Cynthia rushed off in a hurry. Edward glanced at her but didn't say anything. Given the current situation, it was obvious he wasn't in any position to meddle.
So, Edward didn't act—he simply stood there, quietly observing the ruins in front of him.
"Boss, the variety show has started filming," Zoroark walked over and informed him.
Hearing about work matters, Zoroark seemed much more composed again. Edward nodded—this was just as he expected. The variety show he had planned had finally entered production. Of course, it would still take some time before the first episode could be aired.
After all, with so many contestants competing on the same stage, the first round alone would eliminate a large number. The competition was brutal.
"Communicate with the actors, and make sure everyone's health is being looked after. The medical team should stay on standby at all times. Understood?" Edward reminded Zoroark.
Although he had come up with the concept for the show, he didn't plan to be present on set. He had handed the director's position to someone else. His only requirement was that filming must be safe.
In his previous life, there had been a tragic incident where a contestant died while filming a variety show. The television station's reputation took a nosedive afterward. While such things may seem like they have little visible impact, they quietly corrode a company's public image over time. Edward had no intention of letting that happen to him.
"Got it. I'll remind the team," Zoroark nodded and made a note of it. Edward clasped his hands behind his back and continued to gaze at the archaeological site in front of him.
The variety show would take at least a month to shoot. That meant there wouldn't be enough time to film Alien during that period.
Since that was the case, he'd have to find another way to pass the time.
With Cynthia off dealing with Team Galactic, what should he do now?
Edward scratched his head. Well, might as well eat first.
With that thought, Edward took Zoroark and headed back to Eterna City. He planned to have a proper meal there—he'd heard that the food in the Sinnoh was quite unique. Eterna City in particular was known for its ancient traditions. Most of its dishes were prepared using age-old recipes, and it was said that you could taste the oldest culinary styles in the entire Pokémon League here.
Just thinking about it made Edward a little hungry.
Zoroark silently drove the car, taking Edward to Eterna. They had just bought the vehicle the day before from a local dealership. Although Edward's family had investments all over the League, their presence in Eterna wasn't very strong. So, he had to buy a car for convenience.
"Team Galactic, huh…" Edward narrowed his eyes as he looked out the window. The forest scenery flew by, fading further and further into the distance.
"Boss, what do you think about the Hisui era—"
Zoroark glanced in the rearview mirror and started to ask a question.
But before she could finish, the car's speed dropped sharply. Zoroark jerked the steering wheel, and the vehicle came to a screeching halt—just inches in front of a large fallen tree blocking the road.
Edward narrowed his eyes, hugging Q while gently rubbing the small Pokémon's head.
Without hesitation, he pressed the emergency alert button on his Pokédex—one that his older brother had installed for situations just like this.
"Boss…" Zoroark turned her head, still a bit shaken. Edward waved a hand, signaling her not to worry.
Outside, a battle had already broken out. The silence shattered into chaos in an instant.
The sound of countless Pokémon clashing filled the air. Two figures leapt out from the dense forest and landed one after the other, flanking the car.
Edward winced.
He recognized them—they were bodyguards arranged by the League.
"I have a feeling… my vacation might be over," Edward sighed.
Whoever had been plotting against him had clearly been noticed by his father's elite security team and was now being held at bay. Meanwhile, the two League-assigned bodyguards stood by to protect Edward directly.
He glanced at one of the female guards wearing sunglasses and fell into thought.
But before he could make up his mind on what to do, a sharp whistling noise pierced the air—a Dragonite suddenly dove from the sky, heading straight for Edward's car.
"Kyuuu!!" Q shrieked, bursting out of Edward's arms. A radiant light flashed and lit up the entire sky. The Dragonite let out a pained roar as it crashed hard into the ground.
But Q wasn't finished. With a flick of its tail, it pounced again—using Play Rough. Blood and flesh flew as Dragonite was brutally beaten.
"Charizard! Use Fire Blast!" a deep voice shouted. Three blazing Fire Blasts came flying directly toward the car.
Edward's eyes narrowed.
As expected of a dark organization—ignoring all standard Pokémon battle rules and attacking the trainer directly.
Of course, Edward knew that was how these groups operated. They didn't care about League ethics. To them, taking out the target as efficiently as possible was all that mattered.
A glowing Light Screen went up just in time, blocking the Fire Blasts. Flames scattered everywhere, followed closely by a Hydro Pump. The clash of fire and water created a thick mist that quickly enveloped the battlefield.
"How interesting…" Edward murmured, staring into the fog.
These people had some tactical skills.
Was it Team Galactic? Team Aqua? Or maybe…
Before he could finish that thought, someone descended smoothly from the sky.
The newcomer tossed out Poké Balls one after another, releasing several powerful Pokémon into the mist to join the battle.
"Edward, are you alright?" the man knocked on the car window.
Edward quickly rolled it down. "Brother, I'm fine!" he said cheerfully.
Standing outside the car was his older brother—Steven Stone.
Edward was a bit surprised. The trip from Hoenn to here wasn't short. For Steven to arrive this quickly—
"Good. I'm glad. Luckily, I've been following you this whole time," Steven said with relief.
He hadn't originally planned to come. But after hearing Edward was heading out again—and especially after the recent Groudon incident—he decided to tag along, just in case.
Turns out, he was right to worry. Edward's location had indeed been leaked.
"Be careful. This time, it's a joint attack by Team Aqua and Team Galactic," Steven said grimly as he surveyed the area. The two League bodyguards had now joined the fight, backing Steven up.
"Got it." Edward remained calm. He glanced over at Q, who had nearly beaten the Dragonite to death. He waved his hand.
If he didn't stop soon, Dragonite might actually die.
(End of Chapter)