateau right now, right? Aren't you traveling in Kanto?"
"Yeah," Caitlin replied, glancing at the ruined streets around her. "Actually, I'm in Saffron City right now."
She had participated in the Saffron City battle and it was she who had captured both Athena and Will.
"Then come to Indigo Plateau later. Let's catch up, it's been ages since we last met."
"Sure, I'll be there in about an hour or two."
"Oh, right, Caitlin," Cynthia added suddenly. "Remember that young Trainer you mentioned before—the one who almost got into a fight with Lorelei on the S.S. Anne? You said his name was Red, right?"
"Yeah, that's right. What about him?" Caitlin blinked, puzzled. Why bring him up all of a sudden?
"Could you arrange for me to meet him? There's something I'd like to discuss."
When the call ended, Caitlin stared at her phone thoughtfully, blinking her clear, bright eyes.
Her old friend probably hadn't called just to catch up, had she?
…
"Wallace!"
"Oh? Steven! I already heard about it! You guys beat the Rockets! As expected of you, Steven!" Wallace said with a broad smile.
"Enough flattery. Is Phoebe around?"
"Phoebe?" Wallace paused. "I think I saw her around noon."
Phoebe was the Hoenn Elite Four's second member, a lively and cheerful young woman who specialized in Ghost-types.
Despite her spooky team, her personality was vibrant and bright—and yes, she had a great figure.
"Have her come to Kanto. I'll be waiting at Indigo Plateau."
"What?" Wallace froze.
"Wait, Steven, that's not appropriate, is it? Don't tell me you're planning to… you know, date her? We don't mess with our own team!"
"Don't be ridiculous. I just need her help with something."
Steven's face darkened.
"Oh, well, that's fine then. I'll tell her right away. But… what exactly do you need her help for?" Wallace asked curiously.
Steven set down his cup of coffee elegantly, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
"Let's just say I don't believe two eighteen-year-old kids can resist a beautiful woman's charm."
In other words—he was planning to use a beauty trap.
"Huh?" Wallace nearly tripped. Was he hearing this right? The implication was massive!
"Never mind. I'll explain later," Steven said casually, taking another refined sip.
Pure class.
Two teenagers? Please. He, Steven Stone, wasn't out of options yet.
The Champions were beginning to move.
(End of Chapter)