POKEMON : STARTING WITH FLASH METAGROSS

Unlike Professor Rowan's expansive lab, Professor Carolina's research institute was smaller, with many areas featuring an ancient architectural style.

In the cafeteria, seven or eight researchers sat in small groups. When they saw Kaishan leading Rax inside, their curiosity was evident.

"Help yourself to the dishes. Just take whatever you like!" Kaishan offered.

"Thanks!"

Rax didn't hold back, selecting food that suited both his and his Pokémon's tastes. With four plates piled high, he sat down across from Kaishan.

He then released Marowak, Scorbunny, and Skiploom. While eating, Rax couldn't help glancing repeatedly at the cafeteria door.

Half an hour later, he left the cafeteria alongside Kaishan, disappointed.

"It looks like Cynthia isn't here…" Rax muttered under his breath.

After dinner, Kaishan gave Rax a brief tour of the research institute before leaving to attend to his duties.

With some free time, Rax returned to his room and focused on caring for Metang.

He went through the full routine: feeding, bathing, maintenance, and healing. By the time he was done, it was dark outside.

Despite his fatigue from the past two weeks, Rax wasn't ready to sleep. He decided to stay up late as a form of "revenge" against his exhaustion.

With this in mind, he wandered out to the backyard of the institute.

The moon shone brightly, and a cool breeze rustled through the trees. Rax took a deep breath, letting the tranquility of Celestic Town soothe his nerves.

Suddenly, a chilling sensation crept over him, and his instincts screamed danger. Without thinking, Rax rolled forward just in time.

Whoosh!

Something sliced through the air where he had just been standing. Kneeling on the ground, Rax turned to face his assailant.

"Lucario!"

Rax's pupils contracted as he recognized the figure before him.

Before he could speak, Lucario launched an Aura Sphere directly at him.

"Damn it!"

Rax leapt backward as the Aura Sphere struck the ground, leaving a large crater.

Quickly flicking his wrist, he released Marowak and Skiploom from their Poké Balls.

"Marowak, use Tailwind and attack with Bone Club!"

Gritting his teeth, Rax gave the command. Although he had a suspicion about Lucario's identity, he prepared for battle nonetheless.

Boosted by Tailwind, Marowak's speed doubled as it dashed toward Lucario, swinging its bone club with precision.

Lucario, noticing the weapon, clasped its paws together and formed an energy bone—a Bone Rush.

Bone Club clashed against Bone Rush!

Marowak landed a powerful strike, forcing Lucario to retreat. However, Bone Rush was clearly a superior technique, and Lucario's swift follow-up strikes landed several blows on Marowak.

"Skiploom, use Rage Powder and Focus Energy!"

Rax quickly assessed the situation. Lucario's strength was at an elite intermediate level—stronger than Marowak. He couldn't let Marowak fight alone.

The red powder spread through the air, and Lucario, mid-attack, was drawn to Skiploom.

"Marowak, aim for Lucario's energy bone and counter with Bone Club!"

Marowak adjusted its stance, focusing intently as it prepared to counter Lucario's movements.

Meanwhile, Skiploom darted around to avoid Lucario's strikes. Despite being an auxiliary Pokémon, its evasion training had paid off.

Each time Lucario swung its energy bone, Skiploom moved with precision, narrowly avoiding the attacks.

Growing frustrated, Lucario prepared to launch another Aura Sphere.

But Skiploom, with a smirk on its chubby face, shook its head mockingly. It seemed to say:

"You can't hit me with your normal attacks, so now you're resorting to cheap tricks? How disappointing!"

Lucario's eyes narrowed in anger. The notion of being taunted by a flower Pokémon was too much to bear.

With a growl, Lucario dismissed the Aura Sphere and reformed its energy bone, striking with renewed vigor.

Despite its bravado, Skiploom was secretly anxious. It had barely dodged Lucario's previous attacks, but it knew it needed to hold out for Marowak.

On the other side, Marowak concentrated on Lucario's movements, its bone club twitching in anticipation.

Rax remained silent, confident in Marowak's ability to learn from the encounter. The bone club wasn't exclusive to Lucario, and if Lucario could master Bone Rush, Marowak could too.

However, the lights of the research institute flickered on, signaling that the commotion had drawn attention.

"Marowak, hurry up!" Rax urged.

But at that moment, Lucario landed a decisive strike on Skiploom, knocking it out.

Under the night's cover, Lucario's face turned a faint shade of red—it had cheated by subtly using its aura to enhance its aim.

Rax frowned but didn't falter.

"Skiploom, use Cotton Spore!"

Though injured, Skiploom spread its spores before retreating.

Lucario inhaled some of the spores, sneezing as the itchiness disrupted its focus.

Just as it prepared to attack again, a commanding voice rang out.

"Lucario, stop"

Professor Carolina stepped into the scene, her tone firm. Lucario hesitated, then stood down.

A group of researchers followed her, their expressions filled with concern.

Rax recalled Marowak and Skiploom, sparing a glance at Marowak. The gleam of excitement in its eyes made him smile—it seemed close to mastering Bone Rush.

"Professor Carolina, this Lucario…" Rax began, his voice laced with feigned grievance.

The doctor looked between Rax and Lucario, visibly embarrassed. She hadn't expected Rax to be awake so late, nor Lucario to attack him.

Could Lucario have sensed something dangerous about Rax?

Turning to Lucario, Professor Carolina asked, "Lucario, why did you attack him?"

Lucario nodded solemnly, as if confirming its suspicions.

Dr. Mustard Orchid turned to Rax with a probing look.

"Rax, are you… a Psychic?"