Chapter 47: Our Lab is Perfectly Safe!

 

Aoshin City is a coastal city in the Japan region, situated on the southwestern shore.

Water-type Pokémon can be seen almost everywhere in this city. Due to the intricate network of small canals crisscrossing the urban center, people commonly refer to it as the "City of Water."

The overall architectural style leans toward a deep oceanic blue. Streams of water interweave through the city, where rivers spanning across roads and arched bridges along the sidewalks are common sights. Occasionally, one might even see Magikarp or Goldeen swimming beneath their feet; it is a "Water City" in every sense of the word.

Naturally, the Aoshin City Gym is a Water-type Gym. Unfortunately, none of the three Pokémon currently on N’s team are particularly well-suited to handle Water-types.

He would either have to catch a new companion here or rely on brute force to push through.

"I actually made it in one piece."

N looked back at the luxury liner, the Joseph, with a lingering sense of dread. He felt that being able to disembark from that ship safely was no small feat.

Although the entire voyage had been smooth without any major storms, he had still felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

Fortunately, he had arrived in Aoshin City. The feeling of solid ground beneath his feet put him at ease. Next, he only needed to deliver the package Daisy Oak had entrusted to him, and his mission would be complete.

"Let's see... the delivery address should be the Aoshin City Ancient Pokémon Research Lab. I need to hand this over to Professor Hein."

N had heard of Professor Hein’s reputation; the man was an old acquaintance of Professor Oak. Having been awarded his doctorate for publishing academic papers on the genetics of ancient Pokémon, his status in the field of genetic research was comparable to that of the missing Pokémon researcher, Blaine. 

N wasn't personally acquainted with Professor Hein, and this was his first time visiting the lab in Aoshin City, so he couldn't immediately find the exact location after getting off the ship.

Since Aoshin City is quite a bustling metropolis, the area is a mix of waterway diversions and roads. It’s possible to be walking down a street and suddenly find yourself on an arched bridge. Finding a specific spot here was no easy task.

Puzzled, N decided to ask a young man on the street who looked like a local. The man wore thick glasses and a white lab coat, a quintessential intellectual.

To N's surprise, before he could even speak, the man looked him up and down with astonishment. After showing a flash of surprise, he spoke up enthusiastically.

"Oh! Are you a tourist? Could it be you're here to participate in Aoshin City's annual Fishing Competition?"

"Fishing Competition?"

"That's right! If you win the Fishing Competition, you can get rewards like special items and Pokémon Eggs. Even if you don't take first place, just making it into the top ten nets you a cool 10,000 Pokédollars!"

N clearly hadn't expected the man to completely misinterpret his intent. He hadn't even heard of this so-called Fishing Competition. Just as he was about to explain, the man began to lecture him with great fervor, seemingly afraid N might run off.

While the rewards for this competition were somewhat interesting, and N might have participated if he were free...

He currently had a delivery to handle and simply didn't have the time for such things.

"I'm sorry, I don't have time for a fishing competition right now. I need to head to the Ancient Pokémon Research Lab first."

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the man's enthusiasm, N waved his hands in refusal. To his surprise, the man blinked and immediately replied: "The Lab? I know where that is!"

This was a stroke of luck. He hadn't expected the first person he asked on the street to actually know the way.

The enthusiastic man laughed heartily, slapped N on the shoulder, and pointed a thumb at himself to introduce himself.

"The name's Kenji. I'm currently a research assistant at the Aoshin Ancient Pokémon Research Lab. Since that's where you're headed, let me lead the way!"

…

"So you're looking for Professor Hein. He’s been cooped up in the lab lately studying some fossils newly excavated from the seabed. He hardly ever leaves except to eat or use the restroom."

Kenji nodded thoughtfully. He wasn't particularly surprised that N had taken a ship all the way from Nichiyo City. Because Professor Hein held such high standing in the field of ancient Pokémon genetics, many guests came to visit him daily; it was a common occurrence.

"Does Professor Hein usually focus on genetic research?"

"Of course. The experiments are mostly based on observation and recording. We're extremely careful when extracting genes to revive ancient Pokémon. You must be worried about safety, right?"

"Relax~ Our lab is much safer than others."

Facing N’s inquiry, Kenji puffed out his chest with a bit of pride. Compared to places like the Oak Lab or the Birch Lab, which were known for frequent explosions and hazards, their safety rating was practically through the roof.

"Look, right up ahead is Professor Hein’s resea—"

BOOM!!!

Before he could finish his sentence, a violent explosion erupted from the white research building situated by the lake. Half of the facility was decimated. Shards of stone and thick black smoke filled the air, and even N and Kenji were buffeted by the shockwave.

The blast seemed to be a signal. In the next moment, a series of continuous explosions rocked the lab, tearing the entire structure to pieces.

Fortunately, several researchers in white coats managed to stumble out before the subsequent blasts. Though they looked battered, they appeared to have escaped with only minor injuries.

"Holy crap, what happened?! Why did the lab explode?! And that blast came right from Professor Hein’s laboratory..."

For the first time, panic and terror appeared on Kenji's face. They were merely researchers studying ancient DNA; under normal circumstances, they didn't conduct dangerous chemical experiments.

There was no way they should have caused such a massive explosion!

 

Chapter 48: Team Rocket’s Temporary Base

 

"..."

A subtle, sharp glint flickered in N’s eyes. This wasn't the kind of explosion caused by a lab accident. The thick, acrid black smoke was more characteristic of a bomb, and quite possibly one triggered by a Pokémon.

It was highly likely that the move Self-Destruct or Explosion had been used. This wasn't an accident; the research lab had been targeted.

"Don't just stand there. Let’s get over there."

"Ah, right!"

Kenji’s face paled as he snapped out of his state of shock and terror. He scrambled to his feet and began running toward the facility as fast as his legs could carry him.

N followed close behind, his gaze fixed intently on the ruins of Professor Hein’s laboratory.

