The next morning, Aiden set off early for Medali.
Located in western Paldea, Medali was a quaint, nostalgic town famed for its culinary excellence—so much so that it hosted the headquarters of countless food conglomerates.
But its true strategic value lay elsewhere:
As the region's lowest-elevation point and closest surface access to Area Zero, the League had built the original entry portal here during initial explorations.
Now known as the Zero Gate—currently sealed off.
From this spot, one could enter Area Zero's outskirts by riding a Flying-type Pokémon.
Unsurprisingly, Aiden suspected his trip to Medali—personally requested by President Geeta—ultimately tied to the mysteries of Area Zero.
Riding Miraidon (whose frame had grown noticeably sturdier), he spotted the town's silhouette in the distance.
Medali was small—lined with restaurants on every street—and the Gym stood out prominently.
But…
Aiden had no intention of visiting the Gym.
He'd arranged to meet Larry at Treasure Eatery—Medali's legendary eatery. Despite having no franchises, it dominated Paldea's "Best Restaurant" rankings, dwarfing even luxury dining chains.
Visiting Medali without Treasure Eatery? Unthinkable.
"Gaaao~"
Miraidon perked up, her metallic voice unusually cheerful as she caught the restaurant's aroma.
For her, Medali was paradise—a town so saturated with food it practically marinated in flavor.
Inside Treasure Eatery, Aiden scanned the room.
Just as he remembered: simple layout, yet packed even at breakfast. Chefs scrambled with woks, serving dishes.
(In-game, this place also changed Pokémon's Tera Types—Aiden had frequented it often.)
But its true hallmark?
The wooden battlefield in the center, fenced off like an arena.
Larry preferred accepting challenges here over his own Gym.
Aiden's gaze snapped to a corner booth.
There sat a hunched figure—the very picture of a ground-down corporate drone—so unobtrusive he blended into the walls.
Amidst the bustling crowd, the man silently nibbled a perfectly grilled onigiri. Without deliberate searching, you'd miss him entirely.
Despite wearing a sharp suit, his aura radiated utter exhaustion.
No introduction needed.
Paldea's designated workhorse—
the man juggling three full-time jobs—
Larry himself.
"Hey, Mr. Larry."
Aiden plopped down opposite him, waving casually.
"Mm."
Larry nodded but kept eating—until Aiden's stare lingered on his dark circles and thinning hair.
"You're not ordering?" Larry finally asked, puzzled. "Today's itinerary will drain your stamina."
"And… your buddy here seems to crave breakfast too."
Aiden turned—
—to find Miraidon seated in an absurdly dignified "squat," its lower half radiating aloofness.
Yet its head was tilted up, eyes locked onto Larry's onigiri with blatant hunger.
"…"
Aiden facepalmed.
Should he be glad, it wasn't Koraidon he found? As a future Paradox Pokémon, it probably lacks salivary glands… or it'd be drooling everywhere.
"No worries," Larry smiled, unusually energetic. "Treasure Eatery's very Pokémon-friendly. Most dishes suit their tastes."
"As host, eat your fill! Just breakfast—I can afford it."
"…Seriously?"
"Absolutely."
Larry nodded.
Now that he's sure… Aiden's eyes gleamed with mischief.
No need to hold back!
He whipped out several Poké Balls.
"Feast time, everyone!"
…
"Terribly sorry! We've run out of all the morning ingredients!"
An hour later, Larry stared at the mountain of empty plates—taller than a person—and his eye twitched violently.
What do I even say?
No wonder Aiden's team powered up so fast—their appetites matched their battle stats!
"Mmm~"
Especially that female Indeedee—did her stomach connect to a pocket dimension like Gengar's?
Seven-tenths of the mess was her doing—and she still looked hungry.
Had the head chef not apologized for ingredient shortages, she might've shattered Treasure Eatery's "consecutive meals" record!
"Thanks for your hard work, Chef…"
Larry reached for his wallet.
