"How's the company been lately? Is that variety show shooting on schedule?"
After returning to the company, Edward had finally managed to reset his mindset. Though Shizuka's situation had shocked him, now that it was resolved, life had to go on.
"Boss, based on the current progress, the show is proceeding smoothly. However, your recent incident hasn't really circulated within the company."
Shizuka replied skillfully while holding several documents. Edward nodded—this was within his expectations.
The fact that he was trapped in Twinleaf Town wasn't public knowledge. At least within the Hoenn League, only his family had been informed.
"But the League sent word. They need you to stop by the League Office Hall later," Shizuka added.
Edward let out a sigh—he wasn't particularly thrilled to go, but he understood it was unavoidable.
Back in Twinleaf Town, Edward had allowed Groudon to undergo Primal Reversion—a spectacle witnessed by others. In a case like this, he was obligated to undergo an official check by the League.
Honestly, being asked to come over was already a special courtesy.
If it had been anyone else, the League would've sent someone to "cordially" knock on their door and "invite" them for a friendly chat.
"…Alright, I get it. Keep monitoring the show's progress, and once the screening phase wraps up, we'll go over and pick the cast. Then we can start shooting Sherlock Holmes Season 2."
Edward rubbed his temples in mild frustration. If he had known it would turn out like this, he might've stayed in Sinnoh a bit longer and enjoyed a proper vacation. But he knew that was never going to happen anyway.
"Understood, boss."
Shizuka walked out briskly, holding the documents close.
Edward stared at her retreating figure, feeling a bit conflicted.
Though their relationship had clearly shifted, Shizuka didn't seem inclined to directly acknowledge that change.
Did he have to be the one to bring it up?
"You really are a handful, aren't you?"
Just as Shizuka left, Steven pushed the door open and entered with a stern look on his face.
Edward chuckled awkwardly. He hadn't expected that simply going to Twinleaf Town to deal with Dialga and Palkia would end up with him crossing paths with a madman like Cyrus.
"C'mon, bro, you can't blame me for that, right?"
Edward tried playing dumb, but Steven clearly wasn't buying it.
Arms crossed and expression cold, he stared silently at Edward.
The oppressive atmosphere made Edward drop the act and hang his head.
"…Sorry."
Steven snorted, then walked over and ruffled Edward's hair.
Edward blinked in surprise.
It had been ages since Steven last did that.
Ever since Edward had grown older, Steven always insisted, "A real man doesn't let others ruffle his hair."
"I'm just glad you made it back in one piece. You have no idea—when Dad was watching the battle footage, he nearly had a heart attack."
Steven's voice softened.
Looking at his younger brother, his emotions were complicated.
He really hadn't expected Edward to cause so much trouble in just one visit to Sinnoh.
"You know, now that you mention it, I remember how Dad almost got me killed."
Edward said with a wry smile.
Back then, their father had fired a shot meant to intercept Cyrus—but ended up nearly blasting Edward instead.
Not that he blamed his father; given the circumstances, what their dad did was already impressive enough.
Cyrus was a lunatic.
Even with foreknowledge of the future, he still chose to drag Edward into the Distortion World with him.
According to Cyrus, he'd already been tortured by fate for so long that it made sense he'd want to take Edward down with him.
"I heard about that too," Steven said. "Dad said it wasn't intentional—he never imagined that energy beam, after so many refractions, would actually hit you."
Steven also looked a bit helpless.
Their father had told him: when he saw the blast connect and cause an explosion, he nearly went into cardiac arrest.
Edward laughed as he walked out with his brother.
He knew Steven had come to support him—not just emotionally, but also to act as a safeguard in case the League tried anything funny.
With a champion like Steven standing by, the League would have to think twice before making any bold moves.
When they arrived at the League Office Hall, Edward returned to the same testing area as before.
Everything looked familiar—the room, the equipment… but the security this time was clearly upgraded.
"That's to be expected. You did awaken Groudon, after all,"
Officer Jenny Isolde explained, noticing Edward's puzzled expression.
The last Groudon had only been dormant.
But this time, it was fully awake.
Given the circumstances, it was no surprise the League took this extremely seriously—if anything, the security measures still felt a little too light.
Edward nodded, understanding.
He tossed out a Poké Ball, and in the next second, Groudon appeared before them.
Thankfully, it was still asleep.
Edward let out a sigh of relief—this would make things a lot simpler.
But then, Groudon's eyelids twitched.
In the next second, it opened its eyes.
It scanned the room slowly, then locked eyes with Edward.
At that moment, Edward felt his blood rush and his heart pound violently in his chest.
Panic struck him.
Was Groudon… was it about to undergo Primal Reversion right here?!
"Put it away, now!!"
The Hoenn League Chairwoman shouted sharply.
Edward hurriedly returned Groudon to its Luxury Ball.
As soon as the light enveloped Groudon and it vanished, the suffocating pressure finally faded, and Edward's heart returned to a normal rhythm.
(End of Chapter)