POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Iron Rock Town, Team Rocket's intelligence outpost.

Rax watched as the messenger bird flew away, silently praying that capturing Probopass would earn him a substantial amount of points.

Turning around, he walked toward Captain Yusaku, who was leisurely reading the newspaper.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, taking down a Probopass on the verge of reaching elite level—truly impressive! You've got potential, kid!"

"It was just luck. I wasn't the only one fighting it," Rax said modestly.

Yusaku waved dismissively, clearly unconcerned with his explanation.

"So, what's next? Heading straight to the Sinnoh branch for the selection?"

Rax thought for a moment before replying, "I only have Marowak right now. It's too easy to counter. I'm considering capturing a second Pokémon. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Well, Probopass is pretty good. Why not keep it?"

"It's strong, but its weaknesses are too glaring. It's at a severe disadvantage against Ground and Fighting-types. Also, Probopass's battle style is already fully developed. It'd be hard for me to develop synergy with it."

Yusaku nodded approvingly, pleased that Rax wasn't blinded by raw power. It showed the mental maturity of someone destined for greatness.

Back when he started... well, best not to dredge up old memories.

"If you're looking for suggestions, consider Team Rocket's Big Three: Zubat, Koffing, and Ekans."

Rax's curiosity was piqued. He waited for Yusaku to elaborate.

"These three may not be on par with the league's standard starters, but they were chosen for good reasons.

"Zubat is excellent at using ultrasound for reconnaissance, pathfinding, and disrupting signals. Its evolution, Golbat, is decently strong and a valuable aerial unit. If you're lucky enough to get it to its final form, Crobat, you'll have a powerhouse that rivals the league's top picks.

"Ekans is incredibly resilient. It can regenerate even if cut in half. Properly trained, it can act as a shield, protecting its trainer. If you're willing to invest, you can enhance its toxicity with Team Rocket's specialized methods, eventually leading it to King-level power. The evolved Arbok is formidable, especially if its pattern ability awakens. You can unlock that ability with points.

"Koffing excels in creating escape opportunities with its various mist moves. Its self-destruct ability is a game-changer in desperate situations, offering both combat strength and utility. Plus, Koffing is economical to maintain, making it a favorite among cash-strapped rookies."

Yusaku's rundown made it clear why these three Pokémon were staples of Team Rocket.

Still, Rax seemed hesitant. Yusaku chuckled, patting him on the shoulder.

"Take your time. Even if you choose something else, it's fine. Now get busy!"

With that, Yusaku strolled off, leaving Rax deep in thought.

---

Three days later, Rax's application for the selection process was officially approved.

He handed over his intelligence-gathering duties in Iron Rock Town to the newcomer, Li Xiang. After weeks of training, Li Xiang had proven himself capable and meticulous, which put Yusaku at ease.

Of course, during his ramen breaks, Yusaku couldn't help but lament Rax's departure.

Since showing interest in becoming a trainer, Rax's progress had been meteoric.

Such a talent couldn't be confined to a small intelligence outpost. Helping him now might secure future favors when Rax inevitably rose to prominence.

The possibility of Rax failing the selection never crossed Yusaku's mind. He was more confident in Rax than Rax was in himself.

---

In his room, Rax carefully packed his supplies into his space backpack.

Though he hadn't decided on his next Pokémon, he didn't dwell on it. Starting his journey now might lead to unexpected encounters.

If nothing turned up, he could always choose one of Team Rocket's Big Three at the Sinnoh branch.

"Maro~"

Beside him, Marowak polished its thick bone club with care, treating it like a cherished treasure.

Since evolving, the bone club had also transformed, becoming perfectly suited to Marowak's new form.

Seeing Marowak's meticulous attention to its weapon, Rax chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't forget your care kit."

"Maro!"

With everything packed, Rax tested the weight of his space backpack.

"Thirty thousand Pokécoins—totally worth it!"

Standing at the door, he glanced at the quiet backyard, feeling a pang of nostalgia.

It felt like just yesterday that he woke up in this world of Pokémon. Now, he was about to embark on his journey.

"Let's go, Marowak!"

"Maro!"

As they stepped out, a Golbat descended from the sky, blocking their path.

"Golbat? Did the boss send you with something?" Rax asked, noticing a small bundle in its talons.

"Bat!"

Golbat dropped the bundle at Rax's feet, nodded, and flew away.

Opening the bundle, Rax found shimmering golden sand inside.

"Soft sand?" he guessed, inspecting it closely. Inside, he found a note:

Not much for goodbyes—too sentimental.

This bag contains intermediate-level soft sand to enhance Marowak's ground-type moves. Instructions are included.

Drop by sometime.

Rax smiled, glancing toward the ramen shop before turning away.

"Let's go, Marowak!"

"Maro!"

---

Iron Rock Town was nestled at the eastern foot of Mt. Coronet in Sinnoh, southwest of Veilstone City.

However, the nearest town wasn't Veilstone—it was Solaceon Town, known for its ancient ruins.

Rax's route would take him south through Solaceon and eventually to Pastoria City, home to Team Rocket's Sinnoh branch.

A new journey was about to begin.