Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 401 The Gatekeeper of Time, Sakaki

Mega Stones are definitely not common items. Theoretically, only Hoenn and Kalos possess them, as they are part of their exclusive battle system.

Just as "Wishing Stars" only descend upon Galar and are a unique resource specific to a region, the Alpaca is still working hard to ensure that each region has its own unique treasure.

"This is indeed something useful to me; defeating the boss of the eighth floor is also part of the plan."

"I accepted."

"If it were not long ago, I might have found the gatekeeper of the eighth level very difficult, but now I am full of confidence."

"Even so, I don't intend to be careless. I hope that Lucario Stone can be delivered to me quickly."

Scott coughed lightly: "That's great."

"The stones will be sent to the Union Tower, and then transported to the Black Skyscraper via our international police express airlift."

"I will leave here after you enter Zone 8."

"Headquarters has great confidence in your abilities."

"I heard that you defeated an Ultra Beast in the nature reserve and successfully contained a second one. You have made a significant contribution to protecting the peace of our world."

This part is what Dr. Barnett reported. It has nothing to do with catching criminals; fighting dangerous alien creatures is also part of the work of the international police.

"The headquarters wishes to extend an invitation to you."

"That is, the special police position that deals with [Ultra Beasts], also known as the [Otherworld Countermeasures Department]."

"This position is actually..."

Scott gave a brief explanation.

The Otherworld Countermeasures Headquarters, also known as the UB Countermeasures Headquarters, is not part of the regular international police force, but rather a very special department.

Later on, both the handsome guy and Lila belonged to this department.

There are very few trainers who can deal with and investigate Ultra Beasts.

There was a time when the International Police had such highly skilled officers.

However, due to insufficient intelligence and various other reasons, the "protected person" who was supposed to be used as bait ended up dying.

This is a serious dereliction of duty by the international police.

Lightmoy: "I know, that person is the island king of the Alola region, Mordan, and he took full responsibility."

Scott: "You actually know that? Haha. Murdan... He did indeed leave Interpolis because of that incident. He believed it was his own planning mistakes and lack of ability that led to the death of [the bait]."

The moss, of course, knew as well.

The ultimate monster that caused Mordan and the handsome guy's tactics to fail was none other than "Greedy King".

Scott:
“The powerful enemies that came to our world from another world are not just Ultra Beasts.”

"Perhaps there are even more terrifying things."

"Therefore, we urgently need strong trainers to prevent this tragedy from happening again."

"Human malice may be powerful, but it can still be contained."

"But the malice of nature is unreasonable, like a natural disaster."

Scott spoke, then fell silent for a long while, before sighing:
"My strength is not worthy of this area. Therefore, I have no intention of fighting you."

"This is the key to the gate."

"However, please be careful."

"The man standing atop the skyscraper is launching an evil plan, using huge rewards to lure the experts from Region Seven to gather here in droves!"

His purpose is self-evident.

"I cannot help you because it is against the rules, but I do have a medical license."

"So, if your Pokémon gets injured, I'll help it recover."

Just as the two finished their conversation, there was a knock—

Numerous footsteps began to converge on the central room from all directions!
All the trainers in all the rooms in Zone 7 rushed into the room where Lightmoss and Scott were!

"That's the person! We've found you!"

"That's right, it's a giant insect with steel and a mimicry monster. Defeating it will earn you a huge reward!"

"I want to climb to the top of the skyscraper and become rich!"

"The broadcast said that anyone who can identify all of his remaining Pokémon will also receive a generous reward!"

"Seeing so many of us, even if you're one of the Four Heavenly Kings, you'll still fail here! The rules of battle here are completely different from the outside world!"

"Welcome to this dangerous zone where power is everything! Strike the weak, submit to the strong!"

Trainers with various desires and ideals gathered together, eager to compete and full of fighting spirit!
And their trainers are all different types.

It's not all elite trainers; there are even battle maids, backpackers, cram school kids, shorts-wearing boys, and researchers.
If we only talk about strength within the skyscraper, even the four top students from Blueberry Academy would be nothing special here, considering they are also students.

"It's okay. It's all the same!"

Guangtai glanced at her feet.

