Not paying much attention to the affairs of the base, Silas went straight to the exchange counter. This was his true purpose for returning.
When he arrived, he recognized Percy as today's clerk.
"Well, I'll be damned. You're alive! I was hoping for a miracle, but after so much time passed, I assumed the worst."
"Hahaha, I'm still in one piece, thankfully."
"Man, where have you been?"
"Let's just say I've been through a lot."
Despite their familiarity, Silas wouldn't easily trust Percy.
Understanding this, Percy changed the subject.
"Well, whatever the case, I'm glad you're alive and well. So, what can I do for you?"
"Thanks, I appreciate it. I have many Pokémon and items to trade for points."
"Let's see the merchandise."
Silas took out the 30 Poké Balls containing the Arbok. He then produced all the Pokémon he had confiscated from other trainers throughout his recent adventures, including Druddigon, Haxorus, Marowak, and the tamed Altaria.
Finally, Silas produced several low-grade Water Stones.
Seeing the mountain of resources before him, Percy stood there in shock.
He quickly composed himself and meticulously verified the value of each item. Even with the help of an appraisal machine, the process took a full hour.
"You really struck it rich this time. I can offer you 2 million Rocket Points."
Hearing this number, Silas wasn't surprised.
Haxorus was probably worth more than half of that price on its own. Its Dragon typing, high potential, and peak pseudo-elite strength made it an extremely rare commodity.
"I accept. Now, what good items do you have available? I need supreme-grade evolutionary stones if you have them,m; Moon, Thunder, and Water."
"We have them in stock, and you're now one of the few people who can afford to buy them. Due to the limited supply, you're normally only authorized to purchase two. However, because of your recent large transaction, I can extend you a courtesy and allow you to buy four. Unfortunately, this also means that no member of your group will be allowed to purchase supreme-grade stones for the remainder of the trial. Each supreme-grade stone costs 200,000 Rocket Points. Let me know what you decide."
"That's fine by me. I'll take 2 Thunder Stones and 2 Moon Stones. I also need 4 Earthquake TMs, 2 Dark Pulse TMs, 1 Solar Beam TM, 2 Protect TMs, and 1 Dazzling Gleam TM."
"Normally, that would cost you 880,000 points, but I can reduce it to 800,000 as a courtesy."
Silas understood Percy's meaning.
He was trying to show Silas that they were allies.
"Thank you, Percy. I won't forget this. Are there any natural treasures available?"
"We have the forehead gem of an elite Espeon for 800,000 points, an inverted scale from an elite Goodra for 1.3 million points, and a drop of Soul Dew from a minor Ho-Oh for 1.8 million points."
Silas was incredibly frustrated.
He could potentially take the Soul Dew and use it to immediately raise one of his Pokémon by several levels while also improving its health. It was a win-win situation.
Infernape could officially break through into the advanced tier without suffering any setbacks.
The problem was the enormous price tag.
Silas also had nothing valuable enough to bridge the difference.
In the end, he had to settle for the forehead gem from the elite Espeon.
Even then, he was still short by 400,000 points.
Silas decided to take a chance and produced 8 gallons of oasis water that had been diluted to 60% potency.
"This had a lot to do with why I was missing for so long. I need to exchange it. If you truly consider us allies, then allow me to trade enough water to cover all my expenses. You can keep the difference if there's any excess."
Percy was a normal person, but even he could sense the extraordinary nature of the water before him.
When he tested it, he was pleasantly surprised. He had underestimated Silas once again.
"This is good stuff. Unfortunately, to reach fair market value, you would need to double the amount you've brought."
Without hesitation, Silas did exactly that.
Percy was speechless.
"Are we good now?"
"Yeah, we're all good. Let me get your merchandise."
Silas handed Percy a spatial ring, and he loaded all the purchased items inside before returning it.
"A word of advice: several eyes are watching you, and they don't have good intentions. I don't know what you've gotten involved in, but please don't let your guard down. Archer has high hopes for you. I can't directly help you, but I can continue cooperating with you as I have today. Good luck."
Silas truly appreciated Percy's words.
His sincerity today had touched him.
"Thank you, my friend. Here's a token of my appreciation."
Silas produced another 2 gallons of oasis water and left them with Percy, who thanked him profusely.
"There's no need to thank me. I take care of my friends. Until next time!"
Silas immediately left the base.
He had successfully obtained the resources he needed most without much trouble.
As he was leaving, however, a burly man blocked his path.
"I was so close to freedom."
Silas was frustrated.
Had they been outside, Espeon could have used Teleport from within her Poké Ball to carry him to safety. Inside the base, however, that was impossible.
"Can I help you?"
The man looked at Silas indifferently.
"Viper sent me to get you. He wants to see you."
"I apologize, but I'm in a hurry. Maybe next time."
"You insolent fool. I'll have to teach you a lesson."
The man was an Aura warrior. He gathered Aura around his fist before swinging at Silas.
Without even removing his hands from his pockets, Silas dodged every punch.
