POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

"Yes, teacher," Uesugi confirmed. "He said that when he saw Leafeon, it looked so much like Eevee that he asked about it after rescuing it.

Leafeon wanted to repay Rax, so it voluntarily led him to the moss rock. And when I mentioned Leafeon's name, he had this look of sudden realization."

Dr. Yamanashi fell silent, contemplating.

As a senior researcher in Pokémon evolution, he prided himself on his expertise. Yet, it was Rax who had pointed him in the right direction for studying Probopass's evolution after years of Yamanashi's own research.

Even the discovery of the magnetic field's effect and its connection to Magneton's evolution stemmed from Rax's insight.

And now, Rax had ventured into Eterna Forest and uncovered the evolution method for Leafeon.

If Rax pursued research, these findings alone would practically grant him half a doctorate.

But his mysterious background and ties to underground forces left doubts. Was it all due to incredible luck and circumstance?

Dr. Yamanashi glanced at the greenhouse where Leafeon and the rescued Pokémon rested, deciding to trust Rax.

No underground group could match his expertise in Pokémon evolution, let alone uncover two groundbreaking evolutionary methods just to earn his favor.

It was more likely that Rax had been forced into a bad situation and now sought redemption, looking to Yamanashi for recognition.

With this thought, Dr. Yamanashi made a decision.

"Didn't you mention a meeting with Dr. Magnolia soon?" he asked Uesugi.

"Yes, teacher, it's scheduled for next Monday," Uesugi confirmed.

"She wanted to exchange starter Pokémon with us, right?"

"Correct. The Galar region is rolling out its new starter distribution policy and wants to compare their starters' performance across regions."

"Then send her three of our starters and let Rax choose one of the Galar starters in return," Yamanashi said.

Uesugi was stunned. Dr. Yamanashi valued Rax so much that he was willing to secure a Galar starter for him?

Wait—Galar starters.

Uesugi quickly pieced it together: this was a calculated move. Dr. Yamanashi wanted to invest in Rax but remained cautious about his mysterious background. By offering a starter from another region, Yamanashi could maintain distance if needed.

Tch, what a sly move, Uesugi thought, admiring his teacher's cunning.

After acknowledging the order, Uesugi left to finalize the exchange.

But Yamanashi's motivations went beyond caution. He suspected Rax had an uncanny connection with newly discovered Pokémon. Giving him a "new" starter might unlock unexpected potential.

---

Unaware of the developments, Rax continued exploring Eterna Forest, battling wild Pokémon to train his team. Skiploom remained a constant companion, while Marowak and Metang alternated in battle.

When Metang used Bullet Punch to defeat a Linoone, Rax swiftly captured it with a Poké Ball.

Rescuing young Pokémon was one thing, but capturing wild Pokémon that approached him was another—it aligned with his mission to gather points.

Rax had grown more pragmatic after his encounter with the Pokémon hunter.

After a week of trekking, Rax finally reached the outskirts of the forest. Accompanied by Skiploom and Marowak, he stood before a decrepit old mansion.

The eerie structure radiated ghostly energy. Rax shivered at the thought of encountering a Mismagius again.

"Maybe I should just leave," he muttered, turning to leave.

Ten minutes later, he found himself back at the mansion.

"Of course," he sighed. "It's not about whether I want to leave—it's about whether they want me to."

Rax released Metang, ensuring all three Pokémon were prepared.

"If anything happens, don't hesitate—strike immediately!" he instructed.

With the group ready, Rax approached the mansion. A polished plaque reading "Old Chateau" hung above the entrance.

He pushed the door, which swung open effortlessly.

"...Typical," Rax muttered, stepping inside.

Once he entered, the door closed behind him.

"Calm down, it's just the usual ghost Pokémon antics," he reassured himself.

A maid-like figure with an indistinct face appeared in the corridor, beckoning him forward before vanishing.

"Did you see that?" Rax asked his Pokémon.

All three shook their heads.

So I'm the only one seeing this? Rax thought. If it were a ghost-type Pokémon, Metang's psychic senses would have detected it. If it wasn't... then it must be... a real ghost?!

The maid reappeared, waving again.

"...Alright, I'll play along," Rax muttered, climbing the creaky stairs with reluctant determination.

At the top, the headless maid gestured towards a room on the second floor. Rax hesitated but continued forward, placing his hand on Metang for reassurance.

Before Metang could use its psychic abilities to open the door, it creaked open on its own.

"...Of course."

---

Who will Rax choose as his Galar starter? Let's wait and see!