"Director Zhang," Adrian began, his voice low and laced with caution. "I imagine that before you came here, your superiors—or perhaps people even higher up the chain—gave you specific orders. You were told to bring me back at all costs, correct?"
There was a hint of a test in his tone, though Adrian already knew the answer. It was the only logical move.
Hearing this, Director Zhang's expression hardened, becoming even more solemn. He scanned the room, ensuring that the initial wave of agents and police had cleared out, leaving them momentarily alone.
He gave a curt, almost imperceptible nod.
"That is the reality of the situation," Zhang admitted, his voice dropping to a rumble. "Although I would have preferred a different approach, we had no other choice."
Director Zhang's primary concern wasn't just public unrest; it was the man sitting across from him. If Adrian Yates truly was connected to the Pokémon—if he controlled them—forcing his hand could be disastrous. If they cornered him and he summoned a "Legendary Pokémon" in self-defense, the resulting destruction could level the city.
Adrian nodded, his heart growing heavier. Ironically, at this point, he actually hoped he had some connection to all of this. If he was just a normal businessman and the world was ending, he was helpless. If he was the cause, he had leverage.
He knew that one wrong word now could trigger a catastrophe.
"Let's go," Adrian said.
The two walked out of the office building, flanked by a tight formation of Security Personnel. The agents moved with hurried, steady precision, their eyes scanning every corner. Director Zhang walked slightly ahead, occasionally glancing back at Adrian as if to ensure he hadn't vanished into thin air.
Outside, the wind was picking up, carrying the distant sound of sirens. Zhang motioned for Adrian to enter a sleek, armored black sedan.
Thud.
The heavy door sealed shut, instantly cutting off the clamor of the outside world. The interior was dead silent, smelling of leather and sanitized air.
As the convoy began to move, the vibration of the engine humming beneath them, Director Zhang spoke again.
"Mr. Yates," Zhang said, his tone carrying a new gravity now that they were in private. "Regarding this crisis... just how much do you actually know? I can guarantee there are no listening devices in this vehicle. You can speak freely."
"I really don't know anything about the how or why," Adrian replied, meeting Zhang's gaze in the rearview mirror. "I always thought they were just creatures from a virtual world I designed. I never expected them to breathe."
Adrian paused, shifting tactics. He needed intel. "However, I have a question for you. How many people have actually witnessed a Pokémon so far?"
Director Zhang frowned slightly, analyzing the intent behind the question. He tapped his fingers on his knee, silent for a long moment, before deciding to share the information.
"According to our current intelligence, the number of confirmed direct witnesses isn't incredibly high yet. We are still tallying the specific figures," Zhang said slowly. "However, the digital containment has failed. A massive number of people have learned about the existence of Pokémon through the internet. The videos are everywhere. It's becoming impossible to control."
Adrian nodded, a flicker of calculation passing through his eyes. He took a deep breath, organizing his next move. It was time to make himself indispensable.
"Director Zhang, what I am about to say might sound insane, even given the current circumstances," Adrian said, leaning forward slightly. "Since you came for me, your analysts must have scrubbed through the Pokémon games and anime. You've likely been briefed on the 'Legendary Pokémon'—the gods of that world."
Adrian lowered his voice. "Now that Pokémon have descended into our reality... have you considered the possibility that the strongest among them, the Creator God, Arceus, is also real?"
Director Zhang's face went rigid. The atmosphere in the car seemed to drop a few degrees. He turned his body to face Adrian fully.
"You mean to say..." Zhang hesitated. "You believe the descent of these creatures is the work of... that 'Creator God' from your stories?"
Adrian didn't answer directly. "Pokémon aren't just simple animals. Their existence is part of a complex, hierarchical system. Right now, we don't know the source of the breach. We don't have the ability to resist. We can only prepare, adapt, and strive for survival."
Zhang's brow furrowed tightly. The implication was terrifying. Dealing with a fire-breathing lizard was one thing; dealing with a literal deity was another.
"Mr. Yates," Zhang said, his voice deep and raspy. "Are you suggesting we need to prepare for a total restructuring of the world order?"
"Yes," Adrian replied without hesitation. "The power of Pokémon is far beyond conventional weaponry. If they appear on a large scale, the existing social order will be shattered. Laws, borders, military strength—it all changes. You need to plan ahead. You need strategies."
Director Zhang sat in silence, watching the city blur past the tinted windows. Finally, he nodded.
"I understand. I will report your assessment to my superiors immediately." He paused, looking back at Adrian. "However, before that, I need you to continue assisting us. We need detailed information. All of it."
Subconsciously, Zhang was starting to believe that while Adrian might not be the culprit, he was certainly the prophet.
Adrian nodded solemnly. "I will tell you everything I know. But be warned: there will likely be discrepancies between the data in the digital world and the biological reality of the Pokémon now that they are here. A game stat is one thing; a living organism is another."
"But," Adrian added, softening his tone, "the sudden descent of Pokémon doesn't have to be an apocalypse. As long as humanity doesn't panic and destroy itself, this could be an opportunity. If we can guide them, tame them... they could bring unprecedented progress to our civilization."
A complex look flashed in Director Zhang's eyes. "I understand your perspective. But we must act with extreme caution. My duty is to ensure national security, to ensure no factor poses a threat to the state."
"Understood," Adrian said, leaning back into the seat.
The car fell into silence again, the only sound the rhythmic thrum of tires on asphalt.
After a few minutes, Zhang broke the silence. "Mr. Yates, regarding the database... is there anything else you can provide immediately?"
Adrian pretended to ponder for a moment. "My published manga has reached the Seventh Generation of Pokémon. However, the public Pokédex database I released only contains detailed biology up to the Fifth Generation."
He looked Zhang in the eye. "I can complete the Pokédex for you. I have the data drafted all the way up to the Tenth Generation, including the ecology and weaknesses of every Legendary Pokémon."
Director Zhang's eyes widened slightly. This was the intelligence they needed.
"I will arrange for a specialized Research Group to be established immediately," Zhang said decisively. "Mr. Yates, I would like you to serve as the lead Consultant for this group. You will guide our research."
"I will do my best to assist," Adrian agreed without hesitation.
Internally, Adrian let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Step one complete. He had secured a position of value. As long as he didn't screw up the upcoming meeting with the higher-ups, he was safe.
Director Zhang showed a rare, faint smile. "Very good. Mr. Yates, your contribution will be remembered. The future of our country... it might just be in your hands."
Adrian shook his head slightly, adopting a humble, patriotic tone. "I'm only doing what I should. The appearance of Pokémon is a challenge for all of humanity. We need to stand united."
"You're right," Zhang nodded, approving of the young man's attitude. "The road ahead will be difficult, but as long as we work together, we can overcome it."
Adrian said nothing more. He turned to look out the window at the passing city, his reflection ghosting against the glass.
His mind was already racing, calculating the script for the meeting ahead. He had to be perfect. He had to be the expert they couldn't live without