A normal salaryman would go bankrupt from this meal alone…
Thankfully, his Gym Leader/Elite Four gigs covered it.
"Bringing Aiden here was a mistake…"
After paying, Larry sighed.
The cost was trivial—but to host him, he'd taken a rare day off, breaking his perfect attendance streak.
But meaningless achievements matter less than the mission.
(Though technically, "taking leave" just meant different overtime.)
Will I even survive to 40?
…No. Given Geeta's trust (exploitation), she'd reject my resignation anyway.
His future suddenly seemed bleak.
"Our destination's nearby. Walk with me—good for digestion."
Larry stood and strode out without waiting.
Aiden recalled his Pokémon and followed.
After a silent minute, the exhausted man spoke:
"Aiden… how much do you know about Area Zero?"
"You've guessed why Geeta sent you to Medali… right?"
As a seasoned adult, Larry read Aiden's reaction instantly.
But he wanted to hear it aloud.
"Area Zero…" Aiden began. "A massive crater discovered when humans first settled Paldea. For 2,000 years, explorers ventured in."
"~200 years ago, Heath's expedition logged 'Area Zero Diaries'—and was laughed at for centuries."
"Soon after, the Terastal phenomenon was first observed there—cause still unknown."
"~15 years ago, Profs. Sada and Turo built research outposts, decoding Terastal mechanics."
"Then… the incident a year ago."
Larry's eyes widened.
How does a kid who's never entered Area Zero know all this?
Then he understood—and his expression softened with pity.
Of course…
Aiden's parents—Sunshine Gym's former Leaders, elite Trainers—were assigned as guards during Area Zero's staffing shortage. They vanished with the expedition.
That's why he researched it… and why Geeta wants him as a key asset for the next mission.
Larry sighed inwardly.
"As one of the incident's biggest victims… you deserve to know the details."
Aiden's focus sharpened.
Anything about his parents—however grim—was vital.
"Last May, Sada and Turo detected unique energy fluctuations in Area Zero's depths, plus a never-before-seen Terastal phenomenon."
"The League assembled its largest-ever investigation team to secure the researchers."
"But in Area Zero's depths… no one knows what happened. A hundred elites vanished. Four outposts went silent."
Larry paused.
"Why haven't we sent more teams? One look will explain it."
He stopped walking.
Unnoticed, they'd reached the sealed Zero Gate.
"No clearance needed… just to peek down."
Larry gestured to a nearby viewing platform.
"I guard Medali partly to monitor Area Zero."
Aiden said nothing—just stepped to the platform.
Through specialized optics piercing Area Zero's mist, his eyes widened.
He'd expected some Paradox Pokémon… maybe stray regulars.
But in the observable outer zone…
Not a single Pokémon.
Area Zero was eerily silent—a tomb.
"Strange, isn't it?"
Larry's voice pulled Aiden from his search.
"The League's 'forbidden zone'… just a boring void."
"But you'll soon understand why."
Larry adjusted the scope, pointing to a shadowy cave.
"By now… they should appear."
?
As Aiden prepared to ask what riddle this was—
—familiar shapes burst from the cave.
His brow furrowed.
A mixed group of Paradox Pokémon: Great Tusk and Iron Treads which he had seen with his own eyes before. Roaring Moon and Iron Valiant that he learnt about through various notes and sources, and Scream Tail, Iron Moth, and Iron Thorns that only existed in his memory.
Creatures that shouldn't coexist. Ancient and Future forms were natural enemies—ruthless even to their own kind.
How are they together?!
Before Aiden could ponder—
—a regal dragon's roar split the air.
And with it…
A gigantic meteor streaked toward the Paradox group, friction igniting its surface into a fireball.
Aiden looked up.
Soaring through the mist: Jet-black scales etched with gold runes, crimson eyes piercing the void
The roar's source—undeniably—
BLACK RAYQUAZA!!!
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)