Nimbasa City, a city hailed as "Lit by the Flash of Lightning."
Nimbasa City is a very bustling metropolis. Notably, according to incomplete statistics, its population ranks third in the world, behind only Kalos' Lumiose City and Galar's Wyndon.
That much is obvious—the city's popularity is off the charts.
Compared with Castelia City, Castelia is filled with a high-pressure, work-heavy atmosphere, while Nimbasa City is known as an entertainment hub; the whole city vibe is quite leisurely.
And at this moment, Damian and his group have arrived at Nimbasa City—not, perhaps more accurately, outside Nimbasa City.
"Mr. Damian, is Team Plasma really here?" Lacey asks, a mix of nerves and anticipation.
"Indeed. According to intel, this is where Team Plasma has a base, and the base is not small in scale," Damian nods, glancing at Lacey and the others.
This time he specifically brought the Blueberry Academy students to destroy this Team Plasma base.
Worth noting, thanks to Lacey's connections, most of Blueberry Academy's high-ranking students have joined his company and signed contracts.
The earnest and adorable Lacey is well liked at Blueberry Academy, and even the BB League Elite Four and Champion have joined in.
Damian is naturally happy about this; after all, these students are full of potential, both boys and girls.
"Since that's the case, there's no need to wait, right Mr. Damian? Let's go straight in."
Speaking is a white-haired, handsome, easygoing boy—the Dragon-type expert Drayton, current BB League Champion.
If Kieran is the one Damian values most at Blueberry Academy, then Drayton is a close second.
Because Drayton's strength already has Elite Four-level combat power. Without question, Drayton has the talent to break into Champion-tier, though whether he can push past the limits remains to be seen.
After all, many Elite Four-level Trainers spend their lives stuck at that level, unable to break through.
"Daha!" Drayton's suggestion is met with Lacey's resistance; she crosses her arms in front of her, performing her signature move.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Drayton; that's awfully reckless, isn't it?"
Lacey treats this operation with utmost seriousness; after all, they're here to eradicate evil organizations!
Drayton scratches his head, puzzled; although he's good at Dragon-types, his personality isn't particularly strong.
"Why not listen to Mr. Damian's plans? Mr. Damian is our man in charge, right?" Crispin, with red hair and an innocent air, speaks up. He's also one of the BB League Elite Four, good at Fire-type.
"Mr. Damian, what do you think we should do?" Lacey asks Damian.
"Just go in outright, don't give them a chance to react. This time the main goal is for you to experience the feel of a first mission." Damian replies with a smile.
"Don't worry, I'll back you up from behind."
Damian actually thinks this mission isn't dangerous; after all, Drayton and the others are academy, but the League Club Room's focus is training battle skills.
Drayton and his group have earned their ranks by battles; their battle sense is undeniable.
"See, I told you so," Drayton says, shrugging as he looks toward the warehouse ahead, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Evil organization Team Plasma—interesting!
"But you all must be careful; members of an evil organization aren't the same as your official battles. Always stay vigilant, observe your surroundings, and beware of any cheap ambushes."
Damian emphasizes.
"Also, if you encounter Admin-level opponents, don't try to overpower them—contact your teammates to battle together. This isn't a game; it's a mission. Safety first, then completion."
"Understood!"
Lacey and the others reply in unison.
"Okay, you go ahead; I'll cover from behind."
Damian nods, gesturing for Drayton and the others to set off.
Then these Blueberry Academy students, more than thirty in total, march toward the warehouse.
But upon reaching the warehouse door, a passerby halts them.
"Um, should we knock on the door?" Kieran, following Drayton, asks softly.
Yes, Kieran has come along, though Carmine didn't accompany him; this is his first time being separated from his sister.
He's still in contact with Damian, and Damian has arranged him to join this action so he can experience the atmosphere without his sister.
"Kieran, we're here to take down villains; there's no need to be so polite to them."
Drayton rolls his eyes; he and Kieran are on good terms.
"Archaludon!"
Drayton grins, pulling a Poké Ball. A Duraludon—Archaludon—heavily lands in front of Drayton; it's Drayton's ace Pokémon, forged by Duraludon using the Metal Alloy Evolution.
"Archaludon, Flash Cannon!"
"Wait! Drayton!" Lacey and the others are startled.
Clearly Archaludon obeys Drayton. A metallic energy sphere forms before Archaludon and then blasts toward the warehouse's iron doors with a thunderous boom, tearing the doors open and filling the air with smoke.
"Drayton, you're too reckless," Amarys frowns.
"You're so conservative; Mr. Damian said to let us roam free." Drayton shrugs. Do they really have to knock?
"Can't give them a single chance to escape; violence is the best way to force them out—watch, they'll come out now," Drayton points to inside the warehouse.
"Damn! Our main doors!"
"What are you people?!"
"Here to raid Team Plasma's turf! You're asking for trouble!"
Seeing a group of younger boys and girls, these Team Plasma members clearly regard them with contempt.
Team Plasma also releases Pokémon such as Golbat, Liepard, Weezing, and more, and not a few in number.
But in terms of numbers, Blueberry Academy's side is clearly not inferior.
"Aha-ha~"
Hearing this, Drayton pulls another Poké Ball; a strong Dragonite appears before him.
