The morning sunlight streamed through Isabelle’s window, painting soft streaks across her walls. Her VireBand buzzed faintly on her nightstand, its holographic display flashing 7:45 AM. Azzy chirped happily from the windowsill, bouncing on her tail with way too much energy for such an early hour.

  “Alright, alright,” Isabelle groaned, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “I’m up. Happy now?”

  She shuffled to the bathroom and began her routine, quickly washing her face with rose-scented cleanser and dabbing on moisturizer. The cool foam helped chase away her sleepiness as she caught sight of her faintly glowing Poké-themed skincare mask in the corner. “Maybe later,” she muttered, chuckling at its overhyped promise of ‘instant radiance.’

  Back in her room, Azzy had stolen her warm spot on the bed. Isabelle scooped up the mischievous Azurill and set her back on the windowsill. “Nope, that’s my spot,” she teased, turning to her closet.

  After a quick scan of her options, Isabelle settled on a red plaid suspender dress layered over a white blouse with puffed sleeves. It was simple but presentable—just enough for the event her dad had been hyping up. She added white ankle socks and her trusty black Tarelle flats, pausing briefly in the mirror to adjust the straps and smooth a wrinkle.

  Grabbing her muted red crossbody bag, Isabelle ran a finger over the Li Li Lo Porita keychain hanging from the zipper. The little magical girl charm always managed to make her smile. With Azzy’s Pokéball clipped to her hip and one last glance in the mirror, Isabelle let out a quiet sigh.

  “Alright, Azzy,” she said, turning to the bouncy Pokémon, “time to survive another day of pretending I’ve got this.”

  The hum of émile’s van filled the quiet morning as Isabelle climbed into the passenger seat. Papers and schematics were scattered across the dashboard—a typical mix of her father’s organized chaos.

  “Excited?” émile asked, starting the engine.

  “Thrilled,” Isabelle replied flatly, staring out the window.

  As they drove through Lumora City, the streets unfolded in a blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Cobblestone lanes wove between ivy-covered buildings and sleek metallic towers. Trainers roamed the sidewalks, their Pokémon at their sides: an Eevee darted around a giggling girl, while a Noctowl perched on an older man’s shoulder near a lamppost.

  “Virelia Energy Solutions is leading the way in innovation,” émile said, his enthusiasm breaking the silence. “This collaboration with VireTech could redefine how Pokémon and technology coexist. It’s all about sustainability.”

  “Sure,” Isabelle muttered, resting her chin on her hand. “Doesn’t sound like a mega-corp cash grab at all.”

  émile shot her a knowing glance but kept his tone light. “You might change your mind when you see it. This project is something special.”

  Isabelle shrugged, glancing at Azzy’s Pokéball on her hip. Her father’s excitement was genuine, but she couldn’t help feeling skeptical about how a ‘Pokémon-powered future’ actually included someone like her.

  The van pulled up to the sleek, glass fortress of Virelia Energy Solutions. Isabelle stepped out, squinting at the building’s towering walls reflecting the morning sun.

  “This is… a lot,” she muttered, her boots clicking against the polished pavement.

  émile chuckled as he locked the van. “Impressive, isn’t it? They’ve really spared no expense.”

  “Sure,” Isabelle said dryly, adjusting her bag. “Because what we need is more shiny buildings.”

  Inside, the atrium was overwhelming—holographic displays floated across towering walls, showcasing animations of Flygon-powered turbines and Heliolisk solar panels. The air hummed with faint machinery, the polished floors vibrating slightly beneath Isabelle’s feet.

  “Exciting, isn’t it?” émile said, pride clear in his voice.

  “Totally,” Isabelle replied flatly, watching a drone zip past. “Like watching shiny paint dry.”

  Her father laughed, unfazed. “Give it a chance, Izzy. You might surprise yourself.”

  As they made their way toward the demonstration hall, émile’s colleagues joined them. Bernard, a senior analyst with an easy smile, greeted émile warmly. “Right on time! Looks like Liana’s already got the media buzzing.”

  Collette, a sharp-eyed mathematician, adjusted her glasses. “Let’s hope it stays smooth. We’re one glitch away from chaos.”

