"So that ans Wallace is just like Mr. Steven, right?" Zinnia asked innocently, still under the impression that Wallace was as dependable as Steven.
Steven shook his head with a light smile. "We held the sa title, yes—but we're not the sa."
Gary, who knew both Steven and Wallace well, understood what Steven ant. While the two were good friends, they were very different in capability and personality.
Wallace was strong, sure—but not on the sa level as the other Champions. At best, he was stronger than Unova's Alder, who was aging and had lost his ace Pokémon during a mission. His remaining team was showing signs of decline.
Steven, on the other hand, was a powerhouse. He ranked third among the world's strongest Trainers—behind only Leon and Cynthia.
Wallace didn't even break into the top ten in the World Coronation Series rankings. His record spoke for itself—especially when disaster struck in Hoenn.
When Team Magma and Team Aqua unleashed the ancient Pokémon Groudon and Kyogre, Wallace was nowhere to be found. It was Lance from Kanto who stepped in to resolve the crisis.
Even when Rayquaza appeared to claim the Rainbow teorite, it was Steven who took action—not Wallace. For all intents and purposes, Wallace was a figurehead Champion with no real impact.
The only ti Wallace made public appearances was at Contest events. He was more of a Coordinator than a battle-hardened Champion. That made him seem... misplaced.
"Anyway, make sure you both get a good night's rest," Steven said. "We're heading out first thing in the morning."
Gary and Zinnia nodded and headed back to the dorms. With a new lead to pursue, Zinnia felt a little more at ease.
The next day, just after sunrise…
Steven brought Gary and Zinnia aboard a helicopter. Their destination: Sootopolis City.
By 10 a.m., they touched down at the island city. Wallace had received Steven's ssage the day before and was already waiting at the landing pad.
Wallace was exactly as Gary rembered—wearing a midriff-baring purple outfit that showcased his toned abs. He looked more like a Contest Star than a Champion.
Zinnia blinked in surprise and nudged Gary with her elbow. "Is that Wallace?"
"Yup," Gary replied. "He's a Coordinator, so his fashion sense leans more… extravagant. Don't judge a book by its cover."
Though Gary didn't hold Wallace in the highest regard, he acknowledged the man was still a Champion—and that ant his strength was at least on par with many Elite Four mbers.
Wallace gave them a puzzled look. "Steven, why did you bring two kids along?"
He had known Steven was coming to investigate the Aether Foundation's offshore energy platform, but he didn't expect two teenagers tagging along.
Steven introduced them formally. "This is Gary Oak, grandson of Professor Oak. And this is Zinnia, from the Draconid Tribe. She's also the victim in this case."
"The Draconid Tribe… it's real?" Wallace's eyes widened in genuine surprise as he turned to Zinnia and studied her with curiosity.
Zinnia shrank back slightly, uncomfortable under Wallace's intense stare. Despite his handso face, his flamboyant attire gave off eccentric vibes that made her uneasy.
Steven turned the focus back to business. "Wallace, did you secure the search warrant?"
"Yes," Wallace replied. "But Steven, are you sure there's sothing shady going on with the Aether Foundation? If we co up empty, I'll take the fall for this."
As Champion, Wallace had temporary authority to authorize searches—but misusing that power could cost him dearly. If no wrongdoing was uncovered, his reputation could take a hit.
If it wasn't Steven asking, Wallace wouldn't have agreed to this at all.
"Don't worry. I've already sent people to monitor the situation quietly," Steven said. "We'll move in once we confirm suspicious activity."
Wallace sighed. "I approved the warrant because I trust you. But seriously, when are you coming back to reclaim the Champion seat?"
"Soon," Steven replied with a slight chuckle. "Once Devon Corporation stabilizes a bit, you're free to resign. I promise I won't stop you."
Gary and Zinnia exchanged confused glances.
Wait—what?
Was Steven the reason Wallace was Champion?
Gary had always assud Steven stepped down and Wallace just happened to take over. But hearing this now, it was clear—Steven had asked Wallace to fill in temporarily.
It made sense. Wallace didn't seem all that interested in Champion duties. He cared more about Contest Halls and showmanship than actual crises.
It was almost like Steven was the true Champion working behind the scenes, while Wallace was just a placeholder—a puppet Champion.
Wallace seed to read the room. "Need my help for this mission?"
"It would be ideal," Steven said. "You specialize in Water-type Pokémon. We'll likely be investigating structures built at sea."
"Alright then. I'll co along," Wallace said casually, brushing a strand of teal hair behind his ear.
Steven nodded, satisfied.
Gary, anwhile, kept frowning. Sothing still felt off. Wallace was the current Champion. He should've been the one handling the Mossdeep crisis—not Steven.
And yet… Steven was leading the charge while Wallace followed orders. It really did feel like Wallace was just a puppet.
The group waited in the presidential suite of a high-end hotel while their lunch was served.
Just after 1 p.m., Kennedy—Steven's top aide—burst into the room.
Everyone turned to him expectantly.
"Sir, I've got new intel. That offshore structure is officially nad the Aether Marine Platform. Since its construction, civilian boats—including fishing vessels—have been prohibited from approaching. I had scouts observe the area from a distance. The platform is enormous—easily large enough to house a research facility."
Kennedy continued, "According to shipping logs, cargo ships depart Slateport City daily, delivering supplies to the platform. The volu of goods far exceeds what would be needed for a simple energy collection operation."
Everyone's expression turned grim.
This wasn't just a platform collecting geothermal energy. Sothing bigger—and secret—was happening there.
Wallace furrowed his brow. "That's strange. The Aether Foundation could easily build an energy lab on land. They still have plenty of resources and influence. Why go to the trouble of building a research facility at sea?"
Even if the company had declined sowhat in recent years, it still had the backing to get land-based approvals. And the League would've supported any legal research into energy advancent.
But disguising a research base as a marine energy platform? That could only an they were hiding sothing.
Steven's voice turned serious. "They bypassed the League's regulations. Setting up a classified lab like this violates energy safety protocols. They're clearly conducting experints they don't want the public—or the League—to know about."
The stolen teorite… the energy spikes… the secret lab…
This was no coincidence. Whatever the Aether Foundation was planning, it was way bigger than anyone thought.
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