The money-gathering spirit has already started dancing, as if urging, "Let's start fighting already!"
"You can see as many as you want, so let's clear the whole place out at once!"

Scott was greatly surprised: "There are nearly twenty trainers here, you want to...?"

Guangtai: "Even if there are a hundred, it's the same. In fact, the more the better."

"You have to be careful about your fighting style when you're fighting alone, but once you switch to a multiplayer team battle, there are fewer things to consider, right?"

"Then, seal off the sky, the earth, and the storm!"

“Guhou!”

"Garuru garuru!"

The rippling water and the roaring aluminum-steel bridge appeared majestically in the light!

Storms, flowing water, steel, the breath of dragons.
Miss Skirt and Iron Warrior stood on the left and right, one still and one in motion, shining with a holy radiance!
The power of nature, the magic of fairies.
Finally, Torterra stomped heavily on the ground. Kaguya Tetsuya, somewhat socially awkward, hid behind Torterra, but because her body was still too big, she seemed to have a "sense of oppression".

Lightmoss: "The battle will be over in an instant!"

"My Pokémon, you've seen it!"

The earth turtle slammed its forelegs down hard!

Miss Skirt began to dance a strange dance, stirring up a storm of snowflakes!

A strong pink light shone on the Iron Warrior's blade!

The dragons roared, the dancers wielded their blades, and the colossal creatures caused a thunderous roar in the heavens and earth!

An earthquake, petals falling in profusion, magic shimmering!

Tornadoes, widespread destruction, blades of air!
Scott pressed down on his hat, his heart pounding as if he were in the midst of a cataclysmic apocalypse!

What power is this?
All of them are opponent Pokémon that can be attacked.
It's a group attack move!

As the dust settled and the roars and whimpers subsided, the challengers who had rushed to the seventh area were already staggering and falling, along with their Pokémon, who had fallen in droves!

"Cool~"

The money-gathering spirit poked its head out of the treasure chest and whistled excitedly!
Haha, my teammates and I are really amazing! Our combined damage output can shake the whole world!
You scoundrels! This is your fate!

Let's start the fun of looting the corpse!
Scott stared blankly as he stiffly turned his head and heard the murmur of a defeated superhuman:

"I came here because I wanted to meet such a formidable enemy."

"But... is it no longer possible? It's beyond my level to stop."

hiss!
Scott took a deep breath.

"Has the Seventh District been completely eradicated?"

"Only the gatekeeper remains!"

Lightmoss: "That's right. So, Mr. Scott, could you please reply to these trainers?"

"I'm not the one who needs a reply."

"Moreover, the gatekeeper has already arrived."

In the dark corridor, the BOSS room opened automatically, and Marcello, the boss of Zone Seven, walked out with a heavy heart.

The probing operation was successful.

So, what is the price?
"I am the gatekeeper trainer of Area 7. Instead of waiting for you to come to me, Marcello, I'd better come out myself!"

"Having defeated Haru Shion and joined the 'BOSS Fan Club' as the new [BOSS], do you also want to become an idol in the battle world like Haru Shion?"

Guangtai shook her head: "No, I didn't think that way. It was that young lady who added me without permission."

Marcello activated the Pokédex: "Is that so? But every battle in the Black Skyscraper will be broadcast live!"

"See? You now have a huge fan base, and they've chosen who to support under the Black Skyscraper's promotional account."

He raised the PokéDevice.

"That's right. The battles are both a test and a show, designed to attract more people to fight here. Although we don't know who operates the official account, even the mayor of Black City doesn't know."

"But your reputation has surpassed all the area bosses here! In terms of popularity, you're second only to Haru Shion!"

"My approval rating, and yours. I only have 27% of people supporting me!"

Guangtai wore a thoughtful expression.

"What exactly is this 'BOSS Fan Club' for? Is it just a club for fans who enjoy battling?"

The organization does exist in the Black Skyscraper, but it's only mentioned by the combat maid.

It seems to be a guild circle of like-minded people who admire the bosses of various regions.

Marcello smiled nervously.

"The pursuit of powerful and beautiful things is human nature."

"The Black Skyscraper is a challenge facility. Those who are rated as BOSS will gain money, wealth, status, and even regional rights."

"Unleash your own and your Pokémon's potential, and constantly surpass stronger trainers!"