"You're quite weak for someone acting so high and mighty before me. Kneel."
Silas moved behind the man and kicked the back of his leg, forcing him to drop to one knee.
"That's better. Now ask nicely, and perhaps I'll oblige your request."
The man seethed with rage, but he knew there wasn't much he could do.
If he reached for his Poké Balls, Silas might take decisive action.
"There's no need to embarrass the man, Odin."
Silas turned and saw Viper standing before him.
"Would you please follow me to my office for a chat? You'll be free to leave afterward."
Silas was confident, not stupid.
Viper wasn't someone he would cross unless it was absolutely necessary, so he followed obediently.
Silas sat in the chair across from Viper's desk and waited for him to speak.
"First, I want to apologize on behalf of Team Rocket. We were infiltrated by the enemy without realizing it. Victor was one of those spies, so by trusting him, I placed many of our people in danger."
"And here I thought you brought me in here to threaten me."
Viper raised an eyebrow. He was surprised that this cheeky brat was so calm before him. However, he couldn't deny how bad it looked. He knew he had to make it right otherwise Archer would retaliate.
"No. Victor has already been dealt with personally. I simply wanted you to know so you would stop avoiding the base. I understand why you made that decision, but you should know that you're safe here. You and I have no conflict between us."
"How did you discover that Victor was a spy?"
"After the mission, we received several reports of Rocket members near the base disappearing without a trace. I went undercover to investigate, and he attempted to kill me. After subduing him, he was tortured for a week before revealing everything he knew."
"I suppose I can take some comfort in that. Thank you for telling me, but it doesn't change how I feel. I can only truly feel safe around my own people."
"I also owe you 100,000 points for your contribution to the mission. I heard that you helped many people overcome difficult situations. From the various accounts I received, you were pivotal to the mission's success."
"I was only doing my job, sir. If that's all, I'll take my leave."
"Odin, go to the tech lab and have them upgrade your TR device. It will allow for long-distance communication now that we've installed several signal towers. Before you ask, yes, everyone's location is heavily encrypted to prevent any accidents."
"Yes, sir. I'll make sure to do it."
After Silas left, a man emerged from the shadows.
It was the trainer who had previously purchased all the captured Pokémon from Silas.
"Viper, this isn't good. He's a talented and resourceful young man. Because of your traitorous subordinate, he no longer trusts anyone in Team Rocket. He has the potential to at least reach the level of a reliable executive. Make sure you treat him favorably in the future."
Viper nodded in agreement.
Since the trial began, many officers had fallen, either to one another, the wild Pokémon, or the Luminary Court.
Half of the trial participants were still fighting among themselves, while the other half actively participated in the campaign against the Luminary Court.
However, many of them lacked crucial skills and were found wanting. They would make valuable assets but not leaders.
Silas was different.
He was a powerful individual fighter who also provided valuable strategic support.
The craziest part was that, despite his appearance, he was barely a teenager.
Viper and the man didn't know that the reason Silas appeared to be almost in his twenties was because of the powerful Aura coursing throughout his body.
It was gradually improving his body toward its ideal state.
This was also why powerful Aura warriors could remain in their physical prime for decades. If they were fortunate, powerful Aura users could live for as long as 400 years.
Silas had no idea that he had become the subject of a conversation between Viper and his superior.
He followed Viper's instructions and headed to the tech lab to turn in his TR device. The technician told him to return the following morning.
Silas now had time to spare.
With the issue involving Victor resolved, he could breathe a little easier.
However, Silas would never completely let down his guard.
First, he booked his usual suite, although this time he only reserved a few rooms.
Afterward, he went to the TM tutor machine and had his Pokémon learn their new moves.
Infernape received Earthquake and Solar Beam. Frogadier received Dark Pulse. Espeon received Dazzling Gleam, while Ursaring received Earthquake.
Dazzling Gleam was currently considered a Psychic-type move that, for some unexplained reason, was extremely effective against Dragon-type Pokémon.
Silas knew the truth, but he would never reveal it.
Silas enjoyed a rare night of peace.
With Infernape taking the night shift, he slept soundly.
In the morning, Silas collected his upgraded TR device. After getting some food, he set out once again.
As he flew back on Tropius, he enjoyed the quiet night.
Silas circulated his psychic energy and discovered that the Espeon gem resonated with his own power.
He released Espeon from her Poké Ball, and the two began meditating on Tropius' back with the gem resting between them as they circulated powerful psychic energy.
Tropius continued flying even after darkness fell.
Eight hours into the flight, she finally grew tired and began her descent.
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Thanks for the continued support on my first fanfic!!
Moving forward, every 50 Power Stones, I will release a bonus chapter.
I will also be releasing bonus chapters for milestones. The next ones are 300k views and chapter 200.
Finally, I will be releasing 3 extra chapters once we reach 10 reviews. 5 star reviews are appreciated but not required, I want honest feedback so I can improve.
Once again, thanks for all the support and feedback!