Inside a luxuriously decorated office at Team Rocket's base.
Archer looked at the respectful Silas with a hint of surprise.
"Oh? You're saying the other three were ambushed on the way and are in critical condition?"
Silas immediately dropped to one knee.
"I wouldn't dare lie. My Honchkrow specializes in high-speed flight, so they had me bring Raikou's blood back to base first."
To make it convincing, he released Honchkrow. A faint Elite-level aura spread through the room.
"Please send a rescue team. They should still be holding on and waiting for help."
His expression was calm and sincere without a single flaw. In reality, the forest where the three had died had already been completely destroyed by him, disguised as a battlefield.
Even if someone went back now, they wouldn't find anything.
Archer didn't respond.He simply sat at his desk, flipping through a book.
Time passed slowly.
Ten minutes.
Twenty.
Thirty.
Silas remained kneeling, unmoving. Only when Honchkrow started to grow restless did Archer finally close the book.
"Say it again."
Silas's heart tightened but his voice remained steady.
"In the valley, Lucian covered us. After collecting the blood, the four of us split up and broke out separately."
Same story. No hesitation.
Archer watched him for a moment… then smiled faintly.
"Not bad."
"You handled this mission well." He tapped the desk lightly. "I took your Shiny Pichu last time. This will make up for it."
A hidden door opened.
Lucian walked in, holding a standard Poké Ball. Silas gave a slight bow in greeting. His eyes locked onto the Poké Ball. He understood what it meant. Accepting it meant he was now officially part of Archer's faction.
No turning back. Still, he had no choice.
He took it.
"Thank you."
Archer waved his hand.
"You can go."
After Silas left The room fell silent.
Archer glanced at Lucian.
"Do you believe him?"
Lucian shook his head.
"No."
"There are too many flaws. A Psychic-type Pokémon could easily uncover the truth."
Archer shook his head slightly.
"No need. Truth or lies don't matter ,As long as he's useful."
.....
Back in the dormitory
Silas sat on his bed and closed his eyes.He replayed the entire conversation in his mind. Only after confirming he hadn't slipped up did he finally let out a slow breath.
It was a gamble.
A dangerous one.But in that situation, it was the only option. In Team Rocket Strength decided everything. Even if Archer knew the truth That Silas had killed his teammates ,It likely wouldn't matter. Because he completed the mission.
That alone proved his value. As for the twins… and Rose…Their deaths would only be seen as weakness. Nothing more ,The only problem is–
"Viper…"
Silas frowned. A Elite-Four level trainer And connected to Rose That wasn't something to ignore.
"Kraa…"
Honchkrow's hoarse cry pulled him back.Silas looked at it.
"We finally have a place here."
The battle at New Mauville flashed through his mind.That overwhelming power ,That crushing pressure. People talked about money controlling the world But in front of true strength It meant nothing.
"This world runs on strength."
Silas clenched his fist.His resolve hardened.
Then The Poké Ball at his waist suddenly shook. Silas frowned and pressed it.
A flash of red light.
A small fox-like Pokémon appeared.
Zorua.
"…Zorua?"
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(End of chapter)