[ SYSTEM SCAN — TARGET IDENTIFIED ]
Specimen: Sableye (VIRUS ACTIVE)
Level: 38
Potential: DEEP BLUE
Ability: Keen Eye
Typing: Dark / Ghost
Moves Detected: Scratch, Astonish, Fake Out, Shadow Sneak...
Obs: "Obsessed with shiny and precious stones. Intelligence above species average."
Smiling while reading the holographic scan floating before him, Enzo felt satisfied seeing Level 38 alongside the coveted Deep Blue potential.
Reading the system observations provided better news than he originally hoped, revealing the ghost possessed an unusual intelligence for its species alongside an obsession with rare stones, making it a perfect fit for certain tasks he already had in mind. Pleased with the genetic results, he pressed the release button on the metallic sphere.
Emerging in a bright flash of red light, the ghost looked up at its new master, tilting its head curiously while waiting for orders.
"I want you to join Gengar in my shadow," Enzo commanded, pointing a finger toward the thick darkness stretching beneath his boots.
Letting its crystalline eyes light up with excitement, the Sableye agreed without hesitation, slipping seamlessly into the dark void to meet its spectral companion. Watching the capture process finish made Ronnie excitedly pump his fist into the air.
"Knew you had it in the bag, boss," Ronnie praised, displaying a wide grin.
"Congratulations, Captain," Anna offered with a warm smile, adjusting her stylish green beret.
"Thank you guys," Enzo replied, giving the glowing cavern one final glance before turning toward the exit. "Let us head back to camp."
Navigating their way through the dense forest brought the returning trio back to their hidden grassy clearing, finding the veteran instructor waiting patiently near the iron container. Sitting quietly in the cool shade, Viper rested one hand on the smooth purple scales covering his Arbok, watching the serpent look relaxed while keeping its sharp eyes focused on the surrounding tree line.
"So how was town?" Viper asked, watching them approach.
"Cannot complain. The trip was definitely worth the effort," Enzo replied, adjusting his grey beanie while stepping into the clearing. "Any problems while we were gone?"
"Nothing suspicious came near the camp," Viper confirmed, giving his poison snake an affectionate pat.
Satisfied knowing their base remained secure, Enzo transitioned into his daily routine. Heading for the supply crates resting near the military tent, the leader started sorting through the fresh ingredients, preparing to cook a nutritious meal for all their hungry Pokémon.
Glancing across the grass while working, Enzo noticed Ronnie laughing loudly watching his Litten play safely on top of the broad rocky body belonging to Onix, using the serpent like a moving playground.
Seeing the rock creature relaxing under the afternoon sun reminded Enzo of the Metal Coat purchased during the Cerulean auction.
"Ronnie, come here for a second," Enzo called out.
Leaving his fire feline resting with the giant serpent, the grunt jogged toward his captain, wearing a curious expression written across his scarred face.
"What is going on boss?" Ronnie asked.
Reaching inside his tactical bag Enzo pulled the silver item out into the open. "I have something capable of making your Onix stronger."
"Wait, are you serious boss? He can get even stronger?" Ronnie gasped, blinking his eyes in shock.
"He can. This item will help him evolve into a steel type," Enzo explained. "But he is your partner, not mine. The final decision belongs to you and him, so go ask him what he wants to do."
Staring at the shiny metal in awe for a brief second, Ronnie spun around and ran back to his rock serpent. Speaking to the creature with surprising seriousness, the man explained the transformation using his own clumsy but honest words.
Finishing his emotional speech prompted the Onix to let out an enthusiastic roar, shaking its heavy stone body to demonstrate approval. Nearly exploding with excitement, Ronnie sprinted back toward the cooking station.
"He said yes, boss!" Ronnie yelled.
Walking over to the grunt, Enzo handed him the silver coating. Accepting the rare item using both hands, Ronnie stared at the metallic object as if it were a precious treasure.
"Thank you, boss, seriously thank you," Ronnie stammered emotionally before looking up with an awkward expression. "Uh, how do I use this thing?"
Letting out a quiet laugh Enzo told the man to follow him. Stopping in front of the towering creature Enzo lifted his chin toward the rock serpent.
"Swallow it," Enzo instructed. "Then focus all your energy on digesting the material."
Obeying the command without raising questions, the serpent opened its jaws, taking the heavy coating into its mouth and swallowing it whole. Closing its rocky eyes a moment later, the creature went still, entering a deep state of concentration. Watching his partner fall so quiet caused the excitement rushing through Ronnie to fade into worry.
"Boss, is he going to be okay?" Ronnie asked softly.
"He will be fine, Ronnie," Enzo reassured him. "This kind of evolution takes time and burns through a lot of energy. Let him focus."
