Karl, a Crown City newspaper reporter, pursues truth with relentless determination, fixated on unraveling media tycoon Grings Kodai’s exploitation of the Time Ripple—a mystical energy tied to Celebi. When Zoroark’s illusions trigger citywide chaos, Karl partners with Ash, Dawn, and Brock, leveraging his deep knowledge of Kodai’s destructive history, including the businessman’s role in erasing the city’s natural landscapes—a truth cemented by his grandfather Joe’s accounts from the old sector.

Armed with a camera and his Bronzor, Karl employs journalistic ingenuity: the Pokémon’s Flash illuminates hidden tunnels for covert infiltration, while its levitation skills aid diversion tactics with Zorua. His footage systematically dismantles Kodai’s fabricated narratives, culminating in a recorded confession that ensures the antagonist’s arrest.

Karl’s alliance with Rowena, Kodai’s undercover secretary, sharpens their strategy to dismantle his empire. His green hair, eyes, and Woobat-emblazoned cap—a post-release design revelation—reflect a rugged persistence inspired by journalist Michael Moore. Post-victory, Karl joins Rowena in repatriating Zoroark and Zorua, his broadcast evidence cementing his legacy as a tenacious truth-seeker who prioritizes collaboration and irrefutable proof over personal acclaim.