Natsuhiko's footsteps came to a halt.
He rubbed his nose slightly awkwardly, thought for a moment and decided not to hide anything. Actually, there was nothing much to hide.
He took out a silver badge engraved with the Alliance emblem from his pocket, "Uh... Challenging Nancy is indeed part of my plan, but I have another identity..."
"Alliance Investigator?"
Seeing the badge, Summer frowned and stated the identity it represented.
"To be precise, it's the Alliance Investigator Reserve." Lance added, putting the badge away.
Reserve...
He was born in Changpan City of the Kanto Region, growing up like any ordinary person, unaware of his belonging to the Dragon Taming Race.
Later, the Dragon Taming Race found his father and found him.
Considering his future and the talent he had shown since childhood, his father took him back to the Dragon Cave in the Johto Region, where the Dragon Taming Race resided.
There, he captured a Dratini, further showcasing his talents, thus the Dragon Taming Race recommended him to the Alliance to become an Investigator.
So he became what he is now, a reserve.
Fearing Summer might misunderstand, he explained further: "I didn't mean to intentionally conceal anything..."
"I understand."
Summer interrupted his explanation.
Lance's decision was quite correct.
If one goes around telling everyone that they are an Alliance Investigator and boasting about their prowess, then something is probably wrong with them.
Especially when he is just in the reserve.
"So, you came to Goldenrod City on a mission?" Summer asked, lowering his gaze.
The biggest issue in Goldenrod City is the Rocket Team, but this shouldn't be much of a secret in the Alliance. After all, Rocket Team's active traces in Goldenrod City, though concealed, are unlikely to escape the Alliance's eyes.
However, Rocket Team's network in Goldenrod City, and throughout the Johto Region, is complex, making it too late for complete eradication; proper suppression and control is the right approach.
Thus, Lance isn't likely here for the Rocket Team.
Even though Summer is not part of the Rocket Team, having observed many traces of Rocket Team behind the Silver Pokémon Battle Club, which currently is his main, if not sole, economic source, being investigated or taken down isn't good news for him.
"Yes... not really..." Lance answered ambiguously.
"Hmm?"
Waxing philosophical now?
Lance laughed awkwardly, "Actually, it's not much of a secret, but the Alliance intentionally covered it up, since it's not a great thing, revealing it might cause some negative impact."
His words piqued Summer's interest.
After scanning the dense woods around and listening to the occasional stirring of wild Pokémon, Lance whispered: "Do you know about the Alliance Elite Four?"
"Of course."
The Alliance in each region established a Champion and four Elite Four, representing the region's highest combat force, and also serving as a form of military deterrence.
Additionally, whether they are Champion or Elite Four, they wield considerable power in their respective regions, being truly high-ranking, even capable of determining the direction and development of their region's Alliance.
"Then you know that the Elite Four actually also have reserves?"
"The Elite Four also have reserves?"
Summer was somewhat surprised.
This was unexpected to him, but since it's part of the Alliance's specific system, it's natural he wouldn't know.
"Yes." Lance nodded, his expression turning somewhat grave as he spoke: "But not long ago, one of the Elite Four Reserve stole something extremely important to the Alliance and defected."
Defected from the Alliance?!
Such a drama?
No wonder the Alliance would block such news; once announced, it might inflict a great blow on the Alliance's reputation.
Defection might stem from two possibilities: either he was never genuinely part of the Alliance, or he left for a purpose not accepted by the Alliance.
No matter the reason, it's not good.
On a small scale, it's a failure in identifying people; on a larger scale, even within the Elite Four Reserve there emerges a traitor, who knows if the Elite Four might have similar individuals?
This is something the Alliance absolutely must prevent.
"So, you came to Goldenrod City to investigate him?" Summer asked again, his expression turning peculiar.
Not looking down on Lance, but now Lance is really far from comparing to the Elite Four or even their reserves.
Understanding Summer's expression, Lance said helplessly, "After his departure, he quickly concealed his identity and vanished without a trace, even the Alliance couldn't find any clues; I merely presumed he might be in Goldenrod City, so I came. To be precise, this isn't an Alliance mission, but my personal action.
Anyway, challenging the Goldenrod Dojo is also a major reason."
With this, Summer understood.
Lance was basically a blind cat trying to catch a live rat, trying his luck.
While challenging Nancy of Goldenrod Dojo on the way.
"Then how does all of this relate to the recent power outage?" Summer pursued.
"I don't know."
"Don't know?"
Seeing Lance's expression of 'Don't ask me, I'm clueless', he was momentarily speechless.
"I merely thought if he really is hiding in Goldenrod City, perhaps this incident was his doing. I've investigated a bit since the power outage, and the only certain thing is, the previous wiring issue was intentional."
This somewhat relieved Summer.
Neither the Elite Four nor the Reserve Elite Four are those he and Lance can tackle; if he's at the power station, going now would be suicidal.
But as long as it's solely Lance's conjecture, it's relatively less hazardous.
Considering the vastness of the entire Alliance, the various regions and cities, the chances of the opponent quietly residing in the Kanto Region are slim.
Thinking from another perspective:
If Summer were that Reserve Elite Four, probably now he'd be in areas where the Alliance's control isn't as tight.
For instance, Alola or Galar, both are good places.
Roaming under Kanto Alliance's noses is tantamount to lighting up in a restroom?
"We still need to be cautious; if we encounter any unexpected situation, I think reporting to the Alliance immediately is more reliable." Summer nonetheless added.
"Yes, I understand my limits." Lance replied.
They had already ventured some distance; passing through the relatively safer area initially, they were about to enter the region where wild Pokémon are more active.
Although not necessarily threatening to them, vigilance is still necessary.
"Weedle, stay alert." Summer instructed Weedle.
"Buzz—" Weedle blinked its deep purple eyes a few times; no reminder was needed, it had been attentive to surroundings upon entering the forest.
I, Weedle, remain extremely cautious!
Similarly, Lance had his Dratini.
Though Dratini appeared fragile, it worked meticulously, indicating that Lance's nurturing of Dratini was quite effective.
Not long after.
"Buzz!"
"Squeak!"
Almost simultaneously, Weedle and Dratini issued alerts.
Summer and Lance followed their gazes.
——————
Thanks to Purple Eagle Hunting Skies master for the bounty, adding a chapter, and also thanking all the friends supporting the author with rewards, love you all (づ￣ 3￣)づ