"What... what happened?! Why did the lab... why did it explode?"

Kenji, a researcher with little to no physical stamina, panted as he questioned his colleagues who had managed to escape. N did a quick sweep of the researchers lying on the ground in their white coats.

There were five of them, all sporting varying degrees of injury. One, who had clearly been closest to the blast, was covered in severe burns and charred marks. Had it not been for the superior, resilient constitution of humans in the Pokémon world, that blast would have claimed his life instantly.

"Team Rocket... it was Team Rocket. They raided the lab out of nowhere and stole so many things..."

"What about the Professor?! Where is Professor Hein?"

"They took him, too... and all the genetic research data..."

Kenji turned ashen, staring in disbelief at the shattered remains of the lab. Engulfed in smoke and fire, the building was now a heap of rubble, barely recognizable.

"Kenji, go find Officer Jenny. The rest of you, report this to the League authorities and get Nurse Joy from Aoshin City to help," N commanded.

His voice carried a weight of authority and a calm, commanding presence that made the frantic researchers listen. Despite not knowing who N was, they didn't hesitate; they immediately began to act.

"N, what are you going to do...?"

"Isn't it obvious? I’m going to save him."

N’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. He reached up to tug down the brim of his cap and then dashed toward the forest behind the explosion site.

Every person gifted with psychic abilities possessed a different strength. Some specialized in Teleportation, others in the rare art of Mind Reading, but most utilized the more common Telekinesis, a fundamental power shared by almost all Psychic-type Pokémon.

N’s primary psychic gifts were Telekinesis and Awareness. While these were powers that could sometimes be acquired through rigorous training, in N’s hands, they were on an entirely different level.

A person who learns telekinesis later in life possesses power like a single glass of water, limited in both endurance and output. But for a "Natural" psychic like N, it was different.

His telekinetic energy was as vast as a lake.

"Found them."

N closed his eyes. A brilliant cerulean glow flickered around his eyelids, and his long, jade-green hair began to drift upward, buoyed by the leakage of psychic energy.

Using his powerful Awareness, he immediately detected life signatures in the forest that were distinct from Pokémon. These were the heartbeats of humans.

…

Team Rocket wouldn't be able to travel very far while hauling a frail, elderly man with no stamina. There had to be a temporary base hidden in the woods near Aoshin City; that was likely where Professor Hein was being held.

He might be moved elsewhere soon, but as long as he remained in that temporary base, N could work with that.

"Zorua, I’ll be counting on you in a bit."

“Zua!”

Team Rocket’s hidden base was tucked inside a secluded cave. There were tracks of Ursaring nearby, a clever ruse to make people think it was merely a wild Pokémon's den.

In reality, the interior served as the entrance to the base.

Sneaking in from the side, N spotted two Team Rocket grunts standing guard. They were likely on patrol, ready to sound the alarm at the first sign of trouble.

Hum...

A faint sound of displaced air hummed as a sphere of dark, pulsing energy struck the grunt on the left. The Shadow Ball exploded against his midsection, the blast charring his uniform and knocking him unconscious instantly.

"The ene—"

The second grunt reacted, reaching for the alarm on his belt, but a powerful hand gripped his wrist before he could press it.

He turned his head only to see a youth in a cap twisting his arm back with immense force.

"Goodnight."

The playful words whispered in his ear were the last thing he heard. A sudden feeling of weightlessness took over as his head was slammed into the hard stone wall. In a flash, he was out cold, blood trickling from a scalp wound.

"Sorry about this. Mind if I borrow your clothes? Not that you can hear me."

N’s lips quirked upward. He deftly searched the unconscious grunt, eventually pulling out an ID keycard. He swiped it through the mechanical reader on the door, which slid open with a hiss.

He dragged the two unconscious guards into a dark corner. Clad in the stolen black uniform with the red "R," his green hair tucked away and his head covered by the standard Team Rocket cap, the disguise was nearly perfect.

His psychic awareness told him there were still many members inside. Charging in blindly without sufficient strength would be reckless. Furthermore, he didn't know if there were any high-ranking Executives present.

Every move had to be cautious. His survival depended on being methodical.

 

Chapter 49: The Mutant Research Subject

 

The internal structure of the temporary base was simple, mostly straight corridors and rooms, with sophisticated surveillance cameras mounted at the corners. Even after spotting them, N made no move to disable them.

If he destroyed the cameras, it would be an immediate signal to Team Rocket that an intruder was among them. Being swarmed by a concentrated force would be far more trouble than it was worth.

"Hard work, everyone."

"Oh! You too."

No one would have guessed that N, clad in a Team Rocket uniform, would so casually greet the patrolling grunts. Because his demeanor was so natural, the others sensed nothing amiss.

The members had only just kidnapped Professor Hein; it hadn't even occurred to them that someone would find their hidden base so quickly, let alone walk right through the front door. This lightning-strike tactic was incredibly effective.

Furthermore, Team Rocket was an organization where members often operated solo on internal tasks. Seeing N walking alone didn't raise any eyebrows.

"How’s Subject 18 doing?"

"We've managed to contain it for now, but the aggression is still off the charts. It finally settled down after we pumped it full of sedatives."

The idle chatter of two passing grunts caught N’s attention. They had come from the western wing. N stole a glance in that direction and saw a member tapping away at a control panel by a heavy iron door.

Beep, beep, beep...

1-1... 4-5-1-4?

The grunt entered the room and emerged a few moments later. It seemed to be a standard rotation; whatever was inside required constant supervision.

With his exceptional eyesight and photographic memory, N easily memorized the code. He continued walking as if nothing had happened, circled a section of the base, and then doubled back to the door once the coast was clear.

Beep, beep, beep.

"Which unit are you from? It’s not time for the next rot—"

THUD!!

The grunt guarding the room suddenly levitated off the ground before being slammed violently into the wall. He didn't even get a chance to reach for a Poké Ball. He likely never realized he had been taken down by psychic power.

