Preparations needed to be meticulous. Core Unit Ten pondered silently, "If anything unexpected occurs, we must act immediately to control the situation." Suddenly, all regional league branches received an urgent notification.
An S-Class secret realm had unexpectedly emerged. These special spaces are products of the fusion of two worlds, classified by strength levels ranging from D to S, with the potential for even higher tiers.
Secret realms vary widely, with the most common being those inhabited by specific types of Pokémon. The higher the level, the stronger the Pokémon within, with S-Class realms possibly hosting legendary beasts. There are also relic realms containing ancient civilizations' heritages, and temple realms imbued with natural forces, all coveted locations for trainers.
These realms are strategic resources, mostly controlled by leagues or ancient families. For instance, the Dragon Source Mountain realm in Kingsport was initially monopolized by the Quinn family but later ceded some rights to the league. Havenport's water-type realm is co-managed by the local gym and the league. Although allocation methods differ, the league always secures a share.
In Westvale, the emergence of a secret realm draws widespread attention. A democratic league system governs the exploitation of these realms, with clear regulations.
Different levels of secret realms are handled by different league tiers. D to B-Class realms are usually managed by district league branches. If they lack capability, they can request aid from the city league above, but must cede some benefits. A-Class realms are managed by the entire city league, which can seek help from the state league if needed. S-Class realms are developed by the state league, which may request headquarters or other state assistance, sharing the proceeds.
Simply put, a secret realm is like a cake: the higher the level, the more parties get a slice. The league leading the development has priority rights, but the share depends on actual contribution.
For example, if a B-Class realm appears in Fairfield, it's initially handled by the Fairfield league. If resolved smoothly, higher leagues only partake in profit-sharing. If not, the Havenport league takes over, shifting the leadership. A-Class realms are directly overseen by the Havenport league, while S-Class realms fall under the Westvale league's jurisdiction.
Currently, Fairfield faces the emergence of at least an S-Class realm, possibly higher. Without advanced monitoring means, this realm has caught the attention of leagues across Westvale, with headquarters closely watching.
"Have the Elite Four and champion ready at all times; we might get a piece of the new S-Class realm," advised the president of the Westvale league. The same anticipation was shared by the Kingsport league president, as both regions bordered Westvale, benefiting from their proximity.
Contrarily, the league in the Kalos region, across the sea from Westvale, showed a different attitude. The league president, Professor Sycamore, immediately contacted the Elite Four and champion: "Be ready to support." The difference between support and opportunism is evident in the wording.
The core decision-makers of the Westvale league congregated in Kingsport, the headquarters' location. President Whitaker immediately met with the Kingsport champion, Ethan Cross, expressing surprise: "This time, the space fluctuation is exceptionally strong, likely above an S-Class realm."
"Should I go undercover first?" Ethan inquired.
Whitaker chuckled and shook his head: "Elsewhere, maybe, but the emergence spot this time..." He deliberately prolonged his tone.
Ethan then noticed the specific location—Fairfield, Havenport. His expression turned peculiar: "Isn't that where Mr. Carl resides?"
"Hard to imagine a champion referring to a nineteen-year-old as a big shot," Whitaker jested.
This confirmed Ethan's suspicion. Ethan replied seriously, "I saw the video President Damalanth sent, barely handling Articuno, but Mewtwo...," he shook his head, "that's not something humans can contend with. Its psychic power alone can change the weather, far more terrifying than Articuno's storm."
And this Mewtwo was currently with Carl. It was akin to carrying a nuclear weapon.
Ethan and others knew Carl's situation clearly. Seven days ago, the Indigo League released a statement on the Cerulean City incident, globally pursuing Team Rocket while disclosing the existence of both Mewtwo and Articuno. Besides Carl's specific information and connection with Mew, other details were made public.
The decision was prompted by a call from Lusamine. They realized it couldn't be hidden anymore—satellites had detected anomalies, although specifics were unclear.
The Team Rocket rebellion and the simultaneous appearance of two legendary Pokémon dominated global headlines for seven days. Mewtwo, an artificially created legendary Pokémon, drew more attention than Articuno.
Players of Pokémon games often marveled at the developers' creativity, with some even attempting to find hidden content in the game. No one expected the game's elements to become reality!
More shocking was Team Rocket's plan to capture Articuno, inspired by the game, astonishing everyone from ordinary citizens to league executives.
Now, people were intrigued by the audacious Team Rocket and curious about the mysterious developer behind the XY game. Unfortunately, this genius resided within Westvale, and the Westvale league's stern reputation meant all parties could only probe quietly while maintaining a peaceful façade.
As the president and strongest trainer of the Westvale league, Whitaker and Ethan knew more inner details.
"Have you invited Mr. Carl to join the league?" Ethan asked.
"I've reached out," Whitaker replied, his square face revealing helplessness.
"And?"
"He said he wants to live a reclusive life, like a salted fish, and not to bother him unless absolutely necessary."
Ethan couldn't help but twitch his lips at the eccentric nature of this genius.
"Have you sent anyone to protect him?" Ethan asked again.
Whitaker laughed, "Does a nuclear warhead need protection? I'd rather that troublemaker from the Eagle League, Xirope, stir trouble in Havenport; she's too noisy."
Ethan realized he'd asked a silly question. With that genius's strength, even the likes of Eagle League's champions wouldn't dare act rashly, perhaps even sealing off information voluntarily.
With a swish, Ethan turned to leave.
"Where to?" Whitaker inquired.
"Havenport."
"Still going?"
"To see how the genius handles it."
Meanwhile, by the river in Fairfield, Carl was having breakfast, though he didn't look too pleased. As a gym leader, she had just received a notification from the Fairfield league and some private messages from high-ranking officials about the impending opening of an S-Class secret realm.
This meant she would be busy again. More troubling was that the anomaly she sensed days ago proved accurate. Secret realms usually offer signs before appearing, growing increasingly apparent.
S-Class realms typically have a five-day precursor period, from worldly signs to entrance opening. Yet this time, Carl directly captured the scene of the entrance opening.
What did this mean?
Someone deliberately concealed the signs of the realm.
To achieve this, it had to be a legendary Pokémon.
Why would it do so? What was the underlying motive?
These were the questions truly giving Carl a headache.