Kyle and Maria

She... had long since passed away.

It had not been caused by the oppression or injustice so common within the League, but by an elaborately woven deception that began with the highest praise and ended in the coldest betrayal.

The name "Maria" stirred up towering waves in Cheng Yu's heart, forcibly dragging him into the abyss of memories that had been buried for more than a decade.

More than ten years ago, he had not been "Cheng Yu," but a rising star within the League, whose real name was "Kyle."

He had not been an ordinary Trainer, but an elite agent of the League's secret department—the "Legacy Recovery and Antiquities Control Department," an organization similar to an archaeological division.

This department specialized in searching for, researching, and controlling ancient creations and forbidden powers passed down through history that might threaten the existing order.

Kyle had come from an ordinary family, yet possessed extraordinary talent.

Carrying his parents' hopes and a heart full of passion, he had chosen to join the League, determined to serve the Kalos Region and repay the order he believed in.

His strength was beyond doubt.

Kyle had been exceptionally gifted, especially possessing an extraordinary affinity with Pokémon that carried the weight of history.

His ace had not been the Aegislash later steeped in resentment, but an ancient and gentle Bronze Bell.

They had met during a dangerous ruin exploration. Bronze Bell had originally been the ruins' guardian, but after Kyle helped it resolve a long-held obsession, it had willingly chosen to leave and follow the young Trainer.

That successful expedition had made him famous, and overnight, he became someone the League focused on cultivating.

After all, it was exceedingly rare for someone to explore dangerous ruins alone and return almost entirely unscathed with a full haul.