Lance rode on Charizard and arrived at the gap in the turbine. After comparing the conversion device in his hand, he took a deep breath and carefully placed it inside.
He didn't know if it would work, but it seemed that this was all they could do for now.
Click!
With a crisp sound, the conversion device fit seamlessly into the turbine without any abruptness.
Seeing this, Lance visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
Whether it would work or not, at least installing the device here was no problem. Even if it didn't function, could things get any worse than they already were?
Buzz——
With a heavy rumbling sound, under the watch of Natsuhiko and Lance, the turbine's rotation gradually began to speed up.
Crackle...
The electric current swirling around the turbine increased, visible to the Electrode and Voltorb below, who suddenly seemed more spirited.
The current emanating from them was drawn into the turbine, and the output meter in the control room started to rise slowly.
The current being exported to Goldenrod City increased!
But then something miraculous happened with the power-generating turbine. After two types of Pokémon fed electricity into the turbine, a small portion was rerouted back to the Electrode and Voltorb, becoming their food.
So that's how it was.
No wonder these Pokémon seemed so listless. It turns out this seemingly small conversion device played a crucial role at the power plant.
It absorbed the electric currents generated by Electric-type Pokémon and also redirected a portion back as their food to generate electricity with the Pokémon's unique properties.
This was practically a perpetual motion machine.
No wonder traditional energy sources were scarcely used in the Pokemon Realm for electricity; Pokémon-generated electricity is more environmentally friendly, stable, and produces a large output.
You have to admit, whoever designed this conversion device was simply a genius.
Lance returned to the control room on Charizard, his surprise no less than Natsuhiko's.
"So the key to the power plant was that device," Lance said, unable to hold back as he put Charizard away.
"But this is probably just an old, replaced product. The one taken might be more powerful," Natsuhiko said, staring at the precise device.
"Hmm."
Lance nodded in agreement, his eyes sweeping over the few empty special rooms.
Noticing his gaze, Natsuhiko said, "The Pokémon that left will be handled by the Alliance. With such heavy casualties here, a thorough investigation is bound to happen. Such an important place as a power plant being taken over so easily demands it."
This was indeed the Alliance's responsibility for not securing the power plant well enough.
"We should go. We can't handle the rest."
Then the two of them picked up their respective Pokémon and headed out of the power plant.
The two did not feel happy about restoring the power plant; rather, their thoughts were more about the plight of the staff inside.
But one thing was certain: they both targeted Rocket Team as their primary suspect.
Being able to silently capture an entire power plant without detection for who knows how long, blocking off information, isn't something an ordinary individual or organization can accomplish.
Though they encountered some trouble entering the control room, leaving was much smoother.
As the two came outside the power plant, they encountered a group of League Trainers flying in from Goldenrod City on their respective Flying Pokémon.
"Lance!" The leader was a middle-aged man, about thirty-something, flying on a Beedrill (Pidgeot), his eyes sharp and wearing a neat work outfit with distinct crow's feet at the corners.
Beedrill descended the fastest, and only then did the others on Flying Pokémon arrive shortly after.
Seeing the visitor, a smile instantly appeared on Lance's face, "Mr. Azir."
Natsuhiko quietly moved his feet to stand behind Lance, his eyes scanning Azir and then settling on the rather majestic Beedrill.
With its brown, smooth feathers, wide folded wings, sharp claws, and eyes as piercing as a hawk's, the dual-colored crest atop its head was a hallmark of a Beedrill, also indicating its upbringing, age, and even strength from the crest.
Natsuhiko guessed that this Beedrill was at least an Elite Level Pokémon, if not stronger.
Through extensive reading beyond Pokémon games, he had gained some additional information and knowledge.
Observing a Pokémon's exterior to deduce its strength and condition became a habit of his since learning about Breeders' knowledge.
Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures better handling of any potential future incidents.
"I came as soon as I received your information, but I was previously tied up with another matter of similar seriousness, so my attention wasn't on the power plant. Thanks to you all, I've already received news that Goldenrod City's power is being restored," Azir confessed with a slight guilt.
Lance was enlightened.
That explains why the Alliance didn't prioritize such an important place as the power plant—its attention was diverted elsewhere, making everything fall into place.
Humbly, "Oh, not at all..."
"And this young friend is..." Azir's gaze shifted from Lance to Natsuhiko.
It was then that Lance remembered, quickly pulling Natsuhiko forward and introducing, "Mr. Azir, this is Natsuhiko, my... good friend. Without him, I wouldn't have managed this alone."
"Oh?" Azir's eyes lit up, also a bit surprised.
He knew Lance's identity and background well, as well as Lance's strength. For someone to earn such praise from Lance...
"This is the Vice President of the Goldenrod City Trainer Guild," Lance whispered in Natsuhiko's ear.
The Vice President of the Goldenrod City Trainer Guild?
Wouldn't that be equivalent to the third or fourth in command in Goldenrod City?
No wonder this Beedrill seemed so... exceptional.
"Mr. Azir," Natsuhiko greeted politely.
No matter what, this was a powerful figure in Goldenrod City with great strength.
"Young Natsuhiko, I know most trainers with some fame in Goldenrod City. Are you from the same place as Lance..." Azir pondered, unable to recall such a young Trainer from Goldenrod City.
Natsuhiko shook his head calmly, "No, I just wasn't able to register as a Trainer."
"Wait!" Lance was the first to react, looking at him incredulously, confirming, "You said 'wasn't able to,' not 'didn't go'?"
"Hmm." Natsuhiko responded calmly, not elaborating further. He accepted it calmly that day, let alone now.
Seeing Lance's intense reaction, Azir frowned slightly as well.
He knew exactly what the requirements for registration as a Trainer were: either not enough money, not enough qualification, or lack of contribution.
But considering the power plant incident, if it was really as Lance said, accomplished by the two of them, the mere merit should be enough for registration.
But...
Azir looked at the calm Natsuhiko, who didn't seem to care much about becoming a registered Trainer?
"Come! Come back with me, and I'll register you!" Lance said, summoning Charizard and jumping on.
Natsuhiko's skills and abilities were acknowledged by him. He assumed Natsuhiko had just not registered, not expecting he tried and was turned away.
That wasn't just slapping Natsuhiko's face; it was slapping Lance's face too...
Natsuhiko nodded towards Azir apologetically and stepped onto Charizard's back.
Azir silently pulled out a cigarette, lighting it as he waved them off.
The two swiftly departed.
For Natsuhiko now, becoming a registered Trainer or not was irrelevant and wouldn't change the decisions he'd already made.
The difference might just be...
He could get free services at the Poke Center in the future.
Nothing beats getting things for free, and if there's anything better, it's getting free things twice.
——————
This is the third update of the day.
I see some friends feel the pace is slow, emmmmm.... After all, it's a long story, but if the pace is slow, I'll just update a bit more. I'm a bit of a slow-burn person, and I enjoy telling stories slowly, unfolding gradually, so I'll try to update more.