POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

After half a month of training at Rock Mountain, Rax Chand returned to Iron Rock Town to check the status of his intelligence uploads.

"Good, everything was sent successfully."

Rax breathed a sigh of relief, then calmly checked the rewards for the uploaded game data: 800 points.

Adding the 59 points he had left from before, Rax now had a total of 859 points.

After some thought, he decided to save the points for later use. For the next three months, he had all the supplies he needed.

Next, it was time to report to Captain Yusaku.

"Seeing you come to me on your own, I know there's nothing wrong. Conveniently, I have something for you too. Come to the shop after closing."

...

Can he ever speak nicely?

Still, Yusaku went off to cook noodles, clearly not wanting to interfere with Rax's personal plans.

Rax didn't delay and went back to his room to summarize the results of his recent training.

At the initial and excellent levels, Pokémon strength isn't subdivided further. However, once they reach the advanced level, it splits into three stages: low, mid, and high.

Before reaching the advanced level, improving a Pokémon's strength isn't too difficult. With consistent training, even if it takes time, they can reach the excellent level.

Both Cubone and Beldum were progressing rapidly but still needed more time to hit the advanced level.

On the other hand, Caizhong's Turtwig seemed to be on the verge of a breakthrough—just one step away from advancing.

For Turtwig, that step was likely evolution.

Both Cubone and Beldum could also evolve, but their evolution cycles were slower than starter Pokémon, so it wasn't something to consider just yet.

"Alright, go play over there," Rax said, pushing the curious Beldum away as it floated closer to him.

Beldum wasn't upset. Instead, it stared at the words on the computer screen, as if trying to understand them.

Cubone, meanwhile, sat cross-legged on a mat, trying to meditate. But beneath its skull, its eyes kept glancing at Rax and Beldum, filled with envy.

I want to cause mischief too… no, no…

Cubone shook its head and resumed its attempts at calm meditation.

Rax continued planning the next phase of training. Before he knew it, evening had arrived.

Both Beldum and Cubone had curled up on the sofa, fast asleep. Their usual intensity had given way to a much softer, cuter side.

After recalling both Pokémon into their Poké Balls, Rax headed to the ramen shop.

---

The shop was closing for the night, with Yusaku leading the remaining staff in cleaning up. Of the four original employees, only two remained.

When they saw Rax enter, a flash of excitement crossed their faces—these two were newcomers to Team Rocket's Iron Rock Town stronghold.

Smiling at them, Rax helped clean up, leaving them flattered.

---

Half an hour later, with the shop closed, the four sat down together.

Yusaku shed his usual friendly demeanor, exuding the commanding presence of an elite trainer.

Meanwhile, Rax's calm smile only made the newcomers more nervous.

"I've explained everything earlier. Now, let me officially introduce him—

Rax Chand, a second-level intelligence agent and deputy captain stationed here in Iron Rock Town, Sinnoh region. He is my partner."

Yusaku's formal introduction prompted Rax to sit up straighter and nod.

The two newcomers immediately stood and bowed to him.

"Sit down. Respect is fine, but act normal in front of others."

"Yes, sir… uh, store manager!"

The first to respond was the girl, Rika, who was 15 years old.

The boy, Ryouta, followed suit.

"Alright," Yusaku continued, "for now, the Iron Rock Town stronghold will operate with just the four of us. I'll apply to headquarters for your starting Pokémon.

From tomorrow, Rax and I will alternate between training you in Pokémon battles and intelligence gathering. Your roles will depend on your performance. Any questions?"

Ryouta shook his head quickly, indicating he had none.

Rika hesitated, her timid gaze suggesting she wanted to speak but didn't dare.

Rax remained silent, waiting.

Yusaku noticed her hesitation and encouraged her, "Speak up."

"Captain… may I ask… what kind of Pokémon will we receive?" Rika asked hesitantly.

Rax and Yusaku exchanged glances before Yusaku responded.

"Team Rocket commonly assigns three types of starter Pokémon: Ekans, Koffing, and Zubat. If you have a preference, I can try to request it when submitting the application."

Though he could be strict, Yusaku was accommodating to his team. Since Rika had the courage to ask, he allowed her to choose.

Both Rika and Ryouta lit up with excitement but soon fell into contemplation.

"Captain, may I suggest something?" Rax suddenly spoke up, an idea forming in his mind.

"Go ahead."

Yusaku gave him a side-eye, wondering why Rax was being so formal.

Smiling, Rax said, "Why not give them the night to research the three Pokémon? They can decide after learning about them.

This way, it also serves as their first test."

"Good idea. Let's do that," Yusaku agreed immediately. Allowing the two to make informed choices would prevent regrets and test their learning abilities.

With that settled, Yusaku ended the meeting and instructed the two newcomers to arrive half an hour earlier the next day with their decisions.

Rax chuckled inwardly. They're not even officially onboard yet, and we're already squeezing their time.

Still, it wasn't his concern. No matter who took over intelligence gathering, it wouldn't affect him. His suggestion was simply a way to show Yusaku that he was contributing to the organization.

---

The next morning, while Rax was out exercising with Cubone, he noticed Rika and Ryouta already at the shop door, their eyes red but filled with excitement.

When Yusaku arrived, he laughed at their enthusiasm and asked for their choices.

"Store manager, I want Ekans!"

"Store manager, I'll take Zubat!"

Yusaku nodded. "Alright, I'll do my best to request them, but there are no guarantees."

Both Rika and Ryouta understood, grateful just to receive a Pokémon and guidance.

After all, not everyone had the privilege of starting with one of the three traditional starters.

As for their transition into Team Rocket, Yusaku had likely instilled those ideals into them repeatedly by now.