Lucien gently patted Dragonite's head, then couldn't help but let out another quiet sigh.
Those Pokémon who had lost their Trainers would undoubtedly suffer deep psychological trauma.
If nothing changed, many of them would likely never seek out another Trainer for the rest of their lives.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the chamber.
"Your Majesty Lucien," a guard reported respectfully, "Scholar Derrick requests an audience."
"Derrick?" Lucien paused for a moment, then recalled the matter.
He had once provided funding to a man deeply interested in Pokémon ecology, someone who had taken the initiative to study Pokémon and, with Lucien's support, established a Research Institute dedicated to gathering and analyzing Pokémon-related data.
That person was indeed Derrick.
"Let him in," Lucien said.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The guard went to announce him. Shortly afterward, Derrick entered under escort.
The moment he saw Lucien, excitement lit up his face.
"Your Majesty!" Derrick said eagerly. "I have not failed your trust! Following your instructions, I have organized the information on numerous Pokémon into a Pokédex!"
Though he was reporting formally, his eyes couldn't help drifting toward Dragonite, Serperior, and Volcarona beside Lucien, and then, lingering for just a moment longer, on the Divine Dragon Kyurem.
"Oh?" Lucien's interest was immediately piqued. "Let me see."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Derrick stepped forward and presented the Pokédex with both hands.
Lucien took it and opened it.
The first entry was the Grass-type starter of Unova, Snivy.
The information inside was remarkably detailed. Not only was there a clear illustration, but also its type, Ability, evolutionary line, learnable moves, and notes on its natural ecology.
He flipped through the pages.
Tepig. Oshawott, Patrat, Lillipup.
Most were common Pokémon frequently seen around Lucien City, but there were also rarer species that were difficult to encounter nearby.
Munna, Sandile, Cofagrigus.
What truly caught Lucien's attention, however, was something else entirely.
The structure, order, and level of detail within the Pokédex were almost indistinguishable from the one he remembered.
Was this the self-correction of history?
"You researched all of this yourself?" Lucien asked.
"No," Derrick replied quickly, shaking his head. "This wasn't my effort alone."
"Following Your Majesty's guidance, I established cooperative agreements with traveling Trainers."
"Any new Pokémon they capture can be kept at the Research Institute free of charge. In exchange, I'm able to study their ecological data."
"And when Trainers encounter unfamiliar wild Pokémon, they actively help capture them so I can record the species and improve the Pokédex."
"I see." Lucien nodded slightly.
'This is exactly how Professor Oak and others refined the Pokédex in later generations.'
He looked up at Derrick with a faint smile.
"You've done excellent work. Thank you for your efforts."
"Once you complete this Pokédex," Lucien continued, "I will grant you one wish, within the limits of my ability."
"What?!"
Derrick's eyes widened instantly, his heart pounding.
A wish… from His Majesty?
Seeing his reaction, Lucien smiled gently.
"There's no need to be nervous. Completing the Pokédex is an immensely important undertaking for the Trainers of the Unova Kingdom. Its value is immeasurable, and as the one perfecting it, you deserve such a reward."
Derrick opened his mouth, then straightened and nodded firmly.
"Yes, Your Majesty! I will not fail your expectations!"
A wish…
To be honest, Derrick didn't feel he lacked anything.
He had married his beloved fiancée, established his career in Lucien City, lived comfortably without financial worries, enjoyed good health, and had a harmonious family.
And once the Pokédex was completed, his name would be remembered alongside it for generations.
By all accounts, he had no regrets in life.
Or rather, almost none.
Derrick couldn't help stealing a glance at the Divine Dragon Kyurem beside Lucien.
If he could one day obtain His Majesty's permission to properly observe the ecology of the Divine Dragon and include it in the Pokédex…
Then he truly would have no regrets at all.
To realize that wish, he would definitely give it his all.
"Go on, Derrick," Lucien said gently. "Keep up the good work."
Derrick nodded vigorously, excitement written all over his face.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
After Derrick left, Lucien closed his eyes and quietly sorted through the many matters awaiting him.
At present, the development of the Unova Kingdom had entered a stable phase.
Nobles and merchants from across the land had already witnessed the enormous profits factories could generate. One after another, they joined in, constructing factories, recruiting workers, and expanding production in various regions.
Railway workers were busy laying tracks that connected the major cities of Unova.
And not long ago, the steam-powered ocean liners had officially begun their voyages.
The next step would be to allow all of this development to fully settle, after which new technologies could be unlocked.
But before that, there was still one extremely important matter awaiting Lucien's attention.
It was now October of the 151st year of the Kingdom Calendar.
Next month, the first Pokémon League Tournament in the history of the Unova Kingdom would officially begin.
By then, Trainers who had spent an entire year traveling would gather in Lucien City for the final competition.
Thousands of youths had chosen the path of becoming Trainers.
But among those thousands… how many would truly make it to the end?
According to reports from the intelligence network, very few Trainers were able to pass the Gym Challenges smoothly. Many were discouraged early on, giving up after their first setbacks.
They abandoned the dream of becoming Trainers and instead chose to settle down in towns, living quietly alongside their Pokémon.
"Phew…" Lucien exhaled softly. "I just hope the numbers aren't too low."
The 151st year of the Kingdom Calendar was drawing to a close.
Trainers who had been traveling for a year quickened their pace, racing to collect the remaining Gym Badges.
Young boys and girls who had endured trials of blood and fire had already undergone tremendous transformations. Compared to a few months ago, they were almost unrecognizable.
Several Trainers who had already collected all eight Gym Badges lifted their gazes toward the distant horizon.
There, lay the end of their journey.
And the stage for the final, grand ceremony.
Lucien City.
At the entrance to the city, a girl wearing a hat stood still.
She looked up at the towering city walls, gazing at a place that felt both familiar and strangely new. A smile curved her lips, one that carried a trace of maturity beneath her youthful features.
"Heehee… Teacher," she murmured softly. "I am back."
"This time, I'm definitely going to give you a surprise."
Anna turned to look at the Zoroark beside her, her eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
"Zoroark, let's take the Champion title of this tournament!"