"What is this...?"

N furrowed his brow. This room was clearly a laboratory. Inside, a containment tank filled with a strange, murky green liquid held a sleeping white Pokémon.

It had fluffy fur, a milky-white underbelly, and light brown paws tucked together. Its pointed, triangular ears were also covered in soft fur. From its appearance, it was a Vulpix.

However, a standard Vulpix is reddish-brown and a Fire-type. This one had fur as white as fallen snow. This wasn't a Shiny Pokémon; it was the regional form shaped by the climate of the Alola region.

[Vulpix (Alolan Form)]

Strength: Low Alpha

Potential: High Grade???

This Alolan Vulpix, designated "Subject 18," had clearly been subjected to Team Rocket’s experimentation. The glow of its potential was bizarre, it flickered with the vibrant crimson of a High Grade but was shot through with the golden wisps of a Special Grade.

Could it have been a High Grade Pokémon whose potential was artificially boosted through experimentation?

What kind of experiment could actually enhance a Pokémon’s natural potential?

Moreover, its life signature was incredibly unstable, surging with power one moment and fading to a whisper the next. It wasn't like a normal Pokémon at all; N wouldn't be surprised if it succumbed to cellular collapse the very next second.

Scanning the precision instruments, N quickly operated the console to drain the liquid. He carefully lifted the unconscious Vulpix from the tank. Since it was still in a deep stupor, he recalled it into a Poké Ball for safety.

Having finished, he pressed deeper into the base. Using his psychic Awareness, he began searching for Professor Hein’s signature. Finally, he located the holding cells.

WEEE-OOO! WEEE-OOO!

At that exact moment, a piercing, frantic alarm blared throughout the base. The lighting shifted to a pulsing, stressful crimson.

His intrusion had been discovered. One of the unconscious grunts must have been found. N figured it was probably the two unlucky ones at the entrance.

Knowing he would eventually be caught, N didn't hesitate. He released Gurdurr from its Poké Ball and charged toward the cell where Professor Hein was being held.

…

"Ma'am! Cassidy, ma'am! We have an intruder!!"

In a luxurious lounge far removed from the drabness of the rest of the base, a grunt in a standard black uniform scrambled into the room. He was pale with terror, and his frantic entrance caused the blonde woman inside to grimace with annoyance.

"Shut up! Is it just another bratty Trainer or a lost traveler? Just send a squad to bag them and be done with it," the woman snapped.

She clicked her tongue in irritation. Her bright blonde hair looked dull under the dim lights, likely due to the massive amount of hairspray used to style it into two long, mop-like protrusions. She might have been considered attractive, but the heavy, caked-on makeup gave her a vulgar air.

"No, ma'am! The intruder is disguised as one of us! He’s already taken down several interception squads with his Pokémon! His strength is way beyond a normal Trainer!"

"What?"

Cassidy’s expression finally turned serious.

Could it be a League Investigator who went undercover to stage a rescue?

She was currently tasked with transporting Professor Hein to Team Rocket HQ. She couldn't afford to let some supposed League agent ruin her mission! No matter what, she had to get that old man out of here.

"Where’s the old man?!"

"There’s trouble at the cells, too! The intruder is moving too fast. By the time we realized what was happening, he had already breached the cell block."

"The guards were wiped out, and he smashed the cell door open with brute force..."

Hearing this, Cassidy’s face turned as dark as ink. Her features contorted with rage, making her heavy makeup look even more grotesque. She kicked the useless grunt away in a fit of fury.

Whatever it took, she had to get Professor Hein back!

Chapter 50: Quasi-Elite Four

 

CRASH!!

The reinforced steel cell door was torn in half as easily as a sheet of paper. A grey-skinned Pokémon, its body rippling with explosive, corded muscle, barged inside.

Using only the I-beam gripped in its hand, it effortlessly swatted aside every Team Rocket grunt in its path, rampaging through the corridor until it stood directly before Professor Hein.

"You... you are?"

Locked inside was an elderly man with white hair and round-rimmed glasses. He trembled violently as he watched the heavy steel door in front of him get ripped to shreds. He was well past fifty; a visual shock of this magnitude was nearly too much for his heart to bear.

"Professor Hein, there’s no time to explain. Just come with me for now."

N quickly produced a set of keys he had lifted from a guard, unchained the Professor, and signaled Gurdurr. The Pokémon hoisted the old man onto its shoulder and immediately charged back toward the exit.

Being carried like a sack of potatoes wasn't comfortable, but there was no other choice.

The strategy of a high-speed ambush had worked perfectly. By the time Team Rocket realized an intruder was in the building, N had already extracted Professor Hein, even if it meant the old man’s weary bones had to endure a rough ride on Gurdurr's shoulder.

"I see him! That's the guy! Stop him!!"

"Don't let him take the target!"

Just as N sprinted out of the cell block, he ran into a patrol squad of about five people. They wasted no time in releasing their Pokémon.

Zubat, Ekans, Murkrow, and several others unleashed a chaotic barrage of moves directly at N.

However, the Pokémon owned by these low-ranking Team Rocket grunts were at the Elite level at best; not a single Alpha was in sight. Naturally, they posed no real threat to N.

"Zorua, Eevee, use Shadow Ball!"

N had already released his team in advance. Prepared for the engagement, Zorua and Eevee attacked simultaneously. Two spheres of volatile, explosive energy erupted, blasting the group of Rocket Pokémon backward in a single wave.

N had already mapped out the internal structure of the base with his psychic powers upon entering. He knew the layout like the back of his hand and was perfectly aware of the most efficient escape route.

BOOM!!!

Just as N prepared to duck into a side corridor leading toward the main entrance, a massive burst of searing fire slammed into the corner of the hallway. The intense heat instantly charred and cracked the stone walls.

N frowned slightly, looking at the massive silhouette emerging from the corridor ahead. It was a dragon-like Pokémon with orange-red skin, a flaming tail tip, and a pair of powerful wings on its back.

