Glaseado Mountain—located in the northern part of the Paldea region—is a snow-capped peak.
Pure white snow falls over the mountain range, and due to the high altitude, the temperature here is extremely low. It is covered in snow all year round, with only Pokémon that are either resistant to Ice-type moves or are Ice-types themselves inhabiting the area.
Nearby lies Casseroya Lake. When it comes to planning a safe route to Glaseado Mountain, Lucas is already quite familiar with the process.
After entering Casseroya Lake, Lucas would fly straight toward the Casseroya Waterfall, ascending alongside the Magikarp attempting to scale the falls. Following the current upwards, once the source of the waterfall comes into view, so too does the outline of a town built atop the snowy mountain—Montenevera Town.
Bundled in a thick, insulated jacket, Lucas rode on Dragonite, flying straight to Montenevera Town to attend a meeting about the operation targeting Hunter J.
With every breath came a cloud of white mist. Lucas, fully equipped, naturally hadn't forgotten to wear snow boots. Once on solid ground, he patted his Dragonite, who was visibly uncomfortable with the environment, and said softly, "You worked hard. Rest in your Poké Ball for a while."
Crystalline snowflakes continued to drift from above. Having once trained on Glaseado Mountain for a short time, Lucas tightened his collar, ensured no wind could get in, and made his way toward Montenevera Town not far ahead.
In the ice and snow, the lights of Montenevera Town were always a source of comfort. Many mountaineers, exhausted from their journeys, would choose to rest in the town for a while, which gave rise to Montenevera Town's unique culture.
Though cold, the passion of mountaineers and residents alike built a vibrant community, full of enthusiastic rock and rap music, and the warm glow of candles everywhere. Outsiders called it the town of snow and souls.
Yet, a town that was usually lively was now unusually quiet. People on the streets had put away their smiles, quietly going about their business or heading elsewhere.
That was because, in recent days, Montenevera Town had been filled with international police and elite Officer Jennys.
Such a tense atmosphere made the residents unconsciously tighten their guard.
Where had the mountaineers gone?
Not long ago, the Paldea authorities had already issued a warning that a rare, massive blizzard might hit Glaseado Mountain in the coming days, advising mountaineers not to climb for the time being.
Some might wonder—surely a single Hunter J isn't worth mobilizing the entire region's officials? But it had been six years since Hunter J started her activities.
No one knew just how many wild Pokémon she had hunted, or how many tragedies of separation she had caused.
She was cunning, having escaped Officer Jenny and the International Police countless times—sometimes even sacrificing her own subordinates to get away.
They could no longer let such a cold-blooded, profit-driven Pokémon hunter continue her operations.
Now that her location had finally been confirmed, the cooperation between the International Police and Paldea's authorities aimed to capture her. They had deployed large numbers of personnel and strength across Glaseado Mountain, with several top-level trainers also called in.
Snow boots crunched on the snow, the ground feeling as if it would give way with every step, but Lucas paid little attention to the sensation.
Because, just upon entering Montenevera Town, a woman dressed as an international police officer approached, finding him precisely and saying, "We've been waiting for you, Mr. Lucas."
Though being called "Mr." by someone older than himself felt odd, Lucas knew it was out of respect for his position and didn't dwell on it. He nodded lightly and replied, "Hello. Where are we going?"
The woman was crisp in both manner and speech. Leading Lucas toward a building, she explained, "The Montenevera Gym. There will be a brief meeting to discuss duties."
Knowing what was needed, Lucas didn't waste words. He followed the woman through the town's passages, arriving at the Montenevera Gym, which was filled with rock-type elements.
Along the way, Lucas noticed many scrutinizing gazes falling on him. Though the people looked like ordinary residents, Lucas was well aware that they were disguised international police or local Paldea officers.
Under her guidance, Lucas reached a meeting room inside the Montenevera Gym without anyone stopping them—a testament to the woman's high rank within the international police.
Still, she didn't stay for the meeting. After a slight bow, she stepped back to serve as a guard.
Upon entering, Lucas glanced around and found himself among familiar faces.
There was Tyme, the elderly, white-haired Gym Leader of Montenevera Gym, an expert in Rock-types.
Her younger sister, Ryme, a rapper and specialist in Ghost-types—Lucas remembered she would become the next Gym Leader.
Then there was Grusha, the Gym Leader further up Glaseado Gym, a former snowboarder whose androgynous appearance was striking, specializing in Ice-types but with an Altaria as an ace.
Also present was Rika, a strikingly handsome Elite Four member, dressed sharply and specializing in Ground-types.
At the head sat a stern-looking middle-aged man in a long coat—Lucas guessed he was the International Police representative.
Aside from the man in the coat, Lucas was acquainted with the others. Upon seeing Lucas enter, Tyme greeted him cheerfully, "At last, our final VIP has arrived~"
Ryme crossed her arms, echoing, "We've been waiting for you, Lucas."
Though the room was heated, Grusha only tightened his scarf and kept silent.
Rika, hands in pockets and legs crossed, quipped, "Ah~ Just seeing you takes a load off my mind~"
Lucas replied helplessly, "As soon as I got the notice and wrapped up things at the farm, I rode Dragonite here at full speed. Don't be so harsh, okay?"
"Ahem." The man in the coat cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention, then pointed to the empty seat beside Grusha and said, "Please, have a seat, Mr. Lucas. Now that everyone's here, let's begin."
Lucas nodded slightly and took his seat.
The man stood up, opening the screen behind him to project his laptop. He spoke clearly, "First, let me introduce myself. My codename is 'Looker,' and I'm a member of the International Police, operating worldwide. The reason I sought help from Paldea is to capture this person and her organization."
With a tap of the enter key, a photo appeared before everyone.