"Although I've heard of Team Plasma's name, this is my first time seeing them; so there really are folks who snatch other people's Pokémon?"
"Hmph! Evil villains indeed!"
Lacey solemnly opens a Poké Ball; Whimsicott and Excadrill appear.
"Are we not doing good by doing this? I quite like this kind of work." Crispin also pulls out his ace Blaziken.
"Speaking of which, merit points are based on our records, right? Lacey, could you stop hogging all the glory?"
Drayton suddenly notices a blind spot, frowning as he talks to Lacey and the others.
"I'd actually like to redeem a Bagon, but the merit value requires a lot…"
"Daha! Drayton! You're being too selfish; I want a Ralts too!" Lacey retorts without hesitation.
"And we're still on a mission, you're being too lax!"
"All right, all right." Drayton pretends to surrender with a raised hand: "But with opponents like this, at our school we probably won't even crack the top fifty, huh?"
Drayton glances at the Team Plasma Pokémon; clearly their disdain infuriates the Plasma members.
"Damn you, you little brats!"
"You're so arrogant! We're Team Plasma!"
"Today you'll cry, you arrogant little ones!"
With the Plasma members' brash words finished, battle erupts in chaos.
"Damian, are you doing this on purpose?"
Watching the warehouse battle tilt decisively in Drayton's favor, these ordinary Team Plasma members are clearly no match for them.
But this base is not a small one; inside there are Elite Plasma members, and most importantly, one Admin.
"Consider this a side quest; the main target is that person."
Damian doesn't deny, taking a sip of juice, looking leisurely.
"Damian— I'd like some too," Jirachi, perched on Damian's shoulder, tugs at his hair, spoiling him playfully.
"Here you go—this plum juice isn't bad," Damian pulls a bottle from a space bag.
He doesn't drink much, preferring juices, which he's fond of.
"Drink up," Jirachi prances, opening the cap with practiced ease, closing its eyes in bliss after a sip.
Seeing Jirachi in that adorable state, Damian can't help but smile; this Jirachi is truly cute.
Inside the Team Plasma base.
"Tsk~ the strength of the members here is much higher now."
Drayton narrows his eyes slightly, watching the Seviper and Krookodile opposite him. It's clear that after entering this base, the level of Team Plasma members inside and those in the warehouse are quite different.
But for him it isn't a big deal; for the other trainees, it's another story.
Meanwhile, inside Nimbasa City.
"Gym Leader Elesa!"
An officer contacts a tall beauty who's browsing the street.
"What's up, Officer Jenny?" Elesa answers, puzzled.
"There's a large warehouse to the west outside the city. Someone reported a battle there, and some Team Plasma members escaped from the warehouse; could you come take a look?"
"Team Plasma, you say? I understand. I'm on my way."
Elesa's eyes narrow slightly, then she speaks decisively.
"Thanks for the heads-up. We've already dispatched officers; we'll rendezvous with you there."
Officer Jenny speaks rapidly.
"This sparkling city doesn't need Team Plasma, this dark organization, to set a mood here. I'll electro-shock them all."
Elesa replies coolly, donning a gold jacket, and strides toward the exit.
Nimbasa City is her city! And beneath this glittering, glorious city, there's no room for Team Plasma's cult.
Inside Team Plasma base.
"What's going on outside?"
A blond, young man wearing a coat like a researcher's white lab coat frowns as he walks out from the lab, not looking pleased.
He's conducting experiments, but the noises outside make it impossible to concentrate.
Lab soundproofing is decent, but even so it can't fully mute outside noise; it shows how loud things are out there.
"Sorry, Lord Colress, a group forced their way into the base."
A Team Plasma subordinate apologizes.
"What?"
Colress's handsome face knits his brows tightly.
This base is a secret facility for his research—how did someone discover it?
"Are they from the Unova League?"
"No, seems not. They say it's a temporary staff from a 'cultural entertainment limited company'…"
"???"
Three big question marks appear on Colress's refined face. What is this?
"Have you reported to Lord Ghetsis?"
But Colress is just Colress. He quickly dismisses the odd company name and asks the subordinate.
"We've reported to Lord Ghetsis. He said he's sending people to assist you and told you to be ready."
"Good."
Colress regains his calm. He doesn't want to get involved in Team Plasma's feuds with other forces.
He's a scientist at heart; he only wants to be a scientist. Team Plasma and Ghetsis offer him space to work, so he stays with them, nothing more.
Although, in truth, Colress's Trainer strength is formidable, Colress has always described himself as a scientist. He's not keen on outright battles.
Of course, unless there's no other choice, or he finds the other side interesting, or he just wants to conduct experiments.
"So you must be the base leader, right?"
Drayton's lazy voice reaches Colress's ears. Colress turns to gauge the boy who looks so young.
"I'm just a researcher. If you want to fight me, that wouldn't be appropriate." Colress replies calmly.
"No, no, your status looks high; you must be an Admin, right? If I trap you, your merit should be plenty. For my Bagon, I can endure you, sir, the researcher."
"???"
Colress again shoots a puzzled look. What merit? What Bagon? And these people are temporary workers for a company? What company's temporary trainer would march straight into Team Plasma's base?
~~~
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