"This is the Galaxy Team's lead researcher on Poké Balls—Professor Laventon."
Cyllene gestured to the man beside her, introducing him to Elias and Cynthia.
Elias gave the man a brief once-over.
The man—Laventon—was currently tugging at his headscarf with a sheepish smile that almost looked... dopey.
At first glance, it was hard to believe someone like this could be the mastermind behind the Galaxy Team's Poké Ball development.
"Greetings! If you have any questions about Poké Balls, feel free to ask."
Laventon's tone was kind and casual.
And just as Cyllene had promised, he did seem to be one of the rare normal people in the Galaxy Team.
Still, Elias quickly noticed that the professor's eyes kept drifting—subtly but persistently—toward Lucario.
The heat in that gaze made Lucario shiver.
Twitching his ears nervously, Lucario shuffled behind Elias for cover, eyeing Laventon with a wary expression.
Lucario had long known there were plenty of weirdos among humans.
Even Elias himself could get a little... strange when it came to Zoroark.
But this professor? He seemed like the same type.
Realizing he'd been staring too obviously, Laventon quickly waved his hands in apology.
It wasn't like he had any weird intentions.
He'd just never seen a bipedal, dog-like Pokémon before—and his researcher instincts had gone into overdrive. That was all.
As for why he wasn't staring at the rarer Zoroark instead...
Well, after seeing how affectionate she was with Elias, he figured it'd be smarter not to look too long.
"Ahem. Mr. Elias, is there anything you'd like me to research?"
Laventon cleared his throat, steering the conversation back on track.
Cyllene had already briefed him on the general situation.
And being handed a research opportunity like this—of course he'd take it.
Especially after learning Elias was the one who'd developed the Pearl Clan's Poké Balls—he was eager to exchange notes.
Elias thought for a moment, then replied:
"For now, I'd like to get access to the schematics and crafting techniques behind the Galaxy Team's specialized Poké Balls."
"As for anything else, I'll put it in writing and send it to you later."
Naturally, Elias wasn't about to hand over [Origin Ore] to someone he'd just met.
Besides, the two clans' current technological level was so primitive that any research would be painfully slow.
Letting the Galaxy Team fill in some of those gaps seemed like a good use of their capabilities.
"Understood. I'll see to it."
Laventon nodded enthusiastically.
Zoroark, perched on Elias's shoulder, didn't quite follow the technical discussion—but she had no objections.
If Elias had agreed, then he'd keep his word.
She narrowed her eyes, already imagining a future where her plans had come to fruition.
By then, no one would dare question anything she and Elias did together.
She might even decree: Only the Almighty Sinnoh—me—is allowed to touch and enjoy Elias!
"C-Commander!"
Her fantasy was cut short by a breathless Galaxy Team member dashing over.
His gasping urgency made Cyllene's brows knit together.
Something serious had happened.
That was her first thought.
After all, before their conversation began, she'd ordered the perimeter sealed—no one was to approach unless it was critical.
And sure enough—
"They're back—the foxes that attacked our camp last time!"
"The Commander's still unconscious, and most of our guards are injured. We've taken heavy losses..."
The man's eyes flicked nervously toward Zoroark, filled with fear and wariness—and maybe a hint of blame toward Elias too.
After all, many Galaxy Team members believed they couldn't fight back effectively because Kamado had been injured.
"I understand. You may go."
Cyllene kept her voice calm and level.
She had no intention of letting this derail her hard-earned negotiations with Elias.
Once the messenger left, she turned back to Elias.
"Apologies, Mr. Elias. Something's come up at camp. I'm afraid we'll have to cut this short."
She looked genuinely regretful.
Elias nodded—but then, as if recalling something, said:
"Miss Cyllene... perhaps this is your opportunity to step into command."
As he spoke, he gently patted Zoroark.
Cyllene blinked, taken aback.
But Cynthia, standing nearby, immediately understood—and her expression turned knowing.
She'd been around Elias long enough to recognize exactly what he was thinking.
...
Cyllene led Elias to the Galaxy Team's camp, visibly nervous.
He'd suggested sending his Zoroark to subdue the rampaging wild ones.
Cyllene thought it was a brilliant idea.
Even more surprising was that Elias had proposed doing so under her name.
If it worked, her reputation would soar.
It'd be a huge boon in the upcoming leadership struggle.
For the first time, Cyllene felt a kind of satisfaction she'd never known.
Having someone like Elias as a collaborator was more than she'd ever dreamed of.
Back when Kamado was in charge, just not having her workload doubled was a blessing—let alone this kind of thoughtful partnership.
"Mr. Elias, if only you were the one leading the Galaxy Team..."
She sighed softly.
Compared to herself, Elias would undoubtedly make a far better leader.
But Elias only waved his hands rapidly in refusal.
He'd like to live a few more years, thank you very much—and leading the Galaxy Team, with all its charming quirks, sounded like a fast-track to an early grave.
...
Amidst the watchful, hostile stares of the Galaxy Team members, Elias and company finally arrived at the scene of the attack.
A crowd had already gathered.
Even Kamado—still unconscious—had been carried over on a stretcher.
Scattered across the wreckage lay several fainted Pokémon, clearly battered and defeated.
The Galaxy Team had tried to fight back.
But the wild Zoroark had overwhelmed them.
Beside Elias, his Zoroark tensed.
She picked up familiar scents in the air—and her eyes narrowed dangerously.
A low growl rumbled in her throat.
The memory of being cast out by her own kind flashed through her mind.
And now, that hostility... was rising again.