  James, the janitor-turned-tech-guru, gave émile a casual wave while pushing a cart of equipment. “These things never go without a hitch.”

  Trailing behind them was Nadia, a systems engineer glued to her tablet, her fingers swiping rapidly through energy flow data.

  “émile,” Bernard said, turning to Isabelle with a grin. “And this must be Isabelle. Your dad talks about you all the time.”

  Isabelle flushed, glancing awkwardly at her father. “Oh, uh… thanks,” she muttered.

  “If you’re anything like émile, you’ve got brains to spare,” Collette said with a small nod.

  “Definitely his kid,” James added with a grin. “Not great at taking compliments, huh?”

  “Alright, let’s get moving,” Bernard said, ushering them forward. “The demo’s about to start, and Liana won’t wait.”

  Isabelle followed quietly, trying to ignore the mix of pride and awkwardness blooming in her chest.

  When they entered the hall, Isabelle’s skepticism deepened. The space was massive, centered around a grand stage flanked by exhibits of Pokémon-powered technology. Spotlights cast a crisp, white glow, making every polished surface gleam.

  A Magnemite hovered over a projector, keeping the visuals on a nearby screen stable. A Rotom zipped in and out of a terminal, chirping cheerfully, while on the far side of the stage, a Machamp unloaded equipment with practiced precision.

  “Impressive, isn’t it?” émile said, gesturing toward the setup with pride.

  “Sure,” Isabelle muttered, adjusting her bag. “If you’re into shiny overload.”

  Azzy’s Pokéball jiggled at her hip, and Isabelle instinctively placed a hand on it. The little Pokémon’s unusual fidgeting made her stomach twist uneasily, but she shook it off.

  Collette scanned the stage with a critical eye. “Everything looks smooth for now. Let’s hope it stays that way.”

  James leaned against his cart, grinning. “Smooth is rare, but who knows? Maybe today’s the day.”

  Nadia trailed behind, still glued to her tablet as she swiped through data.

  As the group moved to the seating area, Isabelle lagged behind, leaning against a pillar near the edge of the room. From her vantage point, she could see the growing crowd—researchers, Trainers, executives, and reporters, all buzzing with anticipation. The room’s energy was tangible, an undercurrent of excitement and tension that hinted at something big.

  The lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight illuminated the stage as Liana Korrin stepped forward. Her presence was magnetic, commanding attention with ease. Striking blue hair styled into symmetrical space buns framed her sharp gray eyes, which scanned the crowd with a calm, measured intensity. Her crisp white blouse and navy pencil skirt gave her a polished, professional appearance, while the custom VireBand on her wrist glowed faintly, a subtle reminder of her technical prowess.

  “Good morning,” Liana began, her voice clear and steady. “Today, we unveil the next step in Virelia’s energy evolution. This collaboration between VireTech and Virelia Energy Solutions isn’t just technological advancement—it’s the harmony of Pokémon and human innovation.”

  Behind her, the screens lit up with visuals of Flygon-powered wind turbines, Heliolisk solar farms, and Dewgong-assisted water filtration. The animations were sleek and dazzling, perfectly crafted to impress.

  Corporate slideshow, Isabelle thought, crossing her arms, though she couldn’t deny the presentation was well done.

  Liana continued with calm precision. “Pokémon energy is dynamic, unpredictable. Harnessing it effectively requires innovation—systems that balance fluctuations and stabilize outputs.”

  The concepts felt familiar to Isabelle. Her work in émile’s binder had touched on the same ideas: real-time redistribution and dynamic energy balancing. She straightened slightly, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

  “With the efforts of VireTech’s talented team, led by émile Moreau,” Liana said, gesturing toward the audience, “we’ve developed a model to address these challenges. This system ensures consistent energy output, even during spikes or surges.”

  Isabelle glanced at her father, who stood with his colleagues near the control panel. Bernard gave émile a pat on the back, while Collette nodded approvingly. James grinned as he coiled a cable. Her father didn’t seek recognition, but Isabelle saw the quiet pride in the way he adjusted his tie and squared his shoulders.

