POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Three days passed in a flash.

Rax spent nearly all his time in the training room, leaving only for meals and rest. This dedication left many curious onlookers unable to gather much information about him.

Meanwhile, Jill took on a long-term mission and couldn't devote himself to training as completely as Rax. Even so, his Zubat managed to learn Steel Wing, steadily improving in strength.

When Rax stepped out of the lounge, Jill was already waiting at the door.

"Boss, this way," Jill said, leading the way.

The two soon arrived at Area F. The normally sealed doors were now open, and people were gathering in groups, their chatter filling the air.

Rax noticed many curious eyes on him, though their attention soon shifted elsewhere.

Rax turned to see what had drawn their gaze.

It's her!

The image from the intelligence report overlapped perfectly with the real person. Rax recognized her immediately.

Mana.

Mana, the future secretary to Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. A top-tier intelligence officer, she was participating in the same trial.

Rax felt a jolt of surprise seeing her here. She was the second prominent figure from the original series he had encountered, after Cai Zhong.

Fortunately, the selection for mobile intelligence agents wasn't a winner-takes-all competition; there were multiple spots available.

Rax reined in his thoughts and quietly entered Area F. The dim lighting made it difficult to estimate the number of participants.

Everyone seemed focused on the upcoming trial, and no one caused any trouble.

Bang!

At exactly 9 a.m., the doors of Area F closed, and a bright light flooded the room. The sudden illumination made everyone squint momentarily before adjusting their gaze.

Before them were semi-enclosed compartments, each containing only a computer.

A broadcast announcement echoed through the room:

"Sinnoh Branch – Mobile Intelligence Agent Selection, First Round: Network Intelligence Gathering. Please proceed to your designated seats."

Seconds later, each participant's communicator vibrated, displaying their assigned seat number.

"Number 66. A good omen," Rax mused with a faint smile, heading toward his compartment.

---

Ten minutes later, Rax emerged from the room, calm and composed. The computer screen behind him displayed just two words:

"Pass."

First place in the first round!

Even though many had expected Rax to perform well, no one anticipated such a dominant showing.

Three minutes later, Zhentiao, another participant, stepped out, adjusted her glasses, and walked to the next stage.

Fifteen minutes after that, a wave of contestants completed the first round and moved on to the second.

When the 50th participant finished, the computers for the remaining contestants locked, displaying the word "Failed."

---

Fifteen minutes earlier, Rax was the first to reach the second selection site. The dim lighting concealed his excitement as he read the rules for the next round.

"It's just as I thought," he murmured, waiting patiently.

Three minutes later, Zhentiao entered.

Rax turned instinctively, and their eyes met.

"I'm Zhentiao. Please take care of me!" she said, extending her hand.

Rax blinked, surprised at her directness. He shook her hand lightly.

"Rax. You can call me that."

"I looked into you," Zhentiao said without hesitation. "You were an IT genius at headquarters, suddenly sent here six months ago. You've never shown your potential as a trainer. Why participate now?"

Rax froze. Is she always this straightforward? Shouldn't she be observing me discreetly, trying to uncover the truth quietly?

"...I've just been keeping a low profile," Rax replied. "But what brings Miss Mana to the Sinnoh region?"

"Classified mission," she said curtly.

"This woman!" Rax thought, suppressing a smirk. "Fine. I won't pry either."

---

Second Round

The broadcast resumed:

"Mobile Intelligence Agent Selection, Second Round: Tournament."

The rules were simple:

Ten mobile intelligence agent slots are available.

Players are ranked in reverse order based on their performance in the first round.

The last 10 players automatically start as the champions and defend their spots.

Players may challenge any champion, but the same challenger cannot attack the same champion consecutively.

Only one Pokémon may be used per battle. After each match, a recovery device restores the Pokémon's physical strength and status but not their peak condition.

As the first-place finisher, Rax enjoyed a significant advantage—he wouldn't have to fight until the very end.

---

The tournament began, and the tension was palpable. The lower-ranked players took the stage first, their nerves evident as they faced eager challengers.

One person stood out among the initial ring masters: Ye Guang.

Ye Guang, with his muscular build and bald head, exuded confidence. Though his first-round placement was low, his calm demeanor suggested he had expected it.

Rax noted that Ye Guang's senior-level Pokémon—a Toxicroak and Golbat—were formidable. Though Rax believed he could match Ye Guang's strength, he hoped someone else would weaken him before their inevitable clash.

One by one, the battles unfolded. Contestants studied their opponents carefully, capitalizing on signs of fatigue or injury.

The recovery devices helped restore physical strength, but mental exhaustion and battle weariness accumulated.

Rax watched intently, gathering as much information as possible.

Finally, the 15th-ranked player took the stage: Zamli, a short, unassuming man with a sly demeanor.

Zamli wasted no time, targeting a female player who had performed poorly earlier. Using his Yanmega, he easily defeated her Roserade and claimed the ring.