Pokemon: Gym Leader

Our esteemed Plasma Team founder, Sage Ghetsis, spat blood and fainted.

Witnessing this, Dylan sighed at the treacherousness of the world, hoping Giratina would take Ghetsis away. Hmm, but it seemed Giratina didn't handle such matters.

Zekrom fled, Ghetsis fainted, Colress defected, and the Plasma Team's elites were all frozen. Thus, the Plasma Team's operation to surround and eliminate Dylan ended rather anticlimactically.

Even Lillie was left somewhat bewildered. Such a grand spectacle, and it was over just like that?

Meanwhile, N abandoned all futile resistance. Although his Pokémon were still battle-ready, facing both Dylan and Colress was pointless.

"Indeed, Colress, I should never have let you come along in the first place."

N pressed his lips together, his previously dull eyes now sharp, staring intently at Colress.

He had always thought Colress was too enigmatic and unpredictable—a ticking time bomb.

But since Colress had contributed significantly to the Plasma Team, and Ghetsis valued him highly, N had tolerated his presence. Yet, precisely because of this, Colress's betrayal today was utterly devastating.

"No, I should be thanking you, N. While you've certainly been helpful to me, we were merely using each other."

Colress replied calmly.

"You needed my research results, and I needed the safe research environment you provided. That's all there is to it."

"Besides, with someone like Ghetsis in charge, the Plasma Team was bound to collapse sooner or later. I've had enough of living in hiding. Finding a better place to work is only logical, don't you think?"

Colress spoke with a calm and logical tone, feeling his reasoning was flawless.

He owed the Plasma Team nothing and genuinely believed the team had no future.

"…" N's eyes returned to their usual lifeless state. With things laid out so plainly, there was nothing more to say.

"Honorable Dylan, this is our second meeting, isn't it? A pleasure."

Colress stepped in front of Dylan, offering a slight bow with a faint smile.

"It is indeed our second meeting, but you've truly impressed me, Dr. Colress. That blow of yours even knocked Ghetsis unconscious."

Dylan observed Colress with interest.

Colress, known for his research into maximizing Pokémon power without reservation and his experiments with banned weapons to modify Pokémon, had earned the title of "Dark Scientist."

In Black and White 2, Colress was even the leader of the Plasma Team—a true scientific genius.

What's more astonishing is that Colress wasn't just exceptional in research; his skills as a Trainer were at the Champion level!

A true prodigy, though labeling him as a "villain" would be simplistic.

As depicted in the Pokémon Adventures manga, Black described Colress as "not an evil person, just someone too pure and innocent."

In the games, after being defeated by the protagonist, Colress realized the importance of bonds between Pokémon and Trainers, decided to disband the Plasma Team, and shifted the focus of his research.

"Ghetsis, a foolish and arrogant man, was destined for such an end."

Colress offered his unreserved assessment of Ghetsis. In Colress's view, Ghetsis's arrogance would inevitably lead him to ruin—if not today, then in the future.

"In comparison to Ghetsis, I believe Dylan, your future is bound to be brilliant."

Colress glanced at Reshiram and Kyurem behind Dylan.

"Ha, receiving such high praise from Dr. Colress is truly delightful."

"Anyone with eyes can see that," Colress quipped with a dry joke.

"Consider this a gift for our meeting." Colress took out an Ultra Ball and handed it to Dylan.

"What's this?" Dylan asked curiously as he accepted the ball.

"Genesect, revived from fossils by the Plasma Team. A hunter from 300 million years ago, which I revived and modified. It's my proudest creation."

Colress wore a faintly proud expression.

"You mean the three Pokémon you just used?"

"Precisely. But the one I'm giving you is special. Not merely shiny—it's… more like the king of its species. Its power far surpasses that of ordinary Genesect, but I trust you, Dylan, can handle it."

"A shiny Genesect, huh?"

Dylan's eyes gleamed, recalling the Genesect from the movie, which could even rival Mewtwo Y in battle.

"This gift seems far too valuable, Dr. Colress. What's your angle?"

Dylan eyed Colress skeptically. Giving away a shiny Genesect? Who would believe Colress had no ulterior motives?

"Well, everyone knows Silph Co. is one of the world's most prominent corporations. As the heir to Silph Co., your family's wealth is beyond question. If you could provide me with a research lab, I would be more than happy to work exclusively for you."

Colress smiled.

"And don't worry about the League pursuing me. Having captured Ghetsis, my defection alone should be enough to clear my record. Surely, Dylan, you wouldn't mind?"

N: "…"

This guy… he's planning to join my brother?

Lillie tilted her head, wrinkling her delicate nose slightly. Truthfully, she didn't trust Colress much.

Smart people like him often had too many schemes.