  “...Isabelle,” émile called gently, smiling warmly. “You okay? Not too overwhelmed?”

  “I’m fine,” Isabelle muttered, looking away. Don’t get mushy in public.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Good,” émile chuckled. “Just don’t fall asleep on me.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” she said, rolling her eyes but cracking a small smile.

  On stage, Liana transitioned into the technical details. “Virelia’s current energy systems create regional disparities. Our solution: an adaptive Pokémon-integrated grid that balances production and demand in real time.”

  She gestured to a simulation of Flygon-powered turbines generating steady energy and Heliolisk amplifying sunlight at solar farms. The visuals showed how excess energy was redirected to high-demand areas, ensuring stability.

  “This grid handles surges, prevents overloads, and provides uninterrupted access,” Liana explained. “None of this would be possible without the contributions of our incredible team.”

  Pausing briefly, she addressed the media. “I’ll take a few questions before we move on.”

  The room buzzed with interest, the presentation having successfully captured the audience’s attention. Isabelle stayed by the pillar, watching her father with a small, quiet sense of pride.

  A reporter from the Lumora Times raised a hand. “Ms. Korrin, given the volatile nature of Pokémon energy, what safeguards are in place to prevent system failures during environmental events, such as storms or heatwaves?”

  “Excellent question,” Liana replied smoothly. “Our safeguards operate on three levels. First, we’ve incorporated type-specific contingencies—Pokémon like Thundurus or Tornadus, known for their volatile energy output, have dedicated circuits designed to isolate and stabilize their contributions. Second, we’ve implemented a distributed grid structure, so even in the event of localized disruptions, the system as a whole remains operational. Finally, we’ve collaborated with experts like Professor Ardene to develop Pokémon-friendly protocols that monitor energy spikes and adjust dynamically.”

  The reporter nodded, jotting down notes, as another raised a hand. “What about scalability? Can this model be implemented beyond Virelia?”

  “Scalability is one of our key priorities,” Liana said, her tone unwavering. “This demonstration focuses on Virelia as a proof of concept. However, with the right partnerships, we’re confident that these systems can be adapted to other regions. The beauty of Pokémon energy lies in its universality—it’s present everywhere, but it needs the right framework to be effectively harnessed.”

  The questions kept coming, ranging from technical inquiries to broader ethical considerations. Liana handled each one with grace, her composure never faltering. She acknowledged the challenges without downplaying them, balancing optimism with realism in a way that inspired confidence.

  After a particularly pointed question about Pokémon welfare, Liana nodded toward the edge of the stage. “And now, I’d like to invite a key contributor to this project to elaborate on the Pokémon-specific aspects of our work. Please welcome Professor Ardene.”

  The murmurs of the crowd quieted as Professor Elara Ardene stepped onto the stage. Unlike the polished corporate flair of Liana Korrin, Ardene brought a calm, grounded presence. Her tailored lab coat swayed as she walked, its crisp white contrasting with the earthy tones of her slacks and navy sweater. With auburn hair tied into a neat ponytail and piercing green eyes, she projected both authority and approachability.

  “Good afternoon,” she began, her voice steady but warm. “Liana has outlined the technical framework of our energy systems. I’m here to address the most critical aspect of this project: our Pokémon partners.”

  The screens behind her shifted, displaying detailed profiles of Flygon, Heliolisk, and other Pokémon central to the adaptive grid. Dynamic visuals highlighted their roles in energy production, from Flygon-powered wind turbines to Heliolisk-driven solar panels.

  “Pokémon are not just resources,” Ardene said firmly. “They are living beings with unique behaviors, strengths, and needs. Understanding this is crucial to building systems that respect their well-being while achieving efficiency.”

  She gestured toward the holographic image of Flygon in motion. “Take Flygon. Its ability to generate powerful wind currents is invaluable for driving turbines. But prolonged use without rest leads to fatigue and diminished output. Our system incorporates monitored rest cycles to ensure sustainable contributions.”

