If It Blows Up, I Don't Want to Get Caught in the Blast
Ethan was touched.
Truly touched.
His father.
The Four Heavenly Kings.
Crossing thousands of miles just to stand behind him.
That kind of backing wasn't something you could measure in words.
Although…
There was one thing he couldn't help but mentally note.
Third Uncle was two years older than Big Brother.
Fourth Uncle was seven years older than Third Uncle.
Second Uncle was two years younger than Fourth Uncle.
"Classic Donghuang-style family tree," Ethan thought silently.
Upstairs — Terang's Expression Changes
When Terang received the update, his face went from pale to liver-colored.
Everything had been calculated.
Once Ethan entered the underground arena alone, half the job was done.
But now—
A Champion.
Four Heavenly Kings.
All showing up at once?
If Ethan died alone, they could claim:
A wild Pokémon riot. An unfortunate accident.
But six of Donghuang's top combat forces disappearing at once?
No one would believe that nonsense.
"Stop them," Terang ordered coldly.
"Use any excuse."
"Even if you have to grovel in the street."
"They cannot go inside."
The arrow was already on the string.
Even if it meant full fallout—
Ethan had to be dealt with.
And if things went wrong?
Morgan Family would take the blame.
They already had blood feud history.
Perfect scapegoat.
At the Entrance
A squad of black-clad guards blocked Victor and the Four Heavenly Kings.
"My son helped you retrieve your escaped Pokémon."
"As his father, I can't even accompany him to collect the reward?"
Victor Stone's tone turned icy.
Two Poké Balls appeared in his hand.
If they failed to provide a convincing explanation—
He would act.
Immediately.
Before things escalated—
Ethan intervened.
"Dad."
"It's fine."
"Wait outside."
Victor studied him for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Alright."
The Four Heavenly Kings exchanged confused looks.
They had rushed here to ensure Ethan's safe return.
Now—
Victor was walking away?
Outside the Hexagon building, they followed him.
"Old Zhou," one Heavenly King asked,
"What are you thinking?"
Victor's gaze remained steady.
"I have a feeling…"
"He's planning something big."
"If we're inside…"
"We might interfere."
One Heavenly King scoffed.
"Interfere? We're Heavenly Kings. You're the Champion."
Victor glanced sideways.
"Do you have a Divine-tier Pokémon?"
"…."
Silence.
Four times over.
Victor continued walking.
The distance from the Hexagon grew.
"Shouldn't we at least wait at the entrance?" someone asked.
Victor paused.
He remembered waking up on that storm-wrecked island in the South Sea.
Then he said calmly:
"I'm worried the Hexagon might explode."
"I don't want to be caught in the blast."
"..."
The Four Heavenly Kings were rendered speechless.
Twice.
Underground Arena
"Go ahead. The reward is inside."
The staff member stopped at the sealed metal doors.
Ethan smiled faintly.
A sealed underground arena.
Classic.
They thought they were trapping a turtle in a jar.
Unfortunately—
They had invited a wolf into their home.
The doors opened.
He stepped inside.
The space was massive.
At least four or five football fields wide.
And packed.
A crowd of elite trainers.
Among them—
The five Totem-tier trainers who had previously surrounded Mewtwo.
No reward in sight.
Only people.
Lots of people.
"Well," Ethan said lightly,
"You're very enthusiastic for someone who just hired me."
A man stepped forward.
"Of course."
"You've done Divine Eagle a great service."
The words "great service" carried a sharp edge.
Another spoke impatiently.
"Where is the Pokémon?"
Henry Taylor didn't bother with pleasantries.
Once Mewtwo was confirmed—
There would be no need for conversation.
Ethan tossed a Poké Ball casually.
A flash of light—
Mewtwo emerged.
The three families' eyes gleamed.
Critical asset.
Recovered.
Now—
The rest was simple.
Ethan tilted his head.
"I did bring Mewtwo."
"But I'm curious."
"Why offer one hundred million?"
"What's so special about it?"
Silence.
No one answered.
The secret of Mewtwo wasn't public.
Not even to many elites.
Certainly not in front of a Donghuang outsider.
"None of your concern."
Andrew Smith gestured.
Family trainers immediately moved toward Mewtwo.
Ethan didn't move.
He didn't stop them.
He simply watched.
Calm.
Almost amused.
Because—
They thought the hard part was capturing Mewtwo.
They hadn't realized—
The hard part…
Was dealing with him.
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