It was a Charizard!

[Charizard]

Strength: Low Quasi-Elite Four

Potential: Middle Grade

ROOAAAAR!!

Charizard’s deafening roar echoed through the entire base. Its hulking frame blocked the hallway entirely, cutting off N’s path forward.

A Quasi-Elite Four level Pokémon, even at the Low stage, represented a massive gulf in power compared to normal Pokémon. Its strength was second only to the peak of the Elite Four. The gap between an Alpha and a quasi-Elite Four was far greater than the gap between an Alpha and an Elite.

"You miserable brat! I finally caught you! Don't think you're leaving this base in one piece!"

A blonde woman stepped out from behind the corner, standing beside the Charizard. She wore a uniform distinct from the rank-and-file grunts. While it bore the black Team Rocket "R," it featured unique white patterns on the sleeves and legs, a clear indicator of high rank.

This woman was a genuine Executive.

Cassidy’s face, caked in heavy makeup, was contorted with fury. Her assigned mission had turned into an utter disaster. A random brat had broken into the base and rescued Professor Hein right under her nose.

She was livid!

If word of this reached "that person" at headquarters, she wouldn't just face punishment, she might be demoted. If she were stripped of the rank she had worked so hard to achieve, she might as well be dead.

"Good grief..."

N wasn't particularly surprised; a faint, meaningful smirk played on his lips. In a base of this size, there was bound to be at least one high-ranking officer. Before entering, he had estimated the commander's strength; as long as they didn't exceed the Elite Four level, he had ways to manage.

However, a Low Quasi-Elite Four Charizard was still a tall order for N’s current team. If this woman was the highest-ranking officer in the base, N had a decent chance. But if there was someone even stronger yet to appear, things would get truly difficult.

"Drop the old man right now! And don't you dare try any tricks! Charizard, use Fire Spin to trap them!"

The fierce Charizard opened its maw and unleashed a swirling vortex of flames toward N. The orange-red fire, crackling with intense heat, seemed to move with a mind of its own, splitting into two streams that curved around to surround N from both sides.

Cassidy intended to trap both N and Professor Hein within the vortex, ensuring N had no chance to slip away.

Ahead was a Quasi-Elite Four Executive, and if he lingered too long, a swarm of Rocket grunts would catch up from behind. Once caught in a pincer maneuver, even an elite League Investigator would find it difficult to escape. To make matters worse, N only had three Pokémon on hand, none of which had an effective way to counter fire.

"Gurdurr, Rock Tomb!"

RUMBLE!

Upon hearing the command, Gurdurr let out a guttural roar. Without hesitation, it swung its I-beam and smashed it violently into the ceiling.

In an instant, the sheer force caused the corridor to cave in. Cracks spider-webbed across the overhead rock, and the entire base began to shudder.

"Wh-What do you think you're doing?!"

Cassidy, who had been oozing confidence just a moment ago, finally paled. Her lips twitched as she watched the corridor begin to collapse under Gurdurr's assault.

This was a temporary underground base. Aside from specialized reinforced rooms, most of the walls and ceilings were simply carved-out earth and rock, not reinforced steel! While it looked solid, it was actually quite fragile. High-intensity combat could easily trigger a cave-in.

The falling debris and rock from the Rock Tomb move effectively smothered the encroaching Fire Spin, but at this rate of destruction, the hallway would collapse entirely!

Cassidy finally panicked. Her mission was to deliver Professor Hein to Team Rocket HQ in one piece. But this kid's suicidal tactic was clearly a "take them down with me" play!

This was an underground base. If it collapsed, everyone inside would be buried alive!

 

 

Chapter 51: You’re Too Despicable!

 

"Zorua, use Sucker Punch."

N didn't bother responding to Cassidy’s questioning. He issued the command to Zorua without a second thought.

Zorua’s strength had already reached the Mid Alpha level and was rapidly approaching High Alpha. Its speed and attack power far exceeded that of average Pokémon. Even a Quasi-Elite Four level Charizard was forced back several steps by the sudden, stinging impact of the move.

"Damn it! Charizard, you too—"

"Gurdurr, keep using Mega Punch on the walls."

THUD!!!

A heavy, dull boom echoed through the underground base once more. The physical power an Alpha-level strength specialist could exert was nothing short of staggering, let alone a species as notoriously fierce as Gurdurr.

With the shock of that punch, the entire underground facility shuddered. The cracks in the walls widened, snaking like crawling pythons across every surface. Debris from the ceiling began to rain down, some even clattering off Cassidy’s shoulders!

In that moment, the realization finally dawned on Cassidy.

This brat disguised as a Team Rocket grunt was actually threatening her!?

He was a Trainer here to rescue someone, yet he was using a ruthless combat style that even most villainous organizations avoided to threaten her, a member of Kanto's largest criminal syndicate?

Wasn't he afraid the Professor he was trying to rescue would die right along with them?

Who exactly is the evil Team Rocket member here?!

"You're too despicable!"

It had to be said that N’s method produced exceptionally effective results. Cassidy was merely a minor Executive; she had dreams of climbing the ranks and securing a high-standing position in Team Rocket’s future. She had infinite plans for her life.

She absolutely could not afford to die here!!

Charizard couldn't understand why its Trainer refused to let it counterattack. That Zorua’s offensive power was intense; while the two sides were stalemated, the fox had surreptitiously used Hone Claws several times to drastically boost its Attack and accuracy.

Even if its raw level was lower, multiple consecutive strikes had left several bloody gashes on Charizard’s body. Standing in front of Cassidy, the large dragon began to look a bit unsteady.

At this rate, it might actually go down first.

Possessing Quasi-Elite Four strength yet being forbidden from striking back, Cassidy was frustrated, but Charizard was utterly humiliated.

Cassidy certainly had other Pokémon, but aside from Charizard, they were Mid-Alpha at best. Meanwhile, Gurdurr’s fist was poised to strike the wall again at any second.