"Even after leaving the skyscraper, based on the BOSS ranking, they will be scouted by challenge facilities and alliances in various places." "They might become gym masters, develop their minds, or even become one of the Elite Four. Of course, because the Black Skyscraper has not been around for very long, only a small number of people have achieved these things. To this day, no one has successfully reached the top."

"In short, it's an organization for realizing self-worth and attracting more people!"

"And now, the BOSS appearing in this area isn't me, it's you! So, I'm going to start the challenge!"

"Go, Gyarados!"

【Emergency situations!】

[All trainers in Area 7 have been defeated! Repeat, they are all incapacitated!]

[The opponent has more than six Pokémon! They don't use the storage system!]

[The boss of Area 7, Marcello, has lost his connection and is unable to fight!]

[Sizzle. Even I've lost. I'm entrusting everything to you.]

The message coming from the communication room silenced the gatekeepers in each region.

The gatekeeper of Zone Seven was also defeated.

In fact, when Haru Shion was defeated, it was only a matter of time before Marcello was also defeated.

But Sakaki was very happy.

When he cleared Area 7, he put on his trench coat and black hat.

He gripped the Poké Ball in his hand, letting it spin continuously in his palm.

It's been so long since I felt this exhilarating feeling.

He did not feel pain when he was defeated by Crimson.

But when he was defeated at the Capital Falls, he realized for the first time that his abilities were completely insufficient.

If Team Rocket wants to become stronger than before, they need to change their previous way of doing things and recruit more powerful trainers from the Challenge Facility.

That is why I came to this place known as the "Challenge of the Unova" in order to hone my skills.

The first message: "Monsters from outside have appeared in area eight."

The second piece of news: "The unspeakable secret BOSS is approaching the universe."

The third piece of news: "A despicable passerby has infiltrated Ms. Haru Shion's support group."

The fourth message: "An unknown person defeated the Gatekeeper trainer!"

The fifth piece of news: "A legendary trainer has opened the gates to the eighth area!"

The door made a hissing sound, and cold mist seeped out from inside. Sakaki watched with amusement as the person walked in from the dark doorway.

"I am the man who claims to be the strongest."

“We have all surpassed countless trainers to get here.”

"Let's fight to be worthy of those who were defeated before."

“I am Lambert, the gatekeeper of the eighth district.”

However, although Sakaki was still using an alias, Hikari had known him for a long time.

That classic look might fool the international police, but it couldn't fool the "audience."

Team Rocket's disguise technique has many flaws, and its concealment effect is comparable to Superman's glasses, but in the Pokémon world where everyone has face blindness, it is actually very effective.

Moreover, once here, Guangtai could also sense that at the very top of the skyscraper, the immense power of time descending from the universe was ticking away.

They were watching me, and seemed to be somewhat afraid!
In the game, starting from areas 8, 9, and 10, the main trainer will use legendary Pokémon.

However, in reality, there are naturally no roadside handouts for them to use, and the gatekeeper of area eight is also incorrect; Lambert should be the gatekeeper of area nine.

Sakaki didn't hold back his praise:

"With your skill level, you're definitely among the top ranks of the BOSS level."

“Even if he leaves the skyscraper and goes to any region, he can become a pioneering figure. It seems a waste of his talents to be the owner of the museum.”

"How about we make a deal? If you lose, you'll work with me. I have a grand plan. Right now, I'm looking for powerful allies."

"The trainers in Zone 7 and earlier were all very strong, but they always had various concerns and shortcomings."

"I have been waiting, waiting for someone even stronger than you to appear!"

"Of course, I will pay you unimaginable rewards, whether it be wealth, power, status, or even rare Pokémon."

After his previous encounter with Guangtai, for some reason, his thoughts changed slightly.

If the Rockets are to become great again, strong trainers are essential as the backbone of the team.

However, the traditional operating model is no longer suitable for the current era, so changes are necessary.

Perhaps it was the experience of being tempered in the black skyscraper that changed his mind, Sakaki thought to himself.

However, regardless of the circumstances.

When it comes to hiring, the most crucial thing is to spend money, and you have to be very willing to spend money!

