The armored black sedan slowed as it approached the heavy, reinforced gates of the National Security Bureau. The steel barriers parted, and the vehicle glided into the compound, coming to a halt in front of the main administrative building.
Director Zhang and Adrian stepped out into the crisp air. Without exchanging a word, they marched straight toward the strategic command center.
Inside the briefing room, the atmosphere was heavy enough to crush a man. The air smelled of stale coffee and ozone. Seated around a massive oval table were several high-ranking government officials and military representatives, their shoulders heavy with stars and medals. They had been waiting.
Director Zhang took his seat and gave a concise, low-voiced summary of the situation. Adrian then stood up, reiterating the analysis and warnings he had delivered in the car, his voice steady despite the dozens of piercing eyes fixed upon him.
A high-ranking General sitting at the head of the table remained silent for a long moment. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the polished wood as he weighed the young man's words.
Finally, he spoke, his tone firm and carrying the weight of command. "Mr. Yates, your warning is noted. The appearance of these creatures is indeed an unprecedented crisis, and we agree that immediate action is required."
The General leaned forward, his gaze sharpening like a hawk's. "But we need specifics. Can you elaborate on the physiological characteristics of these 'Pokémon' and their potential threat level to our current military capabilities?"
It was a test. They were probing the depth of his knowledge—and by extension, his connection to the phenomenon.
Adrian nodded, taking a second to organize his thoughts. He knew he had to tread carefully.
"Pokémon are not just animals," Adrian began slowly, projecting confidence. "They are biological entities capable of manipulating elemental energy. They come in various types—fire, water, electric, psychic—each with distinct capabilities that defy our current understanding of physics."
"Regarding their specific stats... the Pokémon games and anime I produced contain the foundational data. However," Adrian raised a finger for emphasis, "I must stress that the transition from a digital medium to a biological reality will inevitably result in mutations and variances. A game mechanic is not the same as a living, breathing organism."
He swept his gaze across the room. "Their arrival will not just disrupt the ecosystem. It will fundamentally alter the global economy, our technological development, and yes, the balance of military power."
He paused to let that sink in, then continued. "But more importantly, the relationship between humanity and Pokémon is not set in stone. It mirrors a mirror. It reflects our attitude back at us."
"They possess high intelligence, complex emotions, and distinct wills. They can form profound, metaphysical bonds with humans."
"If handled correctly," Adrian's voice softened slightly, "Pokémon can become our partners. They can help us solve energy crises, disaster relief, and medical breakthroughs that are currently impossible."
"However," his tone dropped an octave, becoming grave, "if we treat them purely as monsters to be exterminated... the best-case scenario is that humanity will be forced to retreat behind high walls. We will guard our isolated cities while the wilderness is reclaimed by them. We will lose the world."
Director Zhang nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of the statement. He skillfully steered the conversation toward a more constructive path.
"So, you are suggesting we explore a doctrine of coexistence while maintaining social stability?"
"Precisely," Adrian affirmed. "The emergence of Pokémon is an irreversible event. The door has been opened, and it cannot be shut. We cannot stop their arrival."
"But," he added, "we can guide the integration. Through scientific research, policy formulation, and cultural adaptation, we can achieve a harmonious society. But this requires the collective effort of the entire human race."
Director Zhang took a deep breath, clearly realizing the sheer scale of the complexity. "Mr. Yates, your insights are profound."
He looked at the other officials. "I propose we establish a Special Task Force immediately to research strategic responses. At the same time, I would like Mr. Yates to formally join this group as our Chief Civilian Consultant."
Adrian smiled slightly, masking his internal relief. "It is my honor, Director Zhang. I will do my best to ensure the survival and advancement of our society."
The room fell into a brief, contemplative silence. Director Zhang looked out the window at the gray sky, as if trying to visualize the future Adrian described.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. To the others, he looked like a visionary pondering the future. In reality, he was mentally checking off items on his survival checklist.
A moment later, Director Zhang turned back, a hint of expectation in his voice. "Mr. Yates, since your understanding of these creatures is so deep, do you have specific countermeasures we can implement immediately?"
Adrian nodded. Finally. This was the moment he had been waiting for.
"Yes. I have a preliminary roadmap," Adrian said, sitting up straighter.
"First, we must establish a specialized Pokémon Research Institute. We need to systematically study their ecology, habits, and elemental abilities. We need hard data, not just game stats."
"Second, the legislature must introduce the Trainer Acts—laws and regulations to standardize the capture, training, and employment of Pokémon. We must prevent abuse, poaching, and weaponization by rogue elements."
"Third, Public Education. We need a massive information campaign. We must teach the public what these creatures are to eliminate panic. Fear leads to violence, and violence leads to the 'walled city' scenario I mentioned."
"And finally," Adrian's expression turned serious, "we must implement a Population Concentration Policy. We need to consolidate remote populations into defensible urban centers. If people are spread thin in rural areas, conflicts will happen, and tragedies will widen the rift between humans and Pokémon before we can build bridges."
Director Zhang listened intently, a spark of approval flashing in his eyes. "Your suggestions are comprehensive. Although we currently lack the technology to 'capture' them as you depict in your games, the legal and social framework must be built first."
"Mr. Yates, your foresight is a weapon we desperately need."
"You flatter me, Director," Adrian said humbly. "I am just a citizen doing his duty."
The meeting continued for several hours, dissecting the logistics of the new world order. Ultimately, the high-ranking leadership unanimously approved the formation of the "National Pokémon Response Task Force," with Director Zhang as the Commander and Adrian Yates as the Core Consultant.
As the meeting adjourned and the officials filed out, Director Zhang stayed behind. He patted Adrian on the shoulder, his grip firm. There was a note of genuine relief in his voice.
"Mr. Yates... the next phase depends on you. I believe that with your assistance, we can navigate this storm."
Adrian nodded solemnly, meeting the older man's eyes.
"Rest assured, Director. I'm all in."