Inside the Shadow Realm, Zayn, Eon, and Walt were observing the ongoing battle outside.
Walt had conjured a screen that allowed them to monitor the situation beyond their current dimension. The display showed the chaotic battlefield, from Xian and the others fighting against Alvion to the police clashing with members of Team Epitaph.
The situation was rapidly deteriorating.
"So things have already gotten this bad outside," Zayn remarked as he watched the screen.
"Of course. This is a battle for an artifact. They'll use whatever means necessary to get their hands on it," Eon replied casually, browsing through the list of items stored in his Inventory Box.
Meanwhile, Walt was busy recording the events in his notebook.
Zayn glanced between the two of them before suddenly realizing something important.
Wait a minute. We're inside the Shadow Realm.
His expression changed.
Doesn't that mean we might end up in a different time when we leave?
"Hold on! If we're here, isn't there a chance we'll emerge at a completely different point in time?"
Both Eon and Walt froze.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then, they finally realized the problem.
Shit! How could I forget about that? Walt thought, his expression turning grim.
If we end up in the future, that might not be too bad. But what if we travel too far ahead? Or worse, what if we end up in the past?
The possibilities were far from reassuring.
Meanwhile, Eon was already considering the best way to ensure their return at the correct moment.
He let out a long sigh, pressing a finger against his forehead as he organized his thoughts.
There's no way we'll emerge at our intended destination on the first attempt.
His gaze shifted toward Zayn.
Diego sent this kid to help us and even instructed us to keep him safe. He possesses Game Logic... I think I understand why he was brought here.
"Calm down. You have the ability to save the game, don't you?" Eon asked.
"I-I do," Zayn answered.
"Then if you don't emerge at the right time, you can simply reload and try again, right?"
Zayn stroked his chin, considering the suggestion.
"That's true. But if I use it, the other events will repeat as well."
"Perhaps you should save your progress after everything is over," Walt suggested.
"That might work, but there's still another problem," Zayn replied. "If we lose here, then there's no point in leaving this place at all. We might as well stay here or go somewhere far away."
"Honestly, the chances of us losing are practically nonexistent," Walt explained. "The real reason we're here with you is to protect that artifact in case someone manages to infiltrate this place."
"Wait. Someone can actually get in here?"
"Anyone who can access the Shadow Realm should theoretically be able to enter."
"I thought nobody could get in."
Before Walt could respond, Zayn's Gible Redux suddenly turned its head toward the darkness.
It had sensed something approaching.
"Gible?"
Zayn followed its gaze.
A muscular man was walking toward them, accompanied by a Mega Sableye. The man's broad shoulders and confident stride suggested that he had little concern for whatever might stand in his way.
Walt frowned.
"Who is that guy?" he asked Eon.
"I don't care. He's obviously our enemy."
The man stopped a short distance away and looked directly at them.
"Finally, I've found you. Hand over the painting."
"No," Eon answered immediately.
The man's expression hardened.
"In that case, I suppose I'll have to take it by force."
Eon and Walt simultaneously reached for their Poké Balls.
A flash of light illuminated the Shadow Realm as Rotom Wash and Corviknight appeared before them.
Both men prepared to issue their commands.
But something was wrong.
Their opponent wasn't attacking.
In fact, he seemed just as confused as they were.
Borg looked down at his own body, sensing something unusual.
"What's going on?"
He raised his hand.
"Sableye, use Shadow Ball on that kid!"
Nothing happened.
Mega Sableye remained motionless despite receiving its command. It seemed unable to initiate an attack, almost as though an invisible restriction had been placed upon it.
Borg narrowed his eyes.
What the hell?
Eon and Walt experienced the same problem. They attempted to command their Pokémon, but neither Rotom Wash nor Corviknight made a move.
Then Eon turned toward Zayn.
A realization suddenly struck him.
"...This is one of your abilities, isn't it?"
Zayn, however, was already focused on their opponent.
"Rotom, Hydro Pump!"
At that instant, Gible stepped forward.
The world around them shifted.
The darkness of the Shadow Realm transformed into a structured battlefield, and the ground beneath their feet became a designated combat platform.
