Ultra Beasts.
In a certain sense, the Alola region was truly one of a kind. After all, Alola was fundamentally an archipelago made up of five islands.
In terms of environment, Alola was remarkable—after all, it was one of the most famous vacation and tourist destinations in the world.
However, Alola also stood out for another reason: it was the only region in the world that had yet to establish a Pokémon League.
Was it because Alola was weak?
That might be one reason, but in truth, Alola was a place that attracted people from all over the world.
Its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and unique tourist spots already drew countless visitors—but what truly made Alola special was its Z-Move system!
By wearing a Z-Ring and using the corresponding Z-Crystal, a Trainer could unleash a move whose power far exceeded that of any ordinary technique.
Though Lucas himself wasn't particularly fond of Z-Moves...
After all, to activate one, both the Trainer and their Pokémon had to perform an awkward "dance" together.
That was… frankly embarrassing. This wasn't a game—this was reality. In a high-level battle, if you took the time to perform a whole dance routine, your opponent would probably blast you in the face before you even finished your pose!
Besides, a Z-Move was still just a single attack. Sure, the power was great, but couldn't your opponent simply dodge it?
In the games, there were things like Swift or Aura Sphere—moves that were guaranteed to hit. But in reality, there was no such thing as "accuracy 100%."
In the real world, no move was truly unavoidable; it was simply that some attacks were incredibly fast and hard to evade.
The only way to guarantee a hit was to first use a move like Lock-On or Mind Reader—something that ensured the next attack would connect.
And to successfully use a Z-Move in battle, the conditions had to be just right. The setup, timing, and opportunity—all had to align. The risk-to-reward ratio simply wasn't worth it.
So, in short, Z-Moves were more symbolic than practical.
In actual combat, they couldn't compare to the power boosts provided by Mega Evolution or Dynamax.
Still, even if Lucas didn't think too highly of Z-Moves, they were undeniably a form of strength amplification for Pokémon.
And thanks to the Z-Move system, combined with Alola's stunning environment, the region had enjoyed a steady influx of tourists.
So then, why had Alola still failed to establish a League?
The root cause could be summed up in one phrase—Ultra Beasts.
"Our Aether Foundation has been researching Ultra Beasts for some time," Faba explained respectfully. "At present, our president has made certain breakthroughs. Therefore, we wish to invite you to visit Alola, Mr. Lucas. We're even willing to share our findings with you."
Faba's face broke into what he believed was his most sincere smile as he bowed slightly toward Lucas.
Lucas's eyes flickered faintly at those words.
"Ultra Beasts… I've heard they're quite dangerous. Are you certain your so-called discoveries are safe?" he asked calmly.
"And more importantly—why seek me out?"
Marnie glanced at Lucas, who had remained silent, then turned toward Faba with curiosity.
Information about Ultra Beasts wasn't exactly top secret. Though they only appeared in Alola, and not frequently, most locals in the region knew of them.
Moreover, since Giovanni had mentioned that someone from the Aether Foundation would be visiting, Lucas had already explained the existence of Ultra Beasts to Marnie and Green in advance.
"Yes, you're absolutely correct," Faba replied quickly. "It's precisely because of the Ultra Beast threat that the Pokémon League has hesitated to establish an official branch in Alola. However, our Foundation has uncovered part of their secrets. Unfortunately, Ultra Beasts are far too dangerous for us to handle alone. That is why our president wishes to cooperate with you, Mr. Lucas—the world-renowned Legendary Trainer."
Faba licked his dry lips nervously, though his tone remained respectful. He was genuinely in awe of the man before him.
A Legendary Trainer…
And according to intelligence, Lucas didn't have just one legendary Pokémon under his command!
"But you do realize who you're dealing with, don't you?" Green frowned slightly, her tone wary. "You're not afraid the League will come after you for cooperating with him?"
She found the whole situation far too strange.
Lucas was an executive of Team Rocket, an evil organization, and yet the Aether Foundation had voluntarily approached him for collaboration?
Did they seriously not fear the wrath of the League?
"The League has researched Ultra Beasts for years," Faba replied smoothly, without missing a beat, "but to this day, they've made no progress whatsoever. We've lost faith in them. What we need now is strength—strength we can rely on."
His words carried a certain conviction.
"As long as Mr. Lucas agrees to work with us, the Aether Foundation will provide him with generous compensation."
Of course, Faba was still nervous deep down. The Pokémon League was the undisputed ruler of the world.
But this was Lusamine's command. His only task was to persuade Lucas. As for how the League might react? As long as they kept things quiet—who would ever find out?
And as Lusamine's subordinate, Faba knew better than anyone how deeply obsessed she was with Ultra Beasts.
"Well said," Lucas chuckled softly. "In that case—I accept."
Faba froze for a moment, his eyes wide with disbelief. That was… it?
He had expected at least a long negotiation, but Lucas had agreed almost instantly!
Of course, Lucas had already deduced the real reason behind the proposal—Lusamine must have discovered a way to enter Ultra Space itself.
Ever since her husband, the original president of the Aether Foundation, had vanished during Ultra Beast research, Lusamine's personality had become twisted and obsessive.
For years, she had been consumed by the desire to uncover the truth behind the Ultra Beasts—even at the cost of alienating her own children.
And now, if she was willing to approach him for cooperation, it could only mean one thing—she had finally found a way into Ultra Space.
That was perfect. Otherwise, Lucas would have had to find his own way in.
"This is wonderful news, Mr. Lucas!" Faba exclaimed, standing up in delight and bowing deeply. "The Aether Foundation will eagerly await your arrival!"
He hadn't imagined it would go so smoothly! With this success, Lusamine would surely hold him in higher regard.
