A weight lifted from Ariel's heart.
The most crucial objective of this mission—the server storing all the core research data of the Weather Institute—was intact.
As for everything else—this building, this equipment, the researchers' hard work... none of that concerned him.
What Team Rockets needed was the data inside, not this pile of scrap metal.
He walked up to the machine, took a black, square-shaped device from his tactical backpack, and skillfully connected it to the server's data port.
A soft *beep* sounded as the device's screen lit up, displaying the words 'Copying Data' alongside a slowly increasing progress bar.
The wait was monotonous.
Ariel did not let his guard down. Leaning against the wall, his eyes behind the mask remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings, his ears attuned to the slightest abnormal sound from within the ruins.
Krokorok had appeared behind him at some point. Its massive body stood like a silent statue, its eyes gleaming with a fierce light, wary of any potential threat.
Time ticked by, second by second.
The progress bar finally reached 100%.
*Beep beep.*
Data copy complete.
Ariel unplugged the device and carefully stored it in the innermost pocket of his backpack. He patted Krokorok's neck and issued his final command.
"Destroy it."
Krokorok understood. It turned around, dark energy coalescing around its thick tail as its muscles bulged.
*Boom!*
A dull, thunderous crash echoed.
That invaluable data storage machine was instantly shattered into pieces under the force of Krokorok's powerful tail.
The metal casing twisted and deformed, the intricate internal components and chips bursting apart, reduced to a pile of utter junk.
A convenient thing to do, and a necessary one.
The mission was perfectly accomplished!
When Ariel led his team out of the research institute, Laic was leaning against his Gyarados, leisurely picking his teeth.
Seeing Ariel emerge, he grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.
"All done?"
"Mhm."
Ariel's reply was terse.
He glanced at the assembled Team Rocket members. Although victorious, each one bore injuries and looked weary.
More importantly, their identities in Fortree City were completely exposed. This Team Rocket stronghold, trained over many years, was now useless.
"You cannot return to Fortree City,"
Ariel addressed the group. "Everyone is to depart immediately for the main base in Mauville City to report. Once there, someone will assign you new missions and a new base of operations."
The team members had no objections; this was the best arrangement.
They quickly organized themselves and, led by several squad leaders, withdrew from this troubled place in batches.
Soon, only Ariel and Laic remained on the scene.
"Hey,"
Laic walked over, throwing an arm around Ariel's shoulder with such force it made him sway,
"You owe me a huge favor this time, kid. If I hadn't arrived with backup in the nick of time, you'd probably be fighting for your life against that Tabitha right now."
Ariel subtly shifted half a step away, freeing himself from the arm, and said calmly:
"I'll treat you to a feast later."
"Tch, boring."
Laic curled his lip, then laughed again,
"But seriously, since when does a subordinate treat his superior to a meal? You did a good job this time, kid. I'll put in a commendation for you when we get back."
He dusted off his hands, preparing to leave.
Before leaving, as if remembering something, he turned back and said to Ariel.
"Oh, right. After this mission wraps up, you should also come to the headquarters in Mauville City."
"Your mission completion rate is already sufficient for a promotion to Intermediate Cadre."
With that, Laic waved at him, jumped onto Gyarados's back, and soon disappeared over the horizon.
Only Ariel remained on the spot, along with his Krokorok beside him.
Intermediate Cadre... Behind his mask, Ariel's eyes flickered slightly.
This was more than just a promotion in title.
Within the strictly hierarchical organization of Team Rocket, being an Intermediate Cadre meant more resources, greater authority, and... the qualification to access the organization's deeper secrets.
His purpose in joining Team Rocket wasn't just to be a lowly grunt.
A gust of wind blew past, sweeping up grass clippings and dust from the ground.
He lowered his head, gently stroking Krokorok's rough skin.
"Let's go. We still have a long road ahead."
...Under the night sky of Fortree City, flames still danced, cutting the city's silhouette into jagged fragments.
Thick smoke, carrying the smell of char, permeated the air, stinging everyone's nostrils.
However, through the joint efforts of Gym Leader Winona, Officer Jenny, and a host of Trainers, the once-rampant inferno had been checked in its ferocity and was gradually weakening.
Shouts for rescue and the hurried footsteps of busy workers intertwined into a chaotic yet hopeful symphony.
Ariel set foot once more on this land where he had personally orchestrated chaos. His gaze swept over the charred remains of buildings licked by flames, and a complex mix of emotions stirred within him.
This scene was the result of his own planning, a necessary prerequisite for the successful completion of Team Rocket's mission.
Among the busy crowd, Ariel's eyes immediately found Winona.
She was directing several Trainers in moving supplies. Fine beads of sweat dotted her temples, yet she maintained her composure and decisiveness.
Her silver hair, illuminated by the firelight, took on a reddish hue, making her particularly noticeable.
Ariel took a deep breath, adjusted his expression, and then strode forward.
"Are you Gym Leader Winona?"
Ariel's voice carried just the right note of puzzlement and concern.
"What on earth happened here in Fortree City?" He asked knowingly, yet his tone was perfectly measured, like that of an ordinary traveler who had just arrived, shocked by the devastation before him.
Hearing his voice, Winona turned to size up the young Trainer before her.
He had a handsome face, but his eyes held a steadiness far beyond his years.
Maintaining such calm in such chaotic times was somewhat unusual.
She frowned slightly but quickly regained her professional courtesy, explaining:
"This place was attacked by some lawless individuals. They set fires and caused significant destruction."
Her words carried weariness but also indignation towards those lawless individuals.
Ariel laughed inwardly.
The lawless individuals Winona spoke of were none other than Team Rocket, the very organization he belonged to.
And this sky-filling conflagration was the result of the orders he himself had given.
He listened expressionlessly, maintaining a fitting look of shock and sympathy on his face.
"Might I ask who you are, young man?"
Winona inquired. She needed to confirm the newcomer's identity, just in case.
Ariel immediately introduced himself, his tone sincere:
"My name is Ariel. I'm a traveling League-affiliated Trainer. I'm collecting badges and currently have four."
He deliberately emphasized 'League-affiliated' and 'four badges.' This not only highlighted his identity but also proved his strength, enough to earn a certain degree of trust within the League system.
Then, shifting his tone, he spoke with a hint of genuine concern:
"Given the situation, is there anything I can do to help?"
"As a righteous League Trainer, it's my duty to contribute my share!