The fierce battle between Lance and Leon had finally come to an end—and before long, the news spread like wildfire across the entire world.
"Breaking news! The golden record of the undefeated champion has finally been shattered!"
"The clash between the two strongest Trainers ends with a shocking victor!"
"Dragonite, Dragonite, and yet another Dragonite! A deep dive into how many Dragonites the Dragon Master really owns!"
Headlines of every kind instantly flooded every city's media feed, while the hype began to build up for tomorrow's Indigo's Elite Four Bruno Blackfist Challenge—particularly for Raihan, who would be challenged for his eighth-ranked Champion position on the Master Leaderboard.
But none of that had anything to do with Lucas.
Inside a quiet hotel room, the first rays of morning sunlight slipped through the narrow gap between the curtains, gently illuminating the handsome young man's face.
"So the sun's up already… huh, this is the first time I've ever thought morning felt this beautiful."
Lucas slowly opened his eyes, the corners of his lips lifting into a faint, content smile as he turned his gaze toward the girl sleeping beside him.
Her sleeping face was serene and delicate—beautiful enough to make anyone's heart soften. The blanket had slipped slightly down from the air conditioner's breeze, revealing a glimpse of her pale, slender shoulder under the morning light.
"For someone who looks so small and fragile," Lucas chuckled softly to himself, taking a drag from a cigarette, "her stamina in battle sure isn't bad."
He laughed quietly as he looked at Marnie's peaceful face.
Last night, he had asked Green to move into the next room. After all this time together, Green had finally managed to calm her feelings down a little.
Of course, to be safe, Lucas had also sent Gardevoir to stay with Green overnight. And then…
Then he and Marnie went at it for a whole hour—an all-out battle of passion and endurance.
Lucas felt very satisfied.
Normally, Marnie's body clock was as disciplined as his own after traveling together for so long, but it seemed last night had exhausted her more than expected. Even now, she was still fast asleep.
"Mmh~ morning, Lucas."
Ten minutes later, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her bright eyes slowly fluttered open. With a cute little yawn, the first thing she saw was the young man's face.
A gentle smile spread across her own.
"Morning. How do you feel? If you're not feeling well, we can head to Alola tomorrow instead," Lucas said with a light laugh. After all, he'd heard that girls often needed to rest after their first time.
"Hmm~"
Marnie blinked, tapping her chin as though in thought. His concern made her heart warm—though he did tease her a lot, moments like this were rare.
As for feeling embarrassed? She wasn't that kind of shy girl. Their relationship had long been clear between them.
"You're exaggerating. I'm fine—we can leave today."
She rolled her eyes playfully, pouting as she added,
"Though your hands could learn to behave themselves, you know!"
This guy really couldn't keep them still.
After washing up and getting dressed, Lucas called Green over. The three of them decided to grab breakfast before heading to the airport.
"Didn't sleep well last night? Those dark circles are intense," Lucas remarked as he glanced at Green. The girl seemed nothing like her usual energetic self, her expression tired and sluggish.
And yes—dark circles had clearly formed beneath her eyes.
"Hmph, I was arguing online last night. Those idiots are something else."
Green rolled her eyes, replying offhandedly.
What kind of luxury hotel had such terrible soundproofing anyway?
She had spent the night next door to Lucas's room—and… well, with Marnie's occasional noises slipping through the walls, how could she possibly sleep?
Restless and frustrated, she'd ended up scrolling through Trainer forums, arguing with people until past 2 a.m.
Why so late? That part made her even angrier.
Even though Leon had already lost, some of the Galar fans were still making excuses—"He only lost because there was no Gigantamax!" or "Mega Evolution doesn't let Charizard reach its full potential!"
Good grief. They lost fair and square, yet they still had the nerve to make excuses.
Unable to stand their delusion, Green had gone on a full-blown flame war with them until midnight.
After breakfast, the trio headed to the airport and boarded a flight to the Alola Region.
The Alola region consisted of four large, resource-rich islands, with a fifth man-made island constructed in the middle of them—Aether Paradise, the artificial island built and owned by the Aether Foundation.
After half a day of flying, their plane landed at Hau'oli City on Melemele Island.
"Ahh~ that ocean breeze… I can smell the beach already."
Stepping out of the airport, Green stretched her arms high with excitement, her face lighting up.
It was no wonder—Alola was one of the world's most famous vacation paradises. The weather was pleasant all year round, and each of its four islands boasted beaches known across the globe.
Coming all the way here and not visiting them would be a crime.
"We'll have time for that later. For now, let's head to Aether Paradise—Faba's already waiting for us."
Lucas smiled lightly. He had already contacted Faba before coming to Alola.
And sure enough, not far away stood Faba himself, flanked by two Aether staff members.
"Mr. Lucas, Miss Green, Miss Marnie—welcome to Alola," Faba said with a polite bow, fast walking over to greet them with a professional smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Faba. Then I'll trouble you to bring us to meet President Lusamine," Lucas replied.
"Of course! We've already prepared a helicopter for you three. Please, this way."
Faba remained as courteous as ever. Though he usually looked down on ordinary people, his sense for power and influence was razor-sharp.