As for the conflict between ideals and reality, everyone's ideas are different. It is very difficult to integrate these different ideas, and even I cannot say that I can do it completely.

Only mutual benefit can make them temporarily set aside their prejudices against each other.

Guang Tai laughed:

"I'm sorry, I'm not very interested in your grand plans."

"That must be related to the Rockets' revival, right?"

"You know me?" Sakaki asked, somewhat surprised.

Lightmoy: "I recognized him the last time we met. He's the man who claims to be the strongest, the former Gym Leader of Viridian City, and the leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni!"

"Thank you for your help last time!"

"Hehehe, I see. So you're not interested in my plan." Sakaki chuckled. "You figured it out; I was recruiting you."

"But that's true, I really like you very much."

"However, the Team Rocket I'm inviting you to join is a newly formed Team Rocket, not the old organization from before."

"The world is changing, and people's hearts are changing too. Moving forward in step with the times, that's the Rockets."

Guangtai: "If the Rockets want to turn over a new leaf or build some kind of brand effect, and prepare to clean up their act, that would be great, but I'm still not interested."

"I'm going to a higher floor, so please leave here!"

"Perhaps we will meet again in the future!"

The battle is imminent!
Sakaki didn't expect to recruit such a skilled person from the start; skilled people are all arrogant!

Then let's let strength speak for itself. The most straightforward and efficient way for strong individuals to communicate is through combat!

"The floors above? That's the realm of [Time]."

"Having been defeated by time, I am even more sensitive to this power. The feeling you give me is exactly the same as that of the two young men who appeared at the Capital Waterfall back then!"

"So that's how it is. It's that thing calling you from the tenth region that I can't reach."

Light Moss: "Tenth?"

Sakaki: "Yeah. There's nothing in Area Nine, but the gatekeeper of the tenth floor... Hmph, that thing that suddenly fell from the sky and replaced humans, controlling two areas, will definitely surprise you."

"...Perhaps you are closer to the time than I am, and you are the gatekeeper of the ninth region it has been waiting for!"

Sakaki's gaze turned serious.

Someone stronger than yourself.
The power of time exists within the young man before us, and once again, the one who fights against time is himself!

No matter where you go, you can't escape this situation; it's the same at Capital Falls, and it's still the same here!

However, I am very patient.

The Rockets' influence is invisible; some people feel they haven't joined the Rockets, but in reality, they are already part of the team. This situation has been quite common in the past.

Although the Rockets are now declining, it doesn't mean that their "relationships" have also deteriorated.

The Rockets' "skin" can be changed; I've done that often before.

And now, even the "inner workings" beneath the skin can be changed.

Team Rocket. It could actually conduct scientific and technological research, develop rockets, explore interstellar space, and even venture into the entertainment industry.

Rather, the Rockets had already researched these two areas.

Intelligence trading, medical technology, ecological restoration, ancient civilization research, logistics—Team Rocket's involvement in industries and areas is incredibly diverse! Just as the sources of their profits are varied!
It's not limited to just one aspect; this world is built on people deceiving each other.

The Rockets are open to discussion, and they can express their love for the league and the Pokémon world.

Businesses can only succeed because people pursue different things. Therefore, the world should have all sorts of different ideas!
Sometimes, people's thoughts can change in an instant.

Will it become a wall that blocks me... or will it come to me and become my tool?
The future is both frightening and exciting precisely because it is unknown!

Um, there's one more thing!

The sight of the treasure chest dancing on the other person's body gave Sakaki an urge to hand over a large sum of money, but he immediately banished this absurd thought from his mind.

"cough!"

"If you don't want wealth, status, or power, then there's only one thing you can pursue."

"That is 'the experience of knowledge'!"

Sometimes, fighting and exchanging ideas, imparting "life experience" and "secrets of power," can be seen as a form of buying and selling favors.

Of course, it doesn't matter if the other party doesn't appreciate it.

Sometimes, the "rewards" you get for your efforts are not immediately visible, especially for those who aspire to their ideals and future!

"I really miss those battles that got my blood pumping and made me feel so carefree!"

"Then, come and experience for yourself my strongest [Secret Technique of the Earth]!"

"One-Horned Rhinoceros! Use [100,000 Horsepower]!"

(End of this chapter)