A video capturing the actions of a Legendary Pokémon—this isn't something just anyone can pull off.
And anyone with eyes could tell that the footage was taken with a phone.
If the video had been captured via satellite, netizens might have only praised the power of national technology.
But with a phone? That could only mean one thing: the person recording it was seriously impressive.
The buzz wasn't just domestic—it was trending globally.
Leaders in almost every country convened emergency meetings.
The agenda boiled down to two points:
First, the relationship between that person and the Legendary Pokémon.
Second, the relationship between the videographer and the Legendary Pokémon, and under what circumstances the footage was taken.
As for the person who shot the video—they'd already received word.
Sitting on a plane, Nathan had the feeling he might've gone a little too far this time.
Still, after reading through the countless comments online, he felt that it was all worth it.
At the very least, no one would dare mess with a Legendary Pokémon right now.
Two days ago, Nathan had received a message from Kelly, summoning him to the capital to meet the Elders.
To be honest, all he wanted to do was train his Pokémon to a higher level and get a good placing in the global tournament.
Being summoned like this felt like too much too soon.
"I haven't even brought glory to the country yet, and the Elders already wants to see me? Don't tell me it's because I'm handsome?"
Muttering to himself on the plane, Nathan joked under his breath.
Just as he finished, someone next to him suddenly let out a laugh.
Yue Yang had already noticed Nathan when boarding the plane.
She never expected that she'd end up sitting next to the national champion.
She'd been curious about why Nathan was heading to the capital all of a sudden.
But hearing him mutter like that, she simply couldn't hold back her laughter.
Seriously? The Eldesr, of all people?
Just because you're handsome?
Sure, I'll admit—you're a little handsome—but do you really think someone as busy as the Elder would meet you just for that?
Hearing the laughter beside him, Nathan turned his head and was surprised to see a beautiful woman sitting next to him.
"You look kind of familiar. Have we met somewhere before?" he asked, puzzled.
"Is this how all guys flirt these days? Though to be fair, three out of ten people in Celestia say that when they see me," Yue said with a laugh.
Coming from Nathan, such a clichéd pickup line just made it even funnier.
One second he's talking about meeting an Elder, and the next he's hitting on her—this champion's train of thought really was something else.
"Oh? You've got that many people recognizing you?"
Nathan was a little stunned. Even as the national champion, he didn't dare make such a claim.
He didn't expect to run into someone on a plane who talked about herself like that.
Yue felt slightly hurt.
She was a celebrity—an extremely popular one.
And yet this national champion didn't recognize her at all?
…
After arriving in the capital, Yue and Nathan left the plane together.
But just as they exited the airport, a man wearing sunglasses approached them.
Not only was he wearing sunglasses, but he also had on a mask and a hat—practically screaming "celebrity incognito."
When she saw the man, Yue froze. She recognized him instantly.
"Yue, finally! I've been waiting for you forever," the man greeted her warmly.
"I thought you were busy filming?" Yue asked in surprise.
The man let out an awkward laugh—it was clear he had snuck away.
"Where are you headed? Want us to give you a ride?"
Yue rolled her eyes at the man in sunglasses, then turned to Nathan.
Nathan looked around a bit distressed.
Logically, someone should have come to pick him up. So where was his contact?
"Alright, just take me to a decent hotel for now," he said after thinking it through.
Surely whoever was supposed to meet him would eventually find him.
…
Meanwhile, Kelly was stuck in traffic.
In most places, he could've just flown in on a Pokémon.
But in the capital, flying on Pokémon was strictly prohibited.
Looking at the time, Kelly nearly lost it.
He'd left two hours early—under normal circumstances, he should've been at the airport an hour ahead of Nathan.
Now he wasn't even close to the airport, and just leaving the area would take more time.
Nathan got in the car with the two of them.
As soon as the doors closed, the man in sunglasses began removing his disguise.
Once the sunglasses, mask, and hat were off, Nathan instantly recognized him—Chad Wick!
In the entertainment world, most celebrities didn't have real combat skills.
Their Pokémon were mostly just pets.
But a small group were the real deal—practically martial arts stars.
Chad was one of the best among them.
In various TV dramas and films, he had shown impressive battle prowess.
His main Pokémon was a Lucario.
Lucario was already one of the coolest-looking Pokémon, and paired with Chad's good looks,
He had fans not just domestically, but internationally as well.
Among his fanbase, owning a Lucario was considered a badge of honor.
Nathan didn't know too much about Chad—just the basics.
"Chad, let me introduce you. This here is none other than Nathan Vesper, our national champion."
Yue broke the ice, worried that things might get awkward.
Now, most people might not recognize Nathan,
But Chad definitely did.
When Nathan won the national championship, a certain news headline had made Chad bitter for a long time:
"If Nathan enters the entertainment world, Chad's status will be history."
That headline had stuck with Chad ever since.
He'd worked hard over the years—perfecting both his acting skills and his Pokémon strength.
His Lucario was now a formidable fighter.
What he didn't expect was to run into Nathan here, in the capital of all places.
And even more unexpectedly—seeing him step off the plane with Yue.
Chad was instantly jealous.
He'd watched Yue grow in her career, and had helped her countless times.
Ever since the first time he saw her, he'd liked her.
But due to his celebrity status, he had never expressed his feelings.
He originally came to pick her up today to give her a surprise.
But Nathan's sudden appearance ruined everything.
He didn't know if Yue was surprised, but he was certainly shocked.
"How could I not recognize Nathan? He's the national champion, after all."
Chad said, his tone clearly sarcastic.
Yue paused, then realized what was going on—she remembered that old headline and felt a headache coming on.
"Truly an honor to be recognized by a big star like Chad. And to think I even got to sit next to Yue on the plane. I really am lucky,"
Nathan responded with a calm smile.
He could tell Chad was being passive-aggressive.
But he had no idea what he'd done to offend the guy.
Could it be... Yue?
That was the only explanation Nathan could think of.
After all, he'd had no previous dealings with Chad.
"If that's the case, why don't we have a little battle?" Chad suddenly suggested.
Yue was already feeling overwhelmed, and now Chad just dropped a challenge out of nowhere.
"Chad, what's wrong with you? Nathan just got off the plane and you're already asking him to battle?"
She scolded him.
By now, Yue was almost certain that Chad was acting out because of her.
Back when that headline went viral, Chad had been upset, but didn't challenge Nathan.
Now, just because they got off the plane together, he wanted a battle? It was obvious.
She understood his feelings.
That was precisely why she'd never had a single scandal all these years.
She had been waiting—for Chad to say the words.
But despite always looking out for her, Chad had never confessed.
If he had, she wouldn't have turned him down.
Yue wasn't the same rookie who'd just entered the industry anymore.
She understood a lot more now.
And she knew that she wouldn't have gotten where she was without Chad's help.
In fact, had she not spoken up just now, things might've been fine.
But standing up for Nathan only made Chad feel worse.
"What do you mean, just got off the plane? I just came here straight from a shoot!"
Chad raised his voice.
Inside the tiny van, his anger sounded even louder.
Yue's eyes began to redden—this was the first time Chad had ever spoken to her like that.
"Ahem... actually, I would like to spar with Chad," Nathan interjected.
(End of Chapter)