To put it bluntly, he bullied the weak and feared the strong.
In Alola, the Aether Foundation held enormous power. Though not officially above the Pokémon League, their influence was unmatched—and, more importantly, they were loaded.
After all, who else but Aether Foundation could afford to build an entire artificial island in the middle of the ocean?
They boarded the helicopter and flew to Aether Paradise, where Faba led them to a grand villa located on the far end of the island.
"Ever since learning that Mr. Lucas would be coming to Alola, President Lusamine has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. A lavish meal has already been prepared in your honor," Faba said with a grin, showing just how highly they regarded their guest.
"How flattering. President Lusamine is far too kind," Lucas replied with a small smile, not thinking much of it. Cooperation, after all, was all about showing mutual sincerity.
Inside, the villa was breathtaking—luxurious to the extreme. Green couldn't help but whistle under her breath.
So rich… filthy, unfairly rich!
When they reached the dining hall, they saw a refined blonde woman seated at the head of the table, quietly reading a newspaper.
"President."
Faba greeted respectfully.
"Mr. Lucas, this is our Aether Foundation President—Lusamine DeLune."
Green and Marnie's eyes widened in astonishment.
"She's… so young!"
Lusamine's golden hair cascaded like silk, shimmering under the light like a living masterpiece. Her fair skin seemed almost luminous, her face delicate and flawless, and her white-and-gold gown accentuated her elegant, noble figure.
She didn't look like the president of a powerful organization—she looked like an aristocrat from a family of wealth and prestige.
And… she was so young-looking.
Green secretly studied her. Based on appearance alone, Lusamine couldn't have been more than thirty. But according to the data, she was already the mother of two children.
Her skincare routine must be divine…
"You must be Mr. Lucas, correct? Such a young man, yet already so accomplished. Welcome to Aether Paradise," Lusamine said as she set down her paper and rose gracefully, her movements refined and dignified.
"I've long heard of your reputation, President Lusamine. It's truly an honor to meet you in person—your beauty far surpasses what any rumor could describe."
Lucas performed a polite, nobleman's greeting as he shook her hand with a charming smile.
If one judged by appearance alone, Lusamine really did embody the image of a perfect noblewoman.
"And I have long heard of the White Dragon Trainer's name myself," Lusamine replied, her voice as soft as silk. "Please, sit. You must be tired after such a long journey."
She didn't react much to his compliment—being who she was, she'd heard countless flatteries before. Despite being the mother of two, suitors still surrounded her endlessly.
But none of that mattered to her—her dream was the only thing she cared about.
"Reputation, good or bad, depends on who you ask," Lucas said lightly as he sat down. "So, President Lusamine, shall we talk about the details of our cooperation?"
Lusamine's sharp eyes flicked toward him briefly, a small smile curving her lips.
"You're quite direct, Mr. Lucas. I like that. Very well—let's talk."
Her tone turned calm, though a glint of heat flickered deep within her cool gaze.
"Aether Paradise has been studying the Ultra Space for many years. Only recently have we achieved some progress—and we've finally discovered a way to open it."
"I see."
Lucas's eyes narrowed.
"That's why you want my help."
"Exactly. The Ultra Space is vast and mysterious. We still know almost nothing about what lies within. But one thing is certain—it's home to many Ultra Beasts."
"With a legendary-level Trainer like you accompanying us, I believe our safety will be far more secure."
Though many viewed Lucas's reputation as dark and controversial, Lusamine didn't care about his morality—only his strength.
She had been researching the Ultra Space for years, waiting endlessly for a breakthrough. Now that one had come, she couldn't afford to wait any longer.
Even if it meant partnering with someone considered "evil," she didn't mind.
After all—she herself was far from the benevolent figure she appeared to be.
As for working with the Pokémon League? She didn't trust them. If she reported her findings, the League would likely seize control and shut Aether Foundation out completely.
She refused to let her life's work become a gift to them.
"Very straightforward of you," Lucas said with a chuckle, rhythmically tapping the table with one finger. "Then let's address the unavoidable question, President Lusamine."
"My compensation."
"I can ensure your safety, of that I have no doubt. But—what will I receive in return?"
His tone was blunt, his words edged with subtle pressure.
"Rest assured, Mr. Lucas," Lusamine replied smoothly, her elegant smile unwavering. "Aether Foundation is the most powerful organization in Alola. We would never shortchange you."
Her magnetic voice remained calm and composed.
"Whatever you desire—name it."
It was a bold statement, but one she had the authority to make.
Of course, in truth, Lusamine had struggled long and hard over what she could possibly offer him.
This wasn't truly a partnership—it was, in essence, a contracted hire. Aether wanted to employ Lucas as protection in the Ultra Space.
But what could she give him that he didn't already have?
Money? He didn't need it.
Rare Pokémon? He likely had more than she did.
"President Lusamine, you really are a cunning woman," Lucas said with an amused smirk.
Still, he didn't mind. If he had another way into Ultra Space, he wouldn't have bothered coming to Aether at all.
So, what could Aether offer him that he truly desired?
Lucas's eyes glimmered faintly.
The answer was simple—
Aether Paradise itself.
(End of Chapter)