I, Gary, Want to Become a Pokemon Master

"Infinity Energy is a newly discovered power source in recent years," Steven explained, his voice steady and calm.

"This energy is found within meteorites. It's not only clean and pollution-free, but also capable of generating an enormous amount of energy. However, the biggest challenge lies in converting meteorite energy into usable Infinity Energy. That issue hasn't been solved yet."

Gary furrowed his brows. "And what does this have to do with the Aether Foundation?"

"The Aether Foundation is an energy development company. Up until now, they've relied on conventional energy sources. But with technological advancement and the push for environmental sustainability, traditional energy will eventually become obsolete. Infinity Energy is their ticket to survival," Steven replied.

"They stole Zinnia's meteorite for a reason. It must be linked to their interest in this new energy source."

Gary crossed his arms, still skeptical. "But that meteorite was meant to be offered to Rayquaza by the Draconid Tribe. It's not exactly a breakthrough research sample."

"Who knows?" Steven said, shaking his head. "The Draconid Tribe has always been shrouded in mystery. There's still much we don't know about their meteorites."

"Zinnia, do you have any idea what your meteorite actually does?" Gary turned to her.

"I don't..." Zinnia said, her voice small. "Grandmother just told me to deliver it to Lord Rayquaza."

Haaa... Gary let out a long sigh. It was starting to feel like Zinnia was blindly following instructions without understanding their full importance. Could she really fulfill her role as the Draconid successor?

"Mr. Steven, is there anything to eat around here?" Gary asked suddenly. "Zinnia and I haven't eaten all day."

Steven blinked, surprised. "Ah—of course. I'll take you both to the cafeteria."

Since the research base was located far from any city, it had its own cafeteria. Meals were delivered daily and freshly prepared on-site for staff and researchers.

Neither Gary nor Zinnia had eaten much since morning. After arriving at Mossdeep, they'd been caught up in their visit to the Space Center, lost the meteorite, then got dragged into a full-scale investigation. They hadn't even had time for a drink of water.

Thankfully, they were still young. Even amidst chaos, their appetite hadn't suffered.

The food here was surprisingly high-quality—fresh ingredients, balanced meals, and even dessert options. The benefits of working for a top-tier corporation were clearly reflected in the staff amenities.

As they ate, Gary glanced up. "Mr. Steven, is there a teleportation station here?"

"Of course. If you need it, I'll have someone take you there," Steven replied.

Gary had a plan. He didn't know what the Aether Foundation might do next, but he knew they had both money and resources.

Even if they didn't have a Champion-level trainer on hand, they could easily hire powerful mercenaries or ex-Gym Leaders to protect their interests.

Which meant Gary needed more power.

"Then take me there, please."

Steven gave a quick nod and instructed a staff member to escort Gary to the teleporter room.

Once there, Gary opened a line to Professor Oak's Laboratory. The screen flickered before Tracey's face appeared.

"Gary?!"

"Hey, Tracey. Long time no see," Gary said with a grin. "How've you been?"

"Not bad. I've been learning a lot from Professor Oak," Tracey replied. "But… if you're calling me through a teleporter, I'm guessing you want some Pokémon sent over?"

"Exactly. I'm sending a few back, and I want to bring out Blastoise, Charizard, Tyranitar, and the three Legendary birds—Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres."

"Wait, what?! That's your A-team! Are you… going to war or something?"

"Just send them. I'll explain later."

"O-okay! Hold on—I need to bring them back from the field. They're still outside in the ranch area."

Ever since Team Rocket's attack on Professor Oak's Lab, all of Gary's Pokémon had been housed in the secure outdoor areas. The backyard was vast, but it would still take Tracey some time to collect the requested Pokémon.

While waiting, Gary released a few of his current team members—the ones he planned to send back—and gave them a proper explanation. He assured them this was only temporary and that they would return to the team once things settled down.

Eventually, Tracey returned, sweaty and slightly out of breath.

"All set. Initiating transfer now!"

With a whir of Poké Ball energy, Gary's new team arrived. He kept his Eevee, Rhyperior, Latios, and Great Tusk with him, and stored the rest. The Pokémon he received were:

Blastoise – Lv. 72Charizard – Lv. 67Tyranitar – Lv. 70Zapdos – Lv. 70Articuno – Lv. 61Moltres – Lv. 59

These six were Gary's original top-tier powerhouses. Blastoise, his starter, was a battle veteran; Tyranitar and Zapdos had peak-level stats, and even the slightly lower-leveled Moltres and Articuno still carried immense firepower.

If Gary used these six to battle, he'd be just shy of Champion level. Though he couldn't yet defeat Lance, the Champion of the Kanto region, he could certainly challenge most Elite Four members.

The Kanto Elite Four—Lance, Bruno, Lorelei, and Agatha—were formidable. And unlike other regions, Kanto didn't require a challenger to face a reigning Champion after beating the Elite Four. Winning four consecutive high-stakes battles would earn Gary the title of Champion.

After completing the transfer, Gary was guided to his room in the dormitory area—an accommodation meant for visiting researchers. It was a simple two-person room, and Zinnia was already waiting inside.

Steven, meanwhile, remained in the control room, awaiting any updates from Professor Bori and his team.

"Gary, are we really just going to sit and wait like this?" Zinnia asked as soon as he entered.

"There's not much else we can do right now," Gary replied, tossing his bag on the bed. "Even Steven's team hasn't found any leads yet."

"Then why don't we just capture the Aether Foundation president and interrogate him?" Zinnia said bluntly.

Gary blinked. "Wha—Zinnia, that's not how things work out here."

"Why not? Isn't that the fastest way to get answers?"

Gary sighed and sat down. "It's more complicated than that. The Aether Foundation isn't controlled by one person. Their president has to answer to shareholders, investors, and other stakeholders. Even if we suspect someone, we can't just go around arresting them without evidence or a court order."

"That's stupid. Why do people outside make everything so difficult? Why can't they just act when they know something is wrong?" Zinnia snapped.

"I get it," Gary said. "You're used to acting on instinct. You come from a place where power and responsibility go hand in hand. But here, laws and politics complicate things."

Zinnia huffed but didn't argue further. She turned her face to the window and watched the coastal waves crashing against the cliffs.

Gary crossed his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling.

"Still," he added softly, "if you really have a better idea, I'll support it."

Zinnia didn't reply, but the look in her eyes said she wasn't about to give up just yet.