Who knew when this fragile corridor would finally cave in?!

She didn't dare to gamble.

"..."

N’s expression remained ice-cold. When he had first scouted the base with his psychic powers, he had determined that the internal structure was sturdier than Cassidy feared. It would take at least several more punches from Gurdurr to cause a collapse.

Even if a cave-in occurred, it would likely only be contained to this specific corridor, not the entire base.

N didn't know if Cassidy could escape a collapse, but he knew he could.

Moreover, this "suicide pact" was purely psychological warfare. He was gambling on whether his opponent would succumb to fear. If she stayed afraid, he could counterattack with impunity.

Even if he lost the gamble because his opponent turned out to be a desperate fanatic, it didn't matter. With the combined strength of Zorua and Gurdurr, plus Eevee’s support, they formed a perfect "Offense-Defense-Support" triangle. Even an Executive like Cassidy wouldn't be able to overwhelm him in a short amount of time.

As long as he stalled until the rank-and-file Rocket members caught up, he could use them for his Plan B escape.

In the worst-case scenario where Plan B failed, he would risk exposing his final trump card: fully unleashing his Telekinesis to bring the base down himself, then using his psychic shield to spirit Professor Hein out.

Clatter, clatter, clatter...

The sound of dense footsteps suddenly echoed from behind. N’s jade-green eyes flickered toward the sound. He knew the Rocket reinforcements had finally arrived to surround the area.

In anyone else's eyes, this was a dead-end scenario. In N's eyes, it was the perfect timing for a retreat.

"Professor Hein, I’m going to have to trouble you for a moment."

"Huh?"

Before the old man could react, Gurdurr roughly hoisted him up with one hand. The sudden movement nearly snapped the Professor's weary bones. It looked less like a rescue and more like Gurdurr was handling a hostage.

But that was exactly the effect N wanted.

"Ma'am! Cassidy, ma'am!! We’re here to back you up!"

Dozens of Team Rocket members finally converged on the western corridor. Seeing them, Cassidy’s face lit up with joy.

If she surrounded him with a massive number of Pokémon, she might have a chance to seize him!

"Well then, I'll leave the rest to you~"

N waved toward Cassidy with a bright, cheerful smile, as if he were calling out to a close companion. The sudden shift in attitude left Cassidy dazed for a split second.

The next moment, she saw the boy turn and bolt, taking Professor Hein with him!

"The rest of you, after him! Stop that guy! Don't let him get away!"

Coming back to her senses, Cassidy screamed her orders. The brat was looking for an opening to flee, but it was too late; surrounded as he was, he shouldn't even be able to grow wings and fly out!

Yet, the second Cassidy finished speaking, she watched the horde of black-uniformed Rocket members flood into the corridor, but the intruder's figure was nowhere to be seen.

Cassidy: "?"

"Where is he?!"

The blood rushed to Cassidy's head in a fit of rage. Her eyebrows twitched and her face turned a violent shade of crimson. Veins bulged prominently on her forehead.

The intruder carrying Professor Hein had run directly into the face of the Rocket combat squad. Was she supposed to believe he had just phased through dozens of people and vanished?!

 

 

Chapter 52: First Glimpse of the Illusion Master

 

"Found him! He’s right there! Capture that bastard intruder immediately!"

"Dammit, he's been toying with us for long enough..."

As Cassidy’s furious voice echoed through the hallway, the flood of low-ranking Team Rocket members didn't move past her. Instead, their eyes fixed on her with intense hostility.

In an instant, a chaotic flurry of Poké Balls was hurled. Brilliantly sharp flashes of white light illuminated the dim corridor until it was as bright as day.

A massive swarm of various Pokémon materialized, completely clogging the narrow passage. To Cassidy’s utter shock, these Rocket grunts, who seemed to have lost their minds, actually commanded their Pokémon to launch an attack directly at her.

"Have you all lost your minds!?"

Cassidy hadn't expected that her "reprimand" would only make the grunts even angrier. Cold, murderous glares fell upon her from every direction, as if they wanted to skin her alive!

Damn it, what is going on?

What did that brat do?!

…

Minutes earlier...

"Ma'am! Cassidy, ma'am!"

A squad of fierce Team Rocket grunts had swarmed into the western corridor, venting their frustration as they ran. Upon entering, they saw "Cassidy" standing there, hands on her hips, her face twisted in a terrifying scowl.

Beside her stood the white-haired old man, bound tightly. It was clearly Professor Hein.

"What are you looking at?! Why are you just standing there like idiots! Go catch that damnable intruder this instant! Do you all wanna die!?"

"Yes, ma'am! Right away, ma'am!!"

The command was so familiar that the grunts, accustomed to being barked at and ordered around by Cassidy daily, didn't dare to talk back. Without a second thought, the massive crowd of Team Rocket members surged past her, deeper into the corridor.

Once they were gone, "Cassidy" turned around and led Professor Hein away.

"...Good work, Zorua."

The furious expression of Cassidy vanished in a heartbeat, replaced by a calm, steady gaze. A moment later, pixel-like shadows flickered across "her" body. N stood in her place, wearing his black cap and the stolen Team Rocket uniform.

“Zua~”

Zorua grinned, though its body was radiating a strange, eerie black mist.

This was the power of its unique Ability, Illusion. It had temporarily manipulated the "sight" of everyone in the vicinity.

In the eyes of the grunts, N’s appearance had been swapped with Cassidy’s, and Cassidy’s had been swapped with N’s. A simple yet devastatingly effective exchange.

To achieve this level of trickery required extraordinary talent. This was a power that influenced the environment itself, warping the five senses of living beings. Generally speaking, even an evolved Zoroark, the "Illusion Master," might struggle to pull off such a perfect sensory deception, yet N’s Zorua had succeeded.

