Night had fallen over Emberfall City.
Inside the Emberfall Research Laboratory, the red warning lights had finally stopped flashing, but the tension in the room remained heavy.
Dr. Selene stood before the glowing monitor, staring at the energy readings.
"The power of Pyrotherion is rising faster than we expected," she said quietly.
Elior crossed his arms.
"So Team Umber is already using it."
Selene nodded.
"If they succeed in stabilizing that energy, the volcanic chain north of Emberfall could erupt."
Riolu clenched its fists.
Infernyx's flames flickered uneasily.
Voltiger sparked nervously while Lunashade's shadow stretched across the laboratory floor.
Suddenly—
A loud explosion echoed outside.
BOOM.
The entire building trembled.
Researchers shouted in panic.
"What was that?!" Elior said.
A scientist rushed to the window.
"There's an attack outside!"
Elior ran toward the entrance of the laboratory and pushed the doors open.
Outside, the streets of Emberfall City were filled with smoke.
Several dark-uniformed figures stood near the canal bridges.
Members of Team Umber.
And standing in front of them was a tall man with silver hair and a long black coat.
He looked calm.
Almost bored.
The man slowly turned toward Elior.
"So… you must be the trainer from Ignivar."
Elior's eyes narrowed.
"You're with Team Umber."
The man smiled faintly.
"Correct."
He stepped forward.
"My name is Commander Varkis."
Riolu stepped in front of Elior defensively.
Infernyx flared its wings.
Voltiger crackled with electricity.
Lunashade's silver eyes glowed in the darkness.
Commander Varkis studied them with interest.
"So this is the team that interfered with our operation."
He looked especially at Riolu.
"Aura… how interesting."
Elior pointed forward.
"What are you doing here?"
Varkis gestured toward the laboratory.
"Just collecting something."
Behind him, several Team Umber grunts began carrying a strange energy device taken from the research building.
Dr. Selene ran outside.
"Stop! That equipment monitors the titan!"
Varkis laughed softly.
"That's exactly why we need it."
Elior stepped forward.
"You're not taking anything."
Riolu crouched into a fighting stance.
Infernyx's flames roared.
Voltiger sparked wildly.
Lunashade's shadow spread across the ground.
Varkis slowly reached for a Pokéball.
"So you want to stop me?"
The Pokéball opened with a flash of dark light.
A massive armored Pokémon appeared beside him, its eyes glowing red.
The ground shook under its weight.
Varkis smiled coldly.
"Then show me… if you're worthy of standing against Team Umber."
Elior clenched his fists.
His first true battle against a commander had just begun.
And this enemy was far stronger than anything he had faced before.
And the journey continues....