After the competition ended, Ethan didn't stay long in Imperial City and returned directly to Ironvale City.
"Was it just my imagination?"
"The whole way back... not a single ambush."
Walking through the streets of Ironvale City, Ethan frowned doubtfully.
He had thought that the owner of that dark energy Absol had sensed would make a move during his return to Ironvale City. He had even mentally prepared himself for it.
But, to his surprise, absolutely nothing happened. That made Ethan start doubting his own judgment.
"Maybe it was just a chance encounter. Maybe that guy wasn't even after me. Of course... it's also possible that the League already arrested them."
Thinking this silently, Ethan exhaled in relief and let a faint smile appear.
"In any case, I should head to the Sky Secret Kingdom first."
Then, Ethan went to the guild branch in Ironvale City, from where he mounted his Pidgeot and flew toward the Sky Secret Kingdom.
While traveling on Pidgeot, he also released Vibrava to continue its training in sensing air currents.
During the tournament, Vibrava had appeared several times, showing excellent performance. In particular, its feather-light evasion move had surprised everyone. That technique relied not only on its Levitate ability, but also on its perception of airflow. That was why Ethan was focusing on that training now.
"Ethan, you were a big help once again."
Upon returning to the headquarters of the Pokémon Researchers Guild, President Beckett greeted him with a smile.
"Huh? There really were Dark League members in Imperial City?"
Upon hearing this, Ethan reacted and asked immediately.
"That's right. After receiving your warning, the League conducted a thorough search throughout the city. Unfortunately, we only captured a novice who had passed the Dark League's preliminary test. We failed to capture Adrian Walsh, a high-ranking member of the Dark League."
President Beckett nodded with a serious expression, also showing some disappointment. According to their information, Adrian was the general supervisor of the Dark League in the territory of the Daleron League. He was a truly valuable target.
Moreover, based on certain clues, it was clear that the Dark League had been expanding very quickly within the Daleron League's territory. That worried the upper ranks.
The Dark League members were a group of lunatics—lunatics who controlled terrifying power. Everything indicated they were planning something.
"You couldn't capture Adrian Walsh after all?"
Ethan nodded slightly. He knew very well how strong Adrian was; moreover, as a trainer specialized in Psychic-type Pokémon, he had far too many ways to escape. Catching him was extremely difficult.
"But even a low-level lackey will be very helpful for studying the Dark Force."
"At this moment, that subordinate is imprisoned here at guild headquarters. The League wants us to deepen our research on the Dark Force."
President Beckett wetted his lips, clearly enthusiastic. He evidently held tremendous interest in that kind of energy.
"Investigating the Dark Force..."
Hearing that, Ethan's eyes sparkled.
He immediately released Absol.
If research on the Dark Force could make progress, it might become an opportunity for Absol—who could absorb that power—to become even stronger.
Additionally, there was still dark energy inside Absol's body. To eliminate it completely, it would likely be necessary for President Beckett and the researchers to delve much deeper into this field.
"Ethan, in the upcoming research, we may need to rely on your Absol's power."
Seeing it appear, President Beckett spoke very seriously. Investigating the Dark Force involved the security of the entire League, so he couldn't take it lightly.
"I understand. In fact, I wanted to ask for your help in removing the dark energy inside Absol. So I leave it in your hands."
Ethan nodded. In this situation, allowing Absol to cooperate with the research was the best decision.
That way, it would help the guild study the Dark Force and, at the same time, resolve the danger inside Absol.
In the end, President Beckett agreed to handle Absol's training and to search for a method enabling it to absorb the Dark Force perfectly. Of course, the main purpose was to find a way to counter that type of energy.
If Absol could absorb dark energy without consequences and strengthen its power, its strength could reach a terrifying level, given how abundant that energy was.
After talking, Ethan asked Absol for its opinion. After all, its decision was the most important; if it didn't want to participate in the research, he would never force it.
But as expected, Absol—with its strong sense of justice—accepted without hesitation. After understanding the dangers of the Dark Force, it decided to devote itself fully to the fight against it.
"Cooperate well with President Beckett. I'll come visit you often."
After receiving Absol's affirmative response, Ethan stroked its soft fur with a hint of reluctance.
He had been traveling with it for a long time, used to riding on its back at high speed and relying on its sense for danger and its ability to find Secret Kingdom entrances. Naturally, Ethan felt a bit unwilling to part.
However, remembering the hidden danger inside Absol's body and the opportunity to grow stronger thanks to dark energy, Ethan clenched his teeth and decided to leave it in President Beckett's care.
Of course, it was only temporary lodging for study and treatment, not a permanent farewell. If he wished, he could come back to pick Absol up at any time. With that thought, Ethan felt more at ease.
It was easy to imagine that once the research on the Dark Force was completed, Ethan's Absol would be completely transformed, reaching a new level of power. Ethan eagerly awaited that moment.
(End of chapter)