A Sinister Call
If Tornadus and Thundurus had initially proposed following Ethan to avoid Landorus' beatings—
Their mindset had now completely changed.
Because they felt it.
The surge.
For Divine-tier Pokémon, every stage advancement was unimaginably difficult.
Without supreme talent or extraordinary fortune—
Some would stagnate for centuries.
Yet the moment they officially pledged allegiance—
They broke through.
Tornadus
Level: 92 — Divine Tier (Second Stage)
Aptitude: Divine Eighth Rank
Thundurus
Level: 92 — Divine Tier (Second Stage)
Aptitude: Divine Eighth Rank
Ethan narrowed his eyes.
Divine Eighth Rank aptitude.
Near the peak.
And now both had entered Divine Second Stage.
Within his current roster—
They were unquestionably top-tier.
"Congratulations," Ethan said calmly.
"But if you disobey me, I will still let you go."
Praise.
And warning.
"Won't happen!"
"Never again!"
They weren't foolish.
Following Ethan meant rapid growth.
Defying him would be idiotic.
Before, they had been suppressed by Landorus.
Now?
One-on-one—
They were confident they wouldn't lose badly.
Power breeds confidence.
Victor's Odd Thought
Watching silently, Victor stroked his chin.
A bizarre thought surfaced.
Ever since Ethan became a Trainer—
Every Pokémon who followed him skyrocketed in strength.
Some had been newborns.
Some already strong.
All improved drastically.
If I followed my son… would I awaken psychic powers too?
Or maybe I should loan him a few of my Pokémon for "training."
Ethan, currently basking in success, had no idea what was going through his father's mind.
If he did—
He might actually consider experimenting.
Farewell to Landorus
Before leaving, Ethan thanked Landorus again.
"If you ever change your mind—"
"You're welcome to follow me."
Landorus snorted lightly.
"I'm tempted."
It was true.
Seeing Tornadus and Thundurus advance instantly—
Even a composed guardian felt envy.
But Landorus was bound to the land.
After the farewell—
Father and son departed Three-Cloud Island.
Back Home
Ethan collapsed onto the sofa.
"Finally… home."
Anna smiled gently.
"Want me to cook pig's trotter stew?"
His eyes lit up immediately.
"Mom, yes. Please."
The past few weeks had been exhausting.
Field work.
Divine confrontations.
Storm suppression.
He deserved comfort food.
Anna went to the kitchen.
That's when Ethan's phone rang.
Unknown number.
Again.
The last time an unknown number called—
It led to a month-long crisis.
He answered cautiously.
"Hello?"
A hoarse voice answered.
"Tell me your location."
"I'll send you something… valuable."
A sinister chuckle followed.
Ethan's spine went cold.
"Who are you?"
"You'll know when you see it."
"Hope you don't get scared."
Click.
The line disconnected.
Ethan's eyes darkened.
His number was private.
Only close family and high-level Alliance officials had access.
Which meant—
This wasn't random.
He didn't give his home address.
Instead—
He provided a neutral location.
Then mounted Metagross immediately.
"Let's see what kind of 'gift' you've prepared."
His gaze sharpened.
"I was just thinking Tornadus and Thundurus needed some practical training."
Meanwhile — At Home
Anna finished preparing the stew base.
"Supper will take about an hour—"
She turned.
"Ethan?"
No response.
Checked his room.
Empty.
"Did anyone see him?"
"He left on Metagross," someone replied.
"Looked angry. Took a call first."
Anna's heart tightened.
Unknown call.
Anger.
Departure.
Her instincts as a mother flared instantly.
Something was wrong.
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