A familiar interface appeared before Zayn.
[ GAME LOGIC ACTIVATED ]
[ BATTLE MODE: TURN-BASED ]
[ BATTLEFIELD: SHADOW REALM ]
[ COMBATANTS REGISTERED ]
Six combatants were identified on their side, while Borg and Mega Sableye were registered as the opposing team.
Above each Pokémon, an HP bar materialized, displaying its remaining health.
Borg's eyes widened slightly.
So this is what's happening.
He immediately began examining the strange battlefield.
Meanwhile, Zayn's Pokédex displayed Gible Redux's available moves.
GIBLE REDUX — MOVE SELECTION
«1. Shadow Sneak
2. Aqua Jet
3. Phantom Force
4. Double Team
5. Shadow Fang»
Beside the move list, another interface displayed the order of upcoming turns.
[ TURN ORDER ]
1. Walt — Corviknight
2. Eon — Rotom Wash
3. Borg — Mega Sableye
4. Zayn — Gible Redux
Zayn quickly scanned the interface.
His eyes stopped at the first entry.
"Walt, you're up first!"
"First?" Walt repeated, looking at the interface. "Wait, does that mean this is a turn-based battle?"
He glanced at Zayn, then at Eon and Borg.
None of them had managed to initiate an attack before the system established the turn order.
"...So it really is turn-based."
Walt immediately opened his Inventory Box and retrieved a card.
"Corviknight, use Brave Bird on Mega Sableye!"
Corviknight spread its wings, preparing to launch its attack.
At the same time, Walt tossed the card toward Zayn.
The card transformed into a shimmering protective barrier around the boy.
"Eh? Why isn't the attack happening yet?" Walt wondered.
Then, he suddenly understood.
Wait. In a turn-based game, everyone has to make their decisions before the actions are executed.
Which means we have to wait for the others to choose their moves, too.
Across the battlefield, Borg was attempting to understand the situation.
I'm trapped in a turn-based system. I can't attack freely anymore.
His gaze shifted toward the opposing team.
And if all six of them can target me, this could turn into a six-on-two battle.
He gritted his teeth.
This is troublesome.
Borg activated his telepathic abilities, attempting to read the thoughts of his opponents.
When he reached Zayn's mind, he caught a glimpse of the boy's intended move.
Phantom Force.
Borg's expression changed.
So that's what he's planning.
Meanwhile, Walt noticed that the interface had changed.
Corviknight's turn was ready to execute.
"Now!"
Corviknight shot into the air, its body surrounded by a fierce aura as it accelerated toward Mega Sableye.
BRAVE BIRD!
The impact was tremendous.
Corviknight slammed directly into Mega Sableye, sending the gemstone-covered Pokémon flying backward across the battlefield.
Mega Sableye's HP bar dropped sharply.
MEGA SABLEYE — HP: 58%
However, before Borg could react, Mega Sableye was suddenly returned to its designated position on the battlefield.
Walt blinked.
"...What?"
The system had automatically repositioned the Pokémon, preventing the knockback from disrupting the turn-based battle.
So even the battlefield itself follows the rules of the system, Walt realized.
Eon examined the interface.
His turn had arrived.
"Rotom, hold still."
He began chanting an incantation, surrounding Rotom Wash with magical energy.
The spell enhanced its offensive power, causing its body to glow with a faint aura.
"Now, use Hydro Pump!"
Rotom Wash's hoses shifted into position.
A powerful jet of water erupted from its body, rushing toward Mega Sableye with tremendous force.
HYDRO PUMP!
The water slammed into Mega Sableye, forcing it backward once more.
Its HP bar dropped even further.
MEGA SABLEYE — HP: 29%
Borg's expression grew increasingly serious.
Two attacks, and it's already in the red.
At this rate, one more hit could finish it.
Finally, Mega Sableye's turn arrived.
It immediately raised its hands, gathering dark energy between its palms.
"Shadow Ball! Aim for Zayn!"
A sphere of condensed darkness shot toward the boy.
However, the protective card Walt had thrown earlier activated at precisely the right moment.