"I'll head to Alola," Lucas said lightly, "but not immediately—probably in a few days. I believe you understand the reason why, Mr. Faba."
He smiled faintly.
Traveling to Alola would take a full day, and exploring Ultra Space could take who knew how long. If he left now, he'd miss the upcoming battle between Lance and Leon—the pinnacle of the Pokémon world.
There was no way he'd miss that.
"I understand," Faba nodded quickly. He, too, recalled the upcoming Championship Match.
Even he—a man whose main profession wasn't battling—was interested in watching that historic showdown.
If he didn't need to rush back to report to Lusamine, he'd have stayed to watch it himself.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Mr. Faba," Lucas said with a smile.
After finishing their meal, Faba departed promptly, eager to deliver the good news to Lusamine.
Once he left, Green looked toward Lucas, puzzled. "Why did you agree so easily, Lucas? Are you really that interested in Ultra Beasts?"
While his willingness to meet with Faba had already hinted at some interest, she hadn't expected him to accept the offer without hesitation.
Lucas exhaled a puff of smoke and smiled. "Once Lance and Leon's match is over, we'll head to Alola together. Those Ultra Beasts—technically speaking—can also be considered Legendary Pokémon."
He turned to look at Marnie and Green with a grin. "When the time comes, you two can even pick out a few for yourselves."
Yes—while Ultra Beasts didn't have the same prestige as other Legends (after all, in the anime, even kids managed to deal with them), their official classification still placed them among the Legendary tier.
Be it Nihilego, Guzzlord, or the others—they were all Legendary Pokémon.
And there were many of them.
Once inside Ultra Space, Lucas could confidently say: Tall ones, short ones, fat ones, thin ones—take your pick!
In the real world, Ultra Beasts were nearly impossible to encounter, but within Ultra Space, they existed in entire populations—far more numerous than ordinary legends.
Of course, Lucas's primary reason for entering Ultra Space wasn't the Beasts themselves—it was Necrozma.
Even Solgaleo and Lunala were only side objectives compared to that being.
"Ultra Beasts… are Legendary Pokémon?" Marnie blinked in surprise.
But weren't Ultra Beasts extremely dangerous?
"That's true," Lucas admitted, "but the League is far too cautious about them. Ordinary Ultra Beasts aren't nearly as deadly as they think."
He shook his head slightly. Perhaps because they came from another dimension and had injured humans before, the League had become overly wary of them.
In reality, Ultra Beasts were simply another type of Pokémon—just more instinct-driven, and therefore more dangerous.
Still, the League's caution wasn't unfounded.
During an incident involving Guzzlord, several international police officers had died.
And the League had sent multiple expeditions into Ultra Wormholes, but most never returned. Those few who did… had lost all their memories.
With such a record, it was only natural that the League treated Ultra Beasts as high-level threats.
"I see…" Green and Marnie exchanged glances, silently acknowledging that Lucas clearly knew far more about the subject than they did.
Well, that was nothing new. By now, they were used to his seemingly endless knowledge.
"Just remember this," Lucas said with a light smile. "Ultra Beasts are Pokémon too. Once we enter Ultra Space, you'll both be free to capture a few of your own."
After all, they were still Legendary-level creatures—their potential far outstripped that of ordinary Pokémon.
And Lucas already had plans: he'd sweep through Ultra Space, capture a few for himself, and maybe gift some to subordinates like Zinnia or N.
It would strengthen his network—and his team.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
The much-anticipated battle between Lance and Leon was set for tomorrow. The crowds at Indigo Plateau had swelled massively, flooding the area with excitement.
After all, the match would take place at the Indigo Stadium—a duel to determine the strongest Trainer in the world.
Naturally, Lucas and his group had arrived two days early, securing a hotel before all accommodations were filled.
—Late that night, in a secluded training field—
A tall young man stepped inside, his Champion's cape flowing behind him. His sharp red hair blazed like fire, and his stern eyes carried the weight of authority.
It was Lance Blackthorn, the Dragon Master himself.
He scanned his surroundings briefly before his gaze locked on a figure leaning against the far wall.
"So, even a filthy rat like you dares show your face here," Lance said coldly, his voice like a blade of ice. "What's the matter? Have you finally decided to crawl back into the light?"
"My dear cousin…"
Though the words sounded affectionate, Lance's tone was utterly frigid—cold enough to chill the heart.
"How cold of you, cousin," came the soft, amused reply. "I came all this way just to cheer you on, you know."
Lucas stepped out of the shadows, a warm and calm smile on his face.
"Hmph. And what exactly do you want to say?"
Lance narrowed his eyes, still wary but curious about his cousin's intentions.
Though he despised Team Rocket and everything it stood for, he didn't act rashly. He knew full well that without the proper preparation, he couldn't simply drag his cousin back from the darkness.
"Nothing much," Lucas said with a slight chuckle. "Just wanted to wish my dear cousin good luck."
He reached into his coat, took something out, and tossed it lightly toward Lance.
Lance caught it instinctively, then glanced down—his brows furrowed. It was a gleaming, translucent stone.
A Mega Stone.
He raised his head again, eyes sharp as knives. What was this man trying to pull?
"I know you've been searching for a Mega Stone for Dragonite," Lucas said casually, "but I can tell you right now—it doesn't exist. At least, not yet."
His tone was calm and confident, utterly unbothered by Lance's glare.
There was no "fat Dragon Mega Stone" to be found anywhere in the world.
"This one," Lucas continued, smiling faintly, "is for one of your other main Pokémon. I'd really hate to see you lose to an outsider, cousin."
The moment those words left his mouth, Lance's expression darkened instantly.
Lose to an outsider?
That damn cousin of his—just how little faith did he have in him?!
(End of Chapter)