POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

"I am Ares, a senior mobile intelligence officer, and your direct superior for the next two years."

After leading them to a private conference room, Ares, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

Rax and Mardo stood at attention, listening intently.

This was their new boss, and both hoped he would be reasonable to work with.

"The tasks for mobile intelligence officers in the trainer group are simple," Ares continued. "Your priority is to participate in regional league competitions and achieve the highest ranking possible.

"Rewards will be determined based on your final ranking. Failure to participate in a league within two years will result in your trainer designation being revoked, and you'll be reassigned according to the organization's needs.

"Additionally, trainer group officers are only required to accept temporary, mandatory missions. All other tasks are voluntary, based on your individual circumstances.

"For the next two years, your only obligation is to regularly report your progress to me. I will not impose additional requirements.

"That's all. Dismissed."

With those words, Ares left without further instructions or ceremony.

---

Rax stood there, momentarily stunned.

He had always heard that mobile intelligence officers enjoyed a great deal of freedom, but this was beyond his expectations.

Temporary mandatory missions were rare unless something major, like a Team Rocket operation, arose. For the most part, Rax would live the life of a normal trainer: traveling, capturing Pokémon, and competing.

This was everything he had hoped for.

"Hey, brother!" Mardo's voice broke his reverie.

Rax turned to see Mardo extending his hand.

"Let's get to know each other properly. My name's Mardo!"

"Rax," he replied, shaking hands.

"Your Marowak is incredible!" Mardo grinned. "We'll be in the same group from now on, so let's exchange contact info. Let's look out for each other!"

Rax nodded and exchanged numbers.

After chatting briefly, the two parted ways, each preparing for the journey ahead.

---

After leaving Area F, Rax reunited with Jill, who had been waiting for him.

Jill's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Second place! Trainer group!

He had only hoped Rax would secure a spot as a mobile intelligence officer. Now, Rax had surpassed all expectations.

"Let's talk back at the lounge," Rax said, pulling Jill along before he could voice his excitement. Together, they ignored the curious stares of onlookers and returned to their quarters.

---

"Boss, you're amazing!" Jill exclaimed as soon as they were inside.

"Calm down," Rax said with a smile. "I'm heading out on a mission soon. In the meantime, I need you to gather as much intel as possible on current mobile intelligence officers. The more, the better."

"Got it, boss!"

"Also, ye Guang and Zamli were both eliminated. According to the organization's protocols, they'll be reassigned elsewhere. No one will bother you again."

"Thank you, boss!" Jill's gratitude was genuine. He had been dragged into internal conflicts but was now free, thanks to Rax.

"Base No. 1 is yours now," Rax said.

Jill nodded solemnly. Marked as one of Rax's men, he knew he had a responsibility to uphold his boss's reputation.

---

The next morning, Rax woke at dawn, too eager to wait. By 5 a.m., he was at the teleportation exit point, but the Kadabra in charge wasn't even awake yet.

It wasn't until 6 a.m. that the Kadabra yawned, stretched, and casually activated the teleportation.

A flash of white light later, Rax found himself in the forest outside Nohara City.

The morning sun bathed his face as a cool breeze carried the scent of grass and earth.

Freedom.

Rax took a deep breath, savoring the moment.

Then, orienting himself, he began heading west, away from Nohara City.

---

Nohara City lay in the southeastern part of the Sinnoh region. Westward lay Oreburgh City, past the southern slopes of Mount Coronet.

The journey would be long, but for once, Rax felt no urgency.

Most travelers passed through Jubilife City as a midpoint, but Rax opted for a direct route, avoiding crowds and focusing on training his Pokémon.

Once he was far from the city, Rax released his Beldum and skiploom.

"Beep!" Beldum hovered energetically, its metallic sheen gleaming in the sunlight.

Meanwhile, skiploom floated cheerfully around Rax, practicing its evasion techniques even as it played.

Though skiploom hadn't participated in the selection, Rax knew it had potential. He had even planned a defensive poison tactic for it during the trials, though it had gone unused.

But now, skiploom would have plenty of opportunities to prove itself.

"Gala!"

Marowak suddenly stopped, staring intently at the bushes ahead.

"Wild Pokémon?" Rax muttered, recalling Beldum and skiploom as a precaution.

Rustle... rustle...

The sound of movement grew closer.

Rax and his Pokémon readied themselves.

A moment later, a small head peeked out from the foliage, its curious expression almost comical.

Rax blinked, recognizing the Pokémon instantly.

"A Goomy? How is a pseudo-legendary from Kalos here?!"

Before he could react, Beldum lunged forward, eager to test its strength.

With a metallic clang, Beldum's Iron Head struck Goomy squarely... only to sink into its squishy body.

The Goomy retaliated, bouncing Beldum back effortlessly.

"Grind!"

Goomy cried out in protest, puffing up indignantly. Its gelatinous body made it impervious to Beldum's blunt attacks.

Beldum prepared to strike again, but Rax intervened.

"Hold back! Fall in line!"

Beldum reluctantly retreated, though its gaze lingered on the Goomy.

skiploom, meanwhile, released a calming Aromatherapy, its floral scent clearing Rax's thoughts.

As the fog in his mind lifted, Rax noticed something peculiar about the surroundings.

Everything had changed.