A translucent barrier materialized around Zayn.
SHADOW BALL!
The attack collided with the barrier, producing a burst of dark energy.
The shield trembled but held firm.
[ PROTECTIVE EFFECT: ACTIVE ]
[ DAMAGE NEGATED ]
Zayn remained unharmed.
Meanwhile, Gible Redux had already disappeared into the deeper shadows beneath the battlefield.
Borg noticed its disappearance.
Damn it. Where did that little bastard go?
He glanced at Mega Sableye's HP bar.
It was now dangerously low.
"This is ridiculous," Borg muttered. "Six against two..."
He examined the situation.
One more attack, and Sableye might be finished.
He couldn't afford to let that happen.
Fortunately, he still had one trick up his sleeve.
Borg reached into his belongings and retrieved a camera.
The very same camera he had stolen from the confiscated-items storage room.
He gripped it tightly.
With this, I can remove their most troublesome pieces from the battlefield.
But the turn-based system presented another problem.
He had to decide which target to remove first.
I can't send the kid away. That would make getting the painting much more difficult.
His gaze shifted toward Eon and Walt.
Both men were already considering their next moves.
Those two, on the other hand...
Zayn noticed the camera in Borg's hand.
His eyes widened.
Wait. That camera...
It was identical to the one Darian had been carrying.
Before he could think any further, Zayn immediately called out to his Pokémon.
"Gible!"
Eon and Walt had also finalized their decisions.
But Borg acted first.
He raised the camera and aimed it directly at the two men.
CLICK!
A flash of light erupted from the lens.
Before either of them could react, Eon and Walt vanished from the battlefield.
Their figures had been absorbed into the photograph.
Zayn stared at the empty space where they had been standing.
"...Eh?"
His expression froze.
"Wait a minute! How did this happen?!"
He clenched his fists.
My plan was supposed to work perfectly!
Borg lowered the camera and looked at Zayn through its lens.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I can't believe we're meeting again."
Zayn's expression turned wary.
"I only caught a glimpse of you on the train earlier," Borg continued. "But it seems you've gotten yourself much more deeply involved in this mess than I expected."
Zayn didn't respond.
His attention was still fixed on the camera.
That thing... Just what kind of ability does it have?
---
At that moment, Gible Redux emerged from the shadows behind Mega Sableye.
It had been waiting for the perfect opportunity.
PHANTOM FORCE!
Gible struck Mega Sableye from behind, its attack emerging from the darkness with almost no warning.
The impact sent Mega Sableye staggering forward.
Its HP bar dropped even further.
MEGA SABLEYE — HP: 12%
However, Mega Sableye managed to recover quickly.
"Knock Off!" Borg commanded.
Mega Sableye swung its arm and struck Gible Redux with tremendous force.
KNOCK OFF!
The attack connected.
Despite Gible's attempt to defend itself, the difference in their strength was overwhelming.
Gible Redux was thrown backward.
Its HP bar plummeted.
GIBLE REDUX — HP: 8%
Zayn's expression changed.
One more hit, and Gible might be finished.
Borg noticed the opening.
"All right. This is our chance."
His gaze sharpened.
"Sableye, Shadow Sneak!"
Mega Sableye immediately sank into the darkness.
The Shadow Realm seemed to swallow its entire body, concealing its movements from view.
A moment later, it emerged from the shadows beside Gible Redux, its gemstone-covered claws glinting ominously.
SHADOW SNEAK!
Mega Sableye struck.
Gible Redux was unable to withstand the attack.
Its HP bar dropped to zero.
GIBLE REDUX — HP: 0%
[ GIBLE REDUX IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! ]
Zayn immediately recalled his Pokémon.
"Gible, return!"
A red beam pulled Gible Redux back into its Poké Ball.
Zayn stared at the Poké Ball for a brief moment before taking another one from his belt.
"Joltik, you're up!"
Joltik appeared in a flash of light.
"Thunderbolt!"
Joltik released a powerful electrical discharge, sending lightning crackling across the battlefield toward Mega Sableye.
However, Borg had already anticipated the attack.