Its natural aptitude for Illusion was incomparable, even among its own kind. While there were certainly gifted individuals within the Zorua species, it was likely that only this specific Zorua possessed illusions powerful enough to deceive a crowd so effortlessly.

By the time the two groups of Rocket members converged for their pincer maneuver, they had actually provided N with the perfect opportunity to slip away.

Beads of sweat rolled down Zorua’s forehead. Maintaining such high-intensity illusions was an immense burden on its small body; its stamina was draining like water from a sieve. Yet, even in its exhausted state, it insisted on maintaining its cocky, triumphant smirk.

"Just a little longer, Zorua. We're getting out of here! Gurdurr, keep a tight grip on Professor Hein."

"My poor old back..."

Professor Hein had experienced enough ups and downs today to last a lifetime. In all his years, nothing had been as heart-stopping as this.

First, a violent explosion at his lab. Then, being kidnapped along with his data by a horde of black-clad Team Rocket members. Minutes later, a young boy had infiltrated the base to rescue him.

Before he could even celebrate, they had been cornered by a Rocket Executive and a small army of reinforcements. This boy's Pokémon were clearly outmatched in raw power, and Hein thought they were finished. Then, in a theatrical twist, the boy had led them out using such an incredible method.

It was more dramatic than any movie.

Gurdurr carried Professor Hein as they sprinted toward the base entrance. There were still four or five Rocket members guarding the door. They looked up in surprise as the intruders burst out, and after a split-second delay, they hurled their Poké Balls to block the path.

"Gurdurr, Slam!"

“Gur!!”

Gurdurr swung the heavy, red I-beam in its right hand with a roar. The wind whistled and howled as the steel beam tore through the air.

An unlucky Houndour was the first to be struck, becoming little more than extra weight as its body was sent flying into the other Rocket Pokémon, bowling them all over.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Eevee released a rapid Shadow Ball, accurately striking the Rocket members who were too slow to dodge. Not only were they blasted by the energy, but their own flying Pokémon slammed into them, sending the grunts and the iron door flying together.

"Gurdurr, one more! Use Hammer Arm on the ceiling."

N quickly led Professor Hein through the gap blasted by the Shadow Ball. He ordered Gurdurr to deliver a fully charged Hammer Arm to the entryway. With a series of sharp, splintering cracks, the ceiling began to buckle.

RUMBLE!!

A moment later, the entire entrance collapsed under a rain of ceiling fragments. Jagged, heavy rocks slammed into the ground until the tunnel was completely buried. The tremors slowly subsided, leaving the base sealed.

 

Chapter 53: Team Rocket Has Psyduck for Brains

 

"N! And Professor Hein! Did you actually rescue the Professor from Team Rocket yourself!?"

At that moment, Kenji, who had rushed back with Officer Jenny and her backup after reporting the crime, stood frozen in shock. He had fully prepared himself, a weak researcher, to join a desperate rescue operation.

He had just summoned every ounce of his courage and steeled his resolve, only to find that before the mission could even begin, the hostage had already escaped.

"I am Officer Jenny Ran of the Aoshin City Police. Did you really rescue Professor Hein all by yourself?! Where are the Team Rocket members now?"

Officer Jenny was clad in her sharp, heroic blue, white, and black tactical uniform, her long blue hair tied back behind her waist. She traveled light, accompanied by a squad of three Growlithe.

The Jenny family was world-renowned, having served in law enforcement for generations, much like the Joy family had served as doctors for as long as anyone could remember.

To capture this group of Team Rocket agents, JennyR had brought most of Aoshin City's available forces and notified several League Investigators currently in the city to coordinate a raid on the suspected base.

Upon hearing that Professor Hein, a man the League held in extremely high regard, had been kidnapped, they had prepared themselves for a life-and-death struggle. They were determined to bring him back at any cost.

They never expected that upon arriving in the forest, they would see a boy in a Team Rocket uniform leading his Pokémon and the Professor to safety.

Had he really infiltrated the base alone and snatched the Professor right out from under the noses of so many ruthless criminals?

Was this a joke?

Since it was a Team Rocket base, it was bound to have powerful Executive-level members inside. This boy looked like a high schooler at best; how could he have accomplished something that even elite League Inspectors would struggle with?

"Excuse me, was it truly just you alone who brought Professor Hein out?"

Officer Jenny couldn't help but ask once more. Before N could answer, Professor Hein, standing off to the side, spoke up with a huff of indignation.

"I may be an old man, but I haven't gone senile yet. I watched with my own eyes as this young man fought his way out with me on his back."

The Professor, adjusting his round-rimmed glasses, blew at his mustache in mock irritation. However, his cloudy old eyes were full of admiration as he looked at N, firmly solidifying the boy's credit for the rescue.

Even if it sounded unbelievable to outsiders, a high schooler had indeed entered a Team Rocket base single-handedly, smashed his way through, and rescued the target.

"Officer Jenny, I've temporarily sealed the entrance to the base. There should still be over a hundred Rocket grunts and at least one Executive trapped inside who didn't have time to escape. It would be best to mobilize your personnel to surround the area immediately."

"I understand. Everyone, surround the entrance! Excavation team, prepare to start clearing the debris! We must apprehend every last one of those Team Rocket thugs hiding inside. Leave no one behind!!!"

Officer Jenny Lan didn't hesitate upon hearing N's report. Her forces fanned out, creating a multi-layered containment net around the temporary base. Once an underground facility was surrounded, those inside were essentially rats in a trap.

Still, even as she gave the orders, she remained in disbelief. How did a boy who looked like a high school student manage to infiltrate a base and rescue a hostage?

Does Team Rocket have Psyduck for brains?

When she was his age, she was still sitting in a classroom at the Pokémon Academy, dutifully hitting the books!

Only after confirming they were completely safe did N’s tensed nerves finally relax. He reached up and slowly pulled off the black Team Rocket cap, revealing his face which had been hidden beneath the brim.

