As Peter continued speaking with Lusamine, he gradually learned more about the current progress of the BKP Project.
According to their original concept, the Aether Foundation had used artificially designed biological skeletons as templates to create a chimera-like lifeform composed of a lion's body, beastly limbs, avian claws, a fish tail, steel feathers, and carnivorous fangs.
On top of that, after injecting genetic material containing all eighteen elemental attributes, the creature's body became capable of wielding every Pokémon type.
"Two years ago, I sent Faba here for research," Lusamine explained. "He proposed an 'RKS System' concept — using memory discs containing different data to alter the system and allow attribute switching."
"But unfortunately, that experiment still failed. All three test subjects had to be sealed away."
Her tone carried obvious disappointment.
Peter glanced at Faba, who stood expressionless nearby.
So Type: Null has already succeeded… he's just hiding the truth.
"What are your plans now?" Peter asked.
"Hmm…" Lusamine blinked softly. "I suppose I'm still unwilling to give up. Maybe if we try again, we can succeed this time. Faba keeps telling me to abandon the project, but I still feel there's hope…"
"Yes," Peter agreed calmly while inwardly scoffing. "Trying more is always good."
Of course he wants you to give up, Peter thought silently.
Because the project already succeeded — he just can't let you know.
As they chatted casually, the group arrived at the Canalave Library.
Peter had just begun considering how to pry the truth out of Faba when the system notification suddenly rang out.
[Ding! Legendary Capture Mission — Phase One completed. Next-stage instructions updated.]
[(Unique) Legendary Capture: Type: Null]
Description: The host has established basic trust with Lusamine. It is recommended to further deepen your impression within the Aether Foundation and obtain more classified information.
Peter nodded slightly after reading the updated mission panel.
…
Over the next two days, Peter accompanied Lusamine and the others throughout the library, explaining Sinnoh mythology in exhaustive detail while showcasing his knowledge as much as possible.
According to legend, at the very beginning of the universe, an egg appeared within the void.
After an immeasurable amount of time, the egg hatched into a centaur-like Pokémon—
Arceus.
Golden hooves.
Mystic Plates surrounding its body.
And around its waist, a cross-shaped golden ring known as the Thousand-Armed Wheel.
It was said that Arceus used that divine wheel to create one thousand arms and forge the entire universe itself.
Afterward, it created the beings governing Time, Space, and Antimatter—
Dialga,
Palkia,
and Giratina.
It also created the Lake Guardians embodying Willpower, Emotion, and Knowledge.
And thus, the Pokémon world began its endless evolution across the ages.
Throughout Peter's retelling of the myths, Lusamine's admiration for him only grew stronger.
And naturally—
Faba became increasingly wary.
By the following afternoon, Lusamine had finally completed her review of the library's records regarding Sinnoh mythology.
Most of the information matched Peter's explanations almost perfectly.
The group sat together drinking tea.
"Unfortunately," Lusamine sighed softly, "there's still too little information regarding Arceus…"
"The RKS System and Memory Discs were developed by imitating Arceus's Plates, but according to Faba, all three experimental subjects suffered severe rejection reactions. They simply couldn't be controlled…"
"Yes… that certainly sounds like a serious issue," Peter replied while rapidly sorting through the canon information in his head.
In the anime, there had only ever been one Type: Null.
But in the games, there were three.
And the supposed "rejection reaction" involving the RKS System existed only in the games. Anime Type: Null had never shown such problems — it was merely aggressive because of the restraining mask placed upon it.
There was a clear contradiction here.
Based on everything he'd gathered so far, the Aether Foundation in this world had indeed created more than one Type: Null.
However, the overall world setting clearly followed anime continuity.
Ash, Brock, and the others were proof enough of that.
Which meant—
There was only one explanation.
Even in the anime world, the BKP Project had originally created three experimental lifeforms.
The anime had simply only focused on one of them.
And Faba's "rejection reaction" story…
Was nothing more than a lie to conceal the truth.
[Ding! Host obtained critical information. Mission instructions updated.]
[(Unique) Legendary Capture: Type: Null]
Description: The host has demonstrated sufficient knowledge and earned considerable trust. It is recommended to request access to Aether Paradise and personally inspect the experimental subjects.
