"Aether Paradise is an artificial island established by the Aether Foundation at the heart of the Alola region. This floor is designed to simulate a variety of natural environments, ensuring that every Pokémon can have the most comfortable habitat possible."
Wicke walked ahead of Maki, introducing him to the surroundings of Aether Paradise. At the same time, she curiously observed the young man beside her, wondering why Lusamine valued him so highly.
What she didn't know was that, in just the short time since their meeting, Maki had already reached a certain understanding with Lusamine.
"Miss Wicke, could I trouble you to repair these Poké Balls for me?"
As Maki spoke, he handed over several Poké Balls that housed Pokémon but were almost entirely damaged. For the Aether Foundation, this should not have been a difficult task.
"Did they get damaged in the Ultra Wormhole?" Wicke quickly identified the issue at a glance.
"Yes. Except for the one containing my Whimsicott, the others are essentially unusable. Even Whimsicott's Poké Ball broke after I released it," Maki nodded in confirmation.
"Hmm… Poké Balls damaged in the Ultra Wormhole… Repairing them might be difficult, but replacing them should be no problem."
After carefully inspecting the Poké Balls again, Wicke reached her conclusion.
"That works. Thank you, Miss Wicke."
"Actually, I have a small request. Would you be willing to let us keep these damaged Poké Balls? They might provide useful data for our research."
Wicke smiled as she made her request. Since these Poké Balls had been affected by the Ultra Wormhole, analyzing them might yield valuable information about the phenomenon.
"Of course, take them as you like."
When Maki woke up earlier, he found that nothing on him was missing—including his bag, his Mega Stone, and everything else. The Aether Foundation hadn't touched a single item. If this had happened in Team Rocket, they would have stripped him of everything, down to his clothes.
One had to admit, at least on the surface, the Aether Foundation maintained a far more positive image than Team Rocket. Even as the heir of Team Rocket, Maki had to acknowledge this fact.
There was also another matter—Maki's Poké Balls weren't entirely destroyed. One had remained intact: the one developed by Silph Co., which surprisingly appeared completely undamaged.
It was undeniable—when it came to Poké Ball manufacturing, Silph Co. was at the top.
"Also, some of these Pokémon were recently captured, so they might not be particularly obedient. Don't hesitate to use whatever means necessary to handle them," Maki warned, worried that his Malamar and Onix might cause trouble upon release.
"Don't worry. No matter what kind of Pokémon they are, the Aether Foundation will ensure they are handled appropriately." Wicke responded with a warm smile.
After handing Maki's Poké Balls to a nearby staff member, Wicke checked the time.
"Apologies, Mr. Maki, but I have some urgent matters to attend to."
She looked at him with an apologetic expression.
"It's fine. I'll just wander around on my own."
Maki understood Wicke's busy schedule. As an executive of the Aether Foundation, it was already generous of her to have spent this much time with him.
Due to the nature of the Aether Foundation, Wicke's role was primarily administrative. She wasn't particularly skilled in battle—though, to be fair, most of the Aether Foundation operated that way.
Unlike Team Rocket, where power dictated status, the Aether Foundation had a very different structure.
The strongest trainer in the Aether Foundation was undoubtedly President Lusamine, though Maki estimated her strength to be at best on par with an Elite Four member.
To be honest, considering Lusamine's level of strength, Maki thought that searching for Ultra Beasts was practically a death wish.
Ultra Beasts might not surpass the Guardian Deities, but they were still significantly stronger than mass-produced Legendaries like Articuno and Zapdos. Back on Mt. Moon, just one Celesteela had been enough to suppress Giovanni's Dragonite.
Wicke seemed to be in quite a hurry, and after excusing herself, she quickly left.
Now left alone, Maki decided to casually explore the floor.
Aether Paradise was primarily divided into four floors. The first floor served as the main entrance, with a back exit leading to Lusamine's private residence. Most likely, Lilie was staying there now.
The second floor, where Maki currently was, functioned as the Pokémon conservation area, but this was only the visible part of Aether Paradise.
The B1 floor, or basement level one, housed the main docks. Supplies for Aether Paradise were shipped in through these docks, and vessels regularly traveled between here and the various islands of Alola.
Since many areas of Aether Paradise were open to the public, students and children often visited on educational tours. However, today was clearly not an open day, meaning the conservation area was mostly populated by staff.
There were still a few children around, but Maki assumed they were likely the offspring of Aether Foundation employees.
As for B2, the second basement level, it was a restricted research facility. Studies on the Nullification Field and experiments involving Ultra Wormholes—like the one that had brought Maki here—were conducted there.
Even if Maki requested Lusamine's permission to visit, it was unlikely she would allow it. Just as Team Rocket wouldn't let outsiders into the secret facility where they experimented on Mewtwo, the Aether Foundation guarded its research just as fiercely.
In reality, Maki had only reached a verbal agreement with Lusamine. A major problem remained—he had no way to prove his true identity.
Lusamine wasn't foolish. If she were easily deceived by a few words, she wouldn't be fit to lead the Aether Foundation.
There was another pressing issue: Maki had no way to contact Team Rocket from within the Alola region.
I need to find a way to reach Kanto…
"Um… I just realized, I never asked for your name."
While Maki was deep in thought, a gentle voice called out to him.
Looking up, he saw Lilie standing before him, offering a shy smile as she carefully greeted him. In her arms, she held a Clefairy.
Though Lilie had developed a fear of touching Pokémon due to past events, there were some exceptions. The Clefairy in her arms had been her companion since childhood and was one of the few Pokémon she could still bring herself to hold.
"I'm Maki," he replied, smiling as he extended a hand.
"I… I'm Lilie. It's nice to meet you."
"Whim!"
Before their handshake could finish, Whimsicott suddenly sprang from the side, excitedly attempting to greet Lilie as well.
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