He wondered what the Team Rocket designers were thinking; those hats were stiflingly hot, and the uniforms weren't breathable at all. It was no wonder the Executives almost never wore the caps, as he wouldn't want to wear one either.

The moment N revealed his features, Jenny Ran’s expression froze. Her eyes filled with a sudden, intense flicker of nervousness.

"You... are you by any chance Researcher Natural from the Oak family?"

She couldn't be mistaken. Before taking her post as the Officer Jenny of Aoshin City, she had studied at the Pokémon Academy in the Kanto region. She had naturally heard of Professor Oak’s grandson, the researcher known as Natural.

He was the one Professor Rowan of the Sinnoh region had called a "genius among geniuses," the future successor to the Oak legacy. Despite his young age, he had already co-authored several academic papers with Professor Oak. He was a rising star in the research world!

"Wait!? You mean you actually infiltrated a Team Rocket base alone under such dangerous circumstances?!"

Jenny Ran’s face suddenly turned pale and rigid. Panic caused beads of sweat to break out on her forehead; her fear and hindsight were visible to the naked eye.

This young man was the grandson of the legendary Professor Oak and a priceless asset to the scientific community, a future League-level Professor!

Under normal circumstances, he was a VIP that law enforcement would be expected to protect with their lives. And he had nearly lost his life in the city under her jurisdiction??

If this news reached the higher-ups, losing her badge would be the least of her worries!

"Mr. Natural! I will report your outstanding performance to the League, and you will certainly receive an official commendation. However, please... never do something so dangerous again!"

"I see. Thank you, Officer Jenny."

Though N didn't quite understand why she looked so terrified, he nodded with a polite smile.

However, the question foremost in his mind was why Team Rocket had kidnapped Professor Hein and stolen his research data in the first place.

He had a creeping suspicion that Giovanni, the boss of Team Rocket, was preparing for something big.

 

Chapter 54: Key Stone

 

Professor Hein was a renowned figure in the field of genetics, and his research was primarily oriented toward the resurrection of ancient Pokémon and the mapping of various Pokémon genomes. Team Rocket’s targeted kidnapping of him suggested they required his expertise for a specific project.

The Alolan Vulpix, designated by Team Rocket as "Subject 18," had clearly undergone some form of genetic modification. It was possible Team Rocket intended to apply this technology to other areas.

For instance, their previous search for traces of Mew might not have been just a quest for a rare Pokémon, but a hunt for Mew’s "DNA." Perhaps their ultimate goal was the creation of a powerful man-made Pokémon like Mewtwo?

Or perhaps they were after something else entirely...

To understand Team Rocket's true objective, I'll first have to figure out what happened to this Vulpix, N thought.

He cast a subtle glance at the Poké Ball on his waist containing the Vulpix. He planned to find an opportunity to transfer it to Professor Oak for a thorough examination. However, given its high aggression, he would need to prepare carefully before releasing it.

"Your name is N, right? Everything was so frantic during the escape that I didn't get a chance to ask... You're certainly Professor Oak's grandson. If it weren't for your help, these old bones of mine would have been finished back at that Team Rocket base."

The lab-coated Professor Hein approached N with a smile, accompanied by his assistant, Kenji. The look in Kenji’s eyes had shifted significantly toward deep respect.

He likely found out I'm the 'Old Man Oak's' grandson, N thought. This was precisely why he preferred not to broadcast his identity, as it always drew those specific, weighted looks from others.

"It was nothing. We owe the capture of the Rocket members to Officer Jenny and her team. More importantly... Professor Hein, this is the package Daisy asked me to deliver to you."

"Oh?"

Professor Hein paused, reaching out to take the small parcel from N. He opened the letter inside and nodded slowly, as if everything had clicked into place.

"Confirmed and received. If you hadn't come to deliver this, I'd probably still be rotting in that base right now! Hahaha!"

The old man was remarkably jovial, showing no lingering trauma from his ordeal. He clapped N on the shoulder with an expression of genuine admiration. Suddenly, a thought seemed to strike him.

"Right, Kenji. Go grab that item."

"You mean... that one? Understood!"

Kenji blinked in surprise, but as a research assistant, he immediately recalled the specific item the Professor was referring to. He ducked back into the damaged research facility without a second word.

N couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. "What is it?"

"You'll see in a moment. It's something special."

Seeing the flicker of doubt in N’s eyes, Professor Hein winked and chuckled. It was Daisy’s delivery that had reminded him of the item; he decided to give it to the boy as a token of his gratitude.

Although the main lab had been blasted, the valuables stored in the reinforced basement, including various items and fossils, remained perfectly intact.

A few moments later, Kenji returned, slightly out of breath. This time, he held a small, dark blue box. It was tightly sealed, making it impossible to guess the contents from the outside.

"Professor!"

"Yes, yes! This is it!"

Professor Hein grinned, his white beard twitching with his smile as he took the box from Kenji. As the Professor drew closer, N suddenly felt a pulse of gentle, rhythmic energy radiating from inside the box.

"This is..."

Click!

As Professor Hein used a small key to open the box, N’s usually calm and composed face registered a look of pure astonishment. Nestled inside the small box was a brilliant, spherical crystal!

The core shimmered with iridescent colors, centered around a black, helix-like pattern resembling a strand of DNA. Under the sunlight, the rainbow hues reflected in every direction, giving off a nearly divine aura.

As a Trainer, N recognized the object instantly.

"Is this... a Key Stone?"

"Exactly. This is the special item required for Mega Evolution: the Key Stone."

Professor Hein had expected N to recognize it. After all, he was raised by that old fossil Oak and was a brilliant researcher in his own right. He would naturally know how much power was contained within this stone that looked like a common marble.

Mega Evolution, a phenomenon that allowed fully evolved Pokémon to transcend their limits and evolve once more. Though the change in form was temporary, it caused a qualitative leap in power, pushing a Pokémon's strength far beyond its previous peak.

