Sealine City Defense Base...
Inside a spacious office, Major Grant sat behind his desk.
An officer stood before him, delivering his report.
"Major… We've conducted a comprehensive inspection of the base's early warning system. No issues were found!!"
"It's unlikely the problem lies with our system. The enemy likely used some kind of device to jam our warning signals, allowing them to infiltrate underground undetected."
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap…
Major Grant's fingers drummed rhythmically against the desk. His face remained expressionless as he looked at the reporting officer.
"Keep investigating… If we don't find out how they blocked our warning signals soon, there will be another attack."
"Yes… Major!!"
The officer snapped a salute and withdrew.
Grant then activated the holographic display and initiated a call.
...
Crown City—commonly known as the Capital City, Pokémon Elite Defense Academy.
Inside a traditionally furnished office, two elderly men were deep in conversation.
One, his hair streaked with gray and a neatly trimmed goatee, looked grim as he spoke with visible anger:
"Mr. Marcus… you've heard the news, haven't you!?"
"During the training camp competitions in several smaller regional cities, more than a dozen military bases were attacked simultaneously. The casualties are severe!!"
The other man, balding on top, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes, replied:
"I have… Preliminary confirmation indicates it was retaliation by that despicable organization, the Symbiosis Society!!"
"Who would've thought that after all these years, that filthy group would rise from the ashes again…"
The goateed elder spat bitterly:
"Even vermin are hard to wipe out completely…"
Had anyone else been present, they would have recognized them instantly.
The two were among the Ten Great Champions of Hualis.
They were also the respective presidents of Pokémon Crown University and the Pokémon Elite Defense Academy.
The goateed man was Edmund — Flying-type Champion-Class Trainer and President of Pokémon Crown University!!
The balding man was Marcus — Steel-type Champion-Class Trainer and President of the Pokémon Elite Defense Academy.
These were men capable of shaking the entire Hualis Region with a single move.
Beep… beep… beep…
At that moment, Marcus's personal communicator began to ring. He glanced at the caller ID and accepted the video call.
A holographic display lit up in midair.
Major Grant appeared on the screen.
"Old man… I have two things to report."
Grant looked at Marcus as he spoke.
Because of the camera angle, he didn't see Zhao Guoqiang standing nearby, so his tone was noticeably casual.
After all, Marcus was his father.
"The Symbiosis Society attacked your base too!?"
"Just give me the numbers!!"
Marcus's expression darkened as he demanded an answer.
Grant froze for a moment, surprised that his father had received the news so quickly. He nodded.
"Yes…"
"Casualties: 0."
"Oh… zero casualties…"
"Hm!?"
"What did you say the casualties were!?"
Marcus straightened abruptly, his gaze sharpening as he stared at Grant.
Edmund, standing to the side, also paused, his gaze shifting toward the screen.
"I said… zero casualties!!"
Grant emphasized once more.
"You managed that!?" "Did you detect the attack in advance!?"
Marcus looked at Grant with open disbelief, suspicion clear in his tone.
Grant was competent, certainly. But faced with such a sudden assault—
Unless he had prepared ahead of time, casualties would have been unavoidable.
The attackers were brainwashed suicide operatives from the Symbiosis Society. Even in death, they'd take others with them.
Grant saw the look on his father's face, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
Was that really how little faith he had in him!?
Feeling as though his pride had taken a direct hit, Grant replied with exasperation:
"That's the second matter I wanted to report…"
"This terrorist attack was resolved by a senior high school student named Aaron. He killed a Gym Leader-level expert, neutralized the crisis, and saved dozens of students!!"
"I am formally submitting a request to award Aaron a Pokémon Trainer Second-Class Merit."
After hearing this, Marcus couldn't help reaching up to scratch his ear, as if doubting he'd heard correctly.
"A senior high school student…"
"Killed a Gym Leader-level expert!?"
"Grant… have you been in Sealine City so long you've lost your edge!?"
"Or have you gotten bold enough to try and fool your old man!?"
Marcus glared at him, his expression darkening.
Grant fell silent.
What a life…
..