POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Did it choose to evolve because it felt unwilling to lose?

Rax Chand pondered silently, glancing at Cubone, who was captivated by the sight.

"Don't worry about it. Let nature take its course."

"Cu-bone~"

The dazzling blue light surrounding the Turtwig faded, revealing a 1.5-meter-tall Grotle.

Compared to its initial form, Grotle had grown more than tenfold in size. The sturdy, armor-like shell on its back now visibly enhanced its defensive capabilities.

If Cubone were to battle it again now, victory would be far from guaranteed.

Evolution was truly remarkable!

---

"Turtwig, you're amazing!"

Caizhong hugged Grotle's head, shaking it left and right in excitement.

The calm Grotle didn't resist, staring innocently at Caizhong.

My head's pretty hard. Doesn't this hurt?

Rax cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Congratulations! But even though Grotle evolved, it just finished a tough battle with Cubone. You should take it to the Pokémon Center for a check-up."

"You're right! Thanks, Rax. Let's battle again next time!"

Without giving him a chance to respond, Caizhong recalled Grotle and sprinted toward the Pokémon Center, a new fire blazing in her eyes.

Rax smirked, feeling oddly content.

Maybe it was Cubone's victory, Caizhong finally leaving him alone, or something else entirely.

---

After the battle, Rax gained a better understanding of Cubone's and his own abilities.

Within the ranks of competent trainers, Cubone was considered formidable. Even against Pokémon with type advantages, they could secure victories under Rax's strategic guidance.

However, they still had a long road ahead before reaching mastery. Training was far from over.

At the ramen shop's entrance, Rika and Ryota gazed at Rax with admiration in their eyes.

If it weren't for their need to maintain secrecy, they might have knelt in respect.

"You tired? Want some noodles?"

Captain Yusaku leaned casually against the wall, his posture exuding a nonchalant air—as if he'd been the one battling.

"No—"

A peculiar buzzing sound interrupted them. Calmly, Yusaku reached into his pocket, silencing the vibration.

"Ryota, Rika, keep an eye on the shop. Rax and I need to grab something from the back."

Placing an arm around Rax's shoulders, Yusaku led him toward the backyard, grinning.

Rax followed, his chest tightening.

An urgent mission awaited.

---

The moonlit night painted the distant mountains with a soft glow, where the flickering lights of Volbeat and Illumise performed their courtship dance.

Shrouded in darkness, Yusaku and Rax blended seamlessly into the night.

Skillfully evading security cameras, they arrived at an uninhabited shed near the Galactic Department Store.

"Rax, confirm the target again."

"Confirmed. Unidentified fossils stored in the three underground storage rooms. Routes uploaded."

Rax's fingers danced over the keyboard as the computer displayed a 3D map of the department store.

Yusaku tapped the frame of his electronic glasses, activating a holographic display with a glowing green route.

This was their infiltration path.

"The patrol switch on the west side is at 2:36. There's a 15-second window. Current time: 2:33. Captain, prepare to move."

"Roger."

The room fell silent. Rax monitored the countdown while Yusaku prepared to act.

---

Outside, two patrol teams converged at the west side of the building, nodding to each other as they crossed paths.

"It's time!"

Rax's soft words went unanswered.

Under the streetlight, Yusaku darted forward, using the shadows for cover.

As the patrol teams departed, Yusaku silently approached the west entrance, where an exhaust fan waited.

A rustle came from nearby shrubs.

A Raticate emerged, joining Yusaku with a glint of determination in its eyes.

With a swift bite, Raticate's sharp teeth easily sliced through the exhaust fan's metal grating as if it were paper.

Such elite-level strength was terrifying to behold.

Together, Yusaku and Raticate entered the ventilation shaft. With meticulous care, Raticate straightened the damaged grate, leaving no visible trace of their infiltration.

---

Inside the shed, Rax monitored Yusaku's progress on the computer.

As a data analyst, Rax's role rarely involved front-line operations. His task was ensuring Yusaku's safe navigation.

Minutes passed. Yusaku reached the third underground floor as planned.

Suddenly, the yellow dot representing him turned red on Rax's screen.

The captain had been discovered!

---

"Rax, guide me out!" Yusaku's voice rang out amid the background chaos.

Rax didn't hesitate. His hands flew over the keyboard, commandeering the building's surveillance system.

On the screen, Yusaku and Raticate were surrounded.

The elite Raticate, glowing with an earthy yellow energy, fended off attacks from multiple Zubat and Grimer.

"Captain, exit through the normally locked door on your right. Turn left, then head upstairs!"

Yusaku followed Rax's directions without question.

Zubat suddenly released a Haze, shrouding the area in darkness.

---

Bang!

A loud noise echoed as the left door took heavy hits from opposing Pokémon.

However, the patrol team quickly realized the door remained intact.

"It's a diversion! Check the other side!"

Yusaku had already escaped through the right door, using the commotion to mislead them.

---

"Next, turn right, pass through the restaurant, and ascend two and a half flights of stairs. There's a first-floor window. Break through it to exit."

"Got it."

Bang!

Glass shattered as Raticate leapt through the window first, its fangs gleaming in the moonlight.

Zubat grabbed Yusaku's shoulders, lifting him out just as the patrol arrived.

"Raticate, Hyper Fang!"

"Squeak!"

The ferocious Raticate charged fearlessly, scattering the patrol team's Pokémon.

In the confusion, Yusaku vanished into the alley, Zubat speeding him to safety.