Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [444]

A voice echoed from inside the Kalos Power Plant.

“This is Kalos Power Plant. We're conducting hazardous operations. Keep away.”

“We've received reports from the public that a kidnapping occurred inside the plant.”

“No kidnapping here!”

“Cut the act—I know you're Team Flare.”

“Since you know we’re Team Flare, mind your own business and back off!”

“We’re International Police. This is your final warning—”

“So what if you’re International Police?”

Hearing the blatant arrogance of the opponent, August turned incredulously toward Malva and Diantha, genuinely confused. “Have they always been this brave?”

Even Team Rocket avoided him like the plague—they’d never dare be this insolent.

Malva: “…”

Insulting August had originally been part of the plan, baiting him into the power plant. But things were different now!

Malva couldn't signal those inside, helplessly watching Team Flare members continue provoking August openly.

August tossed out a Poké Ball, releasing Darkrai by his side.

“Let's go see what's given them the confidence to be so cocky.”

He walked directly into the plant, Diantha following swiftly behind. Malva had no choice but to hurriedly follow as well.

---

Watching the security monitors, Lysandre frowned deeply.

He'd received Malva’s earlier message about Diantha accompanying August, but hadn't called off the operation.

On one hand, as the plan’s mastermind, he trusted it implicitly.

On the other hand, Giovanni’s presence reassured him.

He glanced at Giovanni, who had silently stood by his side since arriving. Giovanni merely returned a faint, enigmatic smile.

“You’re truly confident we can handle both Diantha and August?” Lysandre asked once more.

Looker, still in his subordinate disguise, answered professionally, “Only August is a real concern. Diantha poses little threat.”

Another female Rocket Executive beside Looker nodded in agreement.

Lysandre once more eyed Giovanni, whose calm and confident smile unsettled him slightly. Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint it…

Still, Giovanni was here, right before him—authentic and unmistakable, and his Persian's affectionate manner certainly wasn’t faked.

This could only mean one thing—Giovanni truly wasn't worried!

This thought stirred Lysandre’s pride. If Giovanni wasn't afraid, why should he be?

Besides, as a Kalos native, he had an advantage over Giovanni, thoroughly familiar with the region. Even if unexpected complications arose, he had backup plans ready.

Clutching his Poké Ball, Lysandre watched August on the monitor, completely missing the fleeting look of pity in ‘Giovanni’s’ eyes.

---

Diantha walked cautiously, alert for danger, glancing at August who remained annoyingly relaxed.

“Aren’t you nervous at all, August?”

Malva perked up, overhearing Diantha’s question, and saw August strolling leisurely, as if on a sightseeing trip rather than infiltrating a criminal hideout.

“Just a few Team Flare grunts. Why should I worry?”

Diantha felt increasingly confused.

August had warned her that Malva belonged to Team Flare. Now, facing this obviously dangerous trap, he claimed there was no cause for worry.

Is he secretly cautious beneath this carefree exterior?

While Diantha pondered this, Malva was delighted. The less wary August seemed, the better their chances.

Outwardly, however, she feigned concern, gently reminding him, “These enemies seem formidable…”

As they reached the broadcasting room, August raised a hand casually. Instantly, Darkrai vanished, reappearing moments later gripping a struggling Liepard and a terrified Team Flare grunt.

“Are you the arrogant one from earlier?” August questioned, amused.

Feeling the menacing aura from Darkrai, the grunt’s bravado vanished, replaced by fearful stammering. “N-No, it wasn't me!”

He subtly shot pleading looks at Malva.

Malva struggled internally, feeling helpless—but soon realized she didn't need to intervene.

“You think I’m a fool? I recognize your voice!” August snapped dismissively.

With a nod, Darkrai’s glowing blue eyes flashed black briefly, causing the grunt and Liepard to shudder violently before fainting in fear.

Malva stared at her unconscious subordinate, realizing they were both trapped in nightmares.

“This is…”

“Criminals that arrogant need some discipline,” August remarked calmly. “Don't worry—it’s just a few days of nightmares.”

Malva eyed her terrified subordinate, gaining fresh insight into August’s vindictive side.

Silently mourning her subordinate’s misfortune, she followed August deeper into the plant.

Through another corridor, two Team Flare grunts guarded a locked room.

August glanced at Malva. “On my count, we move together—three, two, one!”

Malva had braced herself for this moment, knowing she had to attack her own team. If she took them down herself, perhaps they'd suffer less.

Nodding firmly, she reached for her Poké Ball.

Whoosh—

Her Talonflame launched swiftly, slamming into one grunt, while Darkrai effortlessly subdued the other.

Observing Malva’s quick efficiency, August teasingly asked, “You’re quite skilled at this, Malva. Interested in joining the International Police?”

Caught off-guard, Malva hesitated.

Joining the International Police?

She’d never considered it before—not because she intended to betray Team Flare, but because it seemed a huge benefit for her organization. She could alert Lysandre to any International Police movements immediately.

