In the southern part of the Ellie region, within a secluded area:
Although the Dark Guild was completely eradicated from the Sebas Region, Kentra's swift escape ensured that all information about their mechanical Artificial Pokemon, Genesect, remained undisclosed.
The remaining Dark Guild researchers continued their work on Genesect, steadily approaching success.
The secrecy surrounding the Dark Guild's research on Genesect was exceptionally high; even some core members were unaware of it. Consequently, the League had no knowledge of such studies being conducted by the Dark Guild.
Had they known, they would have undoubtedly exerted all efforts to halt this terrifying research involving Genesect.
Kentra sat in his chair, feeling discontent ever since the main base's destruction forced him to flee the Sebas Region. However, today, he appeared unusually cheerful, with a smile gracing his face. The reason for his uplifted mood was significant progress in Genesect's research—the first prototype had been successfully created, albeit still imperfect.
This was a groundbreaking endeavor: creating controllable and mass-producible mechanical Artificial Pokemon, possessing immense power—an idea both awe-inspiring and chilling.
Moments later, a shadow emerged from a corner, accompanied by mechanical sounds as it slowly moved forward.
Kentra looked up ahead, noticing alongside the shadow, Dr. Kudo, his most trusted researcher, appearing.
Dr. Kudo was the lead researcher of Genesect and one of the earliest members of the Dark Guild. He had initially proposed the concept for this project.
Over the years, the Dark Guild amassed vast wealth by trading Pokemon across various regions, with a significant portion invested into Genesect's research.
Now, Kentra finally witnessed the fruits of their labor. Despite the immense losses suffered by the Dark Guild, it mattered little to him at this point.
He gazed upon the approaching Genesect as if admiring a masterpiece. Its metallic body gleamed, exuding a sleek mechanical aura.
Most notably, the large cannon on its back radiated formidable power—an addition specifically installed for this purpose. In truth, Genesect had existed long before Dr. Kudo claimed to have created it; his work primarily involved modifications.
"Guild Master, Genesect is complete, but not yet fully perfected. It requires testing," Dr. Kudo said with fervor in his eyes. As a scientist deeply obsessed with his research, the emergence of Genesect filled him with excitement.
"Then proceed with the tests, but be cautious. The Dark Guild has suffered heavy losses, so our focus should remain low-profile for now, avoiding unnecessary attention." Kentra nodded, offering a reminder despite his enthusiasm.
Developing new Dark Guild members required both resources and time, while further research on Genesect also demanded substantial investment. For now, they couldn't risk exposure.
"Yes, guild master."
***
Nighttime.
In the Ellie region, amidst a desolate wilderness.
Boom!
An energy explosion echoed, destroying and burning vast swathes of trees. Numerous Pokémon were directly affected by the blast, losing all signs of life.
The detonation startled nearby sleepers, but due to the distance and its fleeting nature, no one paid much attention and continued slumbering.
By daylight, Trainers investigated the area and preliminarily concluded that it must have been caused by over ten powerful Fire-type Pokémon simultaneously using their Fire-type moves to inflict such extensive damage.
Subsequently, the local police launched an investigation, but unfortunately found nothing, leading them to temporarily suspend their inquiries.
Unbeknownst to many, signs of the Dark Guild's resurgence began appearing in the Ellie region. They started gradually recruiting new members in remote areas.
***
Unaware of the events unfolding far away in the Ellie region, Kalia had arrived at Totem City and settled down.
Her immediate plan was to accept missions, accumulate funds, and simultaneously enhance her Pokémon's strength, with the primary focus being Combusken's evolution into Blaziken.
Additionally, this year's League Competition was approaching, scheduled for June.
Of course, Kalia couldn't participate yet, as she was only a mid-level Trainer. Becoming a high-level Trainer wasn't easy; it might not even be possible for her to join the competition next year.
However, although ineligible to compete, she could attend as a spectator, allowing her to observe the true pinnacle of Trainer prowess in the Sebas Region.
With less than half a year remaining before the League Competition, Kalia didn't rush to challenge gyms. Instead, she focused on strengthening her team before making any challenges.
Honestly, based on her current strength, challenging Totem City's Normal Type gym wouldn't pose much difficulty. However, Kalia preferred not to move too hastily; her foundation was still weak, having been a Trainer for a relatively short time.
Taking things slow wasn't necessarily bad. The strength gap between Combusken and Charizard was substantial. Spending time to advance Combusken's evolution into Blaziken, enhancing its combat capabilities, was crucial.
Combusken shouldn't be far from evolving into a Blaziken, considering it had been with Kalia for quite some time now.
Totem City, Spice Pokemon Restaurant
Lian sat leisurely at a table, using his claws to pick up a bright red fruit before popping it into his mouth.
The Spice Restaurant is renowned in Totem City as a Pokemon-friendly establishment. Many restaurants lack designated areas for Pokemon dining, which often frustrates Trainers.
Thus, this type of Pokemon restaurant emerged to meet the demand. It's spacious, catering not only to Trainers but also providing food for Pokemon of various sizes.
To accommodate them, the restaurant features chairs of different dimensions, all built sturdily. Currently, Lian occupies one of these large chairs.
Around him, diverse Pokemon and their Trainers enjoy their meals together. The cuisine here is specifically tailored for Pokemon, although pricey, it offers value commensurate with the cost.
The restaurant's atmosphere was inviting, with soothing background music playing intermittently accompanied by gentle Pokémon cries, creating a warm ambiance between Trainers and their Pokémon.
Kalia chose to dine at this establishment today not only for its reputation but also because she was waiting for someone.
After becoming a mid-level Trainer, one can accept higher-paying missions from the Pokémon Centers, which often involve significant challenges.
Kalia had taken on several demanding tasks, but due to their complexity, they required two Trainers working together to complete.
Currently, Kalia was awaiting her fellow Trainer, ready to embark once they arrived.
This particular mission offered a generous reward of 8,000 Alliance Coins per person, making it highly lucrative.
However, the task itself was arduous. In the northern part of the Sebas Region, a sudden cold spell has led to suspicions of a large influx of Ice-type Pokémon. Several mid-level Trainers have already gone missing as a result. Consequently, the League issued a mission requiring two Trainers with Fire-type Pokémon to investigate jointly.