Meeting with Angela

"Shadow Pokémon? I thought they were only found in the Galar region," Axel asked curiously.

"You're partially correct. The League swiftly took action and dismantled the organization in Galar. Some remnants managed to survive and fled to the remote Orre region," Angela explained.

"Why doesn't the League go to Orre and capture them?" Axel inquired.

"The League is indeed powerful, but they don't have complete control over all the trivial regions in the world. Orre is a peculiar case. Cipher, the organization in question, has established formidable defenses, making it difficult for the League to infiltrate," Angela clarified.

"Do you know the name of this organization?" Axel pressed.

"They call themselves Cipher," Angela revealed.

"Ah, I see. So, the League wanted to protect me. They didn't want Cipher to target me and prevent the spread of the solution," Axel concluded.

"On the contrary, you're mistaken. Cipher actually wants your solution," Angela corrected him.

"Why would they want it?" Axel asked, puzzled.

"Currently, Cipher only sees your solution as a rumor. They are unaware of its true capabilities. However, it's only a matter of time before they discover the truth. Your solution not only cures Shadow Pokémon but also enhances their power upon recovery.

Our sources indicate that Cipher desires your solution to make their Pokémon more powerful and turn them into Shadow Pokémon again, repeating the process," Angela explained.

"That's incredibly cruel," Axel remarked, aghast.

"Indeed, they are a criminal organization for a reason. I want to make you aware of your future adversaries. Since your name and Mark's name are mentioned in the research papers, the Venu family may also be dragged into this. That's why I urge you to train harder. The Venu family won't hold back in training you either.

You may not know much about Cipher, but I do, and let me tell you, at your current level, you would be no match for them. They are immensely powerful, which is why the League couldn't completely eliminate them. They will come for you in due time," Angela warned, her speech resolute as always.

Axel now realized the magnitude of the mess he had unwittingly created. He had only known about the evil organization in the Pokémon Colosseum game, unaware that they still existed. The existence of the Orre region was also news to him, discovering that the side games of Pokémon had manifested in reality.

"Don't worry, though. I don't just bring problems; I also bring solutions," Angela reassured him, offering a smile.

"There's a trivial region that can help you increase your power: Aeos Island. For a long time, it remained undiscovered until recently. There was a dispute between the Kanto and Kalos regions over who would claim the island. After much deliberation, an agreement was reached. Kalos would utilize the island for five years, followed by Kanto for the next five years, and so on. Kalos had the first opportunity, and their time is now coming to an end.

They attempted to conceal information about the island, but we managed to uncover some details. It is rumored that the island possesses the ability to produce a unique type of armor for Pokémon. This concept is entirely new, and now the Kanto team is preparing to explore it," Angela elaborated.

"Can I go too?" Axel inquired eagerly.

"No, you must have at least six King-ranked Pokémon in your team to be eligible. The place is extremely dangerous. As a member of the Venu family, one of the starter families, we have the right to send some individuals to the region.

I have already selected the members to be sent. However, if you can assemble a team of six King-ranked Pokémon within the next five years, I will consider sending you as well," Angela replied.

Axel realized that his knowledge of Pokémon subgames was lacking. Perhaps this island was part of one of those games. Regardless, the concept of Pokémon armor was entirely new to him. However, obtaining six King-ranked Pokémon would undoubtedly require a considerable amount of time.

The meeting continued for another hour, covering various topics. Axel discovered that the Venu family had expanded significantly. With the aid of a new gym, the family's reputation had been restored, and people were starting to view them in a new light. Even outsiders had joined the Venu family, although Angela had implemented numerous rules and regulations to restrict their influx.

Currently, there were approximately 5,000 outsiders, which may seem like a substantial number, but it paled in comparison to other starter families. The Venu family prioritized quality over quantity, meticulously scrutinizing and analyzing potential candidates before admitting them. Unlike other starter families, the Venu family provided more resources and training opportunities to outsiders, making them more inclined to join. This had significantly bolstered the family's reputation.

Another intriguing topic discussed during the meeting was the Venu family forest, Deorclacu Holt.

"We have finally decided to venture beyond the purple tree and the crack of the forest. The resources within the forest are dwindling. Although our influence in the world has grown, and we have managed to amass many resources, if we wish to remain at the top of the food chain, we must explore beyond the crack," Angela declared.

"But won't that be dangerous? We've lost capable men in the past," Mark voiced his concern.

"Previously, we didn't have a champion-ranked Pokémon among us. But now, with me and my Venusaur, I believe that having a champion-ranked Pokémon on our side will enable us to explore the forest beyond the crack," Angela asserted confidently.

The Venu family forest was the largest forest in the Kanto region, with a massive purple tree serving as its focal point. A deep crack split the forest in two, stretching from one end to the other. Nobody had ever managed to traverse that crack and return alive.

Angela now planned to venture into the uncharted territory beyond the crack.