Commander Hannibal Barca
"Master Doom, please return to the entrance of the secret realm."
"Five minutes from now, the two Masters are about to arrive at the secret realm. Please comply with the unified dispatch of the Pokemon Association," a calm voice sounded through the communicator.
"Understood," Master Doom replied in a deep voice.
The Pokemon Association has a comprehensive contingency plan for such situations, organizing professionals to handle incidents when they arise.
The two Masters arriving at the secret realm are precisely such professionals.
Master Doom's strength alone is limited, and as he is not an expert in resolving such incidents, additional help is naturally required.
After some time, Master Doom returned to the entrance of the secret realm and met Master Herodotus and Master Darwin.
These two serve directly under the Pokemon Association. Based on Master Doom's understanding, their primary responsibility is to handle matters related to secret realms, traveling year-round.
"Master Doom, it's been a long time." Master Herodotus, a middle-aged, stocky man, squinted as he laughed, resembling the Maitreya Buddha.
Master Darwin was tall yet slightly thin, with a calm face chiseled with sharp edges. Dressed in a black coat, he nodded slightly toward Master Doom.
"Masters, it has indeed been a long time," Master Doom said, cupping his hands with a smile.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they got straight to the point, skipping unnecessary small talk.
"On the way here, we gained a preliminary understanding of the current situation," Master Herodotus began.
"Thirteen people went missing today—six in the morning and seven in the afternoon. All disappeared instantaneously, without resistance, leaving no traces behind."
At this, Master Herodotus glanced at Master Doom with a smile, paused, and continued: "Based on the clues available, I concur with Master Darwin's assessment."
He then gazed at the distant mountains and said solemnly, "There is a master-level Psychic Pokemon in this secret realm."
"Although we don't know why this master-level Pokemon captured so many people, the reason should be simple," Master Herodotus added.
As long as Pokemon hunters are not involved, the reason is likely straightforward.
"But as things stand, let's conduct a thorough investigation before drawing conclusions."
Master Herodotus then turned to Master Doom and said, "Given the current situation, we brought many energy-search devices to this secret realm."
"Since you haven't found the missing persons for so long, it's possible this master Pokemon has created an illusion."
"An illusion?" Master Doom asked, puzzled.
Master Herodotus smiled and nodded. "Yes, an illusion."
"Master Doom, as a Psychic, you know many powerful Psychic Pokemon can use illusions to conceal themselves or make areas vanish, rendering them undetectable."
Hearing this, Master Doom nodded slowly. "Indeed, Psychics can do this."
"The reason we both think so is that we've encountered similar situations before," Master Herodotus added.
He then spoke in a low voice: "Four years ago, several fishermen disappeared on a small island in the Eastern Sea."
"After landing on the island, we found no anomalies and no sign of the missing fishermen."
"Eventually, we sought help from King John Bayne, who discovered a specific area of the island was magically obscured by a powerful Pokemon, making it impossible to locate. The fishermen had wandered into this illusion."
Hearing this, Master Doom asked unconsciously, "What kind of Pokemon was responsible?"
Master Herodotus shook his head. "We searched every corner but found no trace of the Pokemon.
"However, King John Bayne was certain it was caused by a Psychic Pokemon and identified residual psychic energy in the area."
Master Doom nodded slightly as he listened.
Master Herodotus continued: "Thus, with energy search devices like Assist, we can scan the entire secret realm to detect areas with abnormal energy."
"This way, we might locate the missing individuals."
"That's a good plan," Master Doom agreed.
Soon, trainers accompanying the two Masters departed with energy-search devices to investigate the surroundings.
Just as the three Masters were about to leave, a large group of people suddenly appeared at the entrance of the secret realm behind them.
About 20 individuals in matching black trench coats, all with calm expressions, walked with the precision of a well-trained army.
"So quick?"
Master Darwin, who had been silent, showed a hint of surprise at the sight of this group.
The security guards had arrived.
"With their help, this task will be much easier," Master Herodotus remarked, still smiling.
Turning to Master Doom, he said, "Back then, when we resolved the island incident, you could have guessed something like this would happen, right?"
Master Doom nodded slightly as Master Herodotus added softly, "Let's meet this Commander Hannibal."
After a moment, the security guards approached the three Masters.
A burly, middle-aged man with a thick back stepped forward, a faint smile on his face. He cupped his hands and said, "Masters, I've long admired you."
"Commander Hannibal," the three Masters greeted simultaneously.
Commander Hannibal wasted no time. "I understand the situation. What arrangements have you made so far?"
Master Herodotus took the lead in explaining their plans to the Commander.
Commander Hannibal listened attentively, his rough yet composed demeanor adding an intimidating edge.
"Master Herodotus's arrangements are excellent. I've ordered the complete sealing of the secret realm," he declared.
"Secondly, the rest of us will cooperate with you to find Young Master Bayne. Let's act immediately and avoid delays."
"Agreed," the three Masters replied in unison.
Boom!
A brilliant flare lit up the distant sky.
Everyone looked up.
"This is a specially crafted signal flare from the Pok3mon Association," Master Darwin said, narrowing his eyes.
"Let's go."
Commander Hannibal made a decisive call, and the security guards released their Pokemon mounts.
Shortly after, Flying Pokemon carried the guards toward the flare's location.
"Let's go too," the three Masters said, exchanging glances.
Meanwhile, Bruce watched the signal flare above and sighed. "It's quite noticeable."
Nicholas nodded. "A special version made by the Pokemon Association."
Tobey added firmly, "Let's wait for them to arrive."
Minutes later, the group left the illusion-covered area, guided by the heterochromatic Gardevoir.
"Look!" someone exclaimed as Flying Pokemon appeared in the sky.
Soon, they landed, led by a majestic Braviary with striking white feathers and powerful claws.
"Commander Hannibal came personally?" Tobey remarked in surprise.
Bruce turned to see the tall, imposing man walking toward him.
"Young Master Bayne, my apologies for being late," Hannibal said. His words left Bruce momentarily stunned.
After a brief explanation, Bruce glanced at Hannibal's black coat, recalling five extraordinary individuals who had once accompanied an elder in the Viridian Forest.
Their responsibilities were likely similar to Commander Hannibal's.