Even without the system prompt, Peter had already been planning exactly that.
Faba valued status above all else.
If Peter played that angle correctly, extracting information from him would be easy.
Besides…
A trip to Alola right now wasn't a bad idea either.
He could obtain a Z-Ring while he was there.
And maybe…
Just maybe…
He could also recruit a certain terrifying "bear god."
The moment Peter remembered the anime's absurdly overpowered Bewear — a creature capable of casually leaping across islands and dragging people through dimensions — excitement surged through him.
Suppressing his thoughts, Peter finally spoke.
"Lusamine, would it be possible for me to visit Aether Paradise and examine the experimental subjects personally? Perhaps I can provide some assistance."
"Hm? Really?!" Lusamine's eyes lit up instantly. "Peter, if you came, I'd be so happy~"
As a former researcher herself, Lusamine greatly appreciated Peter's talents. After spending several days together, the two had already reached the level where they addressed each other by name.
Seeing this, Faba immediately stepped forward to intervene.
"President Lusamine, the experimental subjects are still unstable. If we recklessly deactivate the freezing systems, then—"
Before he could finish, Peter interrupted him smoothly.
"Relax. I'm still a Gym-level trainer at minimum. Ordinary Pokémon won't be able to hurt me."
"…"
Faba's expression twitched slightly.
"…In that case, I strongly recommend observing them from outside the containment rooms only. I will personally accompany you the entire time to ensure your safety."
Lusamine smiled and nodded.
"That would be ideal."
...
After returning to the Pokémon Center, Peter informed Whitney about the upcoming trip to Alola.
"Oh my gosh! Really?! We're going to a beach resort?!"
Whitney immediately exploded with excitement.
She jumped onto the bed, grabbed her phone, and started frantically browsing.
Peter squeezed her soft hip lightly and leaned closer to look at the screen.
"Do you really need to be this excited?"
But the moment he saw the display—
He instantly fell silent.
Because the phone screen was filled with all kinds of incredibly revealing beach swimsuits.
Bikinis.
One-piece swimsuits.
School swimsuits.
Tiny string-style designs barely qualifying as clothing…
And if Whitney wore them…
"Hiss…"
Peter inhaled sharply.
He suddenly felt like he should invest in a sturdier bed frame before the trip.
Just as he was thinking that, Whitney leaned closer and interrupted him.
"Honey, which one do you think I should buy? This bikini? Or maybe a one-piece? Or a school swimsuit? Or maybe… this one!"
"…Huh?"
Peter focused on the screen—
And his eyes widened instantly.
That's not a swimsuit anymore! That's literally just decorative ribbons!
"BUY THEM!" he declared immediately. "Buy every single style! Money isn't an issue!"
He tried desperately to suppress the grin spreading across his face while pretending to sound generous.
"Pfft~ Dream on." Whitney poked his forehead, her eyes curving into beautiful crescents.
Then her expression softened slightly.
"But honey…"
"Hmm?"
"You might want to wipe your nosebleed first."
"…What?"
Peter froze before touching beneath his nose.
Bright red blood stained his fingers.
"…Maybe the weather's been too dry lately. I'll go wash up."
And with that, he fled straight into the bathroom.
After cleaning himself up, he immediately jumped back onto the bed, wrapped Whitney in his arms, and dragged her beneath the blankets.
"Ah! Honey, I haven't finished shopping for swimsuits yet!"
"You can keep shopping. We won't interfere with each other."
"What kind of nonsense is that?! I can't possibly shop like th—mmph~!"
Summary:
(The bed silently prayed for survival.)
…
The next morning, accompanied by the deep blast of a ship's horn, Peter and Whitney boarded the vessel bound for the Alola region together with Lusamine and the others.
Meanwhile, back at the Pokémon Center—
Nurse Joy entered Peter and Whitney's room as part of her routine cleanup.
Not long afterward—
"BOOM—!"
A loud crash echoed through the room.
The overworked bed had finally collapsed completely.
Nurse Joy stared silently at the shattered remains of the bedframe, which had crumbled the moment she touched it.
Then she slowly fell into deep contemplation.