It was actually a tempting thought.

Just as she hesitated, afraid that answering too eagerly might reveal her intentions, August chuckled suddenly. “Never mind. I was just kidding—don’t take it seriously.”

Malva: “…”

He’s toying with me again!

Diantha had meanwhile bound the two grunts securely with her Gardevoir’s psychic power. Watching August tease Malva mercilessly, she finally understood why Cynthia once warned her of August’s mischievous streak.

Still, their years of friendship stirred Diantha’s sympathy for Malva, prompting her to gently interrupt, “Let’s check inside. With guards posted here, this room must hold something important.”

August, slightly disappointed at losing his chance to torment Malva further, opened the guarded door.

Inside, power plant workers tied up and gagged with tape struggled desperately. Seeing August, Diantha, and especially Malva, their eyes shone with excitement and relief.

Once August freed them, they immediately showered Diantha and Malva with thanks.

August: “…”

What’s this? I clearly did all the work here!

Maybe he should've left them tied a bit longer…

…

The rescued workers explained that Team Flare had ambushed the power plant two days ago, swiftly capturing all personnel without resistance.

“Two days ago? Why wasn't I informed?” Diantha frowned deeply.

As Champion, she should've been notified immediately—but she'd received nothing.

Could it mean Team Flare had infiltrated all of Lumiose City?

Diantha voiced her theory to August anxiously.

August paused thoughtfully, then slowly suggested, “Perhaps… Team Flare just severed communications? Maybe Lumiose police simply never got the message?”

“…” Diantha blushed deeply, realizing she’d greatly overthought it.

She couldn't help it—discovering Lysandre’s criminal identity had seriously shaken her confidence.

Malva, returning just then from her fake "search" for her subordinate, saw Diantha blushing furiously and grew puzzled.

“What happened?” she asked cautiously.

August turned to her casually. “Did you find your missing reporter?”

Malva shook her head, despite knowing exactly where her subordinate was held. She'd just used that excuse to secretly report to Lysandre.

August looked gravely thoughtful. “Then he must’ve discovered something big. Team Flare must be plotting a massive conspiracy.”

Malva: “?”

What twisted logic is this? How did he reach that conclusion?

Though tempted to correct him, she could find no plausible way, forced instead to watch August’s imagination run wild.

“Remember that arrogant grunt earlier? I encountered someone exactly like him in Sinnoh—a Galactic commander plotting to destroy the world. Could Team Flare have similar ambitions?”

August’s expression grew grimly serious. “I clearly underestimated Team Flare. Time to crack down hard!”

Malva: “…”

His reasoning was entirely flawed—but the conclusion was terrifyingly accurate.

How did he even get there?

She resolved immediately that August must not leave the plant alive. If Team Flare’s plans leaked, their reputation in Kalos would collapse overnight.

Malva hastily urged, “We need to hurry! We can't let Team Flare succeed!”

The group then rushed toward the plant’s core area.

…

In the core room, Lysandre prepared for battle alongside Team Flare’s four admins: Celosia, Bryony, Aliana, and Mable standing behind him.

‘Giovanni’ studied the admins, puzzled by their vividly different hair colors. He genuinely wondered how Lysandre even found such an eclectic group.

Mistaking Giovanni’s scrutiny for admiration of his power, Lysandre inwardly swelled with pride.

Last time they met, Giovanni had openly flaunted his strength. This time, Lysandre would showcase Team Flare’s true capabilities.

As August approached the core room, Lysandre turned confidently to Giovanni.

“Prepare to attack!”

‘Giovanni’ nodded firmly, gripping his Poké Ball tightly.

Slowly, the heavy core-room doors opened, revealing August, Diantha, and Malva.

Contrary to Lysandre’s expectations, August’s face betrayed no shock—only amusement as he called cheerfully.

“Oh? What a party! Everyone’s here!”

Lysandre frowned deeply, sensing trouble. Before he could act, August clapped Malva’s shoulder warmly.

“Thanks to you, Malva! Without your help, we couldn't have lured both Giovanni and Lysandre into our trap!”

Lysandre: “!?”

Malva: “???”

Wait—I’m innocent!

Malva desperately tried denying it, but suddenly found herself unable to move or speak, her lips twisting into a mocking smirk against her will.

Lysandre’s eyes flared from suspicion into rage.

Beside him, Giovanni sharply questioned, “What’s happening here?”

Lysandre fell silent, momentarily confused by the rapidly unraveling situation. But one fact was clear—August had known about their ambush all along.

“Retreat!” Lysandre commanded decisively.

But Giovanni’s voice cut through urgently, “Don’t retreat yet—we can still fight!”

Lysandre hesitated. Perhaps Giovanni still held a hidden ace?

He turned sharply toward Giovanni, hope rekindling.

---

T/N: LMAOOO NO WAYYYYY USING PSYCHIC TO MAKE HER SMIRK

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!