The eggshell cracked open, and a Rotom — an Electric and Ghost-type Pokémon — hatched from the Pokémon Egg. It floated out curiously, looking at the three people standing in front of it.
Amelia's eyes stayed fixed on Rotom as she watched the lively little Pokémon hover inside the incubator, studying its surroundings with great interest.
"Alright, Amelia, you can catch it now," Jacob said. "Oh, and Sylvia is a Rotom Trainer too. Her Rotom is very strong, so feel free to ask her for advice on raising one."
"Sylvia... thank you for your help," Amelia said politely.
"You're welcome. Just ask if you have any questions," Sylvia replied with a smile.
...
Jacob stayed with Amelia for a while as they played with Rotom, and then the two of them left the laboratory together.
They took a taxi, and Jacob dropped Amelia off at her dormitory, though she looked at him with a hint of resentment as they parted.
It wasn't that Jacob had suddenly decided to act like a gentleman — it was because the Pokémon Association was still keeping an eye on him. If anyone discovered his relationship with Amelia, it would cause trouble for both of them.
...
In the days that followed, two new people joined Jacob: Karl and Eve.
Jacob had sent Karl to get his driver's license, and from then on, Karl worked as his part-time driver.
Eve, meanwhile, was starting from zero, learning to be an assistant.
Although Eve was officially Jacob's assistant, once they actually began working together, Jacob often felt like he was the one assisting her instead.
At this stage, Eve barely knew anything. She was often confused and absent-minded, and needed Jacob to guide her through almost everything.
So when Jacob brought Eve along to the Pokémon Association Building for the G2 League photoshoot and promotional video, the staff noticed something strange.
Eve, the supposed assistant, stood off to the side looking lost and understanding nothing, while Jacob rushed around handling everything, including looking after Eve herself.
Of course, since Eve was strikingly beautiful, most people simply assumed this was normal.
"You've worked hard, Jacob," Director Aaren said. "Tomorrow we'll announce your participation. The G2 competition will be held at the Lie Kong Zuo Venue, two weeks from now on Saturday."
"Understood. Thank you, Director Aaren."
"Don't mention it."
...
Once the competition schedule was confirmed, Jacob took the rare chance to return to school for classes.
Walking down the school path, Jacob could feel the students' eyes turning toward him from every direction. Several girls even worked up the courage to shyly approach him and ask for his autograph.
Jacob smiled and signed for them, then made his way to the training grounds, where he finally saw Nina again after a long absence.
If Nina hadn't been teaching a class that day, Jacob wouldn't have bothered coming to school at all.
"You're late, Jacob." Nina glanced at him, pretending not to know him too well, her tone strict as she tried her best to keep up the stern manner expected of a teacher.
Watching Nina put on her serious face, Jacob found it rather endearing and answered with a smile, "Sorry, Nina. I went to the Pokémon Association Building to register for the G2 League, and it took longer than expected."
"I see. Since you've entered the G2 League, make sure you train seriously," Nina said, her eyes soft as water even though her expression and tone stayed cold.
"I will."
As Jacob walked into the training grounds, the other students began whispering among themselves.
"Jacob!" Kyle waved him over, and once Jacob got closer, he said with a sigh, "Man, you just keep getting stronger. I told myself I'd close the gap between us, but now I can't even keep up with you."
"Ah, it's nothing special," Jacob said, trying to sound humble even as pride showed clearly on his face.
Just as Jacob and Kyle were chatting and laughing, Julia and Amira walked up together.
"What are you two talking about? You both look so happy," Julia said, smiling brightly as she leaned in closer to Jacob.
Ever since she had begun to suspect that Jacob might have a hidden identity, she felt that he seemed to shine with a strange, mysterious energy every time she saw him.
In her eyes, Jacob was great in almost every way — the only flaw was that he was a bit too much of a flirt.
"Nothing important," Jacob said, then took out a Poké Ball and released his Pokémon to begin training.
"Jacob, let's have lunch together," Julia said softly. "I know a good place nearby. Want to go eat after this?"
"Sure, sounds good," Jacob agreed with a nod.
...
Partway through the training session, Jacob's phone suddenly rang.
"Zade (Team Zero, Fifth Group Leader)."
If it weren't for that note in brackets, Jacob might have completely forgotten who this person was, let alone that he himself was a member of Team Zero.
"Give me a moment, I need to take this call." Jacob stepped aside to a quiet corner and answered. "Hello, Group Leader."
"Hm. Jacob, are you free right now?" Zade's voice was as calm and steady as always. "I have a new mission for you."
"Go ahead, I'm listening," Jacob replied, lowering his voice.
"This isn't something we should discuss over the phone. Come to Room 901 on the ninth floor of the Pokémon Association Building. We'll talk there."
"Understood."
Jacob nodded and walked back toward Julia. "I just got a call — something's come up, so I might not be able to join you for lunch after all."
"Oh... that's alright, go take care of it." Julia's face fell with disappointment, and she couldn't help pouting slightly as she looked at him.
"Don't be upset. I'll treat you to a meal once I'm free," Jacob said, trying to comfort her.
"Really? You'd better not be lying." Hearing this, Julia's expression brightened into a smile again.
"I promise..."
"Okay, then go on. Be careful."
"I will." Jacob nodded, then turned to Nina. "Nina, I need to ask for some time off."
"What is it this time?" Nina asked, frowning slightly as she kept her tone businesslike.
Jacob leaned in and spoke quietly, so only she could hear. "It's a new mission from Team Zero... Shh, keep it between us. You're the only one I've told."
Nina, who had felt a small twinge of jealousy watching Jacob laugh with Julia earlier, found his serious expression a little amusing, but she kept a straight face anyway and murmured, "If it's Team Zero business and it's confidential, you don't need to explain it to me. Just go."
"I have to keep it secret from everyone else, but not from you. What kind of relationship would that make us otherwise?" Jacob said in a low voice.
"Go on, quickly... and be careful."
"I will."
...
Jacob arrived at Room 901 in the Pokémon Association Building and knocked gently on the door. Zade's voice came from inside. "Who is it?"
"It's me... Jacob."
"Come in."
Jacob stepped into the room and found June there as well, someone he hadn't seen in quite some time, standing alongside Zade.
"Both of you, let your families know you're safe, and then hand over all your electronic devices to me for safekeeping," Zade said, looking at the two of them with a serious expression. "This mission is completely confidential. Under no circumstances is it to be revealed to anyone."
...