Nodding his head in understanding, Ronnie sat down right beside the meditating Onix without saying another word. Staying faithfully planted on the grass like a dedicated guard dog the grunt kept his eyes fixed on his vulnerable partner, unwilling to move a single inch.
Leaving the protective man to watch over his resting serpent, Enzo returned to his cooking station.
Activating his holographic interface, the disguised captain followed the system guidance, mixing the standard berries alongside the rare ingredients he bought during the auction. Utilizing the digital measurements allowed him to synthesize a batch of advanced nutritional cubes, sending a sweet scent spreading rapidly throughout the clearing.
"The food is ready, everyone," Enzo called out, carrying the bowls filled with the glowing treats.
Feeding his own team first, Enzo made sure each monster received the exact mix suited for their unique genetic needs. Finishing his roster allowed him to prepare generous portions for everyone else, including the resting Arbok alongside the playful Litten.
Watching the monsters consume the meals with obvious satisfaction brought a smile to his face. Knowing the upgraded dietary supplements would improve their overall physical condition while potentially helping to draw out their sleeping hidden potential made the expensive ingredients worth the cost.
Listening to the camp settle into the quiet sounds of feeding Enzo suddenly remembered the bag Steven entrusted to him. Turning around, he walked toward the metal container. Entering the iron room, he pushed aside several scattered pieces of portable laboratory equipment until he found the fabric bag filled with Mega Stones hidden securely beneath the clutter. Closing his hand tightly around the cargo made his calm expression harden.
Knowing the simple base lacked the physical security required to hold such valuable treasures prompted the disguised captain to step back from the messy clutter.
"Sableye, come out here for a second," Enzo commanded into the darkness resting at his feet.
Rising from the shadows, the ghost emerged at once, displaying a curious grin.
"I need you to guard this," Enzo stated, holding the bag out toward the creature.
Locking its glowing eyes onto the fabric, the gemstone obsessed goblin leaned forward looking fascinated.
"Do not steal anything from this bag, and make sure nobody else ever sees or touches what is hidden inside," Enzo continued, narrowing his eyes slightly to establish authority. "If there is a specific stone inside here that you want, ask me for permission first. Never take anything on your own, do you understand me?"
Nodding its head eagerly, the creature accepted the strict terms. Loosening the tight fabric just enough to let the curious goblin peek inside the bag caused a dramatic reaction. Trembling with excitement, the ghost stretched its sharp grin wide, letting the beautiful light radiating from the stones reflect inside its crystalline eyes. Clutching the bag tightly against its chest like a sacred treasure made Enzo almost laugh.
"Good, keep them safe," Enzo ordered.
Giving a delighted raspy purr, the goblin melted back into the darkness, keeping the bag firmly in its grasp, vanishing without leaving a physical trace behind. Feeling a measure of relief wash over him, Enzo relaxed his shoulders. Knowing the Mega Stones were hidden deep inside the personal shadow dimension belonging to a ghost obsessed with precious gems guaranteed the cargo remained safer than anywhere else around the vulnerable camp.
Stepping back outside the dark container, Enzo transitioned into resuming the training routine designed for the group. Spreading out across the grass, the Pokémon moved through their combat drills operating under his watchful eye. Watching his Gengar practicing advanced shadow-based movements near the edge of the camp allowed Enzo to catch a glimpse of the glowing eyes belonging to Sableye, flickering happily beside the larger ghost from inside the darkness.
Breaking the focused atmosphere, his secure communication device began to ring loudly.
"Report," Enzo demanded, answering the encrypted line at once.
"The deal is done," Proton answered from the other end. "If Ratchet has any common sense left, he will call you any second now."
"Good. Make sure you do not lose sight of him," Enzo instructed.
"Got it, boss," Proton agreed before the secure line went dead.
Waiting only a few short seconds proved the executive correct, listening to the digital device ringing again before answering the secondary encrypted line with a cold smile forming on his face.
"E, I have the money," Ratchet stammered, letting his tense voice shake through the speaker. "Where can we meet?"
"Stay where you are," Enzo replied. "P will come get you."
"Okay. Just be quick. I am a big target carrying all this cash," Ratchet begged, making the fear gripping his body impossible to miss.
Ending the secure call, Enzo walked over to the veteran mercenary resting under the trees.
"The transfer went through," Enzo announced. "Proton is bringing the mechanic here now."
"Nice," Viper said, offering an approving nod. "Well done."
Folding his muscular arms across his chest, Enzo looked out toward the dense trees, letting a dark smirk pull sharply at the corners of his lips.
"This is nothing," Enzo stated. "Wait and see what happens when the fairy typing goes public. That is when the real money starts flowing."
Hearing the ambitious promise made the veteran laugh, clearly entertained by the ruthless ambition driving the young leader.
After training, Proton, alongside Ratchet, appeared on the horizon.
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Author's note:
Sorry for the short chapter, but my job has been draining my brain cells lately.