  The projection shifted to Heliolisk, its photoelectric scales glowing as it absorbed sunlight. “Heliolisk amplifies solar energy with remarkable efficiency, but overexposure to high-intensity sunlight can cause overheating. By tracking temperature fluctuations, we adjust its workload dynamically, maintaining both performance and health.”

  The room hung on her every word. Isabelle leaned against her pillar, arms crossed, trying to suppress the flicker of interest bubbling inside her. Alright, Professor Big Brain, I’ll admit it—this is kind of impressive.

  One of the screens displayed a simulation of real-time energy fluctuations. Bars representing Pokémon energy contributions and demand levels shifted dynamically as the system redistributed energy. Ardene pointed to the graph, her voice taking on a note of quiet insistence.

  “This project isn’t just about energy. It’s about partnership. Pokémon are not tools to be exploited; they are collaborators whose trust and well-being are essential to the system’s success.”

  From her vantage point, Isabelle could see her father standing with his colleagues near the control panel. émile’s expression was a mix of focus and quiet pride as he nodded along with Ardene’s presentation. Bernard leaned over to whisper something, grinning as he clapped émile on the back. Collette adjusted her glasses, her sharp eyes scanning her tablet while she murmured a quick observation. Nadia, meanwhile, was glued to her glowing tablet, fingers flying across the screen as she monitored energy flow data in real time. Even James, who normally kept things casual, was focused as he checked cables and connections.

  Ardene’s words struck a chord in the audience, and reporters began to raise their hands.

  “Professor Ardene,” one asked, “how do you address concerns about Pokémon being overworked in these systems?”

  Ardene met the question head-on. “A valid concern. This system was designed with Pokémon welfare as a priority. Real-time monitoring, workload adjustments, and rest protocols are built in to ensure sustainability. Exploitation happens when systems prioritize output over ethics, and that is a line we will not cross.”

  Another reporter asked about scalability. “Can this model expand beyond Virelia?”

  Ardene nodded. “Absolutely. While specific Pokémon and environments vary, the principles of this system—dynamic grids, Pokémon welfare, and sustainable energy—are universal. With regional adjustments, it can be adapted to other ecosystems.”

  As Ardene stepped off the stage to conclude her segment, the audience broke into applause.

  Liana resumed her polished delivery, the screens displayed the live simulation once more. The energy grid came to life across the projection, showing Flygon-powered wind turbines spread across the northern plains and solar farms anchored in Photon Glade, a beacon of solar innovation outside Lumora City. Bars rose and fell dynamically as the adaptive system redirected surplus energy to areas with high demand, all while maintaining seamless balance.

  “This is the system in action,” Liana explained. “Flygon wind farms and Photon Glade’s solar network are the cornerstones of our adaptive grid. Together, they provide the flexibility and consistency needed to address fluctuations in energy production and consumption.”

  The audience murmured in admiration. The visuals, combined with Liana’s confident tone, painted a picture of near-perfect harmony between technology, Pokémon, and innovation.

  But just as the system seemed infallible, a faint hum began to creep through the room. Isabelle straightened, her hand instinctively moving to Azzy’s Pokéball as the vibration deepened.

  Liana hesitated for only a fraction of a second before regaining her composure. “It seems we’re experiencing a minor fluctuation,” she said smoothly. “Our team is addressing it as we speak.”

  The hum deepened into a low rumble, vibrating faintly through the floor. One of the screens flickered, jagged lines cutting through the once-seamless simulation. The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, unease rippling through the audience.

  From her spot near the pillar, Isabelle watched the scene unfold. Her father’s team, stationed at the control panel, sprang into action. Bernard’s usually easy demeanor was replaced by sharp focus as he barked out orders.

  “Nadia, take point,” Bernard said, his tone brisk. “Run a full diagnostic on the Flygon turbines and Photon Glade’s solar network. Look for anomalies.”

  Nadia’s fingers flew across her tablet, graphs and data streams scrolling at dizzying speeds. “The energy spikes are irregular,” she said, her voice steady despite the growing tension. “They don’t match Pokémon activity or weather patterns. It’s like something’s hitting specific nodes in the grid.”

