The Saffron City Gym was renowned throughout Kanto, located in the southern part of the city, covering a vast area. Inside, it featured massive battlefields and diverse environments, allowing Pokémon from the city to experience the wonders of the desert, forest, and rivers—an escape from the steel jungle.
However, due to its high entry fees, it was mostly frequented by the middle class and some members of the upper society.
This facility was also a property of Silph Co., often serving as a venue for Team Rocket's negotiations with legitimate organizations.
Lucius sat in the VIP lounge of the Pokémon Gym, studying the red-haired boy in front of him—one so strikingly pretty that he could almost be mistaken for a girl.
"Archer, you're the leader of Omega Squad?" Silver asked in disbelief.
Though he was the son of Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni had never seemed interested in letting him join the organization. Silver had struggled to find his way in, until yesterday, when Giovanni finally relented and told him to try out for a new squad.
And now, the first person he met was Archer, Team Rocket's top enforcer.
Had Giovanni finally changed his mind?
Lucius nodded. Though he had formed this squad, he had never officially appointed a leader, so claiming the position for himself was fair.
Still… this kid… Was he really not Giovanni and Ariana's illegitimate child?
That red hair, even the hairstyle—it was uncanny. Lucius couldn't help but chuckle internally.
"I'm curious—why do you want to join Team Rocket?" Lucius asked. From Giovanni's previous attitude, it seemed like he didn't want Silver to follow in his footsteps.
"That's none of your business," Silver huffed, turning his head away, unwilling to answer.
Archer chuckled. "There are many ways to prove yourself, but in the end, strength is what truly matters."
Silver turned back sharply, his piercing gaze filled with defiance, but he remained silent.
Hah, such a stubborn kid.
Even if Silver didn't say it outright, Lucius understood—this was the classic case of a neglected child trying to earn his father's recognition.
Without hesitation, Lucius released a fraction of the virus swarm into Silver's body. If the boy was so desperate to grow stronger, Lucius was more than happy to assist.
After all, Team Rocket wasn't the only path to power—Hive could provide that as well.
Silver might have been in peak physical health, but against Lucius' Level 6 virus, he stood no chance of resisting. Within a minute, he was completely infected.
Huh. Not bad.
Lucius had intentionally suppressed the virus's mutagenic effects this time, but even so, Silver exhibited an 85% genetic fusion rate—an exceptional compatibility.
As expected of a rival to the protagonist in the original timeline. He had real potential.
...
The entire valley had collapsed. Countless boulders lay strewn across the charred land, spanning more than a dozen miles. Within a hundred miles, wild Pokémon trembled in fear, shaken by the destructive energy that had just filled the skies and earth. Many had been obliterated, their bodies crushed before they could escape the battlefield's wrath.
Anabel stood amid the ruins, still sensing the lingering storm of Lightning Fury and the residual psychic energy that could send any ordinary person into madness. After this battle, this land would likely remain barren for at least a decade.
With a sigh, she stepped forward and picked up a black-and-yellow Ultra Ball from the ground.
A flash of white light. Raikou appeared.
Its golden fur, once gleaming with majesty, was now marred with wounds. The billowing purple thundercloud on its back had been nearly torn apart. Its four paws bore severe damage.
Raikou stared at the purple-haired woman and the Espeon beside her, its regal expression a mix of shock and deep contemplation.
I actually lost… in a one-on-one battle against a human-trained Pokémon?
Ever since Ho-Oh had resurrected it, Raikou had been imbued with the divine power of the Rainbow Pokémon, ascending to the rank of a Legendary Pokémon—on par with human classifications of King-level peak strength.
For centuries, it had roamed the world, witnessing the rise of humanity, participating in countless battles—never once had it been defeated.
Yet today, it had not only been defeated in a fair fight but was now captured within a Poké Ball.
"Raikou, how about we make a deal?" Anabel's voice was calm and composed. "Eliminating the virus isn't just Ho-Oh's command—it's a threat that all of humanity must face. I propose a temporary alliance until the crisis is over. What do you say?"
An alliance?
Raikou narrowed its eyes. It understood her meaning clearly—"alliance" meant that until the source of this corrupting evil was eradicated, it would fight as her Pokémon.
From their battle, it had already learned that this woman was no ordinary human. She possessed overwhelming psychic abilities, allowing her Espeon to fight at 200% efficiency—the key reason why she had managed to defeat it. Even as the battlefield was torn apart, she had survived unscathed.
Raikou pondered for a moment before nodding.
Legendary Pokémon were prideful, but above all, they respected strength. If this woman could defeat it in an honorable duel, then she had earned the right to fight alongside it.
However, this was purely a collaboration—not a bond of servitude. Once the evil energy was purged, it would leave without hesitation. As a guardian of Ho-Oh, it could never truly belong to a human.
Seeing Raikou nod, Anabel finally let out a breath of relief.
Had Raikou refused, she wouldn't have been able to force its compliance. Killing it wasn't an option—it was a subordinate of Ho-Oh, and Entei and Suicune were nearby watching. If she made any reckless moves, not only was success uncertain, but the consequences would be disastrous.
But now, with Raikou agreeing, she had fulfilled the League's mission and gained the aid of a Legendary Pokémon—an invaluable asset.
She wasn't worried about Raikou betraying her. A Legendary's word was absolute. Once they agreed, they would not go back on their oath.
"Let's go." Anabel placed her hand on Raikou's back, activating Teleport and vanishing in an instant.
Not far away, Suicune and Entei silently watched.
They had been busy rescuing the wild Pokémon caught in the crossfire. A King-level battle was terrifying—even a moment's delay would have meant the death of thousands.
Now that Raikou had lost and willingly joined the human, both of them felt reassured.
They had originally feared Raikou's aggressive actions would escalate into a war between humans and Legendaries. But with things settled this way, it was for the best.
As long as Ho-Oh lived, Raikou's life was eternal. Spending a little time under this woman's command wouldn't change its destiny.
...
"Wow, this stadium is incredible!" Flora and Ophelia stepped into the arena, marveling at the breathtaking scenery that simulated the beauty of nature.
"Scott, you're here too." Ophelia sensed Scott's presence nearby and called out to him immediately.
For the past two days, she had arranged for Scott to stay at a hotel, serving as her assistant in researching telepathy.
Of course, calling him an 'assistant' was a bit of a stretch—Scott was more like her personal test subject, running in circles at her command.
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