Ash Aryan and Liana move swiftly through the fresh morning air, leaving the ruins of the Genesis Lab behind. The city of Cerulean seems peaceful again, but Ash's heart pounds with new questions. The Genesis Core hums softly inside his System, like a second heartbeat.
His System alerts him silently:
[SIDE QUEST ALERT]Anomaly detected near Route 24 — High Legendary Energy signature.
Ash narrows his eyes. Legendary Pokémon… already?
They reach the northern riverbanks where the air feels heavy, electric. Across the sparkling water, atop a rocky cliff, a majestic figure waits: a shadow of a bird with dazzling silver wings.
Liana gasps."It can't be… Lugia?"
The great bird lets out a low, echoing cry — not of aggression, but of warning. The winds howl, trees bend, and the river churns wildly.
Suddenly, three masked trainers appear behind Ash and Liana, each wearing dark uniforms bearing a shattered Poké Ball emblem. Agents of Black Synergy.
Their leader steps forward, arms crossed."You saw too much. The Genesis Core isn't yours to command."
Ash steps protectively in front of Liana, Pikachu sparking with raw power."It's not about power. It's about protecting the world you're trying to destroy."
A Poké Ball whizzes through the air — a corrupted Aerodactyl emerges, its body twisted and mechanical, infused with Shadow energy.
Ash's System flashes a choice:
[BATTLE STRATEGY UNLOCKED]Genesis Sync Available. Engage?
Ash grips his Poké Ball tighter."Pikachu, Pidgeotto — full sync mode!"
The battle explodes into action. Aerodactyl dives, but Pikachu, faster and sharper now under Genesis Sync, counters with a shining Thunderbolt that bends the air itself. Pidgeotto slams in with a Gale Wing attack, stunning the enemy.
The ground quakes. Lugia lifts into the air, its wings spreading wide. In a surge of energy, Lugia sends out a telepathic message:
"Ash Aryan. Chosen of Genesis. Your journey will shape the fate of all Pokémon. Choose your path wisely."
The agents, realizing they're outmatched, retreat quickly into the woods, disappearing like smoke in the wind.
Ash watches Lugia soar into the clouds, feeling a weight settle onto his shoulders — and a fire ignite inside his chest.
A quiet ping sounds in his ear.
[SYSTEM UPDATE COMPLETE]Genesis Awakened: Phase 1 Success.Next Destination: Vermilion City – Gateway to Black Synergy's Core.
Ash turns to Liana, determination burning in his eyes."Time to take this fight to them."
With the sun rising behind them, the road ahead looks longer, darker… but Ash and his team are ready.
To be continued…