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—Since ancient times, true feelings have never won hearts, only clever strategies succeed.
Seeing Cosmog's gratitude toward him, Roy could only sigh that his capitalist approach had worked perfectly.
He took out a Poké Ball, tossed it toward Cosmog, and attempted to capture it.
But to his surprise, the Poké Ball bounced back into Roy's hand without any effect.
"Huh?"
Roy was taken aback.
The Poké Ball wasn't working?
He suddenly remembered that Cosmog—or rather, the Sunne and Moone legendaries of the Alola region—technically belonged to "Ultra Beasts," beings from another dimension.
Pokémon from the same world as these two legendaries were called Ultra Beasts.
In the games, a special Poké Ball called a "Beast Ball" was required to capture Ultra Beasts.
Did the Illuminati possess similar specialized Poké Balls?
Roy considered this, checked his system, and found the 'Beast Ball' priced at 100,000 points.
A regular Poké Ball only cost 1,000 points.
"A hundred times more expensive..." Roy muttered as he threw the Beast Ball. This time, he successfully captured Cosmog.
Because the small Pokémon was in a state of "willing self-sacrifice," the Beast Ball didn't even shake once before securing the capture.
But moments later, the Beast Ball opened automatically, and Cosmog reappeared before Roy.
"What's wrong?"
"Cos Co!!"
Cosmog explained that it didn't like staying inside Poké Balls, and that confinement would affect its growth.
Roy contemplated this.
This must also relate to Cosmog's energy accumulation process... Beyond consuming energy through food, Cosmog might also constantly absorb some kind of mysterious environmental energy.
Ideally, he would have preferred to keep Cosmog's existence secret from the outside world.
After all, even as an "unknown species," Cosmog would inevitably attract considerable attention.
Although neither the Illuminati nor League officials knew Cosmog's true nature, the world was vast—perhaps someone, somewhere, might recognize it?
But since this related to Cosmog's evolution, Roy couldn't force the issue.
"I understand. You can stay on my shoulder then."
Knowing Cosmog's curious nature could easily cause trouble, Roy added: "If you see anything interesting, you must tell me first—don't wander off on your own. Otherwise, I'll reduce your daily Energy Cube allowance."
Cosmog covered its face in terror.
It had obviously taken this warning to heart...
After just two Energy Cubes, Cosmog understood how important they were to its development.
In fact, just as it had abandoned all combat abilities except Teleport, its natural curiosity also served its energy-accumulation purpose.
Excessive curiosity invited disaster and trouble.
But it could also lead to adventures that accelerated energy accumulation.
Being captured by the Illuminati, then meeting Roy and obtaining Energy Cubes—wasn't that a fortunate encounter?
At that moment, the shelter door opened as examiners including Ivy and Justin appeared, escorting over a dozen arrested Illuminati members.
Justin took the prisoners into custody, while Ivy approached Roy. She was about to speak when she noticed Cosmog, her eyes suddenly brightening:
"Oh? What Pokémon is this?"
"I'm not sure either," Roy replied, having prepared this excuse in advance. "It was also captured by the Illuminati. Perhaps like my Alolan Vulpix, it's another new species from Alola's spirit realm?"
"I see." Ivy nodded without suspicion.
After all, who would associate this poor, helpless, somewhat silly-looking Pokémon with a 'Legendary'?
"You've caught it?"
"Yes," Roy confirmed.
Ivy understood that given Roy's achievements, taming a Pokémon wouldn't be an issue. Had someone else captured a rescued Pokémon without authorization, there would have been consequences.
Instead, she pointed out:
"Taking in new Pokémon species has both advantages and disadvantages."
Ivy stroked Cosmog, who didn't resist but rather nuzzled her affectionately. "The advantage is that your opponents won't know anything about this Pokémon, giving you an information edge. The disadvantage is that you also lack information about it—you don't know its potential or abilities..."
Women naturally gravitate toward cute things, and she clearly liked Cosmog, but still cautioned: "This little one doesn't seem particularly strong. Are you sure you want to keep it?"
Even when called weak, Cosmog showed no shame, still clinging to Ivy and trying to cuddle her. Roy watched with mild disgust.
"I actually believe Cosmog will become quite formidable in the future."
Hearing this, Ivy looked at the seemingly harmless Cosmog and shook her head with amusement.
There wasn't necessarily a direct correlation between a Pokémon's strength and its appearance. What really made Ivy doubt Cosmog's potential was its personality...
Its lack of reaction to being called weak, its docile temperament, and its overly friendly nature led Ivy to conclude it lacked potential.
To professional trainers, a Pokémon's character was sometimes more important than its innate talent or species.
The Elekid with determined eyes was clearly the resilient type.
"Is this Elekid one of the experimental Pokémon you rescued?"
"Yes, along with those five over there."
Roy pointed to where five Electric-type Pokémon huddled together, watching everyone around them warily and issuing warnings whenever anyone approached.
"Elekid seems to lead them."
"Poor things." Ivy sighed, then looked at Elekid and said, "Elekid, could you please have those Pokémon cooperate with our examination? We may be able to help treat your condition..."
Elekid listened without responding, then looked at Roy for guidance.
Surprised by Elekid's trust, Roy was momentarily taken aback before nodding.
"Elekid!"
November 15, 2020.
Hermes was dead.
One of the Illuminati's Three Swordbearers, along with their remaining forces in Eurasia, had been completely eliminated.
But the incident's impact was devastating.
Among the Capital University students, 128 sustained minor injuries, one was seriously injured, and seven died.
In the Safety Zone, they were still counting dead Pokémon. Preliminary estimates suggested no fewer than 3,000 wild Pokémon had perished...
This marked China's largest terrorist attack since the 21st century began, comparable in severity to the September 11 attacks orchestrated by the Illuminati against the United States.
The incident couldn't possibly be concealed, nor did the Chinese government attempt to cover it up.
The government issued official statements across major social media platforms, declaring that China would never tolerate terrorism and would spare no effort in eradicating the 'Team Illuminati.' They also promised support and comfort for the affected students, while praising the Capital University examiners for their courage in the face of danger.
Throughout these reports, Roy's name never appeared.
This was a protective measure.
If the Illuminati discovered that Roy was primarily responsible for thwarting their plan and destroying their regional branch, they would undoubtedly seek extreme revenge.
Ivy, Justin, and the others signed non-disclosure agreements, prohibiting them from revealing details about the incident.
After the Mountain incident was broadcast, citizens across China expressed righteous indignation and sympathy for the victimized Capital University students.
Beyond the students, the six Pokémon that survived from among thousands of experimental subjects also garnered public sympathy and discussion:
"Can someone explain what happened to these six Pokémon?"
"According to the latest official announcement, these Pokémon were subjected to cruel electrical experiments, leaving them unable to control the electrical energy in their bodies. The violent currents continuously destroy their tissues and damage cells. Unfortunately, current technology can't completely cure their condition—only long-term treatment can sustain their lives."
"That's awful... unable to control electric energy, suffering electrical injuries every day. Do these poor creatures have to live in constant pain?"
"I'm afraid so. They might be better off deceased..."
"That lead Elekid seems to be the longest-surviving and strongest among all the experimental Pokémon. Its willpower and vitality are remarkably tenacious. I admire it greatly."
"Strong willpower and vitality? What a shame..."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a shame that despite its talent, its future is ruined... What use is an Electric-type Pokémon that can't control electricity? To be blunt, in a Trainer's eyes, it's essentially worthless."