Outside, lightning split the sky.
Thunder roared endlessly as torrential rain poured down upon the land, drowning the world beneath a curtain of water and electricity.
While ordinary civilians hesitated over whether to step outside in such weather, deep within a hidden corner of Team Rocket's Hoenn base, Silas and the others had already begun their journey.
Their destination–New Mauville.
Lucian stood atop his Dragonite, overlooking the four of them as the wind howled around them.
"I've already explained the combat suit functions," he said calmly. "When the time comes, activate the absorption module through your palm. Blood, fur anything required will be stored automatically."
Silas exchanged a glance with the others.
Everyone nodded.
No one spoke.
The tension in the air was heavy ,whether from the mission… or the storm, even Silas wasn't sure.
Without another word, he took out a prepared human-skin mask and applied it with practiced ease. The others followed suit, each using their own methods to alter their appearance.
Caution Was survival.
.....
Southeast of Mauville City lay their destination.
At this moment, the entire region was shrouded in darkness.
Black clouds churned violently above, lightning flashing constantly as thunder echoed across the skies. Rain poured down in sheets, and within the air itself, arcs of electricity flickered between droplets—forming a natural battlefield of storm and lightning.
Even the nearby sea cliffs had been affected.
Massive waves crashed violently against the rocks, forcing the ports to shut down entirely And yet Despite the chaos of nature ,People had gathered.
Not ordinary people But powerful ones.
This place had become a convergence point.
A gathering of forces.
The Pokémon League had already deployed its forces, forming defensive lines across the area. Within the surrounding forests, shadows moved—Pokémon lurking, watching, waiting.
High above, a massive Magnezone floated in the storm, its electromagnetic field crackling with power.
Standing atop it was Gym Leader Wattson.
Despite his stout appearance, he moved with surprising agility as he leapt down onto the ground below.
His voice rang out across the valley.
"Since you're all here… stop hiding."
"What's the point of sneaking around like cowards?"
Silence followed.Then One by one Figures emerged.
From the forests.
From the cliffs.
From the shadows.
Gym Leaders.
Ancient families.
League officials.
And Even members of the Pokémon League Elite Four.
Wattson's gaze swept across them.
Familiar faces,Old allies, Old acquaintances And now Opponents.
A trace of pain appeared in his expression.
"Why?" he demanded, his voice filled with anger. "Why must it come to this…?"
"The power of a Legendary Pokémon is not something humans can control!"
His words echoed, carrying both warning and experience.
He had seen it.
Felt it.
That overwhelming, divine force.
Not something to command But something to fear.
Yet his warning fell on deaf ears.
Because greed Was louder.
A calm, cold voice suddenly cut through the storm.
"If we do nothing… then that Pokémon becomes a threat to the entire city."
All eyes turned upward.
Standing atop a rain-soaked cliff A woman in a flowing purple dress.
Elegant and Composed,Unshaken by the storm.
Glacia.
Beside her stood a floating Glalie, its cold aura clashing against the storm itself.
"I have no choice but to act," she continued quietly. "For the sake of the people."
Wattson let out a dry laugh.
"Even you… are being pulled into this?"
For a brief moment Glacia's expression faltered.
Then she closed her eyes slightly.
"I don't have that luxury," she admitted.
Behind her Was her family, Her obligations and Her past.Even someone of her status Could not act freely.
"I will not escalate things unnecessarily," she added. "As long as you don't interfere."
It wasn't a threat, It was a compromise.
On another ridge A man leaned casually against a rock, spinning a Poké Ball in his hand.
Sidney.
"Relax, old man," he said with a grin. "I'm just here to watch."
His tone was light.
Almost playful But his presence Was anything but Seeing this, Wattson finally exhaled slowly.
At the very least The strongest here didn't intend to turn this into all-out war.
Which meant The real danger Was still hidden.
....
The storm intensified.
Thunder roared again And in a shadowed corner at the base of the mountain ,Five figures in white combat suits stood silently.
Silas ,Rose ,The twins and Lucian.
Rose's voice trembled slightly.
"Where is Lord Archer…?"
Lucian didn't look at her.
"When the time comes," he said coldly, "he will appear."
He paused briefly before adding—
"These people… will be occupied."
"You won't be fighting them."
"You only need to deal with opponents of your level."
"I will create the opportunity."
That Was enough.
Not reassurance But clarity.
Silas adjusted his combat suit slightly, his gaze lifting toward the figures above.
Then He froze for a moment.
That woman On the cliff.
Familiar.
A memory surfaced.
"…The one from the Battle Plaza…"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Then realization struck.
"That's… one of the Elite Four."
The scale of this mission Had just become very real.
Above them Lightning split the sky once more And somewhere within the storm ,Something was watching.
Something Ancient ,Powerful And very much awake. ⚡
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(End of chapter)