"Ha, working exclusively for me, huh?"

Dylan raised an eyebrow. Colress's choice of words was deliberate, signaling that he only wished to follow Dylan—not anyone else.

Well, it made sense. Given Colress's pride, even Silph Co. was merely "rich" in his eyes.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind. A genius like Dr. Colress willing to work for me is a rare opportunity."

Without hesitation, Dylan extended his hand, smiling.

The decision was easy. Colress was an unparalleled talent—a top-tier scientist and a capable fighter.

For just some funding, securing the loyalty of a Champion-level researcher was a bargain.

"It's an honor to serve you, Dylan."

Colress shook Dylan's hand, naturally switching to a more respectful tone.

Excellent. Today was truly a good day. He had secured a powerful backer.

No longer would he lack research funding or a legitimate status. The future looked bright!

"Dylan, I still have four more Genesect. Do you want them?" Colress produced four more Ultra Balls. Since he now worked for Dylan, there was no need to hold back.

N: "…"

N stared at Colress. Defecting to his rival right in front of him was bad enough.

But he had secretly revived five Genesect and only reported two to the organization? Truly infuriating!

"You're not keeping any for yourself?" Dylan glanced at Colress.

"I'm a scientist," Colress replied, pushing up his glasses with a serious expression.

"Scientists also need protection."

Dylan thought for a moment, then took three Ultra Balls, leaving one Genesect for Colress. After all, it originally belonged to him.

"Fair enough." Colress took back the final Genesect.

Before long, Alder arrived with Chief Bertha and a group of officers.

"Dylan, are you all okay?"

Alder approached and froze when he saw Colress. Wasn't this a Plasma Team member?

"We're fine. With Dr. Colress's help, we managed to capture N and Ghetsis."

Dylan shook his head.

"It's been hard on all of you." Alder looked at N and the unconscious Ghetsis with a flash of joy on his face.

This guy is none other than the leader of Team Plasma—N!

"Champion Alder, you're too kind. This is just part of what it means to be a member of the League."

"Hahaha~ That may be so, but it's still different." Alder laughed heartily, patting Dylan on the shoulder.

"This time, Dylan, you've done something incredible. We can't even begin to thank you enough."

"Don't celebrate too soon, Champion Alder," Dylan shook his head.

"Although we did capture N, the black dragon, Zekrom, managed to flee at the very first moment. You'll need to stay on guard."

"You mean Zekrom might come to rescue N?"

Alder's eyelid twitched. That did seem like a possibility.

"Not just a possibility—it's a certainty. The black dragon is far too cunning; it escaped incredibly fast," Dylan pondered for a moment.

"However, Champion Alder, you could have a good talk with N. To be honest, N isn't truly an evil person."

"You could have daily heart-to-heart conversations with N, keep him and Ghetsis locked up together, and use some... special methods to break Ghetsis's mindset. Trust me, it'll work wonders."

Dylan suggested to Alder. Ghetsis, with his arrogant and overconfident personality, was also notoriously small-minded.

If Ghetsis were made to endure some hardships behind bars and face a bit of mental torment, he would definitely crack under pressure. Once his composure broke, he'd undoubtedly vent his frustrations on N. This would make N utterly disappointed in him, allowing N to see the harsh truths of the world more clearly and come to a realization.

"I understand," Alder nodded thoughtfully.

"I'll have N's background sent to you, Champion Alder. Once you've reviewed it, you'll know how to handle him."

"Alright! Thank you so much, Dylan."

"You're too kind, Champion Alder."

"Not at all! Dylan, you've been such a huge help this time. Speaking of which, are you sure you don't want a girlfriend? Drasna has a fantastic figure—she even wears black stockings. Or what about Orchid? She's such a sweet girl, and you two already know each other."

"Champion Alder, Lillie and I have a flight to catch, so we'll take our leave now."

Dylan chuckled as he responded, then left with Lillie.

As for Colress, since he was once a wanted criminal in Unova, even though his massive contributions this time were enough to offset his crimes, some formalities still needed to be processed on the League's side.

Once Colress's name was fully cleared, Dylan asked him to come to Rota Street to find him.

Afterward, Dylan and Lillie rode the white dragon toward Mistralton City.

"Hahaha~ Dylan, you've really made me proud this time. Even Unova is reaching out to me. As expected of you~!"

"By the way, when will you arrive in Kanto? I'll personally book a table for you. Lance just happens to be here too. I've already told him about how you captured Reshiram."

"Lance is thrilled for you and wants to have a match with you. What do you think?"

Dylan read President Charles Goodshow's message and couldn't help but fall into thought.

Lance wants to challenge me? Hmm…

If I battle Lance, should I use my dragon team or my Ice Ninetales team?

(End of chapter)

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