This also counts?

Reid had somewhat anticipated this outcome.

If the other two legendary Pokémon of the lakes were in a normal state, they would have shown up by now.

They should have appeared the moment Mesprit first started to "rage," or at least around the time when Typhlosion subdued Mesprit.

Even if their actions had been slower, they should have manifested when the group was preparing to return to the research lab, especially as Reid lingered by the lakeside for quite some time, waiting.

But none of that happened...

This indirectly suggested that the other two lake guardians had likely encountered problems as well.

Reid's expression grew increasingly grave as he thought about it.

For all three legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh's ancient lakes to simultaneously face some unknown issue—and for the entire Sinnoh Alliance to remain unaware—was alarming.

Even he, the Sinnoh Champion, hadn't sensed anything amiss.

Had Mesprit not gone berserk, and if Professor Rowan hadn't prudently contacted him in advance, who knows when they would have discovered this?

By then, who could say what irreversible disaster might have occurred?

"Reid..."

Also recognizing the gravity of the situation, Professor Rowan solemnly said, "Whether this is a coincidental mishap or a deliberate scheme orchestrated by someone in the shadows, it's now up to you."

"Understood."

Reid nodded. "I'll head to the other two lakes to confirm the situation. Hopefully, this is just a coincidence.

"If not… whoever is behind this will soon understand the consequences of their actions."

Professor Rowan had complete faith in Reid's words.

He trusted in Reid's strength and capability.

Reid might not be the youngest or most brilliant champion across all regions, but without a doubt, he was the strongest.

Since ascending to the title of Sinnoh Champion and becoming the World Champion of the Pokémon Championship, a common saying had spread within the Sinnoh Alliance, and indeed throughout the Pokémon world.

It went: if Reid is sent to handle something, you can assume the problem is already solved.

And if even Reid can't handle it, well, then it's probably hopeless—time to fulfill your unaccomplished dreams and quietly wait for the world to end.

"However, before you leave, I suggest—and hope—that you take Mesprit with you," said Professor Rowan, glancing at the sleeping, bandaged figure in the medical room.

"Professor, I was already planning to do that."

With no detectable anomalies from the instruments, leaving Mesprit at the research facility served no purpose and instead turned it into a ticking time bomb.

Though Mesprit was still in a deep slumber, no one could guarantee that it wouldn't suddenly awaken and go berserk again.

If it happened just after Reid left, there wouldn't be anyone or any Pokémon in the lab strong enough to subdue it.

The best solution was to keep Mesprit with him. Reid was the only one who could ensure that, no matter how wildly Mesprit might act, he could quickly bring it back under control.

"But..."

Reid's tone shifted, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Professor, since I'm solving such a huge problem for the lab, wouldn't you consider giving me a little running fee?"

Professor Rowan sighed, shaking his head.

"I don't know what kind of salary the Alliance is paying you, but I'm sure money has long since become just numbers to you."

"You know I'm not talking about money."

Reid pressed on, "I heard from Justin that you specially requested something from Professor Oak to help solve this problem."

"You cheeky brat..."

Professor Rowan sighed again, pulling out a Poké Ball, half-gold and half-white.

"I only have this one right now. I was planning to give it to you along with Mesprit anyway. Though the Master Ball is better overall, this is more suited for legendary Pokémon."

The Poké Ball before Reid was a replica of the GS Ball.

In the original series, the GS Ball was a mysterious Poké Ball that Professor Ivy couldn't unlock, which led to Ash being tasked with delivering it to Professor Oak. Eventually, it ended up with the metalworking expert, Mr. Kurt, for study.

Though its secret was never revealed in the anime, in the games, the GS Ball was used to capture the mythical Pokémon Celebi.

In this timeline, the GS Ball's halted research had progressed, partly due to Reid's influence.

Professor Oak and Mr. Kurt, after realizing its purpose, had made headway with its analysis and successfully created replicas.

The one in Professor Rowan's hand was from the first batch.

As he had mentioned earlier, while it wasn't as versatile as the Master Ball, it was more effective for legendary and mythical Pokémon.

Once the situation with the lake guardians was resolved, Reid could finally give some of his Pokémon an upgrade in their living quarters.

Taking the ball from Professor Rowan, Reid walked into the medical room and pressed the button on the ball.

With a soft sound, Mesprit was enveloped in a red light and drawn inside the Poké Ball. Surprisingly, the ball didn't shake at all—it immediately lay still.

The lack of fanfare left Reid without any excitement nor the urge to celebrate the capturing of a Legendary Pokemon.

But just as he tucked the ball into his pocket and prepared to leave, an icy mechanical voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

[Ding!]

[Congratulations, Host, for successfully completing the mission—retrieve your starter Pokémon at Professor Rowan's research facility—with the assistance of the system's newbie Trainer benefits!]

Reid froze.

This silence, however, was filled with sound.

What do you mean, 'successfully completed the mission with the system's assistance'? Those trash had no use whatsoever!

It's still considered completing the mission?

A starter Pokémon? Isn't a newbie supposed to choose from the starter trio?

Who starts their Trainer journey by capturing a legendary Pokémon with a replica GS Ball as their first partner?

The system responded promptly.

[Due to the Host's doubts, the system is double-checking the mission's completion requirements.]

[Current location: Professor Rowan's research lab.]

[Location confirmed.]

[Mission details: Obtain a Poké Ball containing a Pokémon from Professor Rowan's research lab.]

[Mission confirmed.]

[Upon reconfirmation, the mission is successfully completed.]

[Note: Confidence is a fundamental trait for a future Champion. Please maintain your confidence and refrain from doubting yourself.]

"..."