Having caught a glimpse of the possible outcome through his precognitive abilities, he had issued his command in advance.
"Protect!"
Mega Sableye immediately formed a protective barrier.
THUNDERBOLT!
Joltik's lightning crashed against the shield, scattering sparks in every direction.
The attack failed to inflict any damage.
Before Joltik could recover, Borg issued another command.
"Shadow Claw!"
Mega Sableye rushed forward, its claws enveloped in dark energy.
SHADOW CLAW!
The attack struck Joltik directly.
Joltik's HP bar dropped to zero.
JOLTIK — HP: 0%
[ JOLTIK IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! ]
The battlefield fell silent.
[ BATTLE RESULT: DEFEAT ]
[ TRAINER ZAYN HAS BLACKED OUT! ]
---
When Zayn opened his eyes again, he found himself inside a Pokémon Center.
The familiar white ceiling stretched above him, and the sound of medical equipment filled the otherwise quiet room.
He slowly sat up.
Beside him were Gible Redux and Joltik.
Both Pokémon appeared to have recovered, although they seemed to be watching him with unusual expressions.
Zayn stared at them for a moment.
"...I lost, didn't I?"
His expression remained blank as he clenched his fist.
"I hate this."
He got out of bed and approached the window.
Beyond the glass, he could see the museum in the distance.
His eyes lingered on the building, and a faint trace of tears gathered in them.
"I failed..."
His voice was barely audible.
That man must have taken my Inventory Box. Then he probably used his ability to steal the painting and the Nexus Sapphire inside it.
And now Eon and Walt are trapped inside that photograph, too.
Zayn lowered his head.
"I'm pathetic, aren't I?"
He turned toward his Pokémon.
"Gible... Joltik..."
Gible Redux looked at him.
Then it began chattering energetically.
"Gible! Gible, Gible!"
Zayn somehow understood its meaning.
Yeah, you're pathetic. What can you even do?
"..."
For some reason, Zayn felt his entire body trembling.
Not from fear.
But from sheer irritation.
"YOU LITTLE—!"
Before he could finish, Joltik released a tiny burst of electricity.
ZZZT!
"GYAAAH!"
Zayn jolted as the electric shock coursed through him.
Joltik looked at him innocently.
Apparently, it had decided to join in on the teasing.
"YOU TOO?!"
Gible Redux continued chattering, seemingly delighted by the situation.
For a brief moment, Zayn forgot about his defeat entirely.
Then, he took a deep breath.
"...All right."
His expression gradually changed.
The sadness remained, but his eyes were beginning to regain their determination.
"Wait a minute. I'm on an important mission right now. Why am I sitting here feeling sorry for myself just because I lost?"
He clenched his fist.
"This isn't the time to be depressed. I need to get it back!"
His voice grew firmer with every word.
There's no time to train right now. I need to come up with another way to make this work.
If I can't defeat him myself, then perhaps I should entrust my items to Lord Eon or Walt.
He paused.
But if they're trapped inside that photograph, that won't work either.
Then, another thought occurred to him.
Wait a minute. I don't actually know whether they can escape from that dimension or not.
Zayn slowly turned toward the menu interface only he could see.
There's only one way to find out.
He opened the game's save menu.
A familiar interface appeared before his eyes.
==================================================
MAIN MENU
==================================================
[ ] POKÉDEX [ ] POKÉMON
[ ] BAG / ITEMS [ ] TRAINER CARD
[ ] DEXNAV [ ] MAP / TOWN MAP
[ ] SAVE GAME [ ] OPTIONS & SETTINGS
==================================================
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SAVE DATA │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ TRAINER : Zayn │
│ ID NO. : 39201 │
│ BADGES : ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ (0/8) │
│ │
│ POKÉDEX : 2 Caught / 15 Seen │
│ LOCATION : Ariestal City │
│ STORY : Ariestal City - "Play The Game" │
│ │
│ PLAY TIME : 37:50:00 │
│ MONEY : ₱ 65,500 │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [ Would you like to load the game? ] │
│ ▶ [ YES ] [ NO ] │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
> YES
[ LOADING GAME... ]