The Key Stone was the most critical component for the Trainer. Without it, a Trainer could not resonate with their Pokémon’s inner strength or guide that energy to trigger the transformation.

"Take this as a thank you. I'm far too old to make use of it," Hein said.

"It's a bit of a shame that I don't have any matching Mega Stones here for your Pokémon. Otherwise, I could have given you a complete set. You'll have to track down the specific Mega Stone you need on your own."

Professor Hein shook his head regretfully. In his mind, an ornamental Key Stone was barely enough to repay someone who had risked their life to save him from Team Rocket, but he truly had nothing better to offer.

Even so, N was deeply thrilled.

"No, this is more than enough. Thank you very much, Professor."

N reached out and took the Key Stone. The moment his fingers touched the crystal, a faint, imperceptible light seemed to flicker within the stone. Through his Viridian Power, he could clearly sense the massive, roiling energy contained within.

Watching N, Professor Hein marveled silently. To find a genius of this caliber who remained so humble and composed... he almost felt a twinge of jealousy toward his old friend Oak.

 

Chapter 55: You Still Want to Improve?

 

Escaping from a Team Rocket Executive of Quasi-Elite Four caliber wasn't just a matter of raw power, it required nerves of steel and tactical brilliance!

As expected of someone personally raised by Samuel Oak, the former Champion of the Kanto region. The pupil truly has surpassed the master; this boy is far more promising than that old fossil Oak was in his youth!

"By the way, Professor, I have one more favor to ask. Is there a secluded spot in Aoshin City where I could camp out and train my Pokémon?"

N had suddenly remembered a critical matter: he had to deal with the Vulpix.

He couldn't risk releasing it in the middle of the city or inside a Pokémon Center. He hadn't forgotten its intense aggression for a single second. If he handed it over to Nurse Joy for an examination without a warning, there was no telling if the Vulpix would lunge at her the moment it left the Poké Ball.

If someone got hurt because of his negligence, the responsibility would be entirely on him.

"You really are a hardworking lad... Your strength is already at the top tier of any youth I've ever met, yet you're constantly thinking about training. I take it you'll be participating in the Nichiyo City Tournament in a few months?"

"I'm not qualified enough yet," N replied. "I need to improve a bit more before the competition."

Not qualified enough?

Is this boy so humble that he’s actually developed an inferiority complex? In all his years, Professor Hein had never seen someone possess such immense talent and such deep self-deprecation simultaneously.

Even Hein couldn't help but complain internally. Every one of the Pokémon N is carrying is a genuine Alpha, aren't they?

That Zorua, in particular, looked to be nearing the High-Alpha level. With that kind of power at his age, he could already clear out a massive portion of the competition! Looking across all regions, only the most exceptionally gifted youths could possibly stand a chance against him.

The real issue was that N was still growing at a rapid pace. His Zorua had reached the Alpha level without even evolving; its potential was staggering! He certainly wouldn't be standing still over the next few months.

From Hein’s perspective, that Zorua would likely evolve before the tournament in Nichiyo City. When a Pokémon with such high potential makes that leap in power, just how strong would it become?

It was terrifying to think about.

Hein had a premonition: this humble boy in the black-and-white cap, who always wore a gentle smile, might just become the youngest Elite Four level Trainer in history... No, perhaps he would even surpass the legendary Samuel Oak.

"In that case, you should head to the beach behind the laboratory used for field experiments. It's bordered by the forest on the left and the ocean on the right. Since the land belongs to my research institute, nobody usually goes there."

Professor Hein agreed to lend N the beach without hesitation. The laboratory was currently blasted to smithereens anyway; it wouldn't be rebuilt anytime soon, and experiments were on hold. Even when it was eventually reconstructed, Hein didn't plan on staying in Aoshin City for a while.

"Due to this kidnapping and attack by Team Rocket, I’m going to hide out with old Rowan for a bit. I’ll likely be on a plane tomorrow, so feel free to use that beach! Stay as long as you like."

"There should be some miscellaneous supplies left in the lab basement. If you see anything you need, just take it. Don't be polite with me!"

Beside Professor Hein, Kenji’s mouth twitched. The Professor was clearly enjoying the spectacle. He was likely trying to give N as much help as possible just so he could see exactly how far the boy could climb before the tournament.

If N became even stronger over the next few months and then entered the Charizard Cup, which was restricted to participants eighteen and under, it would be like a god descending among mortals. It would be an absolute slaughter.

The thought of what would happen wasn't just amusing to Hein; even Kenji found himself wanting to see it.

"Are you going to see Professor Rowan in Sinnoh? In that case, please give him my regards."

N blinked, a look of slight helplessness crossing his face as he brushed his hand against his forehead.

Upon hearing Professor Rowan's name, he made a pained expression remarkably similar to one Samuel Oak often made. To N, Professor Rowan was one of the people he found most difficult to deal with, right up there with Daisy Oak.

He hadn't realized Hein was also an acquaintance of the Sinnoh Professor. The research community was a small circle, and most of the top-tier Professors were old friends.

Aside from "Old Man Oak," the one N was most familiar with was indeed Professor Rowan.

Professor Rowan had been vehemently opposed to N becoming a Trainer. However, he couldn't bring himself to scold his favorite student. Instead, he had flown to Kanto overnight just to give N’s guardian, Samuel Oak, a legendary earful. For a while after that, Professor Oak had been walking on eggshells.

The main reason was Rowan’s incredibly stern and serious personality. In his eyes, N was a "natural-born researcher." With his insight and talent, N was destined to become a top-tier Professor who would eventually surpass both Rowan and Oak.

Then, the boy had suddenly run off to be a Trainer.

And Samuel Oak had even given him his blessing!

That was the spark that sent Rowan flying across regions in a rage.

Perhaps because of this, N hadn't dared to contact him recently, leading to a long period without any personal greetings. He figured he should probably find an opportunity to apologize to the Professor eventually.

But apologies aside, he was still going to be a Trainer.