"Why did someone from the Dark League appear here?"
"And furthermore, what else was that person talking about earlier?"
Ethan looked toward the distant sky, narrowing his eyes slightly. He couldn't help feeling that a storm was approaching.
After thinking for a moment, he didn't hesitate and called President Beckett. It was his secretary who answered, and upon hearing what had happened, her voice became extremely serious.
After giving Ethan several instructions, she hung up immediately, clearly to contact the city's security officers.
Ethan didn't have to wait long: a small squadron of Pidgeot appeared in the sky, each ridden by a trainer. They were clearly Pokémon hunters responsible for local security.
Upon seeing them, Ethan immediately explained all the information he had on the mysterious enemy. Then he watched as the hunters departed rapidly at full speed atop their Pidgeot.
"Vibrava, let's return to the guild's main headquarters."
Without worrying any further about whether the hunters would catch up with the enemy, Ethan recalled all his Pokémon and let Vibrava carry him through the sky.
In the air, Vibrava held him firmly with its four legs while beating its wings. At the same time, it fully activated its Levitate ability and its mastery over the wind. With the help of Tailwind, it accelerated quickly into the distance.
For the current Vibrava, long-distance flights were no longer a problem thanks to its various support abilities. And due to its capacity to manipulate air currents, the flight experience for Ethan was exceptionally comfortable.
Soon, under its rapid speed, Ethan took only a few hours to return to the guild's main headquarters.
"What a relief, Ethan. I'm glad you're safe."
Seeing him safe and sound before him, President Beckett let out a sigh of relief.
Feeling such genuine concern warmed Ethan's heart. He immediately released Absol and Slowking and explained in detail everything that had happened.
"What exactly is the Dark League trying to do...?"
President Beckett fell deep in thought, but only for a moment. He shook his head slightly and then directed his gaze toward the two Pokémon.
"The dark energy inside Absol is due to how much of it he absorbed."
"But Slowking's case is different. First, he was captured by a Dark Ball and then managed to free himself. His situation is not the same as Absol's. We must observe Slowking more thoroughly before making any decisions."
Ethan nodded, his expression heavy.
"Then... I'll leave Slowking in your care for a while."
It was a considerable sacrifice: Slowking was currently the strongest Pokémon on his team. Leaving him behind meant greatly reducing the combat strength of his group.
But for Slowking's safety, Ethan didn't hesitate, though it made Slowking and Shellder look at him with unease.
"Don't worry, Slowking, Shellder. I still have my other partners. Besides, Vibrava is improving rapidly. He'll be my new defensive core, and he can protect me perfectly."
As he said this, he gently stroked Slowking's head with a soft smile. Sandslash's and Vibrava's Poké Balls opened on their own, and both appeared at his side, showing their determination to protect him, which reassured Slowking and Shellder.
"I understand. Leave Slowking and Absol to me."
"The research on dark energy is an official assignment from the League. Both Pokémon are extremely important for this study. I'll make sure to take good care of them... and I'll also help with Slowking's training."
President Beckett's words fully eased Ethan's worries, and he even showed a hint of joy.
President Beckett was a Champion specializing in the Psychic type; training under his guidance would undoubtedly allow Slowking to break through the power stagnation he had recently been facing.
As for Absol, there was nothing to worry about either: while participating in the experiments, he would continue refining the dark energy he had absorbed, significantly increasing his strength.
President Beckett acted quickly. In a short time, the research team in charge of studying dark energy arrived and took Absol and Slowking away to begin their observations.
Although it was difficult for Ethan to part with them, he didn't stop them. The sooner the hidden dangers were resolved, the better. Once everything was settled, both Pokémon could return permanently to his team.
"Ethan, since you're back, there is another matter I wanted to discuss with you."
Saying this, President Beckett left the headquarters with him, and together they flew on a Pidgeot toward the outside of the Sky Secret Kingdom.
"Is that... a poisonous swamp?"
As they flew toward a certain area within the Sky Secret Kingdom, Ethan spotted in the distance a swamp emitting toxic gases. He immediately remembered the contaminated swamp he had seen during the Advanced-level exam.
"Does it look familiar to you?"
President Beckett narrowed his eyes and said this suddenly, leaving Ethan puzzled.
If it was supposed to look familiar... it could only be the territory of that Totem Drapion.
"CHHAA!"
Before Ethan could react, a roar erupted from the swamp. A massive body burst violently from the toxic gases, letting out a bellow toward them.
"It's the Totem Drapion!"
Ethan was startled.
"Exactly. That very same Totem Drapion you were about to kill."
President Beckett shot him a reproachful look. When he heard what had happened during the exam, he had nearly choked in fright.
"Why is the Totem Drapion here?"
Ethan was surprised, but after thinking for a moment, he recalled the guild's research on Totem Pokémon.
"This Totem Drapion originally belongs to us. We sent it from the Sky Secret Kingdom to study the effects of heredity and environment on Totem Pokémon. That's why we left the Totem Drapion and the Skorupi egg inside that swamp."
Upon hearing this, Ethan was enlightened. So the Skorupi egg had also been placed there by the guild!
(End of chapter)