  Collette leaned in, her sharp eyes narrowing as she scanned the data. “Localized disruptions,” she muttered. “If it’s external interference, it’s targeting key points—Flygon wind farms and Photon Glade’s solar nodes. But why?”

  James grunted, adjusting a nearby cable. “External interference, huh? Great. Just what we need during a live demo.”

  “Focus,” Bernard snapped. “If this spreads, the entire simulation could destabilize.”

  Amidst the rising tension, Isabelle’s gaze wandered to the audience. Most of the attendees appeared genuinely concerned, their murmurs filled with confusion and curiosity. But a few faces stood out.

  A man in a tailored suit stood near the back, his posture unnervingly still as he tapped discreetly on his VireBand. Nearby, a woman in a technician’s uniform moved toward the exits with a measured pace, her movements too deliberate to be casual. Isabelle’s instincts flared.

  They’re not reacting like everyone else, she thought, her fingers tightening on Azzy’s Pokéball. They look like they know exactly what’s happening.

  Unbeknownst to Isabelle, these were Team Eclipse operatives, strategically placed across the event. Their presence extended beyond Virelia Energy Solutions, with counterparts stationed at Photon Glade and within VireTech itself. The external interference wasn’t random—it was meticulously engineered.

  Eclipse’s hackers worked with precision, exploiting the interconnected grid that linked Flygon wind farms, Photon Glade’s solar beacons, and the demonstration hall in Lumora City. Their strategy was simple: destabilize key nodes, disrupt the flow, and obscure their tracks to avoid detection.

  From their hidden locations, the operatives manipulated data streams, creating false surges and masking their interference. Even the most seasoned technicians, like émile’s team, would struggle to pinpoint the root cause.

  The hum grew louder, turning into a sharp crackle. One of the screens blinked out entirely, the simulation freezing mid-shift. The murmurs in the crowd turned to whispers of unease, and Isabelle felt her pulse quicken. Azzy’s Pokéball jiggled violently now, the tiny Pokémon inside reacting to the unseen tension.

  “What the hell is going on?” Isabelle muttered under her breath.

  At the control panel, émile exchanged a worried glance with Bernard. “These fluctuations aren’t natural,” émile said, his voice low. “Even with an adaptive system, the spikes shouldn’t be this erratic.”

  “They’re not natural,” Nadia said firmly, swiping through data on her tablet. “It’s too precise. The spikes are hitting Flygon turbines and Photon Glade nodes almost simultaneously. Someone’s targeting the grid.”

  Collette frowned deeply, her fingers tapping against her tablet. “If this spreads to the central node…”

  “We can’t let it,” Bernard cut in. “Collette, Nadia—lock down the affected nodes. James, double-check the physical connections. émile, coordinate with the team at Photon Glade. We need answers before this spirals.”

  As the technicians scrambled to stabilize the grid, Isabelle’s attention flicked back to the suspicious man in the suit. He was no longer tapping his VireBand, but his posture remained unnervingly calm. The woman by the exit had disappeared entirely, and Isabelle’s chest tightened with unease.

  The stage lights flickered, and for a brief moment, the hall fell silent. The hum returned, louder than ever, and the screens distorted further. Isabelle clenched her fists, her mind racing. This isn’t just a glitch. Someone’s behind this. And they’re really good at hiding it.

  Near the stage, Liana exchanged a quick word with Professor Ardene. Ardene’s piercing green eyes scanned the crowd, her expression calm but calculating. “Run a sweep of the grid logs,” she instructed a nearby technician. “Focus on external anomalies. If it’s interference, we need to isolate the source.”

  Liana nodded, her composure unbroken. “We’ll get this under control,” she assured the crowd. “This is exactly why we run live demonstrations—to identify challenges and overcome them in real time.”

  Isabelle glanced at her father’s team. Bernard was issuing rapid-fire instructions, Nadia’s tablet glowed brighter with cascading data streams, and Collette’s sharp eyes darted across the graphs. Even James, who usually maintained his laid-back demeanor, was laser-focused as he checked equipment connections.

  Her heart sank, and without missing a step, she tightened her grip on Azzy’s Pokéball.

  Whatever’s coming... it’s already started.